A new CF, an old vision

[TasManOfGod]

Which is why I'm leaving staff and putting it here, in public, for all to see so if anyone cares they don't have to go off speculating.

I don't do popularity contests of any sort. I just don't. I don't know if I'm "liked" enough to be kept around or hated enough to get the boot. That isn't the point.

I don't even like the mod of the month thing and gringe when my name goes up! Why? Because in school I was the one whose name never had a checkmark or vote beside it. Never picked for the kickball team even though I was good. I was the quiet nerd in the corner everybody loathed.

Now, why is this something I just can't handle? Because eventually there will be a vote for mods and someone who is really lovely, who does a lot behind the scenes for people, who is smart and funny and compassionate and would be a great mod won't have a checkmark next to their name or get a vote because they are quiet, or because they aren't in the right clique or something. And it will hurt.

Sorry. I just can't do it.

I'll still be around playing my little verse games and stuff and of course keeping my dollie well dressed, but that is why I'll be leaving staff. And thinking about the person on the ballot who might get hurt, I'm equally reminded it's high time to apologize to any member or fellow staff whom I have hurt with deeds or words. I apologize.

I wish CF the best and hope it goes great.

Your pure heart is appreciated and will prolly get you lots of votes without you asking for them

 

[talitha]

amen, reps to Aria......

oops, lots of posts between..... here's Aria's post:

Quote:
When I say "God bless", and another staff member responds "Allah be with you, peace be with Mohammed", how am I to respond?
Yes, this bothers me too. We are Christian Forums, but with non-Christian mods we will become a non-sectarian forum, won't we? Quote:
There are "new Christians", and there are "weak Christians". Now --- there will be no "safe harbor", where they can nurtured and strengthened in Christ. Anyone who is an "unbeliever in Christ", can give their own counsel to those struggling with faith.

...and lead them astray...

This has always been my concern. Now anyone can jump into the Outreach forum and lead struggling Christians and seekers astray. Yes, they could before, but now it will only be worse.

Quote:
The "Christian only" forums had as its purpose a place where Christians can fellowship, teach and learn, without deceptive influence. Removing that section, removes that protection.

So true.

Quote:
It's not a question of whether "many people" or "staff" will be happy; it is a question (and I mean no disrespect), of whether God will be happy.

It is a question if God will be obeyed, honored, and worshiped as is proper and right.

 

[SpiritPsalmist]

The main thing I'm curious about is regarding the Congregational forums. Is it going to be allowd for non-believers of that particular denominations doctrines to cause disruption and not allow the regular members of that particular congregation to talk amongst themselves without harrassment?

 

[MariaRegina]

121 (98 members and 23 guests) Aria, AdJesumPerMariam , Agnosticteen, Alexander Nissi , Angeldove97 , Apex, Balance, bcauser, Ben johnson , CaDan, cat_goes_meow , CelticGrace, ClaireZ, DedicatedLittleFaith , doc329, Erwin , Evangelica, felinity, Forest, Freak4JC, FreeinChrist , FriendsFellowship, futuredoc, geocajun, GolfingMom, gonebowling, GraceInHim, GreenMunchkin, Gulliver, Hap, he4rty, heavensangelwv, HeReignsInMe , heymikey80, HowardDean, JacobsDream , jbug, JCrawf, jesuspickedmeup, Joykins, jtbdad , kiwimac, krstlros , ladyt28, LazeyWinde, Letalis, LilLamb219 , Lisa0315, little owl, littleredkiss484, longhair75 , Mary of Bethany, Melethiel , Miracle_Storm, mnphysicist , MrFreshdew, MrStaggerLee, murjahel, newbeliever02072005 , nyj

, Oblio , openup4christ , PaladinValer, ParaCristo , Philothei, praying , probinson, ProfessorMom, Protinus , PuppyforChrist , Purifying FLAME, Quaffer , ramesses, ravenscape, Redheadedstepchild, RedTulipMoon, rua2j33, Samuel_Rigby, Savedsis, Shadowcat, SiobhanClancy, skylark1, SoupySayles, sparklecat, spiersdodgerblue, StarSapphire, Surrender2Win, synger , tall73, Tarika, tashiseisei, Taylor43, TheManeki, thiefinthenight, Tychicus2, UrsulaJ, WildStrawberry, Wyvern

 

[openup4christ]

It just dont know how a christian forums can be a christian forum if non-christians are allowed to mod it.

