Showing posts with label Memo to Mark Zuckerburg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memo to Mark Zuckerburg. Show all posts

Monday, July 10, 2017

Memo to Mark Zuckerburg: Church is More than Just a Community - CBN News


Memo to Mark Zuckerburg: Church is More than Just a Community


07-09-2017
Dr. Corne Bekker: "What makes the Church the Church...is the presence of God."
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerburg stirred some controversy earlier this summer when he seemed to suggest that Facebook communities can serve the same needs as traditional communities, including churches.
He noted that more people are dropping out of those communities, including churches, and seeking new ways to connect with others.
Zuckerburg says he wants "Facebook's whole mission" geared towards creating "meaningful communities" on the giant social media platform which has two billion users.
However, Christians who understand the role of the church will never accept a substitute, Dr. Corne Bekker, Dean of Regent University's School of Divinity told CBN News.
"When we simply build communities of interest, those communities cannot last. There's not enough there to keep people together," he said.
He says Zuckerburg misunderstands the "nature of the Church."
"What makes the Church the Church, is not community," he said. "It is the presence of God."


Bekker says this presence is what "brings the Church together, what binds the Church together, what gives the Church the ultimate meaning."
He reiterated Christ's own words in Matthew 18:20
"When two are gathered together, 'I am there,'" he said.
He agrees with Zuckerburg's claim that church membership is dropping, but says it is because congregations are not focusing on this key factor.
Bekker also said that the Church is different than other "community organizations," not only because of God's presence, but because "it is where we worship Him (God) and the beauty of holiness; where all meaning is ultimately communicated to the people."
"It's what gives us purpose" he added.
And although Bekker believes Zuckerburg misunderstands the Church, he welcomes the CEO's desire to form "meaningful communities."
He added, "I think we as a Church should go to Mark and say 'yes, we'll take hands with you, we can work together, we can indeed do this together.'"
While you are here...
We'd like to ask for your help. At CBN News, we strive to bring you the most current, pertinent and reliable news possible. We are able to bring you this important news from a Christian perspective because of the help of friends like you who know how vital it is to have an alternative to the news you hear from major media outlets.
Would you help ensure that we can continue to provide this important service to you and our country by considering a special gift today? Or would you become a monthly partner so we know we can count on the resources we need to bring you the best news possible?
Thanks for being a part of the dynamic future of CBN News, as well as helping The Christian Broadcasting Network share the love of Jesus with hurting people everywhere.
Donate to CBN