5 Benefits of Blogging for Pastors

Today’s guest post is by Paul Peterson, lead pastor at Northgate Free Methodist Church, located in Batavia, New York. If you’d like to be a guest contributor to CCP, use the contact form to let me know. –CM

I’ve been bloggging since November 2006 and, as a pastor, I have discovered some GREAT benefits as a result of blogging.

Here are my 5 benefits of blogging for pastors:

1. It gives the church real-time, behind-the-scenes info!

We recently had a water line break in the church and people were able to read about it and see it before the weekend! I share things (e.g. upcoming sermon series) and ask for things (e.g. stories for upcoming sermon series). The people who read the blog have a hand in shaping sermon series and thought processes, and they also have a cool way of keeping on top of the fast flow of info!

2. It allows me to offer commentary on church life.

Recently I asked the question, “What should we expect from the church?” It provided some great give and take on what people can expect from our church!

3. It allows the church to see the “other side” of their pastor (particularly helpful in a larger church).

Here’s a “piece” of a comment left on my blog, “For people of Northgate who don’t yet read your blog - this is excellent to put into the newsletter - for April. You could add it as an insert to the bulletin. You have such great info. I’ve learned so much about Northgate and the Petersons and even had my thoughts shaped and reshaped.” And that’s what I’m screaming about!!!

4) It provides opportunity to share and discuss vision

I can cast vision in daily chunks! I am not dependent upon the “occasional” (at best weekly) dose of vision casting! I can do it every day on the blog (if I want)! The cool thing about blogging the vision is that people can interact and observe the interaction!

5. It keeps all of my thoughts in one place.

I always steal great ideas, and occassionally I’ll have a half-decent on myself! The blog lets me put all of them in one place! Every day I print out my blog (cause I have it sent to myself… I wanted to increase my stats) and put it in a folder that is labeled by the month. It’s like a journal… with pictures!

Why did I start blogging?

Two names…

1. Tony Morgan - made me realize the power of a blog

2. Cory Miller - made me realize that I could do it

Thanks to both of you!

February 28, 2007 · Filed Under Blogging, Church Marketing

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3 Responses to “5 Benefits of Blogging for Pastors”

  1. Nathan on February 28th, 2007 4:21 pm

    I have Paul Peterson in my feed reader, and I live thousands of miles away from him!

    Blogging connects people that would have otherwise not even know each other existed. I gain part of my spiritual nourishment and excitement from Paul’s blog, as well as a number of others.

    Pastor’s, if you’re on the fence concerning this whole “blogging” thing, take the plunge. You’ll be glad you did.

  2. Bill on March 1st, 2007 5:47 pm

    What is sooo cool about blogging is that it expands my horizons beyond my own little world. I have gotten to know men from other faith traditions that I might not cross paths with on a regular basis. Although I was involved with a para-church group that partnered with AoG, Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist churches and others, I don’t get to have many conversations recently with pastors from other churches. That is what is so neat about blogging, it allows me to share and hear ideas and thoughts that I might not be exposed to in my little world in Cumming, Ga.

  3. Nathan on March 8th, 2007 12:43 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I’ve seen benefits of blogging, too, in the short time I’ve been doing it. It’s amazing how people you’d never expect–like some of those husbands who won’t come to church–will keep up with the pastor’s blog.

    I’d definitely recommend “The Blogging Church” by Brian Bailey to any pastors who are currently blogging or thinking about getting started.

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