For anyone wondering how the chats are going...
I think we're doing pretty well.
People are always popping in and going as they need to, and I think we had around 20 people at the highest count. Some aren't ones who post in the forums, so it's always great to meet new faces.
With our chats, we're really going for a laid-back, coffee-house kind of vibe. No preaching, teaching, or long lectures (at least, we try to avoid that.) The site already had TONS of avenues for anyone interested in those things -- for instance, there is a permanent Bible Study Room anyone can go to if looking for that.
For our chat, we're trying to create more of a Friday-night hang-out where people talk about their lives and interests.
We had a great conversation going about two members in different countries who have worked in the criminal justice system. I found some of the stories fascinating, especially the empathy these people had for the inmates.
We also had a great discussion (and collective lament) of how modern media has wrecked beloved franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek.
And of course, there's always talk of coffee, cookies, and cuisine...
As I was leaving for the night, there was a discussion going about the changes in the Christian music scene over the years.
I'm also learning as I'm going -- I'm going to start coming in prepared with a list of discussion questions (similar to what I do in the threads) if the conversations slow down.
And I'm also trying to get it so that we run with whatever people seem interested in talking about -- such as, having one conversation going in voice and another one going for the people only doing text, so no one has to bear too long of a session about something they're not really interested in.
Hope to see you all at the next one! (I'm thinking maybe in two weeks, but not sure.)
We'll let you know!
