By Nathan J. Hill
Originally published in the Wesley Journal in Fall of 2006
I’ve bet you’ve heard of blogs, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years. Fancy journalists like to call them “new world media”, which just means that people are using them to talk about important things. The name “blog” is actually shortened from weblogs. At its core, blogs are simply websites with dated entries from the author. Think of it like an online journal or diary. Each day, week, or whatever — you post an entry about what is going on in your life, with your family, or what not. Of course, they’ve become more sophisticated than that. Posts are linked together by categories, comment sections allow readers to respond to the information presented, entries can include video, audio, and images, and referral links connect blogs like an invisible spiderweb across the internet.
Blogs have really become popular as political tools. They are a way for individuals to write about the daily twists and turns of the political landscape. They are a way for unknown candidates to present a consistent message and respond with voters. They are a way for snooping reporters, amateurs or professionals, to report on their findings and ask nagging questions which get picked up and spread across the media.
Can a blog be used in a church setting? Absolutely!
Blogs, again, are really nothing more than an online journal, so the possibilities are endless for a minister, church staff, or volunteer to use one to strengthen a church’s community.
- A minister could post a weekly blog that details his or her sermon writing process. You don’t have to give all the details, but you can certainly reflect on the lectionary reading and even post links to resources that you find helpful. Members of your congregation could log on each week, respond and discuss your research, and go deeper in their understanding of your message.
- Church staff could keep a regular blog with week to week information about church events. It’s a steady way to get the word out. I think visitors will also find it a very helpful way to see how active the church is and what opportunities there are week to week. Yes, blogs could be very nice evangelism tools.
- You can spend time writing about social justice issues in your community. Your blog could be a rallying point for other community leaders interested in the issues. It can also be a way to help your church see the potential for new mission and out reach.
- Theologians could get feedback on their work and writings. A blog is also a great venue to post poetry and devotions. Blogs are also friendly to youth - use it as a way to let the youth check in each week and share their own thoughts about life.
Of course, each church has to evaluate the potential of such a tool. Security settings on blogs are very flexible, meaning you can prevent anyone or everyone from viewing it and participating. (An online blog could even be used as a private diary with all the security functions on.) Blog hosting services are also free, so it doesn’t cost your church anything to set one up. What an easy way to work on living out the Great Commission, right?
If you want to see a blog in action, check out my own blog - www.disciplesx.com, where I talk about politics, faith, young adults, and more. If you want to start your own blog, check out www.wordpress.com or www.blogger.com to get started today.
