Since I set up the poll asking about people’s interest in a web church I’ve had a lot of questions from people on Facebook and Twitter wondering what it would look like.

I’ve been thinking about this a long time and have what I need with web apps to run it. It won’t be like most of the web churches you see…although the best features will be in it. Here’s a sketch up of my thoughts…

• It will be based online – there will be a password protected section that only people who have been approved will have access to. Yes, it needs to be safe for people, teens and kids.
• We should be able to meet once a month for people who are local. We’ll work to set up meetings in other places in the world, but also provide the video for everyone of the gatherings.
• We’ll have a set time every week where we can worship together. These will be recorded and available to everyone 24/7. It will be video/chat/email. Interactive and informative.
• Every week we’ll connect with everyone personally. If it’s skype or a phone call, we’ll get to know each other and care for each other.
• There will be some sort of social network/forum/personal interaction online (I have a few options to test out). It’s together that we have the fuller wisdom of God.
• We’ll have a prayer network established and talk a lot about the miracles we see.
• We’ll have all kinds of resources to help in your Christian walk and experience in a virtual library.
• I’ll bring in special speakers to train and encourage. These will be available in our resources.
• We’ll have service and mission projects we can plan and work together on.
• There will be a monthly admin fee to cover the costs and in time we’ll be able to receipt donations (for people in Canada).
• We’d likely incorporate as a church in Alberta. I like having the support and accountability of a board.

My wife and I are praying about this. I’d appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Is this a new wineskin or would you consider it a move away from a system that “works just fine”?

I’m doing a quick poll. A web church is something I’ve been praying about for some time. Once in a while I get glimpses of what it could be. I’m still not sure it’s what I should be involved in but when I consider all the fun I have online and the prayers we see answered on Twitter along with the encouragement I get from this blog, I start to think it might be exactly what I want to be a part of.

I like interaction. I enjoy real conversations. I’m excited by serving a world-wide family. What are your thoughts about a web-church? You can add them to the comments if the poll doesn’t quite have the answer you’re looking for.

[poll id="6"]

I just received this email from a pastor friend in Pakistan. Please keep everyone in prayer.

We are sorry to inform you that: Today July 19, 2010. Muslim extremists shot dead Rahid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel in broad daylight in front of hundreds of people in district courts compound in Fasilabad today.
There were rumors and reports on July 18, 2010, that both of Christian brothers are free to go home from Civil Lines Police Station Fasilabad where they were detained on July 4, 2010, under blasphemy charges on complaint of one Muslim businessman of Railway Bazar because police told friends of Rashid and Sajjid that there is no proof found against them which may extend their detention.

Today, investigation officer Mohammad Hussian produced Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel before Judge in District Courts where he testified that police have investigated allegations leveled against them but found no proof that they may be charged under blasphemy.

Police investigating officer Mohammad Hussian told court that complainant Mohammad Khuram Shehzad lodged FIR alleging Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel producing a handwritten leaflet which he stressed is defiling Prophet Mohammad but police have report of Handwriting expert that pamphlet handwriting presented by Mohammad Khuram not match with handwriting of accused Christian brothers. Police further submitted that they have nothing to investigate against them and find no proof to remand them in custody.

The court ordered to send Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel to Judicial custody till next date to issue further orders.

As there were rumors that Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel are found innocent and will be released, the extremists Muslims reached in District Courts Fasilabad and were waiting for them to come out of court house.

As Rashid Emmanuel and Sajjid Emmanuel were walking towards district courts custody cell with police, the unidentified gunmen opened fire and Rashid Emmanuel felt on ground.

Sajjid Emmanuel stepped to safe his brother but gunmen shot him down too. When police tried to fire back on gunmen, they also came under attack and Inspector Mohammad Hussain felt down on ground.

In minutes, masked gunmen fled from scene, till medical aid reach, Rashid Emmanuel died on spot while Sajjid Emmanuel and police officer were rushed to hospital, where they were pronounced dead till our posting this sad incident.

The leaders of Christian Lawyers Foundation, Rao Naveed Zafar Bhatti Advocate reported that adequate security was not in district court which made easy for killers to fled from scene.

Pastor Rashid Emmanuel was 32 years of age and running a Ministry while his brother Sajjid Emmanuel was helping him in Lords word.

According to government reports, a blasphemy case was registered on 1st July, 2010, under section 295- C PPC, against Rashid Emanuel and Sajid Emanuel of 30 years of age who were residents of Street No.5 Daud Nagar, Fasilabad, Pakistanand arrested by police on July 4, 2010.

Muhammad Khuram Shezad merchant of Railway Bazar, Fasilabad, had complained that his servant told him that bothChristian accused were distributing pamphlets in open bazar which is desecrating Prophet Mohammad and their numbers are under the writing of the Pamphlet. He went to PS and told fabricated story to police to charge 2 Christian young men under blasphemy.

The Muslims took out a procession on July 10, 2010, when they burnt tires and pelted stones on Catholic Church Warispura Fasilabad. The mob threatened that if these brothers are not executed according to Muslim law, the mob will exact revenge not only on them, but the entire Christian community.

Please remember our Christians in your prayers.
God bless you all Emmanuel

This is just too cool. It’s a visualization of world religious history. Can’t wait to see more people come into a personal relationship with our loving God.

I had someone call me today to ask my help publishing a “spiritual book”, when I asked what it was about I was told, “it’s religion without God.”

I didn’t mean to laugh, but I couldn’t help it.

Who would really want anything to do with religion… especially if it’s without God? I mean seriously, God’s the best part of Christianity. Without Him… it just ain’t worth it.

Anyway…Yes, I’ve promised to write an update, but since Kaz and I are getting ready to fly to Phoenix for our 15th anniversary, and there’s a lot of things to get ready for it.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and anniversary wishes. I really appreciate it.

Here’s the map in motion…

I am so blessed to have been connected with Pastor Nadeem. I can’t remember how we met, but he has translated my booklet The Freedom of Forgiveness into Urdu. Here is a video with some images from Pakistan – be warned, some of these images are disturbing.