Getting to know Tony has been a real pleasure.

Pretty much the first “online community pastor” I’ve personally had the opportunity to know.  He’s pushed the bar high (or has helped build it) to what an online community pastor should be.

Not to boost his ego at all, he’s #3 in google when you search for “online community pastor” (should be #1 soon since the first link is an article from 2006… hope my link helps…!):

Being a part of LifeChurch.tv probably has helped too.  =)

If Tony’s blog isn’t in your feedreader, it probably should be.  He’s innovative as much as he is a pragmatist, and I really really like that.

**************UPDATE************** Tony’s on a Blog-fast.  So, go make him feel loved.

Name:

Tony Steward

Blog / Websites:

http://tonystewardblog.com
http://twitter.com/tonysteward
http://icblog.lifechurch.tv

Time Bandits or Favorite Websites:

http://friendfeed.com
http://google.com/reader
http://facebook.com
http://seesmic.com
http://macrumors.com
http://lynda.com
http://wikipedia.com

Whatcha Working On?

Right now I am working on the online community elements for the LIfeChurch.tv Internet campus.

Initially this has meant creating an engaging web presence for the campus community to gather and interact through, the blog. And also allowing that blog to facilitate all the necessary static/media content so everything is in one place, and simple to find. We are doing this all through a Wordpress installation (love that!).

Within the campus we are specifically looking at developing a leadership/volunteer community that works for everyone involved whether virtually present or physically present. The idea is to eventually have a significant portion of the campus ministry and operation to be facilitated by a passionate group of people who love Jesus and what he is doing online.

And since it is LifeChurch.tv there are also 3-4 (at least) other projects we are working that we aren’t talking about yet . But I will give you a one word hint: “platform.”

How do you see Web Technology impacting the Kingdom?

I see it impacting everything.

I see it impacting how a pastor studies, refines, researches, assembles and delivers his sermons.

I see it equipping people to gather, disciple, and serve with global vision and local precision.

I see it taking multi-site churches and helping them transform into multi-model churches.

I see the globalization of individuals and small groups finally reaching the local church through missions efforts like OneApp.net , Roov.com and everyday tools like IM, Email and Facebook.

I see it obliterating the current Ministry Resource business models, and more and more excellent resources being freed to the Kingdom, because those organization see and learn how to use the opportunities through giving it away for free – but it is a ministry & influence opportunity not a business one.

I see it building trust to society at large because they can start to interact with our leaders personally, authentically and in real time.