The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant first to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.
The best test, and the most difficult to administer, is this: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?”
View Robert K. Greenleaf on Wikipedia

Ten Characteristics of the Servant-Leader by Larry Spears

Listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of people, and building community.

The highest type of ruler is one whose existence the people are barely aware. When his task is accomplished and things have been completed, all the people say, ʻWe ourselves have achieved it!ʼ
View Servant Leadership on Wikipedia

The Problem: Toxic Leadership

Business: You see it in business, when narcissistic executives build golden parachutes and steal from tomorrow to make today look good.
Academia: You see it in academia when professors forget the students in their march toward self-promotion and prominence in their field.
Religion: You see it in churches where the ministerʼs name appears above the saviorʼs.
Non-Profits: You see it in charities that put growth and recognition ahead of the needs of the suffering.
Government: You see it in government when politicians promote themselves over the needs of their constituents.

Philippians 2:1-11

The difference is between leadership, and leadership by example.

The difference to me? Some leaders talk, and some leaders do.

I’ll blog more later about the topics that we discussed, but it was definitely worth the trip (for us 4 in Columbus and 1 coming up from Louisville, KY). Here’s a list of the 17 individuals that took some time out of their weekend to do more than just connect online. I would suggest connecting with / following all of them. If you want to see a few hundred more like us on Twitter, you can peruse a Twitter list of over 300 considered Digital Disciples around the globe or this Twitter list of those that have been profiled on the new website. Praise God for bringing us all together, and already having a plan for what lies ahead. Enjoy your day tomorrow, celebrating the resurrection of His Son – Jesus Christ!

Digital Disciples who attended today’s meetup:
FROM INDIANAPOLIS, IN
Neil Cox, Cheri Herron, Ellen Spencer, Kevin Good, Brian Barela, Brad Ruggles, Karl Kranich, Jim Alstott, David Szpunar, Cindy McClellan-Coleman, Barbara Cross, Michael Boler

FROM COLUMBUS, OH
Gabe Taviano, Eric Baldwin, Thomas Wimbish, David Hutchison

FROM LOUISVILLE, KY
Gordon Marcy

And this Saturday a group of us here will taking a road trip to meet some other Digital Disciples in Indianapolis, IN (3 hour drive to the west). Our monthly gathering usually consist of hearing someone in the group share about a project, tool, etc. that they’re currently working on or think might be of interest. Then we usually conclude with a time of looking into God’s Word and opening up a few questions that correspond with the fast-paced life we’re trying to live (and praying for each other). This weekend will be the first time two cities with this same interest and mission meet find out what God might have for us next. Almost sounds like a trip taken by the disciples in the Old Testament, except they might not be bringing their gadgets along.

If you, or a friend of yours, lives in Indianapolis and would like to join us this Saturday at the cafe inside Fry’s Electronics (April 23rd at 2pm) – please use or send them this link for more info and to RSVP -> http://bit.ly/gyg2uW. Stay tuned for news about a monthly gathering starting up in Houston, TX…..and about Digital Disciples becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization. God is one the move!

Location:

Who are you?
I am an ideator, a communicator, a designer, and I’ve been blessed to do that within the faith-based non-profit arena all of my career. I began with a love of drawing, got into painting in college and found no use for computers beyond typing papers and email. When I interned at a community center in Los Angeles, God spoke through one of the older staff and informed my I was “wasting my talent,” by not doing digital design. I learned all I could about all the graphics software I could and within 2 years have developed a program to train at-risk urban youth in graphic design, web design, and video production, and find them internships in their field of interest.

Eventually, I was offered an opportunity to manage the communication efforts at a training organization for urban youth workers (UYWI). During the 5 years there, I was able to expand their efforts as a national organization, as I learned new technology to help equip, inspire and resource urban youth workers online and in print. Then 2 years ago, I was given the opportunity to lead the web efforts of The Evangelical Covenant Church denominational offices. It’s been challenging to work in an organization with so many moving parts and expectations, but my team has been able to deliver a cleaned-up, accessible website, mobile apps, and enhance a social media presence that may have been lacking before.

What makes you a Digital Disciple?
My passion for innovation and my desire for the Creator fuel my creativity and the tools to cultivate ministry opportunities. Bob Dylan said “you’re gonna have to serve somebody,” and because my lifestyle is digital, I want to lay all of me, including my technology, at Christ’s feet. The gifts and abilities He’s given me are displayed and realized most often using technology.

What website or technology has impacted you most?
Probably Photoshop was the first ripple for me. As a fine artist that transitioned to be a digital artist (especially in the mid to late 90′s), it was revolutionary.

Because I’m a designer-turned-webster, I do visual problem solving and WordPress has been the technology that for the last 5 or 6 years has evolved with my abilities to be able to make websites that people can maintain with limited knowledge. It’s been a great tool for so much of what I want to bring to life on the web and using it has helped me transition from the clunky html sites to content people can use themselves and take with them.

I find Photoshop and WordPress both to be necessary and transformation tools in my own digital journey.

How has your faith grown or been tested through technology?
My use of technology has made balance harder to achieve. I’ve found that I need to make time for the things that are important (God, family, life) and letting technology and the use of technology fill in whatever cracks are left.

Being someone who is visually oriented, I have easily been captured by using technology and losing track of time. Rather than focusing on real life, finishing my honey-do list, or doing devotions, it’s easy to fall into a mindset of, I’ll just play 30 minutes of Angry Birds, or spend time looking up apps, plugins, tools to enhance what is possible to do. Because I’ve put somewhat meaningless items first (technology or not), I haven’t given the items which should be highest priority, the priority they need given.

