Let's Talk Public Relations!

[Angeldove97]

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q40/jerseyangel0307/Angels/prtati.gif


Hi Everyone,
I've always known this forum was here, just never thought I'd be of any use starting up a new thread and begging people to talk to me. :pray:

So now I've been given this task of being the Public Relations person here and I'm still trying to figure that out. Basically I know it means that I need to be focused on what the membership of CF is thinking---but I've always been interested in that, especially when I started policy stuff.

Now let me first of all DO NOT DEBATE, DO NOT BASH ANY MEMBER OR STAFF MEMBER, and DO NOT START ANY RIOTS IN THIS THREAD! Understood?? :)

With that out of the way, I want this thread to be open to thoughts, feedback, funny jokes, input, suggestions, prayers, hopes, dreams, requests, etc etc etc. I want you all to know this is an [OPEN LINE] of communication.

Here's my plan:
--One week a month I try focusing on gathering info from members (roughly 15 to 20) privately about what they think. This will be random, unbiased opinions, and all names will be kept confidential. I can then present these opinions (I'll probably have focused topics to talk about) to Erwin and the staff in general.
--Every two months or so, I'll try to go in-depth with staffers and get their private opinions about a certain topic. I get to hear alot about what staff are thinking already since I chat with many (wish I could chat with more too) and I check out the ASTCR. As a staffer, I have to keep up on those opinions.

Also, special mission: if any member finds a thread that they think I should read, please post it in here (my inbox gets full already so pm'ing me it won't be the best idea).

Please keep this thread as on topic as possible too. If I'm asking for input, talk about that---wading through 20 pages of posts *hopefully* isn't much fun. I need substance, I need thoughts, I want to give each member a loud voice because I know you guys and gals are thinking about all the changes at CF.

And your voice DOES matter---it matters to me and I know it matters to Erwin and Staff and other members.
SPEAK UP!!!

*Also, Tati will be taking off Sundays (EST) off from now on.... in hopes that I'll spend more time with Christ instead of bashing my head up against the wall with all the changes happening around here. So feel free to post in here on Sundays or pm me, but don't expect an answer until Monday*

[bubblefish]

Hi Tati :D

First question - what in the world are you doing awake and on CF at 4am? Surely there are other things you should be doing at that time. For example, I have heard that sleep is good ;)
And congrats on your new PR position :)

[Angeldove97]

Thankies :hug:
Tati was upset with something and I couldn't sleep so I posted this--- usually CF can bore me into sleep :P Some nights just weren't meant to be.

Plus I'm trying to figure out what this whole "Public Relations" thing means for me---I need inspiration... it's boring just reading contact us messages all day :( (And I'm almost done with them all)

[justanobserver]

Thankies :hug:
Tati was upset with something and I couldn't sleep so I posted this--- usually CF can bore me into sleep :P Some nights just weren't meant to be.

Plus I'm trying to figure out what this whole "Public Relations" thing means for me---I need inspiration... it's boring just reading contact us messages all day :( (And I'm almost done with them all)

When I was in the Army, I had my primary job (MOS) that I did BUT theres this little thing called "other additional duties assigned" where you have other things that can and will and do keep you busy. I had a lot of those with my name attached to.

Most times your given one of these tasks from someone with more juice on their collar than you to do something they dont wanna BUT sometimes the duties are of things you see that needs doin that others are avoiding and you request to take charge of it.

just some thoughts is all.

[Angeldove97]

Thanks Norm.... I'm starting to see where I can expand myself around CF for the members and staff. I was talking to another Admin and he said that with my role I can either do very little and get by or do alot of different things and try to make a difference. I've always thought of myself as a kind hearted person---I'm not perfect, I still have my bad days, but I guess because of how I've been hurt in my life with certain friendships and relationships, I want to make sure that that doesn't happen to others here.

As you all can read in the ASTCR, staff members are still leaving--- five are in the past day I believe. Now I won't say anything about them leaving, I know they all have good reasons for doing so and it's completely their choice. (Tati tries to not be judgmental either) But it just shows me where I need to start expanding to. I've kept up (or have tried to) with all the Reforms, we're just starting to get some stuff grounded---and hey we did all of this so far in about a week, that's not bad.

It will take time for us to get settled again, it will take time and patience to work out policy and rules, work out how mods moderate and work with members. But that can't happen unless members are willing to work with staff (staff are also members too btw).

I'm starting to collect input from members and staff---something I hope to figure out how to present to Erwin and the rest of staff. But I'm going to hold off a bit longer before I start posting a TALK ABOUT THIS subject.

