Here’s a list of assumptions that I’ve been thinking about for a while that I finally wrote down on paper this past week.
I’m giving very little context for why my thoughts have been moving toward these ideas, but take it for what you will!
I think these are pretty “safe bets” though:
- It’s safe to assume that you will probably never make a full-time living off of being a Christian Blogger.
- It’s safe to assume that you will be misunderstood theologically from pretty much every camp, including your own.
- It’s safe to assume that you will never have the “numbers” like a secular blog does that may in fact cover the same scope and content.
- It’s safe to assume that your family, friends, fellow staff members, congregation, and pretty much everyone has or is reading your blog.
- It’s safe to assume that your pastor has read your blog (and has some thoughts about it).
- It’s safe to assume that God doesn’t need you to be a blogger.
- It’s safe to assume that you aren’t blogging about something that’s entirely original, both in coverage of content and theologically.
- It’s safe to assume that you’re probably not doing good enough of a job attracting non-Christians to your obviously overly-Christian blog.
- It’s safe to assume that if you’re blogging under a pseudonym that you will ultimately and inevitably be discovered.
- It’s safe to assume that you’re going to have to work harder, smarter, and better to increase your readership than in other industries.
- It’s safe to assume that much of your readership is probably technologically backwards, to varying degrees.
- It’s safe to assume that you’ll eventually question whether it is “God’s Will” for you to be a blogger.
- It’s safe to assume that you’re not as good of a blogger as you’d like to think that you are.
- It’s safe to assume that pride is ultimately not a sustainable mechanism for success in Christian Blogging, so probably best to ditch it.
- It’s safe to assume that your blog design looks light years behind the industry standard for taste, appeal, and quality, so you probably should spend more time (and money) on it.
- It’s safe to assume that some people will actually be impressed with you and it’s your job to remind them that you’re just as human as they are.
- It’s safe to assume that the world would be just as bad (or good) without your blog content. See #6 again.
- It’s safe to assume that people will misinterpret your motivations for being a Christian Blogger.
- It’s safe to assume that God intends to use the web and blogs to further His Gospel Message, be encouraged.
- It’s safe to assume that God will get His Glory regardless of whether you’re a blogger or not; whether you blog about Him or not.
[Image from Pupolox]
Bill Bolte says
hmmm @ #13. I must be downright awful since I don't think I'm very good at all. Nice post though John.
human3rror says
thanks man. did you know that the number 13 is my fav number?
Bill Bolte says
No. =]
Jeremy Lucarelli says
Brilliant! It amazes me when people don't realize that others within their social circle–pastors, friends, and potential employers–will eventually read the blog. Most people don't understand the kingdom purpose of having a blog, interpreting it as a spot light or prideful thing. Yet, engaging the community you are in, giving the opportunity for feed back, and showing how the gospel integrates into real life are all great things. Piper wrote about it in his blog "6 Reasons Why Pastors Should Blog" which has been helpful in my own process of dealing with the pride vs. humility issue
human3rror says
https://churchm.ag/2009/05/13/10-reasons-you… />
π
dave8 says
excellent and insightful post, John π
Sarnaa says
Good stuff. Yet, so true…
that took a lot out of me to post that. I RARELY ever post comments on blogs. Yeah, I'm one of those people.
Jay says
I think #8 is key and have to remind myself more often about it.
human3rror says
… :)!
I'm so thankful that you did! I'm glad you took the time, not for my sake, but for yours…!
and hey… you may get “used” to it…
π
Sarnaa says
lol. awesome!
Tanya Dennis says
Interesting list. A loud AMEN! to #20. Many of these are true, but I wouldn't say all are "safe."
As for #4: This is a wise assumption in preventing unedifying posts, but not necessarily true. I've been a christian blogger for almost three years. Several friends and family remind me (whenever I mention my blog) that they don't read it; they just don't have time. Also, I highly doubt my pastors would read my blog. Our church is huge and my blog has a specific voice and tone not aimed at men in the clergy. I write about living as a christian stay-at-home-mom. Even my husband admits to rarely reading my blog. I have lots of readers! But they are all in my target audience: women, stay-at-home parents, christians who feel spiritually dehydrated. "Everyone" does not fit that bill.
Similarly, #8 also relates to audience. Who is your target audience? What is the purpose of your blog? Bloggers must determine this. Are you trying to disciple believers or evangelize unbelievers? I'm not saying these two are mutually exclusive, only that leaning either way will affect your material and your audience draw. It's not a bad thing to focus your content on one audience. In fact, it's a good thing! Some are called to be evangelists, some to be teachers and some encouragers. We should strive to reach all, but focus our attentions pointedly at those who need our gifts most.
Aaron says
Thanks for summarizing why I should quit. π Just kidding.
But I have to wonder, if I don't get called back with job offers, if it's because they've read my blog.
human3rror says
PUAHA!
Frank Turk says
#20 plainly makes you a hypercalvinist.
π
Ancoti says
#20 – God's honest truth.
#9 – I wonder what it feels like to be outed as a Christian blogger
#4 & #5 Let 'em. If they can't take a joke, well, unfortunately the only response I can think of is decidely unChristian, so it stays in me.
This is great John, all 20 are gems.
human3rror says
thanks brother ancoti! (I feel like saying that makes you a monk… i don't know why).
Brandon Cox says
John I'm deeply offended by your assertion that one can't make a living off of Christian blogging. I'll have you know I grossed over $45 last year from affiliate ads. Based on where I live, I figure I'm only $49,955 away from a decent salary. Take it back!! π
human3rror says
Brandon,
My deepest apologies brother! You are the first on the planet to do so! Please teach me oh wise christian epic blogger you!
π
Robin says
Awesome list. I love it! Even posted it to my facebook. Love the blog, keep it comming. Robin
human3rror says
sure thing! thanks for joining us here!
Mikes says
hahahaha. so funny.
it is safe to assume sometimes I don't what I'm doing and why I'm doing it
Calvin Koepke says
Ah…nice wake up call for me π
It’s kinda sad that you can’t be a full-time Christian blogger…makes you wonder why the heck not!
Jonathan Batteas says
Thanks for the great list. It is somewhat encouraging to know that other Christian bloggers tend toward facing the same obstacles. It should mean that we have firm ground for encouraging each other where we need it most. One thing that I have found that has been an encouragement to me, is that you have the possibility to make real connections with brothers and sisters around the world. Men and women who you may never meet in the flesh, but will one day spend eternity alongside. Men and women who share a common interest in blogging their thoughts about their faith, even if they differ in some respects from your own. It is the basis for real friendships, as you get to know someone, and as Lewis puts it, having that, “I thought I was the only one,” moment. It helps the keep it in perspective when you realize you have a grand total of 4 regular readers. π