Will blogging and other forms of internet participation change the church? Several people responded to this question in my posting of 18 May.
A year ago I posted seven reasons why I blog:
1. It helps me to reflect on what I'm thinking and doing.
2. It's a good way to keep family, friends and sponsors in the loop of what's happening (goodbye missionary newsletter, welcome Marc's Messages).
3. It helps me to not take myself too serious.
4. It saves time when I have to write reports and ministry updates, because the only thing I have to do is go through my blog to refresh my memory.
5. It gives me an opportunity to inspire friends with the good things of God.
6. I like the counter-culture of blogging: push-button publishing in the hands of the people.
7. My wife likes to read my blog.
The aspect of community would be number eight, because through blogging I met a lot of interesting people that I would never have met in a local church, who share my passion to see the Church revived and become more innovative. We link, and share ideas and experiences. It's an open source: anyone can contribute and improve.
But a weblog is also an open window. Anyone can peek inside and observe what's going on. The Google search results show that visitors who were looking for 'passion of christ tattoos', 'young teenage models', 'queen juliana's bicycle' and 'buying tents in norway' also end up on Marc's Messages. Welcome everyone, please feel at home. You won't find here what you were looking for initially, but perhaps you will find something of worth.
I really like all your reasons for blogging! Personally I also do it to develop my writing skills – especially in English which is not my mother tongue! To keep on doing things, to discipline oneself to keep on practicing is the best way to develop any skills!
I also like reading other people’s blogs, and your blog is one of my favourites! I like your humour and I learn a lot from what you share with us on your site!
Your friend Erling
Posted by: Erling Thu | May 25, 2004 at 22:46