Why Twitter?

Why do I Twitter? I get asked that a lot. And I seem to stumble around for an answer because there isn’t just one simple answer, so I usually just say “to keep connected with remote friends.” Which is a big part of the reason, but I thought I’d try to expound a little on why it is I have posted over 1000 “tweets” to my Twitter page. Someone recently asked me what the ministry benefits were. I’d probably have to honestly say none, or not much. It’s not about ministry. It’s more about interpersonal relationships. Here I will try to explain what Twitter is, how you Twitter and lastly WHY Twitter. WHAT IS TWITTER? It would help first of all, to try and explain what Twitter is. First of all, it is found here: www.twitter.com. And if you know a Twitter-er’s username, you can simple put it after the domain, such as mine is: www.twitter.com/kidologist. Users can customize their page with a background as well as the color scheme of the page. And their Twitter profile icon of course. But what IS Twitter? It is a micro-blog whose posts are made up not only of your own, but of…

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Karl on Christine Yount’s Podcast

If you follow DiscipleBlog.com, you may have caught my post What Happened To The Bible. It fueled a healthy discussion over on Kidology.org. Then, Christine Yount, editor-in-chief at Children’s Ministry Magazine featured it on her blog. Then, I was honored when Christine asked if she could interview me for her podcast on the subject. You can listen to the podcast here. Christine Yount is a leading voice in children’s ministry and someone you need to keep in your virtual circle of advisors. I’m excited to see her blogging and podcasting now. I’ve been listening to her for as long as I can remember and her longevity in children’s ministry leadership is a true mark of someone who is dedicated to a mission, not to a business or just trying to being heard. When Christine Yount speaks, I listen. (That doesn’t mean I always agree – but it does mean she forces me to think and constantly be evaluating. And I love that!)

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Kid U Really Stacks Up!

This is the second of a series on our Kid U 2008 Celebration Conference. (previous) It’s no secret to Kidology users that I’ve been a huge fan of Speed Stacks since, well, before I even discovered Speed Stacks! I got my first set of generic stacking cups as my mother’s final Christmas gift to me the year she died of cancer. Her hand written note said, “I’m sure you’ll find a way to use these to entertain and teach kids.” Soon, I had developed my rules and was using cup stacking racing in my ministry. It wasn’t until a CPC several years later that I stumbled upon the booth for Speed Stacks, the premier manufacturer of cup stacking cups and the primary promoter of the Sport of “Sport Stacking.” I immediately signed up to be a member of the WSSA. World Sport Stacking Association www.worldsportstackingassociation.org While I have never been able to attend the World Championship Tournament in Denver (which has been covered by ESPN) I hope to make it there someday to see if I can’t go home with a trophy. I have competed against a professional football player and won, as well as world champion and legend Emily…

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Catholic for a Day

While I am not Catholic – I have great respect for so much that the Catholic Church has done and stood for. While theologically my saving faith is in the person of Jesus and not the Church, when it comes to what is at stake in this political season, I find the following video from CatholicVote.com to be right on: I am tired of hearing Christians say they aren’t going to vote for one reason or another. ANY REASON NOT TO VOTE IS A LAME REASON. Hey, I’m in Illinois, voting Republican is a “waste” of my vote, but I vote because I am an American and many have died to give me that freedom. Be American and VOTE. I don’t even mind if you vote for the man I think is the worst possible leader for our nation. I will still applaud you for voting. We are both Americans after all.

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The People of Kid U!

This is the first of a series on our Kid U 2008 Celebration Conference. (next) The greatest highlight of Kid U is the PEOPLE who come. As one of our feedback forms said: Coming to the Kidology University was like coming to a family reunion even though it was my first time attending. I will be back! – Heather Marshall There is just something unique about the feel of a Kid U, and it’s hard to describe – you have to experience it. One example would be how Josh Kornberg became a highlight of the conference. Who is Josh? Well, according to children’s pastor Kenny Conley who Twittered me that the following: Karl, I’m sending an ambassador in my name to meet you at Kidology U. His name is Josh Kornberg. He’s 18 and he was a summer intern for me this summer, was a kid in my ministry many moons ago. And believe me, he WILL be making a mark in this world in the area of Children’s Ministry… someone to keep an eye on. Do me a favor though. When he introduces himself (Josh Kornberg) can you make a big deal out of it? You and Kidology are…

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