I wish you all could have been with us for the recent officers' meeting in Nashville. Not only did we plan for a spectacular workshop in April and handle the usual activities required to keep an organization like BCA moving. We also brainstormed about how BCA can use 21st century tools to serve members.

BCA is best known for its annual spring workshop, which combines education and networking to inspire and prepare members for the varied communication roles they fill. One of our challenges has been to continue that networking and encouragement throughout the year.

That effort got a major boost last year, thanks to Cam Tracy with the launching of this new Web site. But while it is an excellent took for spreading information, we didn't yet have a strong tool to facilitate conversation among members. The flow of information could be one sided, from BCA to the members. Now, with the help of new technology, I think weve finally found a way to connect members and start dialogues about our work that can spread around the country and beyond.

If you haven't joined Facebook, please do so. Then search for "Baptist Communicators" and ask to join the Facebook group. Because it is a closed group, available only to members, you won't have to worry about who will be sending you messages.

One of the reasons I'm excited about this is because it finally gives us a way to talk about our work with other communicators who share the same passion for our messages and our audiences. A lot of BCA members work in small shops and wear a variety of hats. (Let's see, there's spokesperson, photographer, video specialist, web master, writer. Need I continue?) This networking tool will allow us to bounce ideas, share resources we've found and discuss the topics that are important to us.

The exciting part of this during our officers' meeting was the way new leaders were using Facebook and other software, applications and Web sites as a springboard to further the mission of BCA. I believe the future of BCA is strong because of the forward thinking leadership represented in that room. I hope you will do your part and get involved with Facebook and any other resources we use to connect you with your peers.

This is your organization. It only works if you take part. Go to Facebook and check it out.