We need to spend the next couple of weeks to continue to work hard at writing policy and rules. What I hope doesn't happen is for us to work out the rules and post them---and then try to do it all over again. We need to rest from doing one kind of task to start another---if we keep chasing our tails over the same thing, nothing will ever get done.

To the staff who have left---thank you for teaching us what it means to be compassion and loving, thank you for being there for the members.

To the staff who are still here--- patience my Brothers and Sisters. Where there seems to be no Light, remember you are a bearer of the Holy Spirit, YOU have that Light in you. Darkness might surround you, but you must still stand for the Lord.

I know in the coming weeks we'll have non-Christian staff on board---those words above are not meant to offend your beliefs. I still hold in my heart that God can use every one of us to love another person--- we all want to love and be loved regardless of if we call Christ our Lord. We all must remember that.

So that's my little pep talk speech for today! Keep chatting here---Tati needs ideas. :)

[justanobserver]

Thanks Norm.... I'm starting to see where I can expand myself around CF for the members and staff. I was talking to another Admin and he said that with my role I can either do very little and get by or do alot of different things and try to make a difference. I've always thought of myself as a kind hearted person---I'm not perfect, I still have my bad days, but I guess because of how I've been hurt in my life with certain friendships and relationships, I want to make sure that that doesn't happen to others here.

As you all can read in the ASTCR, staff members are still leaving--- five are in the past day I believe. Now I won't say anything about them leaving, I know they all have good reasons for doing so and it's completely their choice. (Tati tries to not be judgmental either) But it just shows me where I need to start expanding to. I've kept up (or have tried to) with all the Reforms, we're just starting to get some stuff grounded---and hey we did all of this so far in about a week, that's not bad.

It will take time for us to get settled again, it will take time and patience to work out policy and rules, work out how mods moderate and work with members. But that can't happen unless members are willing to work with staff (staff are also members too btw).

I'm starting to collect input from members and staff---something I hope to figure out how to present to Erwin and the rest of staff. But I'm going to hold off a bit longer before I start posting a TALK ABOUT THIS subject.

We need to spend the next couple of weeks to continue to work hard at writing policy and rules. What I hope doesn't happen is for us to work out the rules and post them---and then try to do it all over again. We need to rest from doing one kind of task to start another---if we keep chasing our tails over the same thing, nothing will ever get done.

To the staff who have left---thank you for teaching us what it means to be compassion and loving, thank you for being there for the members.

To the staff who are still here--- patience my Brothers and Sisters. Where there seems to be no Light, remember you are a bearer of the Holy Spirit, YOU have that Light in you. Darkness might surround you, but you must still stand for the Lord.

I know in the coming weeks we'll have non-Christian staff on board---those words above are not meant to offend your beliefs. I still hold in my heart that God can use every one of us to love another person--- we all want to love and be loved regardless of if we call Christ our Lord. We all must remember that.

So that's my little pep talk speech for today! Keep chatting here---Tati needs ideas. :)
All I know is that you and the others are already busy and are going to get busier. My thoughts are definately with all you staffers.

[Angeldove97]

Busy??? We only look that way :P Actually I working on something even more productive--- trying to get a certificate of sorts on basic Christian Apologetics. You do a certain number of courses, take a few final exams, and then you get this cool certificate with your name on it. :) Also, I started one for a course on the Rosary, so that's what will keep me busy the remainder of the summer.

[justanobserver]

Busy??? We only look that way :P Actually I working on something even more productive--- trying to get a certificate of sorts on basic Christian Apologetics. You do a certain number of courses, take a few final exams, and then you get this cool certificate with your name on it. :) Also, I started one for a course on the Rosary, so that's what will keep me busy the remainder of the summer.

Are these studies more for your personal walk or more for here at CF? or both? besides a really cool diploma with your name on it (spelled properly of course), are they prerequisits (sp?) for further deeper studies down the road?

how and where would you use it if its more than just for personal edification?

[mark kennedy]

Angeldove97,

You have a huge undertaking ahead of you, I wish you great success and hope you are skilled in turning negatives into positives. My first impulse after seeing the thread was to complain but I'm sure you have heard enough of that. I would like to offer a couple of suggestions I think might be constructive.

