Has anyone ever considered altering introductions from the simple equation of:

"I'm so and so, I'm new"
"Hi so and so, welcome"

To something that is more like a typical introduction you have in person, where you actually share information about yourself and others ask you questions toward that end?

I'm not trying to step on toes (an unwise idea for me, as a new person), but I'm just confused about the purpose of the simple exchange of "Hello, I'm me," and "Hello you, welcome!"

Oh, and since I haven't done so yet:

"Hi, I'm Joshua."

__________________
Joshua Butcher
PCA
College Station, TX

"Hello Joshua, welcome!"

In what field are you a grad student and lecturer?

__________________
Paul Korte
OPC
Flint, MI

They who perceive in themselves discoveries of the divine goodness, so full and absolutely perfect, and who make them the subject of earnest meditation, will never embrace new doctrines, by which the very grace they feel so powerfully in themselves is thrown into the shade. --John Calvin

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

"Hello Joshua, welcome to the PB!"

What's your favorite coffee?

__________________
Norm
IA PCA

In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:4-5

Hi Joshua. Who are you?

__________________
Curt Lovelace
Pastor, Covenant Baptist Church (CBA)
Acton, Maine
Director, Lifework Forum
Sermons at SermonAudio.com/CBCActon
Blogging at Coffee with Curt

I'm in the field of Communication, specializing in Rhetoric & Public Affairs, and I'm teaching these classes at present:

Public Speaking
Argumentation & Debate
Rhetorical Criticism
American Oratory
Teaching Assistant for Rhetoric in Western Thought

What is your vocation?

-----Added 9/15/2009 at 10:52:31 EST-----

Hello!

I tend to prefer dark roasts, usually French, and I drink my coffee black. What about you?

-----Added 9/15/2009 at 10:53:58 EST-----

Hi. I'm still learning about who I am, as it as not yet appeared what we shall be. Is there anything specific you are curious about?

Nothing specific. Just following your Q+A format.

In that case, it is my turn. Who are you, Curt?

Greetings, earthling.

Did you have less fear about Obama or Hillary winning the presidency? Or to sound less intrusive - which dessert did you prefer, lady fingers or black forest cake?

__________________
Andrew Thornquist My Photo Album
Calvinistic Baptist
Ukiah, California
To follow Christ was the best decision God made for me!

I am an aging pastor now serving in a Baptist congregation but originally ordained in the RPC,ES, whose doctrines I still espouse.

Hi so and so, welcome

so and so was a constant, right?

__________________
Jake; Hold to Original WCF, member of SBC; Greater Atlanta, Georgia Area

The cross does not give us a minor shift or two with regard to a few of our ethical and moral and religious values; the cross radically disrupts the very center and citadel of your life from self to Christ. —Albert N. Martin

Good question. I didn't really fear Obama or Hillary one over the other. To me, they were traveling two different speeds down the same highway, with John McCain somewhere visible in their rearview mirrors.

I tend to prefer chocolate, so I guess black forest cake, unless the lady fingers have dark chocolate drizzled over them.

Do you like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit flavored ice cream best? What's your take on the health care bill?

-----Added 9/15/2009 at 11:17:11 EST-----

It sounds like your situation might be testy at times, Curt. But perhaps as an aging pastor you've shed some youthful immaturity and have learned how to shepherd a flock of differing doctrine? What is the most important thing you've learned as a minister about shepherding God's people?

-----Added 9/15/2009 at 11:18:06 EST-----

I've probably been called so and so at some time or another, give or take.

You?

Hi Joshua,

it seems we have similar interests - pondering.

oh and before I forget. Welcome to PB.

__________________
Ewen
1689 LBCF
Assemblies of God Bible College
Singapore

You call that an introduction? Why so shy? Well anyway, welcome to the PB.

__________________
Alan Hughes
PCA
Lake Zurich, Illinois

If you think I'm a Hyper-Calvinist, God planned that thought before the foundation of the Earth. If you try to tell me that God only planned some things and not all things, then your problem is with God not me.

Hi Josh!

Welcome to the neighborhood! What are you pondering? (I saw that on your about me page)

__________________
Timothy Johnson
First United Presbyterian of Moline
PCUSA (Yea, I know)
Theology/Philosophy Sunday School Teacher
Davenport, IA

Welcome!