 

[Miracle Storm]

Okay, whew. I'm done multi quoting people the thread just keeps growing.
I'm very disappointed.

Am so so sorry if this sounds rude, or mean, but am uncomfortable with the idea of non-Christians being on staff... insofar as, you likened it to a church. Non-Christians wouldn't be staff within a church.

Wide open forums is fantastic, but non-Christian staff at "ChristianForums"? Tis a thinker.

Doesn't sound rude or mean at all. It's truth and what many are thinking, but not saying.

Really it should be viewed as a job. Whoever is best for the job, just because one is a Christian does not mean one has the people skills or wherewithal to be a good moderator.

Yes, but supposedly this was a Christian site. Therefore anyone moderating should be Christian.
We don't let unbelievers in to lead...

I totally agree; I personally would not want an atheist to be my pastor.

I wouldn't want them to be my moderator.
I wouldn't want to follow their secular way of thinking or approach to the world in general.
No offense meant toward any athiest.

This is NOT a church, it is a discussion board. Folk can be both atheist and compassionate, able people.

Yes they can. They can be compassionate, they can be cool, they can be fun people to talk to.
They however should not be enforcing rules on a "Christian" site.

Here gives them one more chance to proselytize.
Have you ever visited GA give me a break.
I had a weak momment once and decided to let it fly in there. I had one Christian pm me and about 6 unbelievers....

In most cases that I am aware of it is for preaching the Gospel.

Yes, and you know what. I don't want new members coming here unknowingly speaking with people of different religions being swayed.
Protection is gone and now there is no longer an area for Christians to fellowship in harmony when they want to.
This is no longer a "Christian" board. This is a open to all free for all.

I think like Praying said, it should be viewed as a job. The mods shouldn't be here to lead the sheep, but to enforce rules and keep order.

Yes they should enforce the rules, with equality and love. BUT unbelievers cannot help in "Uniting all Christians as One Body in Christ"
In fact they want the exact opposite!

Wow this is growing exponentially.

I think non Christians can moderate.

I think they can moderate to, on a board that is secular. Oh yeah.

The most important thing is to find people who don't become moderators just because they are power hungry and want to be important.

Power hungry we do not need. Most importantly though we need those in power who believe in the Christ we Christians believe died for our sins.
We do NOT need secular leadership.

Some people act like the only ones can moderate fairly are the "Christians". A person is a person, having a particular religion isnt going to change their moderation skills.

No one is acting like ONLY Christians can moderate fairly. But where in any congregation as now "Christian Forums" has been likened to...did a unbeliever become an elder?

I feel that if you are dedicated enough to help out with a CHRISTIAN-oriented message board and mature enough to handle things that a moderator would have I see why it should matter what kind of belief system they hold as long as they can do the job properly.

Because their secular beliefs will be, and I don't mean might be, WILL BE spread around these forums like a stink that no air freshener can remove.

Well, thanks, Erwin.

I'm sure you meant well.


I agree with this, which is why I've always felt CF should have rules against bad behaviour.


But does this mean bad behaviour is now OK?


Interesting. That basically takes the vision out of your hands again.


So how will CF be Christian any more?


So what will moderators actually do, if bad behaviour is now OK?


So there is now total freedom to denigrate Christianity?


Not surprising, really. Most of the membership wanted a Christian forum. It will be interesting to see what replaces CF.

Goodbye all!

It's not "Christian" anymore by any means. This is now a secular board.
"Uniting All Christians as One" Should be removed as this is misleading and false.

I agree. I know I'm young and don't know anything, but I can't see how this is going to be anything but disastrous. I hope and pray I will be proven wrong. I will go along with whatever the rules are here on CF. But non-Christians being on staff is simply a recipe for disaster.

Am I understanding this correctly? It seems to me that Erwin and staff no longer want to be the police, and now want us to police ourselves. Am I wrong? I hope so. Because someone once said "self-government is impossible without self-discipline". Christians base their morality on God while non-Christians base morality on self. How can there be any correlation on right and wrong when you have both Christians and non-Christians on staff?

