Internet Evangelism Month – Day 1

Today we embark upon a month long journey with the goal of enhancing internet based ministry and sharing the message of Christ.

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Follow Church Blog Theory on Twitter

Theory – Revised

After a great deal of positive feedback from experienced and long term Christian bloggers, the theory behind CBT has been revised.  In order to present the gospel in a way that connects with people of all walks of life, Christian blogs need to be more focused, personal, and real.  There is power in integrating every day life and faith so that people can begin to connect on a deeper level.  However, it is vital that all blogging harmonize around an obedient life following Jesus.

Please see the revision below.

Every Christian on the planet, who has a computer (or access to one), needs to start a blog.  This blog should focus around some aspect of your life, whether it is your profession, hobby, family or simply your faith.  Then, begin developing a weekly post about your walk with Christ integrated with your theme.  Your goal is to share your faith through your every day life.
What are your thoughts, questions or feedback?

Make Yourself Available

Recently, as I have evaluated a number of faith-based blogs, I have recognized one thing that could be counter productive to the evangelistic purpose we should have.  Bloggers are concealing their identity and/or not providing any outlet to communicate with them besides the “comment” section of their post.  When it comes to talking about faith, some people are embarrassed about publicly asking questions or revealing their doubts/concerns.  Making ourselves available through out blogs via email and Facebook opens doorways for people to visit with us in confidence.

Blogging research shows that most bloggers (68%) say concealing their identity is either “not important at all” or “not that important” (Technorati – State of the Blogospshere 2008).  Research goes on to state that the concern of those bloggers who desire to conceal their identity is centered around 2 principles
1.    Fear of harassment
2.    Others disapproving of the content

I also know that a number of bloggers are hesitant to share their email due to massive amounts of Spam emails.  While the third reason is a valid concern, there are ways to decrease it or prevent it all together.  Regardless, I don’t believe any of these three reasons are significant or grounds for us not to make ourselves available to sincere seekers “walking” the most widely used media on planet.

You may be asking, “should/could a Facebook link just replace email?”  In a word, NO!  The purpose of a Facebook link is to get connected with people you already know.  If there is someone unknown to you who reads your blog, they are not likely to befriend you on Facebook.  Even if they did, the chance of you approving their anonymous friend request further decreases the likelihood that you will ever connect.  Therefore, an email link is necessary.

Please, make yourself available and increase the opportunity to begin discussions with people hungry for God’s word.

If you are still concerned about spam emails as a result of making your email address available on your blog, please contact me and I will be happy to help you with some strategies to minimize spam.

New Research

According to The Barna Group, Ltd, new research shows blogging is still a limited to emerging technology.  While this report clashes some with the research provided by the blogging industry about the number and age of people utilizing blogs, it still shows us one major fact.  While blogging has been utilized regularly for several years, it still remains an under utilized medium of communication.  However, the research supports that it is “emerging” or growing in popularity, especially among the Mosaic generation (18-24).

This research, combined with other perspectives, shows that blogging is not a quickly fading digital fad.  While it has been around for several years, it is still rapidly expanding and quickly emerging.  NOW IS THE TIME to seize a monumental opportunity to spread the word of God online and faciliate personal evangelism.

If you are a church, minister or Christian blogger, I would encourage you to read this article from Barna.  I would be interested to hear your thoughts?

Plinky

Using Your Blog with Facebook – Part 4

We only thought Part 3 was the final tip for using your blog with Facebook. This additional method makes it easier for you to deliver your blog to a wider group of readers.  Check it out!

4th – Add your blog to the Networked Blogs Application.
- Go to www.networkedblogs.com
- Click Add a new Blog and follow the directions
- Invite Facebook Members to join your blog
- Add Blogs to Profile
- Add to Info
Presently this Facebook Application is in Beta testing. If you get 10 or more readers your posts will appear in the feed. This makes it easier for your Facebook friends to get to your blog and interact with the content. Additional features include a place for you to add selected content (encouraging messages you want to highlight) and a discussion board. Try it out and use these tools to connect with people and discuss Jesus with them.

CBT is now on Facebook. We would love for you to join our group and participate by sharing links and participating in discussions.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you might encounter while integrating your blog with Facebook.

Using Your Blog with Facebook – Part 3

Our final step includes directing people from your blog to Facebook.  Why?  Facebook provides an opportunity to continue ministry by sharing your life and interacting with people on a more individual basis.  Watch your contact list grow and remember the goal.  Let your light shine!

3rd – Put a Facebook profile Badge on your blog sidebar
-    In your Facebook profile, scroll to the bottom of your Left sidebar
-    Click on Create a Profile Badge
-    Choose make a custom badge (I recommend a vertical configuration)
-    Follow the online directions.
-    Copy the code
-    Embed it on your blogs sidebar under <html/javascript> widget

CBT is now on Facebook.  We would love for you to join our group and participate by sharing links and participating in discussions.
Church Blog Theory on Facebook

Feel free to contact us with any questions you might encounter while integrating your blog with Facebook.

Using Your Blog with Facebook -Part 2

This next step is where you actually sync your blog with the notes section of Facebook.  After you follow these directions, once you write a blog post, it will automatically be inserted into your Facebook notes.  The main benefit is that all your friends will be notified on their home screen that you have posted a new note.  There you go!  You have instantly shared your blog with a new group of readers.

2nd – Import your blog into Facebook Notes
-    At the top of your profile, click the boxes tab
-    Scroll down, find the notes section and click see all
-    In the Right hand column you will see a box that invites you to import your blog into notes.
-    Follow the directions.
-OR-
-Click http://www.facebook.com/editnotes.php?import to begin

Remember the entire point of this is to share your faith with as many people as possible and open doors to personal evangelism.  Make sure your posts have quality words based upon scripture!  Also take this opportunity to follow up with your readers and try to get their response.