Should Pastors Blog OR How To Start Blogging OR Who Cares?

I wasn’t sure how to title this post, so this is probably my first multi-titled blog. Oftentimes, I don’t even attempt a title til I’m done writing, so I’m not sure why my obssession with the title, in this case. Blogging is different than anything, many people question what a blog is, what’s the point? Once you are into it, you get it, but it’s easy to forget where you came from. I have never really considered myself a writer, but I enjoy doing it and it has become a way for me to express myself. It excites me enough that I have been known to attempt to convince my friends and co-workers that they should blog, as I do. That is clearly not the right approach and I have learned that, through experience. There are 2 sides to blogging, reading and writing. If you are interested in starting a blog, the best way to start is by doing what you are doing right now, reading blogs. By reading, you get a feel for what blogs are and it’s easy to see a wide range of styles, topics and beliefs. As I previously mentioned, blogging is it’s own animal and it cannot be likened to anything, such as writing an article for a magazine or newspaper. Those type of forums are one way communication and blogs beg for interaction and feedback in the form of comments. Comments are not always necessary but there are occassions when comments are good to offer a different perspective. Once a person reads blogs and gets it, then they may decide to venture out on their own. Some blogs are focused on a topic, such as this one, where I attempt to focus on technology in the church, however, others are simply a way for a person to express their thoughts and feelings. My other blog is for that purpose. There is no right or wrong way to do it, it’s what you make it. I’m no expert on all the choices for blog hosts, but it’s easy enough to start one. I use WordPress for this one and Life with Christ for my other one. I first cut my teeth on blogging at Life with Christ 6 or 8 months ago with Tortuous Path, then I left it, when starting this blog. Recently I have gone back to it, as it gives me an outlet for my thoughts that are not specifically on topic here. I used to use Blogger for this blog, but began to see other blogs that seemed to have more than what blogger offered. It’s fine for what it is though. I have warmed up to WordPress and what it offers. I’m confident I could settle into TypePad, with it’s ease of use and many features. I did the 30 day trial with TypePad, on the side, to get a good feel for it but when it came time to be billed, it made me flinch and I bailed. I’m a cheapskate, ok. I know TypePad rules, according to the many I know who use it, but I’m satisfied with what I have. So, should a pastor blog? Sure, if he wants to. Should other church staff blog? Sure, if they want to. Should anyone blog? Sure, if they want to. Blogging is not, in my opinion, something that is going to put you over the top and way ahead of the competition, but man, what a great communication tool it can be. It is what you make it. I know several pastors who enjoy writing and they would do well writing their own blog. So why don’t they? Usually lack of time. I don’t know many pastors, ok make that any pastors, who find themselves twiddling their thumbs, realizing their work for the day or the week is done. Pastors are busy folk, and all church staff is busy, even volunteers are busy. I don’t have a fix for that, but assuming there is motivation and time, then the answer is yes, pastors should blog. Christian Computing Magazine addresses the issue of whether a high tech church should continue to use a bulletin, since we show announcements up on the screen before and after services and the website is kept current. The conclusion they drew was yes, bulletins are still necessary. People may come in late and miss the announcements on the screen or they may not have internet access. The best argument for keeping the bulletin is, for many of us, there is nothing better than having that thing stuck to the fridge to remind us of the Thursday night prayer meeting. The on-screen announcement is long gone by then. What does this have to do with blogging? Everything. Communication is king. There is not a single best form of communication. There is also not a superior form of high tech communication that is replacing the old. We are part of a mobile society and the church needs to use every possible form of communication available to reach members and visitors. Finally, once your church staff starts blogging, even before anyone starts, it is a good idea to put a blogging policy in place. Fellowship Church has just done that and Brian Bailey has shared their policy on his blog. Personal Website and Weblog Policies This is something I need to look at doing at my church, not to stifle someone but to clarify guidelines, as well as the church’s stance. This will protect both the church and the blogger on staff. At this point, we have 2 people on staff blogging and there will be more, I’m sure.