A week from Sunday I am teaching a Sunday School class on the topic: Surfing the God Blogs--Blogging as Ministry. This is in the way of a trial run for a workshop on the same topic that I've been asked to give in a workshop this fall at our presbytery's annual leadership and educational training event. I'm working on a powerpoint presentation because I am sure that many in the class are not familiar with blogs and will need the visual aid.
Since I've only been blogging for about three months, I'd love some comments from those of you with more experience writing a faith-based blog.
What would you include in a class like this?
How does your blog integrate with your total ministry?
What were your expectations when you began the blog and have they been met or changed by your experience?
Has anyone set up a blog to use in conjunction with a study group? For example, using a group blog as a way for people in a Bible study to reflect on the current readings before or after their face-to-face meeting.
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
Grace, I began my blog because I was reading blogs. I found out about blogs while researching the emergent church.
ReplyDeleteMy blog allows me to talk about things in my life (silly, sad or unusual) without disclosing who I am. I live in small town backwater where every sneeze is commented upon so having a place to think out loud without much censorship is helpful to me. Further, I've met bloggers (like you) who enrich my life.
For me, the blog is a place to do more writing during the week. Occasionally I write something that ends up in a sermon, but even when I don't it greases the creative wheels for me, as well as providing a place to reflect what's going on during the week. I find that having written about life's events, I have a better sense of where I am when it is time to write the sermon proper.
ReplyDeleteIt's also been enriching to be in touch with other ordained women who have children at home. My local revgalpals are not in the same situation (either no kids or much older children who are out of the nest or nearly so). It means a lot to me to feel connected and less unusual!
I've taught blogging before. Would you like my curriculum e-mailed to you?
ReplyDeleteJohn, I would LOVE a copy of your curriculum. What a generous offer, thank you. Send to jody dot harrington at
ReplyDeletegmail dot com.
Songbird and St. Cassarole, thanks for your comments as well.
My grandmajeansopinions gives me a place to say stuff that I wouldn't say from the pulpit, because it's MY opinion.
ReplyDeleteI started blogging on the way to developing a website, and got hooked.
I surf blogs and sometimes leave a comment to encourage someone who is talking about suicide.
SPARF is a place to promote a knowledge of Appalachian thinking and ways.
scandalsheet is an apologetic attempt aimed at unbelievers.
Somewhere on grandmajeansopinions is a post listing what attracts me in a blog.
Hope this helps.
FYI -- I prepared a flash presentation about blogging for my colleagues on the WV Conference Children & Poverty Ministry Team.
ReplyDeleteIt is located at http://www.knotted-pine.com/blogging.swf. Clicking on each slide will advance it to the next.
Everyone should feel free to use it as they wish.
I also have a KeyNote and PowerPoint version if you want a copy.
I forgot there is also a Quicktime version here.
ReplyDeleteJean and Jim_-
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and the link. I really appreciate the help!