Numerous times churches and ministries have asked me, how do we get a blog running. Through the formal consulting process, we would look at their needs, goals, resources, and approaches that have already been made. More times than not, I have told them that they needed to hire someone. This could be a person that is fully dedicated to blogging, other times it was a full-time job as a blogger, social media manager, online marketer, and IT person for the whole church.
Yet, in the time I have been an editor for my own personal blog and the contributors that are writing content, I have officially made the switch. Churches: don’t hire a church blogger, instead hire a blog editor.
What’s the Difference?
Hiring a church blogger or a blogging editor, shouldn’t they be doing the same exact thing? Possibly, but philosophically (and as church leadership) you may want to see the differences here.
- Church bloggers should be writing all of the content. That means that they are speaking for the whole ministry, even if their name as the author is on every single post. In so doing, they need to be WELL educated in the theological understanding of what your leadership believes in, the vision of your church, and all of the other nitty-gritty work. If you hire a church blogger to take care of an online need and hope to avoid investing time or effort, you are actually going to spend more time with this specific hire.
- A church blog editor may write some but is more about curating content. This blog editor could ask leadership to spend one day a week for 30 minutes writing a synopsis of the sermon or next step challenge. Then they take that content, format it and edit it for the blog, and post it. They can also report on upcoming events, review past successful events, share videos used in service, report on behind-the-scenes fun, etc. Really, they do not create the content, they discover where content is being created, edit it for effective web consumption towards a specific target audience, and schedule it out.
- A church blogger is independent. This can be a good thing or a very terrible thing. Are they engaged with expectations of church leadership? Do they understand how your denomination works? Are they giving enough time to why and how you are posting as to creating content? Do they have the vision of the senior pastor? If no to any of these, a church blogger can really mess up the voice of your church.
- A church blog editor is a team player. Do not hear, they require supervision. If you know how to supervise a church blogging editor, then just do it yourself. Instead, when they ask you for content, give them the best you have. Your voice is communicated in the content and your message has been crafted. Time to hand it off. If you come up with an idea, shoot them a 2 sentence email. Then let them do what they do?
More could be said on the differences, but we want to hear from you on the topic.
Eric Dye says
As Editor of ChurchMag, I agree.
John Finkelde says
Terrific idea. I think most churches would go the volunteer route first but nevertheless top idea.
Eric Dye says
How about a church blog volunteer EDITOR? Now we’re getting somewhere… ๐
Katie Allred says
I’m the web content manager at Brentwood Baptist, and this is essentially my job (among a few other things). Obviously, I’m a fan.
Eric Dye says
You should write for ChurchMag! I bet you have all kinds of cool stuff to share. ๐
Katie Allred says
Would love to! Shoot me some info on what you’re looking for. Also I’m really intrigued by your podcast. Would love to help you with that as well if you’re willing to have me!
Eric Dye says
Way cool! ๐