Exploring the Use of Blogs and Social Media in Ministry
Here’s a checklist to use before you hit the ‘Publish’ button and send your new post permanently into the blogosphere:
1. Read the post over several times.
2. Check spelling.
3. Check the words used- do they best communicate and illustrate what you want to say?
4. Come up with an interesting and relevant title.
The Barna Group completed a study a few years ago showing something that all of us directly experience- that families are more tech and media dependent that ever before.
They conclude that modern families by and large are negligent in applying concepts of Biblical stewardship to how much of their time is spent online, watching TV, and on various digital devices.
After over 15 years on the internet blogging and publishing religious websites I have learned a lot and I have observed many different trends and changes. I have also seen many good blogs and bloggers come and go.
Many started blogging in 2005 and 2006 because their friends did and it became the popular thing to do. It was a golden time when 1000’s of new blogs came into existence every hour of everyday. Some of my favorites and even some of the best blogs of that era no longer exist.
The Pope once said: “Technology cannot replace God”. Here’s a great quote I found today responding to that idea from GMO blog:
"Technology can’t replace God. God is God. He always will be. We need Him. BUT technology can help us to tell others about Him.”
Practically everyone and every business demands an email address from you these days. Purchasing flowers online, booking a room or a flight, to access a news site, setting up a blog, joining a social network, downloading a new program, leaving a comment on a website, or keeping in touch with family or friends. Any or all demand your email address.
One of the strangest facts for a new blogger to fully comprehend and accept is that when one writes a blog article it is actually copyrighted and its use is subject to the writer.
There is a great blending and sharing of stuff through social networking sites and through private emails that many times totally disregard copyright propriety.
