Crafters for Christ

Hey there, fellow adventurers and seekers of truth! Welcome to our virtual realm where faith and fun collide in our church's Minecraft clan. Get ready to embark on an epic journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual growth. Let's dive into the exciting aspects of our group, from our code of conduct to our Bible lessons, and everything in between. So grab your pickaxe, put on the full armor of God, and let's get mining, crafting, and building!
This will be an inter-church group where several churches from across the country will join in-game and virtually for our regular meet-ups and Bible lessons. You'll foster friendships in person and with others virtually in our shared world.
Get ready for a new adventure!

Setting the Foundation: Our Code of Conduct

In our Minecraft small group, we believe in creating a safe and fun environment for everyone. That's why we have a code of conduct that sets the foundation for our interactions. Our code of conduct is rooted in love, respect, and the teachings of Christ. We encourage all members to treat each other with kindness, to refrain from in-game harassment, detrimental game  play, and to embrace the unique abilities of each player.
But don't worry, our code of conduct isn't just a bunch of boring rules! It's a guide to help us grow together in our faith and have a blast while doing it. We want everyone to know they can safely play and enjoy the game. Our code of conduct can be found by clicking on the scroll. Whether you're a seasoned Minecraft player or a newbie, our code of conduct ensures that our virtual world is a place where everyone can thrive.

Diggin' Deep: Smelting the Ores in Scripture

A core component of our Minecraft group is the desire to grow in our understanding of God's Word. That's why we dedicate time during each meeting to explore the riches of the Bible through engaging lessons. Our Bible lessons are carefully crafted to be both informative and interactive, allowing us to delve deep into the Scriptures and apply them to our lives.
We'll gather around a virtual campfire, surrounded by fellow believers, as we embark on a quest to uncover the treasures of God's truth. Our lessons cover a wide range of topics that tie into Minecraft and use its game mechanics to help us understand how God's love for us will change our lives. We expect engaging discussions and encourage everyone to share their insights and questions. So come prepared to dig deep, ask questions, and grow in your faith alongside your Minecraft buddies!

A Safe Harbor

We believe in fostering strong connections and building a tight-knit community. That's why all of the action takes place on our own private server. It's a safe haven where you can explore, create, and connect with your fellow believers. Only those players who have been added to our allow list can join. We want to ensure that everyone who joins our server is committed to upholding our code of conduct and creating a positive atmosphere.
For now, an in-person request is required. Show up to our in-person meet-ups to be added and then it's go time!

What do I need?

Minecraft Account

To fully immerse yourself in our Minecraft small group, you'll need to come prepared with your own Minecraft account. Don't have one? That's easy. You can purchase one through the Mojang website, or you can buy the app on your device platform's application store. The current price is $29.99 for an account that will get you started.
Our server runs the Java platform but Bedrock clients can connect, so no matter the version you have you'll be set.

Gaming Computer/Device

Along with your Minecraft account you'll also need a computer of some kind to run it. Any device capable of running Minecraft is welcome. This includes laptops, gaming consoles, tablets, and phones. We do discourage bringing a full gaming rig or gaming console to our in-person meetings due to space and power accommodations, but we welcome whatever you bring. Laptops, tablets, and phones will work great and are recommended for our space.
Though even older hardware can handle the game on basic settings, a relatively recent device will provide for a better experience.
If you need some basic help with your system, Pastor Dave is an accomplished IT guy who can help troubleshoot and help get you running again.

Staying Connected

As we journey together in our Minecraft small group, we want to stay connected and keep you updated on all the exciting things happening in our church family. That's why we'll be capturing your contact information, with your permission, of course. We'll use this information to communicate with you about upcoming events, Bible lessons, and other important updates.
Rest assured, we take your privacy seriously and will only use your contact information for the purpose of communicating within our group. We'll never share your information with third parties or use it for any other purpose. So feel free to provide your contact details, and let's stay connected as we grow together in our faith and our love for Minecraft!

In-Game Comms

Multiplayer Minecraft is great, but communicating with the in-game chat is not optimal, that's why we'll be using Discord as our primary platform for in-game communications. Discord allows us to type in chat, share screenshots, and coordinate our adventures in real-time. It's like having a virtual walkie-talkie that keeps us connected no matter where we are in the Minecraft world.
Now, we know that Discord has an age limit of 13 and above. But don't worry, we've got you covered! For our younger members, we'll provide alternative in-game chat options that are safe and age-appropriate. We want everyone to feel included and have the opportunity to communicate and connect with their fellow believers. So whether you're a seasoned Discord user or a newcomer, get ready to chat, laugh, and build unforgettable memories with us!

For the Younger Kids

While we are excited for members of any age group to join up and become part of our community, we are especially concerned about the safety of our younger gamers.
It is important to know that our server is accessible from the Internet.  Though not an open server (players must be granted permission to connect),  players outside our church will be joining through other church groups and outreach venues. And, because we likely won't know all group members well, it is possible that inappropriate language or behavior may occur . We do have some protections in place, and we will actively ban individuals who violate our code of conduct, but it is important that you and your child exercise online safety.
Our parental permission form is required for children under 13 years of age. The form explains more of the risks and how we will promote the group. Please complete the form and submit it prior to your child's access to the server.

Let's Do This!

So there you have it, our Minecraft group is ready for you to join our exciting world. We encourage you to come, have fun, and learn alongside your church family. Don't forget to bring your own account and device, and be sure to submit your request for access to our private server. We can't wait to see you in our virtual world!