Emerging Scholars Network Blog Update
Posted by tom | Sep 3, 2011
Ministry effectiveness is hard to define. After fifteen years on InterVarsity Christian Fellowship staff (first ten years in Pittsburgh, last five years in South Central PA . . .), I've come to enjoy a balance of
- blogging/internet connections
- campus gatherings (e.g., Bible study, book discussions, fellowship gatherings, prayer)
- conferencing
- face-to-face conversation
- special events . . .
It's hard to quantify the impact of investment in the lives of Emerging Scholars, Faculty, Health Care Students/Professionals, but every now and then, one aspect comes to the forefront and one has some form of numbers to share. Drum roll . . .
In August, the Emerging Scholars Network (ESN) Blog set a new record for visits. We had 3,610 visits with 116 average visits per day (and we only post 2-4 days a week), topping our previous record from April by about one more visit/day. In addition to the direct visits we have 317 email subscribers and 265 RSS feed subscribers. Wow! To God be the glory!
As you may have guessed, based upon our national way of life -- mirrored/complemented by educational structures -- we have previously been stagnant in August.
Three popular series from August 2011:
- My book series on Dennis Hollinger's Head, Heart & Hands (IVP. 2005)
- Kami's series about her visit to India
- Recent PhD recipient Hannah's guest series on "What I Wish I'd Known about Grad School." As you may remember, Hannah's intimately involved with the South Central PA Christian Scholars Network (a local expression of ESN).
Can't wait to see how September builds upon the momentum. Next week, we're starting a 3-week series by ESN mentor Kevin (Anthropology Faculty, Queens College) on "What I Wish I Knew about Faculty Life." He'll explore departmental politics, teaching curriculums, and tenure decisions. As an ethnographer, Kevin shows his points via stories instead of telling you his point directly. I've read a draft of the series. They are excellent, one might even say "parable-like."
Also in September, we'll
- post a Q&A with Jordan Ballor from the Acton Institute. Note: Acton Institute has offered student readers of the ESN blog a free subscription to Acton's Journal of Markets and Morality.
- begin my series on Mary Poplin's Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service (IVP. 2008).
Upon further reflection . . . although I enjoy writing and am excited about the impact that I can see by the numbers; I even more enjoy the relationships/conversations which spin out and develop over email, Facebook, and in person connections at various gatherings. These reveal/remind me of the value of raising/exploring what it means to follow Christ (as part of the Body of Christ) in the daily life of higher education (& beyond) . . . to be His Head, Heart, & Hands . . . . to come to the realization that we depend on Christ alone. To God be the glory!
