Christian Educators' Journal

Web of connections

by Rob Vander Giessen-Reitsma

As we talked about and planned for *cino, we came up with many ideas for putting people in contact with one another for practical purposes. Grant wanted to have a place to post an ad for a drummer for his band. Rob was interested in having a place to post advocacy opportunities for causes worthy of Christian involvement. Bill suggested posting a speakers' bureau so that people who had developed a presentation on a particular topic could find an outlet for speaking engagements, and there are benefits for institutions who are looking for speakers as well.

We originally lumped all of these categories into what was called the Network, but we decided it needed a snazzier name. Hence, we have cino*connect, the online network for bringing people together. cino*connect is much more than just a posting board for speakers, musicians, and advocacy. It will also include events, vocational and personal mentors, bartering, and travel hosts. In addition, any of our modes that have a physical location eventually (for example, the intentional living communities) will have listings so you can visit them anytime or hook up with a group of cino-ites (*cino-ers? *cino-heads?) in your own community.

This mode is more straightforward than most of the others in its purpose. Basically, there is no need for any of us to struggle alone when there are other Christians who share the same interests, struggles, goals, etc. cino*connect is all about bringing those people together because the more connections we can make, the stronger the community of believers becomes.

Our timetable for completing this mode is a little less straightforward. For some of the larger portions like the mentor section, we are seeking to partner with institutions who can provide necessary financial and people resources. Other sections we will develop as we have time and see need; the development of these sections will be supported with the general operating funds that are raised through the iGNITE! campaign. And some sections will develop along with the initiation of other modes, like the listings for intentional communities or acts+two communities.

If you have any ideas for other cino*connect sections or if you have any questions, please contact us. cino*connect is a network which, by definition, means we need you to make it work.