Welcome back, Pilgrim. Here’s what’s happened in town since you’ve been away…
Welcome back to the Reformer Newsletter, where we can take a dive into various projects and activities from around web3 and across the Christian community. You have joined this network to contribute to our collective mission of building for Christ’s Kingdom, and we will use this newsletter as a platform to enable that.
What does it mean to work for the Kingdom of God? The answer to that question has looked different for different people across different ages. For the overseers of churches in the first century facing derision, or the martyrs of the second century facing death, or those taking up the cross in defense of the Faith a millennium ago, all the way to those who are called to be a witness of the cross in an increasingly hostile world today, in each epoch there are unique obstacles and opportunities.
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
Psalm 127:1
As the Body of Christ, the Church is called to use the tools, means, and methods at its disposal to address those obstacles and opportunities unique to our moment of labor. These tools, means, and methods are not especially blessed— there are “builders” and “watchmen” described by the Psalmist who will use them to ends which suit their own vanity. But not us. Look around at the miracles free for us to use to bless others. Society is tearing itself apart, yet we have tools to reach out and show love to nearly anyone, anywhere in the entire world! The rulers of the economy are taking us to the brink of a death spiral which can ruin entire communities, but we have been given the opportunity to seek our own economic systems free of authoritarian misrule.
So stay frosty out there! Study up and get sharp on tomorrow’s technologies. Ask how you might engage with the fellowship of believers to build for His Kingdom and share the Gospel in both word and deed. Seek opportunities at home, at church, or within the boundless digital landscape to bless others. If you’re feeling really saucy, you could even share this newsletter across your networks and check out the Reformers Essay Series on mirror.xyz, or check out a Reformers NFT. The Reformers Community seeks to help by hosting a platform where web3 creators can collaborate, ask questions, share wisdom, and connect on exciting projects. In all of this remember…
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…
Colossians 3:23
Around Web3
The ABCs of NFTs: The 2021 NFT boom cycle was a party that got a bit out of hand; most of 2022 has been the ensuing hangover. While many people are laid low pounding Pepto, there appears to be a group on Reddit ready to go again, and who hopefully have in mind a more tame evening with friends. Metaphor aside, this ABCs of NFTs article is an interesting infographic both to newcomers and NFT veterans who want a more broad outlook on user statistics and potential use cases. What new ideas does this spark for you?
Building Partnerships with NFT Projects and Communities: Andreesen Horowitz (or “a16z” if you’re cool) is a great resource for those interested in web3, crypto, and digital transformation in general. This article specifically looks at how web3 communities, using NFTs among other more traditional methods, can build partnerships in the generation to come. What’s more interesting, it touches on how these “partnerships” between projects and companies can grow beyond traditional mergers and marketing co-opts to spawn entirely new corporate structures and company alignments in the future. How might the creators living in God’s Kingdom utilize these methods for growth and radical partnerships?
Around the Community
The ReformersNFT Community seeks to provide connections and resources for those believers looking to build in web3 for God’s Glory. For those who are new to the space or eager to learn more, you can check out the Web3 Simplified courses created by one of our own community members.
Drawn to Reality Tour: Community member and digital artist Patrick Bezalel gave a virtual tour last week of his fantastic metaverse gallery Drawn to Reality on spatial.io. **Note that we did have technical issues for some users while replaying the video, so you can also feel free to jump into the metaverse gallery yourself and reach out to @Mehlow in the Discord if you have questions about the art.
Reformers Radio Hour: The weekly Reformer Radio Hour Twitter Space is now on the podcast provider of your choice! Listen in to our latest episodes to learn how Christians can get involved in the web3 space and dive into exciting projects which we are exploring.
Like this Newsletter? You can also check out the Reformers Essay Series on Mirror and subscribe to receive updates to your inbox.
The Call
The Reformers is a community of Christ followers who want to continuously explore new tools which can extend the reach of His Kingdom. If you want to lean in and support that mission, check out a Reformers NFT, become a patron of the community, get news and updates to start building with us, and help us run this race with endurance.