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Should You Be Blogging?

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By now you’ve certainly heard about blogs and blogging, and may have even created one yourself. For those who are not familiar with this craze, here’s a brief description.

According to Matisse.net, “A blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. The activity of updating a blog is blogging, and someone who keeps a blog is a blogger. Blogs are typically updated daily using software that allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain the blog. Postings on a blog are almost always arranged in chronological order with the most recent additions featured most prominently.”

Wide acceptance

The proliferation of blogs in astounding. Thousands of personal, topical and specialized blogs are showing up on Google. Most blogs are diary like, with personal dribble and off-the-wall content. Some are peppered with profanities and lewd expressions. For those who are more visual, photo blogging is a popular alternative. Blogging is heavily used by Republicans and Democrats to get their messages out. I recently came across a site called bloggingmommies where mothers share their insights and frustrations.

There is also an incredible number of religious blogs, everything from “Blogging for Jesus” to Morman/LDS blogs. This technology allows everyone to share their views and beliefs (which is both scary and cool). The personal exchanges that blogging allows can be messy and even destructive. But it’s one form of expression we enjoy in the free world.

Blogging the Gospel

Blogging provides an excellent platform for sharing one’s spiritual journey. People may argue with your theology, but they can’t argue with your story. As you share stories and ideas that reinforce what God is doing in your life, only time will tell the effect this may have on readers.

If you decide to try it, here are some things to consider.

1. Keep your posts fairly short (maybe under 700 words).

2. Submit personal observations and ideas as opposed to long quotes and Bible texts. It’s ok to quote a text, but it should be kept to a minimum.

3. Use catchy titles and introductions to draw readers in.

4. Incorporate images for more eye appeal.

5. Decide whether you want to allow comments and public dialog. Many blogs allow users to post responses, but others do not. It’s up to you. If you don’t allow comments you should at least post your email so people can respond.

6. Decide how much time you can afford to blog and stick to it. As with other Internet pursuits, blogging can be addictive and time consuming.

7. Pray that God will use your blogs to point others to Him.

Resources and Ideas

Monte Sahlin (Faith in Context)

Rich DuBose (ChurhApplied)
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Getting Started - Many blogger sites offer free services, but some do charge a fee. Read the fine print to make sure you know what you're getting into.