Other technologies, like the YouVersion Bible, certain iPhone apps, and digital technology discussions among believers enhance and challenge my faith in new and exciting ways. I see creatives and technology-minded people being on the forefront of the “next harvest” and that makes me excited for what the use of technology can bring.

Here’s an interesting truth – Accomplishment and success are often the result of commitment and perseverance rather than skill or talent. I know I’m more proud of myself when I know others recognize what I have done. I’ve found myself at times not being open to things that God might want to do through me. Sort of like a child staring off into space when their parents are trying to discipline them, stopping them to show them a lesson that can be learned right where they are at.

Have you heard messages from the world that might get you out of a trying situation easily? A situation that God is using to shape you to be more of who He wants you to be.
Maybe using your time in ways that please you first or that only benefit you financially. Maybe you’re mind is lured by a product or service that will hurt you financially. Alcohol and drugs aren’t the only thing that eases pain. Sometimes I don’t realize how often I am not taking steps toward growing in my relationship with God.

Are there things that have tested your faith recently?

1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Have there been times when God’s timing didn’t line up with your expectations?

1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Romans 5:2-5
And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

James 1:4
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Instead of going to God, what do we turn to / create / accept that helps us escape being tested? Are there things that replace who God says He is (like in the verses below)?

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

John 15:4
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Does it feel better to overcome something that is more of a struggle? Or does our faith become lukewarm, making our soul content with who we’ve been in the past?

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

John 15:8
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

What about the flat tire?

That’s the title of the first chapter. A question. It’s actually the first question of all 119 that you’ll find in the first chapter. Thankfully, with my fingers crossed, I just read the last few sentences of this chapter where Bell pleads that this isn’t just a book of questions (but of responses to those questions).

A life spent accepting and following Christ isn’t a simple one (Acts 14:22). Rob does a great job at showing how diverse the thinking of those that call themselves “Christians” is. What it takes to enter heaven / accept what Christ has done for us (the core of the Christian faith) is thought to be resolved after specific things take place in someone’s life.

That’s where the flat tire question comes in. Since God doesn’t audibly speak to each of us (we won’t go there), the path of those that eventually do come to grips with Christ dying on the cross for their sins is often a result of someone else helping them / teaching them. Something some agnostics / atheists believe is brain-washing. I guess I would also believe the same thing if I didn’t understand the work of the Spirit.

So what if that one missionary or friend that God has put in your life to show you His truths gets a flat tire? Do you believe that your future lies in the hands of someone else? If the age of 12 (page 4) is the average age of people choosing to accept Christ (and we debate about infant baptism or the age of accountability / being able to choose for yourself), then why wouldn’t people choose to prematurely terminate the life of those younger than 12 to guarantee their place in heaven and not take the risk?

Jesus isn’t followed only by people that walk the line / follow the narrow path. He’s followed only by sinners (pastors and priests included of course), and sometimes they call themselves “His” when their life doesn’t appear as you expect it would. You know, the antigay / antiscience / bullhorn blower or the Christian in eastern Europe that opened fire on Muslims.

I believe that a God that has given us the will to choose to follow Him is willing to be falsely portrayed. Like most sports teams, I’m sure He’s well aware that he has fair-weather fans that only follow Him closely when it’s going right for them or their church / business is growing like wildfire. I also believe that this God is just, and He is omniscient (Job 21:22, Proverbs 15:3, Revelation 20:12). Something I’m sure Rob will have to talk about in future chapters. Thoughts?

Location:

Who are you?
The host of PhotoTips by BCphoto on iTunes.

What makes you a Digital Disciple?
I use my podcast to help others learning photography. At the same time I use it as a platform to spread Jesus.

What website or technology has impacted you most?
iTunes

How has your faith grown or been tested through technology?
Being in front of a large audience and knowing that they watch my every move, really keeps me on my toes and helps to make me a better person.

I’m also looking forward to sharing a few notes from each chapter here starting April 1st, and I’d be thrilled if you picked up the book (hardcopy / Kindle version) and joined in on the discussion then. Until then, I’m sure we’ll see a few more media circus interviews like the one below. Or maybe Rob will start realizing that his skepticism of the Christian faith and love for asking so many questions is starting not to sound too intelligent. Thoughts on the interview with Martin Bashir?

Click here to view the embedded video.

If you didn’t catch the post last week, a number of us have pre-ordered Rob Bell’s new book, Love Wins, which releases tomorrow (hardcopy / Kindle version). Some of us have read Rob’s previous books, some haven’t. Some of us are fans of Rob (and his theology), some definitely aren’t.

And of course, that’s not our focus here. We don’t want to put a specific teacher of the Word up on a platform and worship them. We want to listen to what God has to say through them, and simply grow in our relationship with Him and understanding of how He wants us to live (online and offline).

As we prepare to read and discuss the book together, I’m opening up the comments of this blog post as a discussion around Rob’s livestream tonight at 7pm. Feel free to come back here after the stream has ended (tonight or over the next few days), and share your thoughts on what you heard. Thanks for stopping by!

UPDATE – I’ve embedded the livestream video below, since some missed it (people enter stage around 9:50 mark of video). I think it’s a great thing that an event like this broke Livestream’s records of live attendance. The highest I saw watching at one time tonight was 6,121 people online. Feel free to watch it and enter the discussion within the comments of this post. Thanks!

Location:

Who are you?
High Tech Redneck

What makes you a Digital Disciple?
I try daily to do God’s will and use my talents he has given me.

What website or technology has impacted you most?
Android

How has your faith grown or been tested through technology?
I think my faith has grown and been tested.  I have grown through all of the times I have donated countless hours of my time to Christian Organizations.