I think blogging is awesome. But, you probably already knew that.
A number of conversations recently have been about “why” a Pastor should blog.
Here are my top 10 reasons (there are more) of why a Pastor should Blog:
- To Connect. Blogging grants the Pastor and opportunity to connect with their congregation, as well as those outside the direct “flock.”
- To Promote. Pastors who blog can recommend and promote particular people, pieces of writing, books, other blogs, etc. that’ll give their congregation more material to consume for educational purposes and edification. This is an amazing opportunity to leverage.
- To Respond. Pastors have an opportunity to respond to questions, provide feedback, help manage information flow, and give credible responses to their congregations.
- To Write. Obviously blogging is about writing, but the affects of writing are well-known: Writing helps you construct thoughts better and makes you a better speaker (unless you’re me). It helps clarify and develop communication skills. That’s a good thing.
- To Educate. Pastors have only a limited amount of time on any given Sunday to teach. Expansion of this particular area in and through a blog is amazing, especially if that’s a particular gifting that the Pastor has. Expanding this platform in an educational-focus can be outstanding.
- To Grow. Not only does blogging grow the Pastor, but it also helps grow their online presence as well as their ministry’s presence online. Some of the best search engine results for a ministry come not from a well designed Church website but from a Pastor’s blog. Go figure.
- To Network. Pastors have the opportunity to connect with other ministry leaders and network through online mediums with an incredible speed and effectiveness. Blogging enables this to the n-th degree.
- To Lead. Pastors can increase their leadership and influence by blogging into areas that they may not have necessarily been able to without an online presence. In addition, their leadership through blogging can impact their congregation and spur them, challenge them, and encourage them to also build leadership online as well. A Pastor who blogs well will see this growth of their ministry in phenomenal ways.
- To Acclimate. You Pastor might be the most technologically-backward individual in the congregation. That’s a bad thing. Asking the Pastor to blog will increase their understanding of web technology as well as the online culture, landscape, rules of engagement, and practicum, which will provide for better online property development and reach because of their new found interest and experience. Having them use the medium is the best teacher.
- To Relate. A number of Pastors have been able to become “more human” as they share parts of their lives that may not have been in the “public eye” before. Pastors who blog are typically more “accessible” and can build relationships with their congregation faster and more effectively. It’s nice to read about a Pastor’s personal life, not because I’m voyeuristic, but because I love to know that they are just like me, flesh and blood.
Those are some of the top reasons I think a Pastor should blog. Got any additional thoughts?
I've started a blog and am trying to encourage members of the church to interact with me on it! It's tough for an older, non-technology-minded church to do this, but I'm staying with it and hope they'll see the benefit of it one day. Great article, thanks!
sure thing!
I'd have to add one to the great list!
~ To celebrate – It's a chance for the pastor to celebrate the people that are moving the church forward, to thank key volunteers, and to get "wins" out there for the people of the church to see.
Wow, that's an awesome reason. thanks for that!
I like this addition. In the Church, because it's all ministry rewards are sometimes left out. Again, good addition!;)
I so agree! there are times that we think pastors are just for pulpits and prayer rooms. they can now just spread their wings and use what's available to spread the word of God and reach more people!:D
thanks mike! how are you doing?
Good piece…
Great list John….I wrote a post on this exact topic a few weeks ago.
http://manofdepravity.com/2009/04/02/5-reasons-pa…
you and i are on the same page!
Just came across Collide Magazine's article on this same topic. It's by Rhett Smith and gives some similar reasons, but I would encourage you all to check that out as well for more on this topic. I know I'm behind in my magazine reading. It's the March-April edition of collide.
If you don't subscribe already, (they have a digital version that is pretty cheap, as well as the print version that they mail to you) then today would be a good time for you to do so.
Rhett Smith on Twitter: http://twitter.com/rhetter
thanks!
Thanks! Passing this on!
And it is a way to connect without too much info. I always hesitate to add parishioners as friends on facebook. A blog however, maintains the boundaries and actually keeps the conversation focused.
that is definitely true. good barrier discussion should ensue…!
That's really interesting, Joel. Why do you hesitate to add parishioners as friends on FB?
Thanks. This was very useful helping me clarify my thoughts.
In a culture which promotes autonomy and lack of community, using technology like blogs to stay in touch and conversational with the church body is wise.
-Russ
definitely.