"The Purpose-Driven Blog"
(BTW, I know many will ask how achieved such beautiful graphics on my blog. I used this really cool new program called "Paint" on my PC. You should try it...you can see what amazing things you can do with it!)
by Rick Warren...er, I mean, Brett Probert!
What IS the purpose of blogging? I am posing this question to myself a lot lately. I find that I can spend so much time blogging and reading other people's blogs that I begin to wonder why. As we say in French... a quoi bon?
So I ask thee, what IS the purpose of this all? Is it just another inane pasttime? Is it a way to avoid the true tasks of ministry? Is it really "building community," or just a false shadow of that?
What do you think? I may abandon this blog...I need to decide whether the purpose of it justifies its existence. Just think, you may save this blog from extinction with your titillating commentary, and I don't even know what titillating is!
27 comments:
There are a few reasons why I blog. Often, I work out some sermon notes in a post or two. Other times, I'm simply writing to express thoughts; writing is a good way for an introvert such as yours truly to do that. I also hope to grow theologically and spiritually as I see how other bloggers handle situations or deal with certain issues. If I can help others do the same, even in a LITTLE way, I'm thrilled.
"Community building" is not a bad reason, but I think one can only take the blogosphere community SO FAR before we need actual human interaction, in person or via telephone or whatever.
Basically, I write to express myself as a disciple of Christ hopefully going on to perfection and to be challenged and to grow. And hopefully to help others do the same. Is that fair?
I confess...just before I run out to the hospital...that I, too, have struggled with the "Why do this?" question. Sometimes I post often, sometimes not so much. It's been slower this summer for me, as I've been busy doing other things and not always sure WHY I should post.
So, I guess I'd suggest, if anything, just post less often, rather than abandoning the whole thing. It could be that you're laying a foundation now for a blogging ministry that will become REALLY powerful and necessary in a year.
Hmmm...Let's see now.
I blog for the purpose of practicing a form of the discipline of journaling. Granted, I cannot be quite as personal as I am in more traditional journaling. But writing about my thoughts, struggles, and prayers in the blog helps me to clarify my discernment and listen for God's leading in the process--especially when others challenge and affirm my expression.
I blog to experience a sense of community with a group of folks with whom I might not otherwise have an opportunity to connect. Yes, there are communal limitations in cyberspace. But, in my opinion, there is a depth of sharing in this context that is beyond what I experience in many church functions. So, if this is a "shadow" of community, I do not believe it to be a false one.
I blog to experience both depth and lightness in new ways. There aren't many contexts, for example, in which I can talk about narrative theology and the new HALLOWEEN film with the same people! I think that's pretty groovy.
I blog because it is a viable mode of contemporary communication--one that offers great potential for richly spiritual discourse. Therefore, as I see it, blogging is another way to manifest the biblical impulse to "become all things to all people." Imagine Paul saying something like this: "To the weak, I became weak. To the cyberspatially-oriented, I became a blogger!!!"
OK, that may be pushing it, but you get the point.
These are MY reasons for blogging, brother. The real question is, what are YOUR reasons. Therein lies the answer to your question of whether or not to continue with it.
All that I can say is that, if you weren't a part of our little cyber-band, you would be dearly missed.
One more thing...
I don't belive that blogging, in and of itself, is "a way to avoid the true tasks of ministry."
In fact, for me, disciplined blogging IS a true task of ministry.
Now, what the heck is "a true task of ministry?!"
Brett -
I'll just share one very practical reason for my blogging: I get a lot of wisdom and useful thoughts from you guys, which I am able to apply to my sermons, youth group talks, bible studies, etc... And I also like to think that I occasionally have something valuable to share with you guys as well.
I honestly believe that a part of ministry is connecting with others who minister. If we don't do that, we run the risk of treating "ministry" as a "individualistic profession" rather than a "communal lifestyle."
Cheers................
Brett...please do not give up blogging. Your posts on real discipleship and your journey leading your church are very helpful to me. I also value your friendship and blogging has helped that to grow.
I blog for one reason and one reason only: It is good therapy for me. Since I no longer preach, I have things in my head and heart that I have to say, but usually only bother my wife with.
If people are reading my blog, I hope they are praying for me as I pray daily for all on our blogroll.
I feel spiritually connected to all of you guys!
Good stuff so far gents. Interesting.
Eric, it is just that one of my frustrations with the church is that we tend to talk a whole lot more than we tend to do. Jesus did more than he talked, and I believe so should we. My concern is that maybe I am blogging instead of engaging the people to whom God has called me in my ministry...i.e. the real work of ministry. I love all yins out in blog land an' 'at, but I am not sure I'm making a whole lot of Kingdom impact. I would like to think that I am building community with my colleagues, and yet despite the blogging, I didn't speak a word with you at Annual Conference. So is this a way to mask "real" connection? That is my wrestling point at this juncture.
Thanks also to Randy and Keith...both interesting perspectives. Others?
