Ali Johnson

Five minutes goes by and I get out my Iphone, open up my Facebook app and check if I have any new wall posts, hoping that someone has sent me a message or ‘liked’ my status. What did I do before Facebook? How did I stay in contact with my friends before I had them all at the click of a mouse or the tap of the keyboard? Have you ever missed an event or not turned up to something because it wasn’t on Facebook. I even rely on Facebook to tell me when my families’ birthdays are. Social networking sites like Facebook have changed the way we live our lives. ...

I read a book a while ago called "The Death of Outrage" by William Bennet. In it he discusses the impact of Bill Clinton and the failings in his morality, politics and  character. I was struck by this book, because as leaders we have choices to make. He says  "The accomplishment of Bill Clinton is that he has made the country into one large lawyer-joke. Clinton has marked off the record of an incorrigible liar, faithless to his wife, who cannot be trusted to honor any law beyond his own interest”and the public says, “yes, but what is the problem?” (129). By the choices we as leaders make as an impact ...

I was reading an article in the guardian entitled "Why 2009 was Facebook Year" and lead to me consider the impact facebook is having on my relationships. Even by Facebook's standards, the past 12 months have been remarkable. The site cemented its position as the world's favourite social network, reached the verge of profitability and even exerted its influence over the race for the Christmas No.1. With the astonishing landmark of 500 million users now in sight, internet insiders suggest that the pressure may bring more headaches to Facebook's 25-year-old founder, Mark Zuckerberg, and his team. "It's definitely an interesting time," said ...

I saw this article "Facebook 'sex chats' blamed for one in five divorces" in the Daily Mail all about Facebook being blamed for a rise in divorces.  After my reading and studying of Facebook recently, I was struck by this and realise that one of the dangers of Facebook is that you can take away boundaries and allow for much more of a hidden conversation. When you don't see people reactions you can create a different persona because you don't see uncomfortableness or embarrassment. You are connect in away that has never been seen before. This danger is being lived out by so many people. I wonder what we can ...

So I am have been reading 'The Church of Facebook' recently (will blog about this later I am sure) and am struck by the meteoric rise of Facebook. Its phenomenal to think that this social network platform didn't exist  5 years ago and now it seems to influence the whole of cultural understanding. This graph tracks the rise that has taken place over that time. Not sure we have seen as worldwide remarkable 'community' growth since, the early church (as I heard someone say).

Its Friday guys and it's time for a guest blogger. Ever thought that because you’re in a Christian environment, your behaviour is fine because you’re among Christians; and so it doesn’t matter? I have, and it wasn’t until a conversation I had with a friend not long ago, did I begin to realise how I was a poor example of God. I was falling hard and fast. I stopped and realised that who you are isn’t just witnessed by my friends and people I know; but it’s witnessed by God. The guilt that hit me after the conversation was massive because I knew deep in my heart that I had let God down. First ...