>{therealnickjones}<

Let’s get a few things straight first. I have never logged a single minute in World of Warcraft. I think Second Life is a bit awkward, and I barely know enough about technology to keep this blog online. But I am currently leading a bible study on XBOX live inside of Halo 3.

The idea for me is simple. If I have a box in my living room that instantly allows me to communicate with people around the world in a setting we all feel comfortable in… I’m going to use it. The gaming community might be a bit different than what you have in your head. It’s not a bunch of 12 year olds playing mario at sleepovers. (that was my early experience as well…) The average age of my study is probably 35. Mostly dads, have a good career, good marriage, enjoy lots of different hobbies, typical, everyday guys. Baseball coaches, school teachers, designers, musicians.

Here’s what I find so interesting about the whole thing though. Anonymity brings confidence. Guys will talk about issues in this environment that they might never bring into the open in your typical sunday school roundtable. I mean we are all sitting at home, talking to each other inside a video game, it’s the least intimidating environment I know of.

I’m not saying this is the church of the future. I’m not saying it’s a perfect model. But it’s something, and I say if we’ve been given opportunities…. let’s not waste them.

now excuse me I have to go pwn some kids to try and level up.