Slack: An Online Tool to Foster Conversation

We need each other.

In these days of uncertainty, we need each other even more. God intends for His church to serve and meet needs according to His mighty power. This means that we must have ways to communicate with one another.

We use a variety of means to foster communication within the congregation, including face-to-face conversations, printed materials, emails, phone calls, text messages, and Slack.

Slack is an online communication platform that allows us to share messages within groups and between individuals. The platform is private to our congregation and has been in use since February 2021.

Participation in Slack is available to those who are currently and regularly attending and participating in the congregation (at least 18 years of age).

As with all of our conversation in any context, please use Slack to honor the Lord and show the love of Christ to one another: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth [or your typing fingers], but only such a word as is good for building up what is needed, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29 LSB).

You can use Slack on your computer, smartphone, or tablet. You can download an app for your device.

There are two main ways to communicate within Slack:

1. Channels are like group texts, but you can choose whether to subscribe or unsubscribe from them. These usually have a subject or theme, so you can pick the ones that interest you. Most channels are public, meaning that anyone in our Slack group can join them. There are also private channels, which are by invitation only.
2. Direct messages are private communication with another person, similar to texting from your phone.

Currently we have the following public channels:

• announcements—Church-wide news and announcements.
• prayer—Petitions and thanksgivings the church can pray about.
• home_education—Advice, resources, events, and needs related to educating our children in the home.
• thoughts—Ideas, articles, podcasts, videos, upcoming events.
• blessings_and_needs—Stuff you want to share or have need of.
• ladies—Women’s discussion and news.
• photo_gallery—Photos of congregational gatherings.

You can get notified about every message, only those that mention you, or receive no notifications at all. (Learn how to configure your Slack notifications.)

You can join the church Slack group today. You will be asked to supply your email address and a password of your choosing. Then you can also download apps for your smartphone or computer.

If you have any questions or have trouble getting this set up please send an email.