I need to clarify some things. Since starting to post here at ATB, I sent out a message to a broad crossection of friends, former Campus Crusade coworkers, and family, asking for feedback. The last thing I want to do is to reflect poorly on Campus Crusade, missionaries in general, or Jesus. So I asked for feedback on whether or not the site was funny, what I could do to make sure that I am not coming across as the offensive, bitter former staff guy, etc. Because I really am not bitter. Really.
Most of the feedback came in some form of the following “Yeah, you come off like a bit of a know-it-all, and it’s mildly funny at times, and awkwardly bitter/sarcastic at other times, and not really all that helpful.” My staff friends assured me that they would never send a ministry partner to this site.
So, from here on out, I am going to be retooling, revamping, and trying really hard to come across accurately. For starters, I am going to stop just picking on the giving side of the fence when it comes to missionary support. I am also going to be picking on folks (like myself) who asked with impure motives, or just awkwardly. Additionally, I am going to try and “dial back the sarcasm” as one friend put it. I’ll also try and go back (when I find some time) and edit the existing posts (including ones currently queued up to post in the next couple of days…) to take out the unnecessary sarcasm. Finally, I am going to be posting some stories that are indicative of how I really feel (extremely grateful for the hundreds of thousands of dollars that people gave to my ministry over the 8 years I was on staff). If you are on staff, I’d love to tell some of those stories for you, as well.
If at any point you want to tell me a way I might have offended you, I’ve set up a special place where you can message me (anonymously or not) with any feedback. (click here for the feedback form) Please don’t hesitate to contact me there.
The bottom line is that I want to make people laugh, think, and worship. Hopefully I will begin doing a better job of that.