Sometimes moderating a religiously oriented discussion can be like herding cats, everyone has their own ideas. It's hard for a temperate, meek and well mannered religious person to express their insights with Christian apologists (like myself) and secular skeptics launching one attack after another at one another. Most of the people who are posting here seem interested in causal conversation. I have found this particularly true with creationists and I have seen them run out of here by the debate myself and my evolutionist counterparts are so zealously engaged in. I encouraged the moderators to keep a safe haven for them to be able to talk among themselves without the clamor. The new policy has made that impossible. Since I am well aware that I am at least partly to blame for the contentious climate I wanted to offer just a couple of suggestions.

Send the debaters into designated areas. It's not a holy huddle when people just want to engage in idle conversation, it's normal from what I can tell. If skeptics and apologists want to bang out their differences get them away from those who would rather not have their casual conversations derailed.

Personally I like debate but their is something wrong when every thread turns into one. I think there are some pretty moderate views out in the world that would love it if debaters like myself could be squelched.

I just think safe haven forums would make a nice addition and could be very popular. I don't know if that would run a foul of the current policy or not. I do know that I have seen a lot of moderate views buried under the clamor of aggressive debate tactics.

I don't know if that will help or if I even made a coherent post. I do know that I feel bad for the timid, meek and moderate poster getting trampled by the likes of me.

Grace and peace,
Mark

[Angeldove97]

Are these studies more for your personal walk or more for here at CF? or both? besides a really cool diploma with your name on it (spelled properly of course), are they prerequisits (sp?) for further deeper studies down the road?

how and where would you use it if its more than just for personal edification?

They are both I believe. The one course I'm taking focuses on praying the Rosary with a better understanding of what I'm doing and how it connects me with the Lord. I've been praying the Rosary for awhile now that I've become Catholic, but I'm still very new with my faith and so I thought I could learn more by taking some online courses. (Turns out the lady teaching it use to go to my church back in the 80's ^_^). I can apply whatever I learn to CF by helping explain to those who do not know what the Rosary is---or to those who have a misconception about it---and maybe show them how it can help their prayer life.

The other set of courses I'm taking are a way of showing myself if I'm prepared and really want to go through getting a separate degree in ministry. I'm starting with the basics---Christian apologetics and while most of the stuff I already know (been a Christian for 10 years now) it has provided ways of better explaining why I believe in certain things. It's a set of about 9 courses, each one giving ten important reasons to believe in it. My first course is on the Bible and I've learned some interesting facts. I think I could really use this type of learning to help myself when I talk about Christian topics here and help witness to those who are interested in learning about Him.

I'm basically trying to prepare myself for whatever God throws at me. If He tells me to go do missionary work, I will---if it means starting up some kind of ministry in my own church, I'll listen to His calling. Apparently I found the sites, so there must be some reason. But yes further down the road---maybe after having a family and teaching for awhile, I'd like to start branching out into ministry work. Hopefully Sean will be willing to put up with my antics :P (He's been very supportive so far)

[Angeldove97]

Angeldove97,

You have a huge undertaking ahead of you, I wish you great success and hope you are skilled in turning negatives into positives. My first impulse after seeing the thread was to complain but I'm sure you have heard enough of that. I would like to offer a couple of suggestions I think might be constructive.

Hi Mark,
It's very nice to meet you and I hope you become a regular in the thread. I'm honestly not as skilled as I ought to be when it comes to slathering on sugar and honey and making the bad stuff look purdy. That's not my intention at all because I don't believe that sugar coating a bad situation helps anything.

I look at all of this as a lesson to be learned by staff (especially) and members. I've learned alot about leadership in the last couple of days and I learned about human nature too. My main intention here is to show people that once all the policies are figured out and people get tired of bashing each other's head against the wall a few times, that there is still love to be had here. Jesus is still here if I am here... He's still here as long as ANY Brother or Sister calls this place home on the internet. No one---not Erwin, not any of the staff, not any member Christian or not---can ever take Christ away from here if He wants to be here. And I still see ALOT of Christians around here---so it gives me hope.

So it's my hope that while things are still crazy around here, I can at the very least still show love to those who I come into contact with. I'm not happy with a number of the reforms, I'm not happy with how many members are mistreating others, I'm not happy even with some of the policies or rules---but that's NOT why I'm here. I'm not going to pull apart two Brothers in a debate--- I'm going to keep away from that messy debate and go to each one separately and tell them of Jesus' love. I'm not here to directly fix the problems, I'm here to gather the voices, share them with the appropriate people and then go on with my own ministry work here.

