In recent months, I have been reading much about the world of open-sourcing and/or crowd-sourcing. To put it simply, it’s a philosophical approach to development that invites “the crowd” or public (in many cases) to participate in the formation, refinement, and distribution of goods and services that have traditionally been centralized in closed systems or structures. Some of our popular cultural icons including Amazon, Google, and Wikipedia have each, to various levels, attempted to capitalized on the ever-growing web-culture of crowd sourcing (to varying degrees of success).
Open-sourcing is more than just creating a hub of ideas like an online forum. It is a more intentional attempt to collaborate on projects and ideas that may be mutual beneficial to the parties involved in the interaction. [For examples and case studies, see the book "We are Smarter and Me" by Barry Libert.] The root idea is that innovation and development occurs more quickly and with better results if people are invited into the formation process. In addition, collaborative efforts naturally help in the marketing of any idea or product.
The reason I share this is because I would like to invite you to participate in the formation of a web community that could potentially benefit churches by creating an environment in which ideas may be shared and formed together. Currently, there are some websites that allow churches to upload work to share with other communities of faith (e.g., Powerpoint slides, media, audio files, text files, etc.). Nevertheless, I don’t see much that allows for collaborative formation of ideas.
From my past experience and numerous conversations with church leaders, it is pretty evident that some churches have great ideas that are about 50-60% actualized. Unfortunately, these churches with great ideas lack the necessary resources to overcome obstacles for actualization (e.g., strategy, finances, supplemental ideas, time, design, etc.). What if an online community could be created where churches could share their “almost” actualized idea with others who may help them get there? In return, both churches could have joint ownership of the idea at the end and find mutual benefit for God’s Kingdom (that’s what it’s about, right?).
I currently have a handful of web & graphic designers, programmers, business developers, potential investors, and church leaders helping with the formation of this resource. I thought it would be important in our infancy (given our open-source nature) to invite YOU (yes, you) to contribute any ideas you may have in the formation of such an endeavor. Would you take a few minutes to answer some of the following questions?
- Would you use and contribute to this kind of open-source church resource?
- What strengths (if any) do you see in such a web resource?
- What concerns (if any) do you have for such an endeavor?
- Do you see yourself helping us out in creating this? If so, how?
- Would you help us get the word out about this once it is formed (via social networking sites, blogs, websites, etc.)?
- Is this idea consistent with the values and principles presented in the Bible?
- Do you know of anyone (including yourself) who would financially invest in this kind of endeavor?
In closing, this is still a new idea. More will develop in the weeks and months to come. I would love to have you be a part of this journey to actualization.
This post is tagged Church, Collaboration, Crowd Source, Crowd-Sourcing, Open Source, Open-Sourcing, Sharing Ideas
8 Comments
Would you use and contribute to this kind of open-source church resource?
- Yes
What strengths (if any) do you see in such a web resource?
-It is a fresh innovative way to network and create an online sense of community within the church. Some positive aspects i see from the development of this online open-source church is the ability to mesh ideas, thoughts, and visions, with the resources and investment needed to bring these things to life. It also pleases me to see an environment that encourages new ideas and opinions in a non-intimidating way. Many great creative minds will have the chance to get their voice heard without the stresses and pressures of stage fright or peer judgement. Not only will this resource lead to an unimaginable number of new ideas and ways of advancing the kingdom, but will bring clearer better-thought out missions due to public collaboration and organized criticism.
What concerns (if any) do you have for such an endeavor?
- The only concern i see in this is the ability to steal and capitalize of another’s idea or vision. Although we should not see this as a concern within the church, i do not find it outlandish to give it a thought. However even if this was a legitimate fear it would still not be valid enough to sway my thoughts towards this endeavor.
Do you see yourself helping us out in creating this? If so, how?
- Yes, i have no idea!
Would you help us get the word out about this once it is formed (via social networking sites, blogs, websites, etc.)?
- Yes
Is this idea consistent with the values and principles presented in the Bible?
- Collaboration, community, and sharing are all principles found in the scriptures.
Do you know of anyone (including yourself) who would financially invest in this kind of endeavor?
-No
thanks travis for the note!
it’s encouraging to hear that you have interest in this kind of online community. i will definitely keep you posted on the matter. i especially liked your thoughts about such an environment creating space for people who normally wouldn’t contribute in other kinds of forums. i think there are plenty of “quite” people that have some of the best ideas.
please don’t hesitate to send more thoughts this way! love to hear more from you.
Travis, I also liked your part about those who would feel comfortable sharing in this environment. And I’m going to steal your format of going through the questions:
Would you use and contribute to this kind of open-source church resource?
I think so… I’m trying to imagine myself in various shoes, using this resource. As a pastor, I find myself searching the internet as a consumer for ideas/media/etc. but (as a pastor), it would take something special for me to find the desire to take the effort to be a collaborator in a project that’s not directly related to my own [church]. I can see a youth pastor leading his congregation to collaborate together in an online environment, though.
What strengths (if any) do you see in such a web resource?
I think the market is approaching ripeness for such a resource. See Clay Shirky’s blog article. Also, I can see users forming an awareness and community with the wider Church, which I think is a good thing.
What concerns (if any) do you have for such an endeavor?
I see it in terms of any start-up – there’s risk in using resources to create something that people may or may not buy into. It’s just so hard to know, since we don’t currently have any models (that I’ve seen).
Do you see yourself helping us out in creating this? If so, how?
Yes. Web design, general opinion giver =p
Is this idea consistent with the values and principles presented in the Bible?
Yeah, I think the Bible said the internet was good…
Do you know of anyone (including yourself) who would financially invest in this kind of endeavor?
Yes, I’d financially invest in this. As soon as I get some more money, but yes.
we’ve been using lifechurch.tv’s open resource for some time, which is a platform where they put our their media, messages (outlines and transcripts), and tools for preaching –free for the public. i like where you’re going…. not just on the messages spoken, but on other arenas as well such as the kind of practical ministries you guys are pioneering. i’d be there often. open source! lovin it..
Thanks for your comments Josh and I’m glad you are already on board
I think you hit something on the head about whether or not churches would actually use this resource even if it were available. I’m asking people in the know who are processing this.
John, the distinction between this and something like Life Church would be that this platform would allow for people to create work together. It would be an environment for formation as well as sharing. I’m glad you like the idea.
I just went back and watched Barry Libert’s video again about the wisdom of crowds (link), and I read a few more articles by Clay Shirky about open sourcing (link). It really helped me to envision more what you’re talking about.
Even though I followed what you’ve told me about this idea, and am familiar with Google and Wikipedia’s cultures of open sourcing, I still find that I have to take quite a leap to imagine an open source church collaborative project. What this means to me is that the developers of this project will have to work very hard to make this resource fathomable, accessible, usable, to users.
It sounds fun. I like the challenge that the unknown produces.
I love the idea and think that everyone here makes fantastic points. The biggest concern is that in an enviorment like this where so many different expressions of faith exist you will undoubtedly spend more time refereeing doctrinal disputes that advancing God’s kingdom.
Never the less, it sounds very exciting and anyhope that I can be I would love to be a part.
Thanks for your thoughts Josh… I think you’re right. My biggest question is whether or not people will actually use the resource even if available. It takes a very “open” posture to make this work.
Hey Scott, I’m sure that there will be some concern in the doctrinal end of it yet the benefits will probably outweigh the potential criticism. We’ll see.
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