Why don’t churches blog?
The answer to this question is simple: They don’t know how. They keep busy doing what they always do, aware that it’s not working very well, but unable to make changes — even when they have the tools.
The accepted structure of the Church calls for one thoughtful 20-minute message per week. That’s the way church leaders have communicated for decades or centuries.
In addition, they persist in relying for communication on the church bulletin, which only those who attend worship read, and perhaps an online newsletter, which requires the initiative of members to access and read.
Each has its place, but neither is effective at reaching new people.
There is NO interaction possible with any of these methods, no way of engaging seekers, no way to build your following. But this is the accepted way of communicating—as ineffective as it is.
Blogging is a new discipline. Church leaders have to shift gears sharply.
They must learn to plan a daily message. They must learn to divide thoughts up into shorter messages. They must get used to identifying topics and planning ahead. They must establish a voice and learn to build lists of interested people. They must address different audiences — instead of just the one which shows up on Sunday. And they have to get used to the idea that people will respond online. They are no longer alone in the pulpit!
Blogging has tremendous evangelism potential.
The hardest part is getting started.
Here are some quick tips to help you get your feet wet as you work toward a daily presence on line.
- Look at next month’s church and community calendars and lectionary readings. List 15-25 topics that come to mind. For now just write a headline for each. You can change it later.
- This is your roadmap. Write a post for five of the headlines, aiming for 300-500 words. Write the others later after you’ve created a rhythm.
- Now go to your chosen blog platform. (We use WordPress). Register a url (web address).
- Choose a theme. You can change it later. Post just one post, adding the others every other day or so. Blogging twice a week is a good starting point, but things will start to happen when you start posting daily.
- Remember to write for other people — people who may not have any church affiliation. Remember to address — Witness, Education, Stewardship, Worship, Social Ministry, Fellowship and other topics pertaining to your congregation and community.
This is how you start. There are more details in our archived posts on Social Media.
HAPPY BLOGGING!