As for venting... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DO SO HERE!! I will probably vent myself---but it's not because I hold an official staff title. It's because I'm a Sister who is hurting too and I deserve a little area to share my thoughts. I see alot of hope in the site, but I still see alot of junk that needs to be worked on---especially the attitudes that some people hold. So if you need a place to vent, use this--- please don't go out into the forums and start smashing people's heads into the walls. I'll provide fake dummies and a brick wall if necessary :P

Sometimes moderating a religiously oriented discussion can be like herding cats, everyone has their own ideas. It's hard for a temperate, meek and well mannered religious person to express their insights with Christian apologists (like myself) and secular skeptics launching one attack after another at one another. Most of the people who are posting here seem interested in causal conversation. I have found this particularly true with creationists and I have seen them run out of here by the debate myself and my evolutionist counterparts are so zealously engaged in. I encouraged the moderators to keep a safe haven for them to be able to talk among themselves without the clamor. The new policy has made that impossible. Since I am well aware that I am at least partly to blame for the contentious climate I wanted to offer just a couple of suggestions.


So true Brother--- about the cats. I see how some people start trouble, myself included (lest I try to play the saint that I'm not), and I say to myself Dear God I hope he or she acts more like a true Christian in real life than on this forum. Maybe we all act like sweethearts in real life and then all our bottled up frustrations with being a sinner comes out here. Whatever the case may be, people really need either to learn to do one of two things:
(A) Be kinder to one another---if you see a person who isn't necessarily here to debate (rough and tumble kind of debate) just leave them alone. Have mercy and patience.
(B) If you're that person who doesn't like strong debates, learn to ignore certain comments made about your words. People can be very mean, learn to accept that and learn how to still pray and love them. It doesn't really help your cause here if you can't take a few hits and suck it up. And I mean that with all the love in the world.

I don't think Erwin wants any area to necessarily be a safe haven for people at CF. Now don't go blowing your lids--- what I mean by this is what each forum allows everybody in (just like in the real world). We can ONLY become stronger Christians if we learn how to better support our claims on Christ. Another lesson that can be learned by all of this is that sometimes we just need to swallow our words and shut up! If someone writes something you do not like or agree with and you can NOT support it, simply IGNORE it. Let someone else with the knowledge to back up the claim do it---not you. Honestly it only makes you look bad.

Safe haven Christians sites are a dime a dozen, really they are---if you want one geared to your faith specifically pm me I'll help you find one. CF is taking the ministry work on the road---into the REAL WORLD! (YAY road trip!! :clap:) What I mean by this is that once we get all this political garbage settled (please Lord let that day come soon), get all the tweaks put in, and take off the bandages from our bashed in heads, we can finally get down to ministry work. Well of course, that just depends on the person too.

May I suggest too---if you do not know why you're at CF after the reforms, take a few days to pray and come up with your purpose. Then write it down and stick it next to your computer. When you read something that upsets you and you're ready to leave CF completely, PRAY FIRST and then read that mission statement of yours and pray again. As long as you're still dedicated to that mission statement, you'll do well here.

CF---Not for the faint of heart. :thumbsup: This can be a GOOD thing (and that's not me sugar coating it).

Send the debaters into designated areas. It's not a holy huddle when people just want to engage in idle conversation, it's normal from what I can tell. If skeptics and apologists want to bang out their differences get them away from those who would rather not have their casual conversations derailed.

And this is what every staffer and member should be doing! :thumbsup: If you meet a member who is doing this just send them a pm saying you appreciate their input on the thread, but here are some areas more geared to what they're doing. It takes just about 3 or 4 minutes to do--- sparing a few members the grief of some nasty debates is worth that time, isn't it?

Personally I like debate but their is something wrong when every thread turns into one. I think there are some pretty moderate views out in the world that would love it if debaters like myself could be squelched.

That's true too--- but sadly sometimes people just start up a debate in a thread to cause issues. I would recommend asking people to state in their opening post that this thread is not a debate (like I did in this one ;)). That way if a debate breaks out it can be reported and cleaned up. Then things can get back on track.

I just think safe haven forums would make a nice addition and could be very popular. I don't know if that would run a foul of the current policy or not. I do know that I have seen a lot of moderate views buried under the clamor of aggressive debate tactics.

Suggest it in the new forums suggestions forum. Also I believe Letalis is the admin you can talk to about that. Get some input from others in a thread, then talk to the staffer about it, and then I believe you have to start a Wiki for it (maybe I'm wrong, Letalis would know). Sounds like a cool idea--- and we already have a ton of forums so what's a few more. :P^_^

I don't know if that will help or if I even made a coherent post. I do know that I feel bad for the timid, meek and moderate poster getting trampled by the likes of me.

