Hey thanks for the shout out! ha,ha.

As someone who spends much time connecting with both people online, and those in the “real” world I spend much time thinking about these topics. Both the advantages and dangers of building “virtual community.” {I use the term “virtual” very loosely as the lines are starting to blur between online and offline.}

One thing you can never do online is hug someone. There is no way. Nor can I hold someone’s hand why I pray with them about their dying father who isn’t a Christian. There is something to be said for physical touch. Even today.

Like one of Rhett’s goals – I to would enjoy meeting as many people I meet online in “real” life. Look them in the face, eat a meal with them, hear {and listen} to their story – in other words talk more to them then 140 characters at a time.

For me, I view these social networking TOOLS as just that – tools. Tools to build bridges, connect, network, brainstorm, etc. But for now, I never want it to just “stay there.” This is especially important with these online churches we are seeing so many of today.

My danger is that people will never leave their house – ever. They will never have the awesome privilege of sharing their faith with someone, with going on a mission trip {not that you can’t have mission “trips” online} but holding a hammer in their hand as they sweat. Or connecting with other believers in REAL life. {again I use the term REAL very loosely”}

I just want people, myself included, to live life with others. To have friends. Because when hard times come, and they will, it’s not my online friends who are going to come to my house to be with me, to bring me meals, to pray with me, etc – it’s going to be the friends that I am “doing” life with. And that is what I want for everyone.

Thanks for thinking through these issues as well!

I found you via Rhett Smith’s tweet about you (just today)… it must have been a great lunch indeed.

I appreciate your perspective about virtual relationships and the importance of interjecting one’s physical presence into the equation. The whole picture (which includes the physical world) is messier, but its also more real.

My online friends never irritate me like small group / ministry team friends do. But then I seldom have occasion to work out God’s grace on them either.

Thanks again for your thoughts. I’m glad to add you to my reader.

Dawn Carter