At the time of writing, The Poking Stick is launching in less than 24 hours. I felt it was fitting that I write a brief introduction to the network. The Poking Stick began as a result of a good conversation. It was a group of seminary students talking amongst themselves about where they would be in 20 years. Some of us would be pastors, some historians, counselors, or authors. The conversations eventually came around to where I would be in 20 years. The consensus was that I would be an agitator (flattering, I know). What they meant was, wherever I went in life, I’d be going against the grain. “You’ll make people think!” This was the statement that I clung to that day.
A Network of Thinkers
The Poking Stick was originally designed to be a podcast, but that quickly changed. I wanted to create something that would allow thinkers to think, and to give them a space to express their thoughts. What began as a simple podcast became a website. Once the website was in the works, I figured that the website could be a place for individuals to share their thoughts. Several text messages went out and a handful of folk joined The Poking Stick team. We are just a group of regular people who have the heart to serve others. We all see The Poking Stick as an opportunity to speak as orthodox Christians in a postmodern world. If we can just cause our readers to stop and think for a moment, then we are doing what the network was made to do.
The Poking Stick?
The network’s name came to me while I was walking to buy some ramen. It’s a lighthearted nod at the reality that the network will poke at the issues we see in our churches. There will be times when we feel like we are poking the hornets’ nest. The name does not mean that we are looking for trouble or that we are trying to be divisive. We are here to speak the truth in love — even if the truth is uncomfortable.
Who are we?
We have intentionally refrained from describing ourselves with any negatives. I believe that the identity of something should not be defined by what it is not, but rather what it is. To say that we are not ”___” does not say what we truly are. This is why we describe ourselves as orthodox Christians. The Poking Stick is not affiliated with any movement but its own. We believe in the fundamentals of Christian doctrine, and that is what guides us as we write. The Word of God is our ultimate authority. We are a group of like-minded believers who have a pioneer spirit. We understand that there is no excuse for remaining silent; therefore, we write. The Poking Stick is an open network, and we welcome others who affirm orthodox Christianity to contribute. The Poking Stick is a young ministry, but by God’s grace, we pray that it will reach others.
Blessings,
Cory Woodard: Creator of The Poking Stick