The Fishbowl

We have all lived in the fishbowl. That lifestyle where it seems like everyone knows all the details of your life even though you have shared it with only a few. Much of the advice I hear from pastors is "Keep your personal life as private as you can." But I also know we minister to a culture that appreciates authenticity. So where do you draw the line?

I recently had a conversation with a fellow pastor who brought up some good points in using social networking websites in ministry. He explained to me that people can connect not only once a week face-to-face on Sunday morning, but daily on their Myspace or Facebook pages. (I have my wife to thank for my latest technology adventure: Facebook) This increased communication can actually lead to a deeper sense of connection on Sunday morning. Throughout the week the members of a small group (or even a church?) can be in communication with one another via the internet.

Any use of technology can have potential hazards. In a profession where keeping healthy boundaries on personal information is already challenging, opening up one's entire life to the world can be dangerous. I would like to know your thoughts. How public should ministers make their personal lives in today's post-modern culture?