__________________
Albert, The Republic of the Philippines
Pasig United Covenant Reformed Church (a Reformed church plant)
United Covenant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (UCRCP)
Three Forms of Unity and Westminster Confession of Faith

Psalm 27:1a (AV) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
“Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts.” -

It sounds like your situation might be testy at times, Curt. But perhaps as an aging pastor you've shed some youthful immaturity and have learned how to shepherd a flock of differing doctrine? What is the most important thing you've learned as a minister about shepherding God's people?



PATIENCE.

It depends on the circumstances. If I'm by myself, either chocolate or fruit. Typically fruit. If I'm on a date (as if I do that), then definitely fruit or vanilla. I would avoid chocolate because of its momentary teeth darkening effects and breath malodorization. That might sound vain, but really it's insecurity. I won't tell you why I'm so insecure. (One time as a courtesy clerk at a local grocery store I was helping out an old woman to her car. She rambled on like a mad woman about the superiority of Lindt chocolate over Hershey's and other brands. I said I had never had Lindt chocolate before, so the woman broke some off and made me eat it in front of her. *shudder*)

Health care bill? Don't even get me started on that one. Not because I have strong opinions, but because I don't know where to start on it. I say no just because it's from the government. They're going to mess it up.

Nothing interesting about me so......................

__________________
sarah
WI
OPC
My Pastor's Sermons: Mark Jenkins...he's awesome!!!

Hahah...but now you gotta explain yourself! Refresh my memory, too, as to how the WWBD got started...

Hi Joshua. I hail from Bear Country and raised in a family of such, but I suppose I can manage a hello to an Aggie.

__________________
Laura
member of Geneva OPC, Woodstock, GA
"Christ has done great things for his people, and he has suffered great things for his people, and he has purchased great things for his people, and he has prepared great things for his people; yet many of his own dear people are so taken up with their own hearts, and with their own duties and graces, that Christ is little eyed by them or minded by them! This is the great reason why so many Christians, who will certainly go to heaven—do walk in darkness, and lie down in sorrow." - Thomas Brooks

Perhaps we need a "Face the Board" forum where members ask questions to persons willing to be subjected to "twenty questions" (or more) to draw out more information about a member.

AMR

__________________
Patrick
Member, PCA
Chandler, AZ
ReformedTheologyInstitute.com

I fear explanations explanatory of things explained.

Perhaps, although I cannot recall such a time. Such was really my lame attempt at humor. Alas. I digress.

Welcome to the PB!

__________________
John
Member
Christ Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Salt Lake City, Utah
www.christpres.net

Play twenty questions with a bunch of puritannical folks, most of whom are well versed in greek and hebrew and have at the very least a MDiv?

I nominate our own in house Madcow to be the first sacrificial lamb. Besides, day of atonement is coming according to Paula White.

Ok

Welcome to the PB. Original choice for an introduction

__________________
César Proença

there is no will nor running by which we can prepare the way for our salvation, it is wholly of the Divine Mercy Jean Calvin Institutes II . V. 17

Reformed Churches in The Netherlands (liberated) http://www.gkv.nl/main.asp?intTreeviewID=954

Igreja Reformada em Massamá Portugal http://www.igrejareformada.pt

Welcome Aggie.
Are you a born Texan or a convert.

I am over here in Lubbock.

Do people who specialize in rhetoric know each other, meet at conventions etc?
If so, one of our elders does exactly what you do...at a University down the street from me. Know a Mark Gring in the rhetoric professor biz?

__________________
Richard H. King
Providence PCA
Lubbock, Texas
You know what my main problem is? I start things but rarely finish anyth...

Can you provide the date most Aggie fans are thinking Mr. Sherman will be fired?

__________________
Benjamin P. Glaser, M. Div, Licentiate, Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
Member Fairmount ARP Church
Pittsburgh, PA

Deo Vindice

Pondering is a favorite, to be sure. Thanks for the welcome.

-----Added 9/16/2009 at 08:38:43 EST-----

I'm pondering a few things currently. You'll get a good idea what from my other postings. At the moment, I'm pondering Organization and Outlining, which I'll be teaching in a couple of minutes.

-----Added 9/16/2009 at 08:40:56 EST-----

Howdy tortilla tosser. I'm a transplant from Florida.

