I'm kind of a big deal-- or at least that is what the faceless bureaucrats at Facebook insist. They tell me that I cannot have any more friends beyond my current 5000. And, if I want to have more friends, they have to become "fans."

Needless to say, I was not pleased. I don't want "fans," I just wanted more friends.

I have found great value in social networking, with Twitter and Facebook in particular. In the beginning I wasn't easily convinced that it would be worthwhile, but I have really enjoyed connecting with friends all over the world. Earlier this month I shared my dilemma - Facebook has a 5,000 "friend" limit, and I was maxed out. Of course, I realize that many of those friends are not people who know me personally, but I was using facebook as a means of broadly communicating with others and interacting around my Facebook "Wall" and "Notes." I have substantially more interaction on my Facebook wall than I do here on the blog.

The options weren't great, and I wasn't really sure what I was going to do, but my publisher went ahead and created a Facebook "Fan Page" for me-- without asking. This allows for as many fans/friends as desire to connect, and so I am reluctantly moving all discussion from my personal Facebook page to my "fan page."

For the record, I didn't make this move because I think "I'm kind of a big deal." Let's be honest, being a big deal on Facebook is sort of like being the Dungeonmaster in a game of Dungeons and Dragons. It really doesn't matter. This fan page is simply the best way to continue discussion on Facebook while allowing others to join in. And, all of my Twitter updates will now go there (and I have discontinued the feed on my personal page as that will soon go away).

So, if you are "friend," and want to connect, you'll need to become a "fan." I know; I hate the word "fan," so let's not even use that. Let's just be friends on a different kind of page!

I hope to see you there!

P.S. If you do not get the pop-culture reference, "I'm kind of a big deal," please forgive my attempt at self-deprecating humor. I read about it in one of my many leather-bound books. ;-)

Well, I have a conundrum related to my Facebook page.

Facebook has been a good place to network. It regularly suggests friends (sometimes in humorous combinations as this picture demonstrates).

However, Facebook now tells me I cannot have any more friends. It appears that there is a limit of 5000 friends and I am now at that limit.

So, I have been told that I have to have to create a "fan" page in order to go over 5000 friends. Actually, the my publisher has already done this before I officially gave them permission. ;-) (B&H Publishing's Aaron Linne is a go-getter.)

Of course, anyone can create such a page. Just yesterday, I discovered a group called, "All I Really Need to Know About Church Planting I Learned from Ed Stetzer." I had to join that group just to see what they were saying!

Anyway, I like Facebook. I about 50 Facebook comments a day so I enjoy the interaction, but I need to make a decision. I do not like the idea of anyone being my "fan." So, I am unsure how to proceed.

I would like your help to decide.

As I see it, I can:
1. drop off of Facebook completely and just go with Twitter and the blog.
2. eliminate my personal Facebook account and move completely over to the fan page posting and interacting on the "wall" there.
3. keep it as is and just let the current 5000 be my friends and that's it.

Option 1 is easiest and Twitter is a fine alternative. But, Facebook provides public conversation in a way that Twitter does not. (Having a back-and-forth conversation with Twitter goes to over 15,000 people whereas Facebook just goes to the people in the conversation).

Option 2 assumes that the good people at my publisher will let me link and have control of the wall there. (I know they will. I asked!) But, it also assumes that people will switch over to the new page. I am not sure the will.

Option 3 leaves a page out there but I cannot add any friends.

An obvious additional option is to do both a personal page and a fan page, but I do not see that as viable because people will try to be "friends" and then get no response from me on the personal account. For that matter, I don't like the idea of creating another site I need to check.

Finally, Facebook won't raise the friend limit. I asked.

So, what do you think? What do I do with Facebook?

I have been "tagged" by about 20 people (mostly on Facebook) and asked to share "25 Random Things" about me. If you're on Facebook you already know what this is. Even if you're not you probably do. Time Magazine covered it, as did most major newspapers. (Yep, they still print those things.) And yes, I usually ignore these things (see my earlier post on social networking) but the opportunity to talk about myself and blame others for it just took over. ;-)

So, here goes:

25 Random Things About Me

1. I signed papers to join the Army once but they rejected me (after accepting me) and I never served. I was rejected due to a unique eye deformity discovered in MEPS (Military Entry Processing Station), but the paper work was slow.

