The Open Source Church

Over at Slashdot(Yes, we are that big of geeks) there is a post on PI day.

“Today, the 14th of March, is Pi Day 2008. Pi Day is internationally celebrated in honor of the mathematical constant “Pi,” who’s actual value will — now and forever — remain unknown. NeoSmart Technologies has a run-down on the history of Pi, Pi Day, and the significance of Pi and other such “magical numbers” to science and technology. ‘Pi isn’t just a number that you can use to calculate circle-related mathematics, it’s a symbol of something by far greater. Pi is one of many “magic” numbers that are found everywhere — if you know where to look. These magic numbers can’t be explained, they just are. And if you use them right, they make it a lot easier to do a lot of really complicated things… In a way, they’re a testimony to technology and computers (or vice-versa, depending on how you look at it).’”

I don’t know to me the “magic numbers” show a God who in his infinite wisdom was so precise that he created these “magic numbers” as a base for all of creation. I think when you look at everything all together you have to conclude a knowledgeable creator. I also see a God who is as big a geek as I am(but that is just me). Have a good Pi Day.

I just read this article over on Wired Magazine. It outlines the history of “Free” and explains why “Free”is the future of business. This article is a good description of us here at The Open Source Church.

We are offering a free service in hopes of a a latter reward, only for us that reward will not come here on the earth but in heaven when we we hear the Lord “Well done my good and faithful servant”.

How does this apply to churches though? What services are we offering our guests? What is the cost of those services, either real or implied? In the world we live into day people are starting to be conditioned to expect things for free. What can your church do to capitalize on this?

Most churches are offering free stuff already, coffee, dough nuts, childcare. But what other services could you offer to guests that would generate interest and attendance while not raising you operating costs?

Maybe it is providing a Moms day out/Parents night out, utilizing your building which just sits there when your not having service. You could offer up your volunteers to help clean up the surrounding neighborhoods. Or you could show free movies for families once again utilizing that facility you have.

The point is utilizing the resources you have and using them to give something away. After all isn’t that what Jesus did? He used his life and gave it away for us, in the hopes that we would accept that gift. That is the ultimate example of “Free”.