I've never met Mark Gring, but I've not been a consistent conference participant. I'm hoping to go to RSA conference next May, and if he's going to be there maybe you can pass along the word to him and we'll meet up.

-----Added 9/16/2009 at 08:42:35 EST-----

After losing to Texas, Oklahoma, and Baylor in the same year, you'll see a new head coach. So maybe late November?

Welcome, Joshua. I read your profile info. My son was A&M Class of '91 in Engineering. Did you come from Florida for College?

__________________
Jim
1689 LBCF
Independent Bible Church
North Texas, USA

Florida to Virginia for undergraduate, then to Texas A&M for graduate school.

Hi Joshua. How are you?

__________________
Jonathan
Audio Engineer
Reformed Anabaptist
Ohio

Moroni's magical glasses of proper interpretation:

I'm doing pretty well today, thanks Skyler. And you?

Hi Josh! I believe we've met before....

__________________
Patricia
Communicant Member
Westminster Presbyterian Church, PCA
College Station, TX

Give yourself to prayer, to reading and meditation on divine truths: strive to penetrate to the bottom of them and never be content with a superficial knowledge.
David Brainerd

Hi Patricia,

What is your quest?

What is your favorite color?

__________________
Todd K. Pedlar
member, First Congregational Church, (CCCC) Cresco, IA
http://inprincipiodeus.solideogloria.com
http://puritanwisdom.blogspot.com

"As God did not at first choose you because you were high, He will not now forsake you because you are low."
John Flavel in Keeping the Heart



Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

Pretty much the same. What's your Big Dream?

I'll jump in on the questions...

Why did you join the puritan board?

Hi. So do you like The Cowboys, The Texans, The Dolphins, The Bucs, The Jags, or the Steelers?

__________________
Shalom,
jessi
PCA
Steelers fan exiled to Virginia


“Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God.”
Martin Luther

Hi Joshua, welcome to the board. Glad you are here.

Would I recognize you from America's Most Wanted?

Do you have a credit card? Can I have your number (PM me, you can't trust anyone on here)?

Who do you think looks more like a male model, me or Rich Leino?

I'll try and think up some more questions.

__________________
Bob Vigneault C.O.L, L.E., G.E, Dr.O.P., O.U.T.
The Heartbeat of Heaven (blog)
Deacon/Christ Presbyterian Church, Janesville, WI OPC www.christ-opc.org

Click to get: Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

My quest is to seek the Holy Grail.

My favorite color is blue, no green!, AHHHHHHHHH

-----Added 9/16/2009 at 03:14:26 EST-----

I have several "big dreams," but all of them involve serving the Church in some capacity or another.

For example, one dream is to teach at a seminary. Another is to be an elder at a church. Another is to teach at a Christian school (perhaps one I help to start). And there are a few other permutations too.

How about your big dream?

-----Added 9/16/2009 at 03:15:03 EST-----

Because I wanted to interact with a post that Ron DiGiacomo was posting in.

-----Added 9/16/2009 at 03:16:18 EST-----

I'm not a huge NFL fan, so I root for all the Florida teams. But in choosing amongst them, I always place the Dolphins first, because I was such a huge Dan Marino fan growing up.

-----Added 9/16/2009 at 03:17:57 EST-----

To the first: not if I've been keeping up with my incognito skills.

To the second: yes.

To the third: only if I can have yours in exchange.

To the fourth: I can't say, because I don't know who Rich Leino is.

Hello Joshua.

Mine name is also Joshua. Most people call me Josh. My aunt is the only one who calls me Joshua.

How many children do you have? I have five. Three boys and two girls. Ian is twelve. David is seven. I have twins Hannah and Henry. They are two and my youngest Lillian turned one in April.

I work as a janitor at a cement plant in Clarkdale, AZ.

Do you like living in Texas? I really like living in Arizona. I live in an area called the Verde Valley. We have six rivers/creeks that flow year round through our valley. It is considered high desert. Lots of juniper, mesquite and catclaws grow here.

How long have you been married. I have been married eight years. Over that time my wife and I have grown together in our faith and love.

Do you home school? My wife and I just started our third year of home schooling. It has been such a blessing to be able to keep our children out of the public school system.

Any way, welcome to the Puritan Board.

__________________
Josh Taylor
Verde Valley Reformed Chapel, OPC
Cottonwood, AZ