Some people are probably wondering, including myself, "Why bother to commit myself to designing, writing, and maintaining a Blog?" I thought I'd offer some quick thoughts.
Because of my role and responsibility for leading the Children's Ministry Team at Trinity Evangelical Church, I have come to realize how critically important it is to communicate, communicate, and communicate with those I serve with. Dependence on getting together with volunteers who already have busy lives can be difficult. Without frequent communication - Vision leaks... Details evolve... Misunderstanding occurs... On a more positive note, in our ministry there are so many wonderful stories, people, and thoughts that I'm dying to share with others but never get to because of infrequent get-togethers or other details squeezing them out of our conversations. So... I've been anxious to find someway to overcome this frustration.
Last February, my wife Teresa and I had a chance to return to St. Martin (yes, I said return... We've been really blessed to go several times and unwind... On another post, I'll explain to you why we go, when we go, and how we go....)
While away, I had a chance to take The Blogging Church off my shelf and give it a read. [That's me poolside.] Great Book! In a simple, easy-to-follow format, the author Brian Bailey (www.leaveitbehind.com) outlined not only the technical aspects of setting up a simple blog but argued for the reasons why someone should. As I read his arguments, I felt like I was having a personal coffee chat who understood my heart to communicate completely. [In fact: Brian, if you ever get this post, you have an open invitation to coffee on me - Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or whatever is popular in your neck of the woods.]
He noted:
Blogs are tools, not toys.
- Lord, keep me from worshipping the medium. It is so easy to get sidetracked into all the wonderment of the technology available today. Nevertheless, the evolution of Blogging is a gift to the church, like the printing press, and should be used accordingly.
Blogs help solve real problems.
- What ministry to others doesn't encounter those? I love children. I love the families that they live in. I love those individuals who love children and families. I love those individuals who, motivated by that love, choose to sacrificially serve them. Children have real problems as they grow up. The families that love them are often struggling with the real-life pressures in today's culture. Those who love children and families, and serve them, have limited time, sometimes limited insight, and many times lots of frustration. I want to help overcome those realities. Maybe... just maybe... commiting myself to working together we can do just that...
Blogs deliver a true return on ministry.
- Budgets are limited. Money is sacred. Lives are on the line. Evaluating the effectiveness of the money I spend - in direct dollars or indirect dollars tied to my tie is a good act of stewardship. I am responsible and accountable to Jesus in my choices. Little money + my commitment + my passion = success in communication. Blogging seems to be a wise investment.
The greatest power in Blogs is that they have the potential to open up the channels of communication amongst a group of people all interested in the same direction. I'm envisioning that you share something in common with me. I'd like to "think out loud" wiht you. Well, those are my thoughts for today... How about you?
Many Blessings,
Pastor John
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