On blogging daily.
Why don’t more preachers blog?
Seth Godin, one of the earliest and most prolific bloggers, celebrates his 5000th post today. Congratulations, Seth. You make a difference in many worlds!
2×2 is approaching 1000 posts. We have a way to go!
In Seth’s reflection on his exercise in sharing an observation with the world daily for more than ten years, Seth writes:
My biggest surprise? That more people aren’t doing this. Not just every college professor (particularly those in the humanities and business), but everyone hoping to shape opinions or spread ideas. Entrepreneurs. Senior VPs. People who work in non-profits. Frustrated poets and unknown musicians… Don’t do it because it’s your job, do it because you can.
Why don’t more preachers blog? Surely they see themselves as shaping opinions, values and spreading ideas.
Blogging is a gradual art. It’s like having coffee or tea with your neighbor every day. The bonds build slowly.
- Once a day, you take the time to share.
- Once a day, you take the time to think through issues and ideas that might benefit other people. Writing really pushes the thought process!
- Once a day, you see something new in the ordinary.
- As you search for ideas, you will start to connect with other thinkers and bloggers. Their thoughts will enrich your own. You will benefit personally.
- Day by day, you will build your voice and influence.
Why don’t more preachers blog? It’s work. The rewards are not immediate. It’s not part of the job description.
Preachers still think the world is going to come to them.
I’ve noticed a few church websites that contain blog entries. They tend to be once a week for about six weeks before they drop off. I remember one that I opened eagerly from the link on the home page. The announcement was so enthusiastic! It had just one blog entry that had been posted more than a year earlier.
2×2 challenges pastors to blog daily for a year. If that’s too hard, blog daily for three months. Any shorter and you won’t learn from the experience.
Do it first thing. Share with your community before 9 am. Or post at the end of the day—whatever rhythm works for you.
See if it doesn’t make a difference in your community. It may also make a difference in you!
As Seth notes:
I’ve never once met a successful blogger who questioned the personal value of what she did.