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Blogs? !

In 2004, Merriam-Webster's [Dictionary] chose "blog" as its Word of the Year.
("Podcasting" was chosen by the New Oxford American Dictionary in 2005.)

But what does this have to do with ministry?

"Blogging is a revolution in communication, community, and authentic conversation; a revolution that churches cannot afford to ignore." (from the Preface of The Blogging Church, p. xiv by Brian Bailey with Terry Storch, Leadership Network / Jossey Bass, 2007)

 

Blogging is a one to many form of communication at its minimum and a one to many and many to one at its best.

Blogs should not be the same as most web sites - news, announcements, billboards. That would be sapping the potential from this form of communication. Blogs need to be included in the tool box that includes email, church newsletters (mailed and online), web sites, direct mail, etc. (However, because of their low cost and ease of use, some churches use the blogging technology to post web sites.)

Another excerpt from The Blogging Church:

"Blogs are the new way to tell stories...These stories don't exist in a vacuum; they are part of a larger conversation...Is the story of your church being told? Is your church part of the conversation?...There is a new passion for authentic communication. People want to be part of an open and honest conversation...People are seeking out individuals and organizations that want to be part of this new conversation. They are looking for those who are willing to open the door and let others inside."

 

The author acknowledges that face to face conversation is the best, but short of that blogging has much to offer to invite to and carry on such conversations.

Bloggers at their best write to reflect on the happenings - past and future - in such a way as to invite their readers into a reflective conversation that continues through posting remarks or emailing the blogger.

What technology does a blogger need?

• Computer connected to the internet
• Web browser
• Blog account (one service of many available is from Google's Blogger)

How can a pastor and/or church best use this communication tool?

• Read blogs (recommended blog to start with by Kem Myer)

• Read the books The Blogging Church (No tech knowledge required) and Naked Conversations (forwarded by Tom Peters; written by Robert Scoble and Shel Israel. This book provides insights into blogging from business perspective.)

• Communicate with pastors and pastoral staff from churches who have taken this step with trepidation and found it a terrific and rewarding tool of ministry.

Here are 3 to start with:

• First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy (look at the Blogs listing in the Quick Links horizontal menu.)

• Decatur First Baptist Church's Sr. Pastor, Steve Mechem

• Brian Bailey's Blog(Author of The Blogging Church)

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