So I have had this idea for a while to have a website that will connect people who have needs with people who can help with needs. It will have to be Christian based. Me, Stephanie and Clinton started to lay some groundwork for it, before it really just got overwhelming with all the things to consider and the site started to get pretty complex. Gonna do it simple soon enough. Here is the thing. I have always felt there is a strong need within our church, and many others, to address the needs of the members and let members help members. Site would be a way to connect members not only with people from their church, but a group of churches in our area. Essentially people share needs with their church, they post it on site and people can visit site to help if they can. I look around the church and pride is in everyone's eyes. So much so you never know if that guy next to you is starving or could use that washer that has been in your garage for 5 years. Someone could really need nails or hair cut, but cant afford it. How many people have things laying around their house they would give to another Christian in need or even if they could just really use it. I know there has to be some monitoring and road blocks in place to prevent abuse, Needs could only come from church officials not general public. The needs can be posted anonymously. Has to be monitored at all times for the most part.
So recently I sent our pastor Curt a letter to get his feedback on the idea and suggest a small step within the church to get things started and maybe gauge how much success a site that did this same thing more automated would be. Just a bulletin board in the church, cards you can put in offering plate if you need help, church staff writes the need on a note card and assigns a number to it to post, you see posts on Sunday and if you can help you take the card and also drop in offering plate or maybe a box and put your contact info on the card to connect with the one who needs something you can offer. Would not allow monetary needs to be posted, simply because they would surely get out of control, and that is more of a deacon thing at church. Curt had the Missional Living pastor respond to me, which is cool, church is rather large and I understand he has to delegate some things.
The response was basically that a website is a great idea and never even responded to my idea about doing it within the church. Hmmmmm.... So I responded back yesterday and even asked Curt for just his thoughts on it yesterday and have not heard back yet. Hopefully tomorrow they will let me know. I understand a church, especially a large one, has to be careful of the things they get behind. I feel I thought the idea out well. Its not intrusive, its a choice and all I want the church to do is support it. I will keep the board up. I don't want constant advertising, I just need them to help me create awareness. I truly feel it will encourage fellowship. The down side to our church growing to the size it has is the members don't all know each other like they used to. They do lots of classes and fellowship things, but mostly targeted at this or that. This could connect 2 people who may have never met from 2 totally different walks of life. Someone living in a shack could connect with a guy who is very well off. Not for financial gain, but for a different perspective on things, maybe guidance from a different angle. The larger the church gets, the more clicks or groups you see. We are all guilty of this. We sit with the same people, in the same seats in our comfort zone. I want to try and drag people out of their comfort zone.
Anyway I will keep you update on the response and progress with this idea and concept. Its a void within the church that NEEDS to be filled. I honestly feel if people knew some of the needs others have they would help more then they do. We will see. Pray for me and guidance as I address what looks like may be a challenge to get going. Without the support of a church its a dead idea.
GOOD NIGHT!!!!!!!
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