Brett,
It is a question that I wrestled with before starting my blog. Apparently I didn't wrestle with it quite as long as Shaver did, but there are already 39 posts on that topic elsewhere! You mentioned Jesus being out there 'doing ministry' rather than just talking about it. True. But, look at how many times he pulled the disciples aside to talk to them, and to them alone. Couldn't He have used that time to minister to others? Probably. But, He spent it with His disciples, teaching them. Although He got His strength from God, He also asked the disciples to watch and pray on the Mount of Olives while He went off to pray. He desired that connection with the disciples. I think your posts and your blogging are beneficial to those of us (and those in your church) who read your blog, and I'd hate to see you leave it behind because you don't see it as ministry. It can be a form of ministry in the right perspective, but only you can decide if you're keeping it in the right perspective or not. Think of your guitars, dude! Is is ministry to have a collection of guitars like you do? It can be, when you use that talent for God's glory. It can be, when you enjoy playing the guitar as a gift that God has given to you. But, it could also be an obsession if you let it be. Keep blogging, bro!
Brett,
NNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! But other than that I have no strong feelings.
Seriously, if you need a "break" from the blog by all means do it. It was very refreshing to focus on family when I recently took a season off.
Stay in the fold my friend.
Chris,
No comment on my graphic? I know it isn't a photoshop creation, but look how flawless and seamless it is from the graphic in the background to the text I added. Envious?
Jeff and Jeff,
Thanks, and very good insights! Yins are the bomb.
Well, I am "driven" to answer your Blog. My reasons for wanting you to continue your blog are: If you do not blog then we will: not have any idea where you are, when you go, what you are doing, what your attitude about life and religion are and we will surely miss your humor, one of the things about you we love best. So we would love to have you keep it up. Love M&D
Parents have to say that kind of stuff, Brett.
Actually, Greg, I paid them to say that. I often give gifts of money to people to say nice things about me on my blog. Obviously, I have not given you much...
Brett...
If it will inspire you to speak to me more at Annual Conference, then, by all means, stop blogging!
I'm a lonely boy.
As a reader of blogs, and not a pewperson, I find yours and the other's words to inspire and teach in unique ways. That which humor me, as well as feel closer to God, in strange and unususl ways. I cast a vote...stick around, so that other's can grow spiritually, as well as personally. :/
B~
Wow,"The Purpose Driven Blog". It is a very interesting title and thought provoking. We can get so caught up in the things of this world that we lose focus on God's purpose and priorities, but for you, is this blog part of that purpose? Does this blog give you an opportunity to share a more personal look into what is on your mind? Does it give you an opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas with people that you normally might not interact with otherwise?
I discovered your blog a week or so ago and have found spiritual fullfillment reading your entries. Being new to blogging in general and knowing that this is my first comment EVER on a blog, I am not sure how much weight my opinion should hold.
I feel that the cyber community is a real one. Email and other vehicles give me an opportunity to reach out when I normally would not. It takes a large amount of effort to sit down to pen a letter, address it and mail it. An email or blog entry can still take a considerable amount of time but the concept seems easier to fit into our "busy" lives.
Back to purpose and priority, it is difficult to choose where to spend my time. While I am typing this comment there are a bunch of different things that I could be doing, but this is necessary too. I could probably spend all day reading and typing, but if I give myself a bit of time at this moment then I can still accomplish my other tasks afterwards. I could talk about about things I need to change so that other things can be accomplished, but the bottom line for me is that I just need to "do" and keep away from excuses.
Alright, Brett. The arguments have been presented. The votes have been cast. The tribe has spoken! What say you? Are you in, or are you out? Or are you just staying quiet in the hopes that more people will tell you how insightful you are, how wonderful it is to have you on the blogosphere, blah, blah, blah!?! It's unanimous! We like you! Now post, for crying out loud!
Jeff V,
I have only a moment...more tomorrow, but suffice it to say that I am trying to surpass the all time comments high set by Shaver and Park when they were absent. Keep commenting my friend...help a fellow comment-coveter achieve a lifelong dream.
Brett,
I'll do my best to post random thoughts on here and get your comment count up. You've appealed to my amiable nature, so now I have no choice but to acquiesce to your demands.
Along the lines ofr the tree falling in the forest logic... If Keith preaches a sermon and no one listens, did he really make a sound?
Does Eric Park bump up his attendance numbers by including Art Vandelay on the roster each week?
Is Jeff St. Clair really still on vacation (as evidenced by his last blog entry), and if so, how come he gets more weeks off than the rest of us?
Oh great one,
No one pays me anything to say nice things so I'm off the hook. I have to agree with the parental units that is nice to know what you are up to once in awhile. And I like the humor you and your fellow blogsters end up falling into, even when starting with the most serious of subjects (evidenced by how this particular entry to your blog has far digressed from where you started - perhaps this is why you questioned the point of blogging?). But here's the point - does everything have to have great meaning? Ca't you just unload your sometimes (or mostly, in your case!) useless thoughts just for the hecks of it? Love, Your evil twin
Jeff, no, yes, and yes.
Bren, you know I always have had purpose. Every word I have ever spoken has been chosen with great care. I never babble on incessantly....
I'm asking myself the same question right now. I thought I would use blogging as a way to express me, and who I am, and maybe learn something in the process... more of a personal journey. I'm not sure what I have to say here really matters much to others, so I, too, may quit and just continue journaling to myself. I think I'm going to post about this, too.
I think that Led Zeppelin had a song by the title, "Ramble On." And so I think this should be the title of your blog and for all those who continue to post comments for you in order to pad your comment numbers.
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