Dear Pastor Nate,
I’m gonna go ahead and admit this: There are some people I have interacted with on social media that make me glad there’s a couple of screens and hundred of miles between us. Then, there are others who make me wish we were close enough to hang out at the local Starbucks and chat. But then there is a third group people who I’m sure would be totally cool with hanging out, but I’d be too afraid of embarrassing myself in front of them to suggest such a thing, even if it were possible. You may be in Category 3 for me.
Okay, that makes me sound like a fanboy. Don’t worry, I’m not. But I am thankful for your influence. Your books continue to be a blessing to me, and my iPod became sadder when you and Landon retired the Entreating Favor podcast. But the way you have blessed me the most has been on Twitter. Yes, Twitter–the scourge of so many believers. The way you seek to use social media has been a challenge and a blessing to me.
I revisit your Twitter Resolutions from time to time, and I’m always convicted. I learn from your interactions with others, even those who disagree with you. Your social media conduct is often dignified and gracious. In this, you provide an example for other believers to follow. You are not perfect in this, of course, but the quality of your interactions stands out.
I struggle with how to use social media well, but I’m glad there are men like you on these platforms who can set the right tone for the rest of us to imitate.
God bless you in your ministry, in your community, and in your family. May He raise up many more faithful New England pastors to join you in the work.
And if, by some chance, we run into each other at a conference in the future, I’ll do my best to be cool about it.
–Dave
The4thDave Blog 