I remember when we published 10,000 blog posts!
To think that we’ve now published 50% more content since then is pretty staggering–if I do say so myself.
With a change of editorial direction these past few years, I would like to think that 50% increase isn’t just sheer quantity, but also an increase in quality. π
My Story (and ChurchMag’s)
My story starts much like Jeremy’s, Phil’s, Rachel’s, and Chris’.
But first, a quick rewind to the very beginning…
As you may already know, ChurchMag actually started as Church Crunch. That was back in 2008, and it quickly grew into an entire network of blogs by 2010 and was called, The 8BIT Network.
It was that same year, 2010, that I authored my very first blog post for ChurchMag (then, The 8BIT Network).
Like many others, it was a pretty awesome feeling to get paid for what I wrote–all the while being a part of something bigger than myself, a part of something that was helping build The Kingdom.
A few months after that fateful first blog post, I found myself as Editor and–as John Saddington would say to me–knowing the blog “from soup to nuts.”
And I did.
It was a regular crash course into the world of professional blogging.
In the Spring of 2012, The 8BIT Network rolled all into one and transformed itself into what it’s called today, ChurchMag. By the end of 2012, however, 8BIT was ready to part ways and offered to sell it to me before moving forward with other potential buyers.
The Story Continues…
Since then, a lot has changed around here and–just like technology itself–it will continue to change.
I was told early on that blogging was a marathon and not a sprint and that’s advice that I echo time and time again to this very day.
Over the last several years I have found some secrets to success and I can’t stress enough the power of teamwork.
And today, as I think about the great personal words from the ChurchMag Staff Writers this week, the encouraging emails sent to me, and the wonderful words shared on social media, I am left with an overwhelming sense of gratefulness.
- Grateful to God.
- Grateful for my family and friends.
- Grateful for the ChurchMag Staff Writers.
- Grateful for all of those who believed in me (John, Chris, Tom, Jared, and Joel–just to name a few).
Finally, I am grateful for you–the reader of ChurchMag.
May our next 5,000 blog posts be just as awesome as the past 15,000.
“Autobots, roll-out!”
Giveaway!
I couldn’t decide if I wanted to give away an Amazon, Starbucks, Steam, or iTunes gift card…so I guess the winner can decide! π
So who wants to win a $100 gift card?
Leave a comment below (tell me what kind of gift card you would like) and we’ll pick a winner Tuesday, November 24th!
Don’t forget your email address! And be sure to check-out our other 15,000th Blog Post Celebration giveaways.
Matt says
It’s been fun to follow along since way back in the day! And super fun to celebrate 15k! Congrats!
Eric Dye says
Thank you, Matt!
Aaron says
Eric, you’ve built an incredible blog and a great team of authors. Always enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the great work!
Eric Dye says
Thank you! We’ll do our best!
Jeff Randleman says
I love reading this site! Thanks for offering the giveaway. If I win, I would pick the Amazon card. Thanks!
Eric Dye says
π
Josh Hoppe says
Churchm.ag still has the top slot in my Feedly account…..long live Churchm.ag. Ghast tears flow by the stack every day without a post. If won I’d love an Amazon card.
Eric Dye says
Dude! That’s awesome to hear! We’ll be around for another 15,000 at LEAST! π
John Saddington says
Congrats. You’ve done one helluva job. To think that we all started out so long ago…………………….. blast from the past.
Eric Dye says
Word. π
Chris Ames says
Eric,
All I really hoped for was that you would carry the torch forward. But you, the staff, and the community have done so much more. You have grown and matured ChurchMag beyond it’s roots.
Thank you. And I’m not even remotely surprised.
Now… when are you coming to Atlanta so we can embrace long enough for your beard and my hair to get awkwardly tangled together like velcro?
Eric Dye says
Maybe sooner than later, my friend…sooner than later… π
Andrew Wilson says
I love reading the blog. I check in once a week to get my fix. Congrats on so many post, that is truly an accomplishment! For the contest, I would definitely do an Amazon gift card, I mean what can’t you get on there?
Eric Dye says
I know, right!?! That’s what I would pick, too.
Paul Loeffler says
Soooo… do you regularly sip espresso in Italy, or is that just a dream? Is it better there, or is the atmosphere just better? Curious after reading that quick bio.