Grace and peace,
Mark

It was a very coherent post and I hope you don't mind me rambling on and on about stuff. As long as you know how to be kind to a member that you see as timid, meek, and moderate, just try to go easy on them. I personally see it as an important lesson to learn---either avoid those threads or learn how to step up. But many just don't have it in them... so we must remember to show love to them! :groupray:

Take care! Stop by anytime :hug:

[GrayAngel]

Hi, Angeldove. I have a link on my website to this forum, but I would like for it to look more professional by giving the link a picture. Is there any banner for this forum I could use?

[Angeldove97]

Yup, you can use these: http://www.christianforums.com/link.php I'm not sure if they still work but you can at least use the images and then work on the coding if you know how :)

[GrayAngel]

Yup, you can use these: http://www.christianforums.com/link.php I'm not sure if they still work but you can at least use the images and then work on the coding if you know how :)

Thanks. Do you know what hot-linking means? I think I know how to get this onto my site, but I don't want to break any rules.

[""]

Hey Tati :hug:

The other set of courses I'm taking are a way of showing myself if I'm prepared and really want to go through getting a separate degree in ministry. I'm starting with the basics---Christian apologetics and while most of the stuff I already know (been a Christian for 10 years now) it has provided ways of better explaining why I believe in certain things. It's a set of about 9 courses, each one giving ten important reasons to believe in it. My first course is on the Bible and I've learned some interesting facts. I think I could really use this type of learning to help myself when I talk about Christian topics here and help witness to those who are interested in learning about Him.

This is awesome. :hug: I am so proud of you for doing this. Is this through a church, a college, online? Is it available to our staff (via computer?) Is it free? I studied Apologetics and Outreach/Ministry via a program offered through one of the churches I attend, but it was definitely not free. :sigh: I understand why, though and I'm not complaining. It's part of a certification in Youth Ministry and Adult Outreach, which I really enjoy. It helped me to see non-believers through different eyes, rather than the eyes of condescension, teaching me how to respond to questions that sometimes seem so harsh. Through that, the Lord showed me how to bring His compassion into my responses (and I really needed that instruction! :sorry:). You have such a giving heart already, that I am sure you must never have had a problem viewing non-believers in this way. I surely did, a few years ago, and I am so thankful to G-d for showing me the error of my ways. I was also really touched with your desire to learn more about the rosary. I would love to hear about this via PM some time. Though I am not Catholic, many in my family are, and I really love the rosary prayers. There is a radio station here, which is affiliated with one of our Sisters-owned (nuns) hospitals, and every night you can hear them praying the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers. I often turn it on and pray with them. So I would really enjoy hearing more about your class, or any books you could recommend to me on the subject.

Love you little sis. :hug:

[mark kennedy]

Angeldove97,

I just wanted to thank you for a thoughtful and gracious response. I am actually glad for the change in policy, I've since found someone, a lot like you actually, who is helping me put together an elibrary/discussion board. I thought it would be unfair not to mention the many positives I have enjoyed as a member on here.

I have had a chance to discuss creationism with world class scientists. I have seen what my ideas look like through the eyes of fellow Christians and skeptics, which is very important in Apologetics. I have been a part a high traffic Christian online community that boasts the largest of it's kind and is still growing. I've seen the glaring skeptic and timid church mouse engaged in substantive discussions. I have seen God's Word weather literally hundreds of stormy controversial issues to shine like a beacon in a troubled world.

I will vent one more thing since you seem happy to hear me out. The signature slogan of Christian Forums is unscriptural. We do not unite Christians together as one body. We make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit since we are called to be one body.

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph 4:1-3)

One last thing, I have been on some of those strictly moderated boards and frankly they bore me to tears. I have just seen so many creationists ran out of here I thought the idea of safe haven forums was an answer. Apparently the concept has been abandoned in the new policy and while this will increase traffic they will continue to move on.

Your in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you great success in your public relations efforts.

Grace and peace,
Mark

[Angeldove97]

Thanks. Do you know what hot-linking means? I think I know how to get this onto my site, but I don't want to break any rules.