Again, I hope I am wrong about all of this.

There needs to be equality in the body of Christ. Uniting of Christians with different beliefs. But now the athiests, agnostics and whatevers are being handed the keys to vote on rules, discussions, moderators and can moderate Christians ON a Christian board.
In real life I would not take the advice of a non Christian. I certainly will not do it here. But that is what is going to be done since they will be voting as well. Athiests will vote for athiest and eventually when they start posting in the once Christains Only section. It will become just as much a mad house, probably more, that GA already is!!

That's not what staff has been told. Staff has been told that their primary job is Christian ministry.

No doubt there will be growing pains, but in the long run I feel that it will help a Christian's walk with the Lord more than hinder as CF was doing previously. That's just my opinion though.

A smelly opinion. like noses or however the saying goes. My opinion likes to smell pizza...?

Well Like I said NO air freshner will be able to take care of this stink!
The gremlin has been released from the bag..

I'm so happy to see the changes & looking forward to two things

1) To sticking around
2) To remaining a site supporter for many years to come.

Not me. My son will no longer be allowed on this SECULAR website and I will NEVER give another DIME!!

But it isn't a question of compassion...?

Hopefully, there will be very few rules to even adhere to, but am speaking specifically of people who are well-liked within their own circle, but scornful of faith.

It's not about how compassionate or honest they are, cos many theists are lacking in both.

But if someone thinks Christianity is "delusional" and "for stupid people" - terms that have cropped up in GA *repeatedly*, I don't think someone with those views should be in a leading role within a Christian environment.

Exactly. It will happen though...

Think of it as a great experiment in which we the members will modify the rules and requirements of moderators as needed.

Plus, while atheists do outnumber Christians in GA, they do not outnumber Christians forum wide. I would be surprised if a single atheist makes it to moderator based on a vote.

Lisa

Don't be so sure Lisa.

Yeah, I absolutely did not mean it that way. I just meant that some atheists are very fair minded and I think they would make good moderators. I would never want a pastor who was an atheist. That would be like letting in the wolf in the pasture, don't you think?

Lisa

The doors have been swung wide open for the wolves to attack.
No place off limits. Not even our kids online have a safe place to roam in these woods now.

I'm curious about the voting thing that will be taking place and wondering how many "sock accounts" will be created in order to sway the vote?

ALOT. A whole lot. Gather together the athiest at ~E~ so they can decide on their new non Christian leaders will be.

I don't know. I am confused now.

New CF.

Very exciting.

I would "elect" a non Christian if I felt they were fair and even keeled, from what I understand moderators will be around to keep things from getting out of hand. I think anyone could do that.

Now Christian ministry that can be done by anyone in our lifestyle and our words.

Let's all HUG NOW!

This is not a time for hugs. I may vomit. Anyone have a paper bag?!

Mods aren't pastors, so I don't understand what that requirement has to do with anything.

It has to do with non believers enforcing rules on a Christian board.

We may have been told that, but that is not what most do. We spend our time going over reports, issuing warnings and infractions, that isn't spreading the good news,

Speak for yourself in what you do and how you minister to people. I was on staff, but didn't advertise who I did or did not speak to.

I just think that Christian Forums is no longer entitled to that name. Let's call it was it is...
POLL

....Or Uniting unbelievers and believers alike as one body on a website! VOMIT spews....



Party is over!!

 

[Alice the Sister]

It just dont know how a christian forums can be a christian forum if non-christians are allowed to mod it.

You probably don't fully understand what a "moderator" is supposed to do then.

 

[No Swansong]

The main thing I'm curious about is regarding the Congregational forums. Is it going to be allowd for non-believers of that particular denominations doctrines to cause disruption and not allow the regular members of that particular congregation to talk amongst themselves without harrassment?

And yet another asks.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Why is there so much hate for this? Non-Christians are allowed in Churches, why shouldn't they be allowed in denominational forums? If they make a post that really offends people, It would probably be deleted, what's the problem?