2. My grandfather was a fire battalion chief in Manhattan and my dad was a union iron lather and helped build the World Trade Center (among other things).

3. I participated in "Jeopardy" tryouts in Buffalo, NY. If I knew that the Volga was the largest North flowing river in the Soviet Union, I would have made it to the television.

4. I married my high school sweetheart. We even went to prom together.

5. In the seventh grade I was given the "most loquacious" award. I was very excited until I went home and found out what it was.

6. I own the web page, postmodernism.net. I never have used it. I also own about 40 others.

7. My wife and I started dating when we were 16 years of age and we had no other serious relationships.

8. My dream job was to be a professor until I became one and decided that was not for me (full time, at least).

9. Rick Warren recruited me to be the first Nehemiah Project church planting professor in a partnership with North American Mission Board and Southern Seminary-- that's right, Warren recruited me to consider a job at Southern. Al Mohler interviewed, approved, and hired me for the job that Rick Warren encouraged me to do.

10. My sister died in 1987 of a rare form of skin cancer. She wanted to sing at our wedding (August 13th) but instead saw if from heaven.

11. You can see the building of the very first church I planted (when I was 21) right
here. It was (and is) in a very rough neighborhood in Buffalo. It is now pastored by one of the layman we started with 20 years ago.

12. I have 4 graduate degrees and have never been a full time student. My wife told me I was not allowed to do any more education. Ever. ;-)

13. I have slept on the floor of an African hospital paying "extra" money to nurses to use new needles on a student I brought from America.

14. As best I can tell, I spoke to over 70,000 pastors and church leaders last year.

15. I graduated High School with a "D" average. I struggled in school from the second grade froward-- taking summer school classes for two years in high school.

16. I studied Spanish in Puerto Rico in a three week immersion school--it did not work. (Well, it got me through my PhD language test, but that is all.)

17. The first Christian book I read (other than the Bible) was The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

18. I've had my license suspended for speeding while driving home from speaking at Liberty University.

19. I have rolled my car and climbed out of the sunroof.

20. I was once on the Rush Limbaugh show and on CNN Headline news. But one does not know about the other.

21. I grew up on public assistance for much of my childhood.

22. I studied Reformation History at a Roman Catholic seminary... turns out, they have a different view of what it was all about. ;-)

23. I have lost 90 lbs without going on a diet (just exercise and changed some eating habits).

24. I have never been to Australia and have always wanted to go so that I can say I have "trained pastors on 6 continents" instead of five. ;-)

25. I think these lists are a pain and won't be tagging anyone else to do one. ;-)

And, #26, I am on vacation today with my daughter in Chicago. I hope your day is as good as mine!

I guess I am relatively integrated into the online community: You can find my articles, preaching and lectures around the internet at various websites, I have my own youtube channel, of course I have a blog, and I have found the value of social networking tools like Facebook, Twitter. And for the record, I'm not even thinking about using Myspace (does anyone still do that?), tumblr (which is pretty cool), or anything else out there. At least for now.

But now that I've been at it for a while now, I can honestly say there are a number of things I really enjoy about social networking.

* It's great for re-connecting with people with whom I've lost contact.
Honestly, this is a huge plus and has made staying in touch with people much easier - especially for those of us who find ourselves busy and pressed for time.

* It allows for immediate reaction and response to ideas and issues.
Social networking has worked well at informal polling and pulling advice and ideas from my online "friends."

* It provides a way for sharing both the serious and the superficial aspects of life.
Simply put, this is both helpful and enjoyable! Most people get that social networking can be enjoyable, but I also find it inspiring to read what God is teaching others and what risks some are taking for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Of course, such insights are not gleaned from everyone so you have to know who to watch/read.

