Should a pastor blog? It’s definitely not essential. You won’t find it on the list of qualifications in 1 Timothy 3. Nor is it wrong for a pastor to blog. Here are a few reasons why blogging may in fact be a pretty good idea.
- Blogging helps you better connect to your people. The reason for a blog is not to let the world know what you think, but to better connect with those whom you care for. A blog is an ideal format for doing so.
- Blogging gives you the ability to work out your thoughts. Writing things down forces you to clarify and articulate issues you’re dealing with. Publishing it on a blog lets others know about it, which increases the need to write coherently and graciously.
- Blogging builds trust. Trust is built through disclosure and solid information. This happens in preaching, of course, but it can also happen through an online blog.
- Blogging gives you broader reach. Like sermon podcasts and online streaming, your teaching ministry is not kept within the four walls of your church. The presence of a blog allows you a greater scope for teaching others.
- Blogging provides interaction with other pastors, teachers, bloggers, thinkers, etc. As you begin blogging, you’ll find that you’re not alone. There are millions of bloggers out there, and there are probably quite a few who are thinking through the same issues and grappling with the same problems. Blogging is like a big conversation, where you get to dialogue with others and hone your thinking.
- Blogging builds community. It’s important for churches to meet together in person. But obviously, this is not the only form of community. Online discussions and interaction are a helpful way to build community, too.
- Blogging gives you training in writing. Have you ever wanted to write a book and publish it? I think this is a secret dream of a lot of people, especially people who have something to say — like pastors. In order to grow your ability to write, you’ve got to practice. Blogging is the best place to do this.
- Blogging provides an additional place to recommend resources. If people in your church are looking for a recommended book on, say, discipleship or the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, a blog provides a great place to suggest a book or article. You can link to good articles on the subject, or even write out your own helpful information.
- Blogging provides a sense of vision and breadth beyond typical pastoral roles and responsibilities. There’s something about blogging that helps clear out the mental cobwebs. You can see further, somehow. It’s a mentally clarifying activity, and will probably deepen your experience and responsibilities as a pastor.
Blogging isn’t a contest to see who can get the highest rankings or the most readers. That’s not the point. Even if just a handful of people read your blog, it’s still worth it.
Want to get started blogging? If you have a Sharefaith church website, it’s really simple. Just click here to get started.
If you don’t have a Sharefaith website, find out how you can get one for free.