Are Preachers Ready to Sit on the Hotseat?

hotseat

My jaw dropped after I read this. From Mashable:

Students at Purdue University are experimenting with a new application developed at the school called Hotseat that integrates Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging to help students “backchannel” during class … Hotseat is used to allow students to comment on the class as it proceeds, with everyone in the class including the professor able to see the messaging as it happens.

Right now it’s only being pilot tested in two courses, but has already become a fast favorite for both teachers and students. Professor Sugato Chakravarty, whose personal finance course is one of the pilot tests, said, “I’m seeing students interact more with the course and ask relevant questions.”

This is brilliant. And inevitable. The leadership at Purdue is onto something. They see that these social media channels are the preferred methods of communication for college students. Instead of trying to block Facebook or Twitter, they’ve embraced that this is as much a part of a student’s life as homework and pizza. “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” as the saying goes. It’s educational judo.

If commerce, communication and education–basic building blocks of our society–are being shaped and influenced by the web, what makes us think our faith lives should be exempt from this? They won’t (and shouldn’t) be, unless you’re Amish. In that case, you won’t even be reading this.

If we’re smart, we’ll learn from what Purdue is up to and find ways to bring this dialogical approach to our teaching and preaching. The Hotseat (or something like it) would allow congregations to break down the “fourth wall” and provide an avenue for real-time discussion on what is being preached. Questions, concerns, clarifications–all could be addressed in real-time amongst people who are having a shared experience. Brilliant.

What do you think? Could your pastor sit on the hotseat?

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Contributor: Justin Wise

I am a religious deviant who enjoys coffee, collared shirts, spending time with my wife and son, learning about quantum physics and creatively exploring the riches of the Spirit of Christ. Find more here: JustinWise.me
  • It is an interesting idea. Would it promote more separation in the church between college aged tech savvy people and older people?
  • It is an interesting idea. Would it promote more separation in the church between college aged tech savvy people and older people?
  • KBZO
    Then again, everyone could just talk at once, outloud...defer judgement and not edit their thoughts...while saving the cost of an electronic device. In creative departments, we call that brainstorming. And its GOOD. But it is not the same as education or inspiration. I'm all for the church keeping pace...and freedom of expression...but, the breakdown of boundaries and civil behavior remains disconcerting to this old dog...
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