* It is an immediate call for prayer that crosses the globe.
Just last night I got word that Donna had been in an accident and quickly posted, "Donna's been in a car accident. She says she is fine. I am on my way there now." I am very thankful for those who prayed and wrote back.

But like all things in life there are things in life there are negatives.

Many of my friends say they want to be less connected via the Internet, not more. They say they can't spend their days responding to Twitter direct messages and Facebook messages. Sometimes that is because they say they are too busy. Sometimes it is because they say such interactions are superficial. I must admit, I understand at times. However, I am of the opinion that it is better to be connected using social media, recognizing the limitations, than to be disconnected. As a rule, I respond to all my Facebook messages as that seems people are really writing me (like they do on email). I try to respond to as many Twitter messages as I can, but responding to all gets very tedious to those who follow you since your responses go to all your Twitterfriends (and many are just comments, not really part of a conversation). I try to respond to all direct messages, though sometimes I fall behind.

I think I like Facebook better than Twitter, though I use Twitter to "feed" into Facebook. On Facebook, you can actually see the interactions below a comment. On Twitter, you cannot. It is interesting to me that people are much more likely to respond on Facebook than on the blog. I have probably had over 100 Facebook conversations this week and a much lower number on the blog (though this has been a slow blog week).

There are some disadvantages, but I like the value of being connected in this way. So, for now, I am still "in."

However, just for fun, there are some things about social networking that drive me just a wee bit crazy. For example:

* When Twitter friends ask me to promote their product on my blog or Twitter.
Stop it.

* When conferences ask me to promote their conference on my blog.
Stop it.

* When people want to argue with me through Twitter.
Here's how it goes down: "Do you really think it is right for LifeWay to not sell this or that product?" Yes, let me think, could I have the privilege of debating you about this while 2000 people watch and we put our thoughts into 140 character Tweets? Genius.

* When people do drive by questions.
For example, I tweet, "Going to be in Chicago for a week teaching at TEDS." My next tweet is, "Just landed in snowy Chicago." Then, I get two replies, "Ed, how long will you be in Chicago?" Three words people: READ THE FEED. It's not as violent as a drive-by shooting, but it's just as impolite.

* When people try to discuss blog posts via direct message on Twitter.
Look, if I wanted to have a private chat about it I would not have posted it on the blog.

* When people ask me random questions via Twitter.
"Ed, we have 300 people in our church. How many students should we have in our youth group?" My name is Ed, not "google." And, that has a lot to do with your community, by the way.

* When Facebook friends ask me my email address.
Look-- if we are friends, it is right there. This is almost like someone calling me up on my cellphone to ask what my area code is. *sigh*

* When Facebook friends invite me to an "event" they should know I cannot attend.
If it's not a real event, I don't want to "attend." If it is a real event and it's out of state-- it's irrelevant to me.

* When people invite me to join their "cause." I am not joining your crusade for or against the "new facebook," the "reason for the season," or anything else.
I do not believe you are going to change hearts and minds and overcome the evil one with what amounts to an electronic petition that no one cares about.

* When people invite me to play some kind of a Facebook game.
Look-- you may enjoy Dungeons and Dragons but I don't want to play it with you at this stage in my life. I'm not networking here to see your magic castle, become your squire, or fight your mob war. Just sayin'

Alright... enough fun.

Those are my thoughts about social networking. What are yours?

I am interested in a couple of things:

1. What are you thoughts about social networking? Do you use some of these tools? Why or why not? Give me your thoughts.

2. What suggestions would you have for me? I have been intentionally adding more video content at the suggestion of some friends, but what other suggestions would you have for the blog, Twitter, and Facebook. For example, I am thinking of creating a regular on-line (live) video conference to answers questions that people might want to ask. (Let me know if you think that would be a good idea, if you don't mind.)

To me, the question I struggle with is this: how can these tools be used to advance the Kingdom? My goal is to help pastors and church leaders. I don't think short interactions do that (and I wonder about the narcissism it may promote). So, I write longer blog posts than most do in the hopes they might provide some helpful content. I see Twitter as more relational fun with folks who are interested in what you do. I see Facebook as a community of acquaintances and friends in discussion. And, I see the blog as a place to put deeper thoughts or ideas that require more space.

