Why I blog...

Some of the people I don't know just don't "get" me. Let me be more specific (although, now that I think about it, it is true in a general sense, too). Some people don't "get" why I blog.

So why do I do it?

First, it's a good discipline. I try to write every day. Because of that, it forces me to think creatively, to find interesting things to read and write about, and to write well. In short, it makes me a better person.

Secondly, it is a great leadership tool (check out Randy Elrod's article on "Effectively and Strategically Leading Teams Through Blogging"). I can point me team to stuff I think they would enjoy, learn from, be inspired by, etc. Additionally, it gives them a window into my heart and soul by showing them what makes me ticks (and ticks me off).

So that's why I do it - it's good for me and it's good for my team. I truly believe that any ministry leader who is not utilizing a blog as a tool to enhance their leadership is missing out on a valuable opportunity.

Mark Batterson of evotional.com was recently interviewed by Eric Wilbanks in Ministries Today (September/October 2005) regarding why he is so passionate about the importance of blogging. Here's what he had to say:

The larger your church gets, the more important it is to blog. It allows the entire congregation to be part of my world, to feel like they really know their pastor. It allows the congregation to feel like you are touchable and approachable.

I concur with Mark's thoughts. If you are new to blogging, try this (assuming a ministry model):

1. On Friday, write a short article on what's coming up on Sunday.
2. On Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, write about what God did on Sunday. Remember to praise your staff and volunteers.
3. During the middle of the week, write an article that will give your team a "tool" they can use in their ministry.

That's it - great stuff in only three days a week!

Here are a few tips I found on evotional.com (see the full article here):

1. Blog for yourself. It's a good discipline to be journaling, meditating and capturing thoughts.
2. Never put anything on your blog that you fear will come back to haunt you.
3. Never talk about other people. This is about you.
4. Be careful to protect your family. Use good judgment concerning disclosure and transparency.
5. Blog for others. It helps them feel like they know you.
6. Have an abundance mentality. When you discover a great thing, let your readers know about it.
7. Find your voice. Make your blog a reflection of who you are as a leader.
   

Go ahead... try it... start a blog. Take advantage of a great tool that will enhance your leadership and help you grow as a leader.

Photograph by Sakis Papadopoulos. From Getty Images (Photographer's Choice, image #200214820-001)