In this case it's not hot-linking. Those are meant to be used to link the sites. :thumbsup:

[Angeldove97]

Hey Tati :hug:
This is awesome. :hug: I am so proud of you for doing this. Is this through a church, a college, online? Is it available to our staff (via computer?) Is it free? I studied Apologetics and Outreach/Ministry via a program offered through one of the churches I attend, but it was definitely not free. :sigh: I understand why, though and I'm not complaining. It's part of a certification in Youth Ministry and Adult Outreach, which I really enjoy. It helped me to see non-believers through different eyes, rather than the eyes of condescension, teaching me how to respond to questions that sometimes seem so harsh. Through that, the Lord showed me how to bring His compassion into my responses (and I really needed that instruction! :sorry:). You have such a giving heart already, that I am sure you must never have had a problem viewing non-believers in this way. I surely did, a few years ago, and I am so thankful to G-d for showing me the error of my ways. I was also really touched with your desire to learn more about the rosary. I would love to hear about this via PM some time. Though I am not Catholic, many in my family are, and I really love the rosary prayers. There is a radio station here, which is affiliated with one of our Sisters-owned (nuns) hospitals, and every night you can hear them praying the Our Father and Hail Mary prayers. I often turn it on and pray with them. So I would really enjoy hearing more about your class, or any books you could recommend to me on the subject.

Love you little sis. :hug:



Well since I already talked to you about the classes I'm taking I won't go over it again. And since I don't want to advertise for the sites (though they're really good and moral sites to use), if anybody is interested in knowing more please send me a pm and I'll share them with you.

Honestly, I still have prejudices against some people and some issues with non-believers. It's not right and as I grow in my faith I've been working at removing them but they tend to stick with you. My only issue with non-believers are with those who want to get in my face about what I believe and have no respect what so ever. Those people who want to hurt Christians and think they're all crazy---I can't stand those people, mainly because they are hurting my Brothers and Sisters. But I guess it also go along with Brothers and Sisters who want to spread false teaching as well. I'm far from being a Saint, but you won't hear me ever saying "oh that's okay, it's not REALLY a sin".

The Rosary is a beautiful set of prayers which give us a chance to see through Mary's eyes on what Jesus did. And regardless of what kind of Christian you are, everyone is welcome to pray the Rosary. When Protestant friends that ask about it, I simply tell them that they can focus more on the Mysteries of Jesus if they do not feel comfortable contemplating the Mysteries that include Mary. This prayer is about comfort, deep thought, and very deep prayer---not about which Mysteries you pray. Though they do come in sets, also feel welcome to pick the Mysteries that you feel called to contemplate. You don't need to do them in order---let God lead the prayer as needed. Sometimes the prayers don't even have to be said, I often just sit there in peace and listen to the silence knowing that my Lord is with me and that Mary is not too far off either. :crossrc:

Thanks for stopping by Adiya. I hope you really enjoy the Rosary course! :hug:

[Angeldove97]

Angeldove97,

I just wanted to thank you for a thoughtful and gracious response. I am actually glad for the change in policy, I've since found someone, a lot like you actually, who is helping me put together an elibrary/discussion board. I thought it would be unfair not to mention the many positives I have enjoyed as a member on here.

And thank you for your kind comments as well. :wave: While it took me a few days...and now a few weeks...of seeing how the reforms took place I see that alot of the reforms have been a great thing! While I'm hoping that with the current poll going on (check in the Announcement forum if you're not sure what I'm talking about) I do hope that still place will reaffirm it's Christian roots---and I hope people can realize this does NOT mean we do not want non-believers or non-mainstream Christians here. I think it's important that Christians have a safe haven online---they deserve their own area. But I hope Erwin could work with us all and we can keep alot of the areas open. Honestly, I would be thrilled with just the Congregational area and perhaps certain Theology areas kept to Christian believers only. The rest can be open---as I do enjoy discussion with non-believers.

And good luck with the new site--- they're awesome to get up, as long as you don't go crazy with the technical stuff. ;)

I have had a chance to discuss creationism with world class scientists. I have seen what my ideas look like through the eyes of fellow Christians and skeptics, which is very important in Apologetics. I have been a part a high traffic Christian online community that boasts the largest of it's kind and is still growing. I've seen the glaring skeptic and timid church mouse engaged in substantive discussions. I have seen God's Word weather literally hundreds of stormy controversial issues to shine like a beacon in a troubled world.

It's amazing what God can show us online---His Church is growing in numbers because of the ministries you can find here. I think people may feel more comfortable getting online and sharing their hearts instead of in real life. I find communicating alot easier here as well, so I'm glad God has given me the passion for online ministry.

I will vent one more thing since you seem happy to hear me out. The signature slogan of Christian Forums is unscriptural. We do not unite Christians together as one body. We make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit since we are called to be one body.

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph 4:1-3)

That is beautiful Scripture and I think there are many members (Staff are members too) that need to hear that and honestly take it to heart---and let a change in how they do stuff here change. I see certain Christians in the new poll saying such hurtful things and I'm at a loss of words to think that a person could post that and then feel okay with themselves.

