I get asked this every now and then. And I suppose the answer is perhaps yes, usually. But I (of course) feel it has some value, even if few others do – because it certainly helps me get my thoughts clearer on things. I’m asked how I find the time – but actually, a lot of it has become just a part of my process of preparation and engagement (however feebly). And so i don’t feel the need to justify it… that much. But then a friend, Adam, linked me to this article, written by John Piper’s son Abraham. And he pretty much summed it all up with a very spiritual spin on things: so now i feel completely justified in doing it! Plus it gives me another excuse to link this classic Private Eye cartoon from last Feb – and it certainly describes to most ministers/pastors I know, whether they have a blog or not.
To sum up, here are the reasons (but read the whole thing to get the idea):
Pastors should blog:
- … to write
- … to teach
- … to recommend
- … to interact
- … to develop an eye for what is meaningful
- … to be known
So there you go – I’ve got my self-justification off my chest – I can now get back to preparation for the weekend!
5 responses
Question: have you ever had your mind changed or perspective altered by blogging – either in writing and thinking things through yourself or from a commnet left by someone else?
Fair question – i suppose a clearer way of putting it is that i have regularly had my thinking sharpened both by the task of writing posts and by the interaction – although to be fair, my posts don’t seem to provoke that many comments (except from you, Ross, that is)
Ah but even though I’m mostly a lurker, I find your blog really helpful and stimulating, so it sharpens my thinking. Thanks!
(and I get book suggestions-always good!)
did i tell you i went to school with abraham? he was on my floor my freshman year, when i had no idea who john piper was. when he started to talk about the stress of being john piper’s son, i asked him what his dad did. then i told him how i knew exactly what he was talking about because my dad’s a pastor too. 🙂
I’m glad my pastor blogs, and always look forward to reading. I think it definitely helps us stay connected. It also keeps me in the loop on knowing how to pray for him. Prayers for you today, too!