Ah, sweetie, that's not what's being discussed. Forums being open for everyone is *wonderful* and agreed upon by all. This is about being on staff

 

[herev]

It just dont know how a christian forums can be a christian forum if non-christians are allowed to mod it.

it will be interesting to see how it works!!!

 

[Morghaine]

I agree it has the potential to be a popularity contest, but let's be honest why were people nominated the old way, because they were liked so what really is the is difference?

Mods weren't nominated previously, they applied - and if (at least on my team, and the previous team I was on) someone was invited to apply, it wasn't for popularity, it was for their posting style, their ability to interact with others, etc. I could see how it might have been considered a popularity thing previously, but for me (and others on my team) we didn't look at popularity, we looked at member's posting styles/habits, etc.

 

[Leanna]

And yet another asks.

Honestly I don't see the problem. I don't see why an athiest would go into the denominational forums and cause ruckus. Why? Why do you think that would happen?

 

[Erwin]

Is that where you are at in the thread, you will never catch up

I'm trying my best...

 

[FreeinChrist]

121 (98 members and 23 guests) Aria, AdJesumPerMariam , Agnosticteen, Alexander Nissi , Angeldove97 , Apex, Balance, bcauser, Ben johnson , CaDan, cat_goes_meow , CelticGrace, ClaireZ, DedicatedLittleFaith , doc329, Erwin , Evangelica, felinity, Forest, Freak4JC, FreeinChrist , FriendsFellowship, futuredoc, geocajun, GolfingMom, gonebowling, GraceInHim, GreenMunchkin, Gulliver, Hap, he4rty, heavensangelwv, HeReignsInMe , heymikey80, HowardDean, JacobsDream , jbug, JCrawf, jesuspickedmeup, Joykins, jtbdad , kiwimac, krstlros , ladyt28, LazeyWinde, Letalis, LilLamb219 , Lisa0315, little owl, littleredkiss484, longhair75 , Mary of Bethany, Melethiel , Miracle_Storm, mnphysicist , MrFreshdew, MrStaggerLee, murjahel, newbeliever02072005 , nyj

, Oblio , openup4christ , PaladinValer, ParaCristo , Philothei, praying , probinson, ProfessorMom, Protinus , PuppyforChrist , Purifying FLAME, Quaffer , ramesses, ravenscape, Redheadedstepchild, RedTulipMoon, rua2j33, Samuel_Rigby, Savedsis, Shadowcat, SiobhanClancy, skylark1, SoupySayles, sparklecat, spiersdodgerblue, StarSapphire, Surrender2Win, synger , tall73, Tarika, tashiseisei, Taylor43, TheManeki, thiefinthenight, Tychicus2, UrsulaJ, WildStrawberry, Wyvern

We get it already.

 

[Letalis]

I asked people to apply (I didn't nominate anyone) because I would browse the fora and liked what I saw. Mainly, I was looking for objectivity and fairness in discussion. I wasn't looking for someone to scratch my back because I just scratched theirs.

I envision the new system being a sort of game in the Fellowship fora. A lot of fluff, no substance.

That's just me I suppose.

This is a good approach, but unfortunately, those in authority might not be choosing staff based on the same standards.

 

[GraceInHim]

e. No more restriction of forums for non-Christians - if a non-Christian can walk into a church, a non-Christian can walk and post in any forum here. Some forums may still have gender or age restrictions, but the whole side, as should be any Christian site, will now be totally [OPEN].

Erwin,
Big Thank you!

The above is what we as Christians whom should be like Christ. Christ opened the doors to prostitutes, leapers, tax collectors and yes, even us gentiles whom became Christians.. We should do the same for all others on CF, no matter whom they are.

As long as we act Christ-like and humble ourselves, we will be exalted in any forum on CF!

This is awesome Erwin!!!!!!!!!!

 

[PaladinValer]

Erwin, would it be possible for there to be a thread established somewhere where we can ask you questions about the new policy?

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

As an afterthought, what is really changed?
Only what the focus is mainly on, mod jobs.

 

[Samuel_Rigby]

So does this mean that scripture is no longer a basis for what is right or wrong on CF? Will topics such as homosexuality, drug use, alcohol use, heretical theology, etc. now be allowed to be discussed and promoted in the teen section?

 

[herev]

caught up here!
taking a break!