And you're right too--- I know only in heaven will this divide amongst Christians be ended. I think the motto that we have know can be described in many different ways, but I personally do not care to dwell on writing up the best motto. I understand what you're saying and yours does make more sense than what we're using now, but with how unstable CF has been over the last couple of months right now I think a motto is the LAST thing we really should worry about.

No matter what the general group, the staff, or Erwin decides about how this site will be, we will not ever change a person's heart unless they heed the Word of God and WANT TO CHANGE. We can have all the rules and policies in the world---it won't ever matter if a person comes here with hate in their heart, instead of love and compassion. And sometimes that even means learning to voice you concern, but then learning when to stay quiet as well. A few people are running their mouths in that poll and it's not helping at all---it's hurting people, which very well may be the case on why the member(s) are doing it.

One last thing, I have been on some of those strictly moderated boards and frankly they bore me to tears. I have just seen so many creationists ran out of here I thought the idea of safe haven forums was an answer. Apparently the concept has been abandoned in the new policy and while this will increase traffic they will continue to move on.

Your in my thoughts and prayers and I wish you great success in your public relations efforts.

Grace and peace,
Mark

Well things may change just yet---we will see. People must speak up and Erwin has to make a really big decision about this site. And if things don't start getting fixed soon, I wouldn't be shocked if he actually closed CF down for good. :sigh:

Thank you Mark for your thoughts and prayers. God bless!

~Tatiana
PR Chief

[mark kennedy]

And you're right too--- I know only in heaven will this divide amongst Christians be ended. I think the motto that we have know can be described in many different ways, but I personally do not care to dwell on writing up the best motto. I understand what you're saying and yours does make more sense than what we're using now, but with how unstable CF has been over the last couple of months right now I think a motto is the LAST thing we really should worry about.

~Tatiana
PR Chief

I just wanted to point out that I was not suggesting a motto change. CF seems to be focused on a reconciliation ministry. We must make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit but divisions do arise. Every mature believer is a minister of the Gospel and healing harmful divisions is a vital ministry in the body of Christ.

I understand what the motto means it's...I dunno...kind of like analyzing the words in one of your favorite hymns. Fanny Crosby's hymn 'Blessed Assurance' is easily my favorite hymn. I remember thinking that praising the Savior all the day long does is no way to go through life when there are other things that need to be done. After thinking about it a long time I realized she was talking about a general attitude, the inclination of a heart that may be joyful or troubled.

If you make the central focus reconciliation then division goes with the territory. Again I wish you great success in your endevours.

Grace and peace,
Mark

[Angeldove97]

Okay so after discussing with a certain friend and fellow staffer, I decided to stay. After seeing the name changed, I realized that I had even more of a reason to stay. And in just a few short days, I've learned alot already what it means to be a Christian.

If anything, I'm happy now for the name change---I don't get to a hold a special badge that says fellow member and staffer of Christian Forums. Now I actually have to speak like Christ, act like Christ, and pray like Christ. And the same goes for all of us.

I know there's discussions going on else where about the reforms and the name change--but I'm here if anybody wants to chat :)

[Angeldove97]

I just wanted to save this and share this with others. A very wise friend who I met here said this today...

The title for this site may be new, the graphics on the banner may be different, how the site gets set up will take adjustment BUT the mission will stay the same.

People will continue to show up here and fellowship, God will continue to be preached here, souls will continue to be ministered to, the lost that come here will continue to be witnessed to, the weak given strength, new christians given the tools to be strong, friends will be made, new brothers and sisters to meet - IOW the sun will continue rise up in the mornings here.

[justanobserver]

Okay so after discussing with a certain friend and fellow staffer, I decided to stay. After seeing the name changed, I realized that I had even more of a reason to stay. And in just a few short days, I've learned alot already what it means to be a Christian.

If anything, I'm happy now for the name change---I don't get to a hold a special badge that says fellow member and staffer of Christian Forums. Now I actually have to speak like Christ, act like Christ, and pray like Christ. And the same goes for all of us.

I know there's discussions going on else where about the reforms and the name change--but I'm here if anybody wants to chat :)

I am so glad you stayed. You have so much spirit, compassion, love to give to this site, it would not be the same if you wasnt here. You would have been sorely missed - a good friend leaving is not a good thing... :hug:

[Angeldove97]

Thanks Norm :hug: Since this isn't a business, I'm definitely not in the how can I make this site look better than it is kind of mindset. And with all the changes happening during a two month span, it was ALOT to take in. With time---and I think this will be true of many staff and members---we'll see that if anything Christ will be represented here at Forums MORE often and people will feel alot MORE welcomed to the site.