I thoroughly enjoy ChurchMag. I’m still a novice at learning about what you do, having only added you to my feed sometime this year. Still, I regularly get something out of at least one blog a week..
I think, should I win, that Amazon would probably be my go-to gift card. I’m an avid reader, plus there are other items on my wish list that I’d like to get.
Keep up the good work.
Eric Dye says
An espresso in Italy every morning, afternoon, and sometimes a ‘bonus’ cup. π
Thank you for reading, Paul!
Ken Rosentrater says
Hi Eric,
Congratulations. I am grateful to have been a tiny slice of ChurchMag, and hope to continue. I think others on here have more self-discipline for time use.
$100 gift card? Amazon!
Blessings on all,
Ken
Eric Dye says
You’ve written some excellent posts, Ken. π
Tom says
Eric,
Congratulations, man. I can’t believe how far you’ve taken this site. #proud
To think it started off with _those_ two guys and got where it is today, right? ;). But seriously, 15k down. Here’s to the next 15k.
You’re my favorite Italian.
Eric Dye says
π
Erik says
As Phil’s other boss, I’d like to simply say that I’m so grateful that you stopped having him do impressions on the podcast. π
Congrats on the milestone and keep up the great work!
Erik
Eric Dye says
LOL
Thank you.
Eric J says
I’d love a Starbucks gift card!
Eric Dye says
It’s Eric Johnson!!!! It’s always great to see a comment from you. π
Mark Cabangon says
Reading through this blog, one main thing popped out…a picture of Final Fantasy?!? You just moved up on my “awesome gamer” list!
It was pretty cool to find out you guys are avid Minecraft players as my 7yo and I just started playing…that is some quality time right there π
Anyway, love listening to you guys and reading your blogs.
Since you asked….I can Benoit from a SB card, all my meetings are held there.
Eric Dye says
Awesome!
Be sure you don’t miss this: https://churchm.ag/minecraft
π
Auggie says
It’s been a fun journey to follow. Excited for 20,000
Eric Dye says
Woot! Woot!
Paul Oyler says
Congratulations! I read ChurchMag every day, without fail. (And sometimes even contemplate what it would be like to write for such an awesome publication)
Anyways, if I won, I’d choose the Amazon card.
Jeremy Smith says
It’s amazing, you should definitely try and submit something for the world to read.
Eric Dye says
True story!
https://churchm.ag/contribute/
Eric Dye says
PAUL!!! YOU WIN!!!
Email me…eric at churchm.ag…and give me the email address you would like this sent to. π
Carole H says
Guess I’m late to the party since I just discovered this blog today! I am adding it to my regular reading while trying to help our church plow through the digital age. Would like an Amazon gift card if chosen!
Eric Dye says
WELCOME! π
Carl says
From crunch to mag, it’s been awesome to be on the quest. You have given be resources, ideas, and some good laughs along the way.
card? Amazon – can get just about anything there, except for churchm.ag awesomeness!
Eric Dye says
LOL!
Except for maybe the ChurchMag Press ebooks that are on Amazon… π
It’s awesome to have you with us on this quest!
Sallie Draper says
Fun to look back on the start. I’ve been podcasting weekly for almost 8 years. I’d have never imagined we’d still be at it when we started in 2008. Blessings on your next 15,000 posts! If I win, I’d love an Amazon card!
Eric Dye says
Time flies when you’re having fun! π
Blessing Mpofu says
I remember the early days. I actually didn’t realise how long I’ve been following and cleaning from ChurchMag since Church Crunch days even. Insane! Thanks Eric for keeping the ship going, you have no idea the impact you’ve made, are making. Thanks for allowing me the privilege to also contribute. Salut!
Eric Dye says
Grazie! π
sean odriscoll says
Thanks for the amazing site, the wonderful content, and the hours of laughter!
Gift card – Amazon!
Eric Dye says
BOOM!
Thanks for reading Sean.
Matt Brady says
Eric, thanks for all that you do for the churchm.ag community. I wonder… do you think church tech is less “crunchy” now that it was then?
(Oh, and if you managed to select me for a gift card, I would say Amazon)
Matt Dailey says
You guys are awesome! Can’t wait for the next 5000!