Let’s discuss churches blogging again. I posted this topic here and received a couple of interesting comments with good perspectives. I think when I wrote this, I didn’t get focused in on exactly what I intended, but thanks to these sharp commenters, they clarified me points for me, since I didn’t and brought up even more thought provoking ideas. So I want to revisit the topic.
Anthony says:
I’m for using blogs, but not so much on what’s coming next as much as I’m excited about the possiblity of discussing what you just learned. This could help turn a one-way sermon into a two-way communication.
Great point, I am more interested in seeing churches/pastors post the upcoming sermon topic and relevant scripture, not in a blog format but as an announcement on the website. This allows members and prospective visitors to read and do a little study ahead of time, if they want. In my last post, I stated I agreed with the point of posting the sermon topic in the blog in the week prior to the sermon and allow people to discuss and give feedback etc, but then further down in the post I stated there was good and bad to this idea. (basically arguing with myself) Anthony clarified the thought, at least in my mind and I do appreciate that. Read his full comment, it’s worth checking out.
I agree with Anthony when he says blogging after the sermon “”…could help turn a one-way sermon into a two-way communication.”" Great point!
Rich says:
I like the idea of discussing the topic both before and after the message is delivered. Each would bring its own benefits.However, I’ve always found forums to be more effective than blogs for actual conversations. It just seems like a better tool for the job. Blogs are great for posting an initial idea & getting responses, but for ongoing conversations, forums seem better.
Anyone else found this to be true?
My first thought on forums is the only drawback might be having to register to participate in the discussion, but once that is done, then I could see real benefit.
As evidence to Rich’s comment, I see a lot of irony in the fact that his comment and question to all has gotten buried and I’m not sure anyone saw it. heh So maybe the point should be taken that blogs are not the best tool for an ongoing conversation and sharing of ideas but rather the writer of the blog throwing thoughts/ideas etc out there and readers sharing an initial response.
I dunno, a blog is a strange animal. There are some blogs I read regularly where there is a regular crowd of folks who comment back and forth and nearly every post, but that is not common, at least in my experience.
I have said all of this to give Rich’s question some visibility, I think it’s an excellent question and is worthy of provoking a little discussion and thought.
However, I’ve always found forums to be more effective than blogs for actual conversations. It just seems like a better tool for the job. Blogs are great for posting an initial idea & getting responses, but for ongoing conversations, forums seem better.
Anyone else found this to be true?
Any thoughts?”