how you can join in the dialogue on our website

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We want to know what you have to say! (and so do the other people visiting our site)

This website isn’t so much about “us giving you information” as it is about people like you sharing their questions, perspectives, and favorite resources with one another.  That is why we have a variety of community areas where you can express yourself and hear what others have to say.  Here are the three primary ways you can contribute to the discussion on our website:

  1. Leaving a comment at the bottom of each post in our resource section
  2. Visiting our discussion forum and asking a question or helping to answer someone else’s question
  3. Submitting a new item to our resource section.

Additional information:

Do I have to be an “expert” to contribute?

No! The reality is that there are very few “experts” on building biblical, multi-ethnic community, anyway.  We assume you are learning just like we are.

What are appropriate topics for the community areas?

Anything related to the New Culture (or building and sustaining multi-ethnic, Christian community).

When should I leave a comment in the resource section vs. in the discussion forum?

You should leave a comment on a specific resource when you have something specific to say related to just that resource.  For example, “I thought this book was great.” or “I didn’t think this video was very good.”  If you have a general question and/or want to help answer other people’s questions, the best place to do that is in the discussion forum.

Some people have cool little pictures next to their comments and posts, how can I do that?

Visit www.gravatar.com and upload an appropriate (G rated) picture of yourself.  When you add a comment use the same email address you signed up with on gravatar.com.  Our website will automatically connect your picture with your comments — its that easy!

Can I receive all the posts made on a specific resources or questions by email or RSS feed?

Yes, here’s how to set that up in the…

  • resource section: Scroll to the bottom of resource you want to subscribe to comments for, enter a comment, and check “I would like to be emailed all future comments on this resource”. (RSS feed is not available for specific resource comments)
  • discussion forum question: Go to the question you want to add.  Click the link at the top that says, “Add this topic to your favorites?”  Then go to your profile section (click your username at the top) – click the Edit tab – then click “Activate” in the Favorite Notification section.

I posted a comment but it didn’t show up for several days?  What’s up with that?

We moderate some posts to our community areas to make sure the content is appropriate.  We try to approve posts as quickly as possible – but, it make a take a day or two before we approve it.  If you want to help us speed up the moderation process you can volunteer to be a moderator – just contact us and let us know you are interested.

  • your username: return to the forum and enter your username only (no password) and click login – you will then be given the option to reset your password.
  • your password and/or the email you signed up with: contact us with that information and we can send you your username
  • none of the above (username, password, or email you signed up with): just create a new account – and keep the confirmation email! :)

    • What if I want to write more than just a comment or post?  Can I add an article, book review, blog entry, etc?

    Please click here to learn about adding a resource or joining our writers team.

    What are some general guidelines for comments and posts in the community areas?

    These Bible passages provide guidelines for our conversations in the community areas:

    “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” – Jesus Christ (Luke 6:32, NIV)

    4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

    22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. – Galatians 5:22-26 (NIV)

    25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:25-32 (NIV)

    Specifically…

    1. Treat others the way you want to be treated (kindly)
    2. Speak the truth (be honest) but do so in a loving and compassionate manner
    3. Do not be rude and/or try to provoke other people by your comments or questions
    4. Do not slander or attack (other people, churches, ministries, ethnic groups, anyone!)
    5. Be teachable. Don’t just voice your opinion – listen to what others have to say as well.
    6. Nothing “unwholesome” – everything must be “G” rated (nothing obscene, illegal, immoral, sexual, racist, vulgar, etc)
    7. Do not try to use the forum to promote or sell anything (your website, books, cd’s, anything!)
    8. Stay on the topic of building and sustaining biblical, multi-ethnic community (use other forums for other topics)

    Please read our terms of service for a comprehensive list of additional guidelines and policies.

    What are some examples of appropriate comments and questions?

    • “I agree with this…” “I disagree with this…” (sharing your opinion)
    • “I read a good book on this topic…” (sharing related resources – you may also want to add the resource)
    • “What I don’t understand is…”
    • “The hardest part for me…”
    • “In our group, I often feel like…” (expressing your feelings and frustrations)
    • “The most encouraging thing happened to me…” (sharing your experiences)
    • “What is the best way to handle it if one of my friends tells a racist joke?”

    What are some examples of inappropriate comments and questions?

    Please read our terms of service for a comprehensive list of items that are inappropriate to post in our community areas.  Here are a few examples:

    • anything racially derogatory or inflammatory (we have the final say)
    • anything sexually explicit, illegal, or contrary to our statement of faith (we have the final say)
    • promoting or criticizing a specific ministry, denomination, etc.
    • “Will you go out with me?” (this is not a dating website)
    • “What is your phone number?  I want to talk with you in person about this.” (no personal contact information is to be given)
    • “You are obviously not a Christian if you think that way.” (no harsh, judgemental statements)
    • “I think everyone should (or shouldn’t) vote for __________.” (no politics!)
    • “I have this great product…” (no selling of anything)

    What should I do if I come across an inappropriate comment or post?

    Please contact us right away.  We will then grind the inappropriate comment into a thousand pieces and scatter it to the four corners of the earth. Okay, we just delete it — but, that would be kind of cool…