So, I would love to hear from you and let's do a little social networking here.

I am open to your ideas, suggestions, requests, or criticisms.

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And, these are the responses I got from some friends when I tweeted about this post. As you can see, only Larry is really a Christian. Grin.

Today is Donna's birthday so I have blown off work for the afternoon and am taking her out. No phone calls, no emails... just the occasional Twitter update.

So, in honor of Donna's birthday, here are some fun videos. (Donna puts the fun in my life.)

Why I enjoy Christian music (don't miss the part about Jesus being like a "mountie"):

Donna likes this one so much she made me play it this morning.

This song is officially stuck in my (and Donna's) heads. We have been singing it all day.

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Here are two teacher enlistment videos our church creative team put together for teacher recruitment:

They are spoofs of the well known Geico commercials. The first involves Mike Stark (knowing his name becomes important in the video):

The second is Miss Dixie, Jaclyn's teacher:

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I am hoping Troy (worship leader) will get moving like this on Sunday:

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Here are two videos I have shown at my church:

Me Church:

Me Worship:

HT: JT

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And, as an extra bonus, I saw this on my Facebook page this morning.

It felt like a guilt-by-association accusation. For the record, I have never met these men and am offended that Facebook would think I might know them:

And, just a thought. Does this put Mark Dever in jeopardy as a second (or maybe third) degree separation issue, proving his critics right? Does Facebook count in the Doctine of Separation?

Grin.

Have a great weekend... and remember, "Jesus is a friend of mine."

Facebook for Pastors

My friend Chris Forbes from MinistryMarketingCoach.com has put together a handy guide to "Facebook for Pastors" you might like to check out. Download the pdf (E-book page, direct link here). The 31 page e-book makes a case for why pastors should consider using the social networking site in their ministry and has tips and ideas for making the most of having a profile on Facebook. Chris is a ministry media strategist and marketing consultant based in Oklahoma who works globally with missionaries, churches, and ministries in reaching people of all kinds.

Robert Morgan and The Promise

Robert J. Morgan is pastor of The Donelson Fellowship in Nashville where the stated goal is simply "to become disciples." His new book from my friends at B&H Publishing Group is called The Promise, and its goal is to show readers how God guarantees goodness to come from even the toughest situations. If you, or someone you know, need a reminder of God's good intentions for his people this book could be a great resource. You can download it for free here.

Piper and Negative Calvinism

Does becoming a Calvinist make you angry? John Piper recently shared his thoughts concerning the negative tone among many Calvinists.

So the intellectual appeal of the system of Calvinism draws a certain kind of intellectual person, and that type of person doesn't tend to be the most warm, fuzzy, and tender. Therefore this type of person has a greater danger of being hostile, gruff, abrupt, insensitive or intellectualistic.

I'll just confess that. It's a sad and terrible thing that that's the case. Some of this type aren't even Christians, I think. You can embrace a system of theology and not even be born again.

Sobering words. John gives a two more reasons Calvinists have, or are perceived as having, a negative tone. Be sure to check it out.

ABWE

I enjoyed my time with the people at ABWE, and this photographer can follow me around anywhere if he can always make me look this cool. (I have no idea how me made the halo appear around "ABWE.")

With updates on Coast Guard, Steve Lemke, Rodney Hammer, and Jack Allen.

A few weeks ago I created an account on Facebook. I find the whole concept intriguing.

Today, I have 23 friend requests. I confess I am not sure how people find you on Facebook, but after a couple of weeks of travel, I am planning to figure out more.

What is facinating to me is how diverse the people are who find you. On my list today:

David Fitch, author of the provacative book, The Great Giveaway: Reclaiming the Mission of the Church from Big Business, Parachurch Organizations, Psychotherapy, Consumer Capitalism, and Other Modern Maladies. David and I visited in Chicago and, I think, he gave me a copy there.

Continue reading Social Networking.