I think that while we might have changed the mission slightly---we've grounded the mission in the most important Commandments God gave us. It's all about love and respect---hopefully we can bring more of that in here at the site. And I think, honestly, that it's great that Erwin is including more ways to show we're Christians than ever before. Each forum can have their very own designed logo---which I just ADORE the OBOB (Catholic) forum one.

And every single time someone accesses the homepage the get to see a Bible verse and a logo that is very much geared to Christian themes.

When people see that there's hope--- even a slight glimmer--- they are more likely to stick it out and work through changes. Plus I see alot of people here staying for the simple reason of the wonderful friendships that they found here. Many have friends that are so close that they're almost family. That's one of the main reasons I decided to stay and God has shown me even more reasons over the last couple of weeks to stay here and continue to work with staff and members.

I hope Forums is a blessing---whether it be a big or a small blessing---to all who join here. It's been such an amazing time for me :)

[Angeldove97]

Oh btw, please welcome Redstiletto (Nicole) as the Public Relations Assistant (I have to stop saying MY assistant :P). Nicole and I have worked together since last year when we both started on staff at the Friendship Team. She's a natural born cheerleader, who just had a baby boy (WHO IS SOOOOO ADORABLE!) and is a wonderful friend and Sister of mine (separated at birth... by a few years :P).

Go easy on her as she's just learning the ropes now. Though I plan to have her pick up on my tasks if and when I go on vacations. ^_^

[justanobserver]

so.... hows Tati been doing??

[Angeldove97]

Busy as a bee :) And Tati got engaged ^_^

[justanobserver]

Busy as a bee. And Tati got engaged

Oh WOW!! I am so happy for you! this is such great news! :hug: :clap:

oh, btw - dont forget to tell your sweetie to make it so your wedding is on the web so WE ALL can "be there"! :thumbsup:

this is so cool! :cool:

How did your mom take it? :pray:

[Angeldove97]

He didn't ask the parents yet :P He had the ring, he had the opportunity to ask me, and I told him straight out if he asked me while he was here I was going to say Yes! But I haven't said a word to my parents and I'm waiting for him to speak to them to get their blessing... not even a "yes you can" but just let them know this is going to happen, but we want their blessing.

[justanobserver]

this is so exciting! two of "ours" here are gettin married!

so when is he gonna tell/ask/mention it to his folks and you to yours???

[Angeldove97]

His parents know already... the majority of his family knows actually :P And he knows he has to talk to mine before December... when I come home with a ring on my finger.

[amadeus2]

Public relations? I guess the public here is anyone that's allowed to join the general forum or even visit as a guest. We should all, [or at least all who would call themselves followers of Christ] have a 'very good' attitude towards others, even if we disagree on certain things we are discussing. This would be 'good' public relations.

For some people winning the argument (any argument) is the most important thing. For others the most important thing is doing it God's Way rather than their own. Some people seem to be confused and claim to be going His way when they are really going their own.

Does God argue with man? It would be kind of pointless wouldn't it? Anyone who believes in an all powerful, all knowing God would recognize that it would be a 'no contest' situation. Job wanted to talk with God face-to-face to reason with Him. Job was certain that he had some good points to bring to God regarding the difficulties he had been going through. God gave Job the opportunity and Job had wisdom for, in effect, he said, "Shut my mouth!"

Man talks and puts his foot into his own mouth all of the time. Man talks and even quote scripture and says it is God Way and God's Word. But...if God is not 'in it', it is not!

Good public relations means among other things, getting along with others. Even unbelievers could benefit by following the golden rule, and yet so-called Christians have yet to learn to practice it themselves:

'Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you'!

[AxionEsti]

Wonderful news on your engagement! ^_^ :clap:

May you have many years! :hug:

[Redstiletto]

DORK!










(I win)

[Angeldove97]

Moooo (I thought it would be nicer to moo than call you a Cow... cause I'm nice like that *wink*)

Tati: 1 Nic: 0

[Redstiletto]

*pout*

[Tangi]

what Happened to my BLOG can some1 tell me please, I want it!

[Orchids]

This page is too wide for my screen. :(

[Bamboo_Chicken]

We can't start riots? :eek: But that's what I do best :cry:.

How are you Tati? ^_^

Steffi (with a new name)