A web–log or “blog”, according to Pyra Labs Blogger is: “A web page made up of usually short, frequently updated posts that are arranged chronologically––like a what’s new page or a journal.” OK…cool. Now what do I do with it? Where’s the value? Why spend the time?
Blogs can be personal in nature…consisting of diaries, opinions on anything and links to interesting content on the web. These are fun and a great creative outlet for some people. A blog can also be corporate in nature as a tool for communicating with customers and employees as knowledge and expertise are shared.
In the church there are real advantages to blogs, especially for leaders and pastors. Through this web tool you can share the church’s mission, share expertise on ministry practices, build additional traffic to your website, and facilitate connections between likeminded colleagues.
Just having a blog is not enough. You need a plan so it is not pointless. You need a focus and strategy to really nurture a blog into an indispensable communication tool. Rambling or “incessant barking” (see cartoon above) is of no value. Blogging takes work and dedication. However, your church or ministry can realize some true marketplace recognition through a blog. Who knows who might find your blog through a search engine like Google? You could begin impacting and ministering far beyond the walls of your office through a tool like this. Two-way communication is an expectation on the web. You can send out a newsletter either by hard copy or electronically, but if you don’t allow for continued dialogue on the topic(s) you hinder the value.
Through a blog you can open up a dialogue that can allow you to mentor someone(s) or allow you to learn from others in your field. ALWAYS allow for comments on your blog posts whether you decide to approve them first or let them be placed directly on the site immediately. Stifling communication is the kiss of death for interactive media like a blog site.
In the Church of the Nazarene our Mission is To Make Christlike Disciples in the Nations. There are few tools in the world that can allow us to nurture that mission directly from our offices like a blog can. I’d say that alone impresses value in a blog.