Blogging Survey
Please take 3-4 minutes to complete this survey about blogging.
Please share the link with your fellow internet users. Our goal is at least 500 responses. Thank you for your help.
Post Idea – Video
Almost everyone who has spent time online has seen a YouTube video. Maybe it was on a blog, linked in an email or found in a Google search? Hopefully you have seen a video that either makes you think or inspires you in some way. This week, use a thought provoking or inspiring video as a discussion starter on your blog.
1. Search and find your video on YouTube
2. Copy the [EMBED] code in the top right hand corner
3. Open Add New Post on your blog
4. Past the code in your [HTML] pane
5. Write discussion questions and/or request feedback
Here are a few examples that have prompted some great discussions in the past:
Please share video examples that you find effective.
Feed Readers – Interacting with your Audience
Interacting with your audience is vital to gaining readers to your blog and identifying those who may be interested in studying the message of Jesus. Additionally, it helps you understand who you are trying to connect with and therefore allows you to tailor your message in the future to reach them with the Gospel.
The #1 way to do this is to read their blogs and comment on posts. However, it becomes a daunting task to visit each of their blogs and read through their posts. It there an easier way? Yes!
Please watch this short video to learn how to utilize a feed reader and begin interacting with your audience.
Link to the Bible
BibleGateway.com is a powerful online tool. Google the term “bible” and you will find that Bible Gateway is #1. This free online service provides 20 english translations of the biblical text and a great place to link your readers to God’s truth.
How?
- Go to biblegateway.com
- Type your passage and select your translation OR search for the keyword you are looking for
- Once you locate your passage in the translation you desire – copy the URL at the top of the screen
- Hyperlink your blog text to lead your readers to examine the text for themselves.
Here are few examples
Jesus sent his disciples to share the message of salvation in the Great Commission.
Jesus’ intructions for the gospel message…
Be creative in order to engage your audience and to encourage them to read the truth themselves. Readers are proven to be more apt to click a link than to search for your suggestions. Whenever we have an opportunity, we should link people back to the Bible!
Post Idea – Photos
Everywhere we go we are surrounded by images. If they haven’t been captured yet it won’t be long before they are.
- When we drive down the highway we see billboards.
- When we go to a restaurant there is a tv streaming image after image.
- When we turn on the computer they jump out at us.
- Your walls are covered with them.
- They are in your wallet, on your phone, in your ipod or stuck to your refrigerator.
Why do you keep them around and keep looking at them? Because many of them have some sort of meaning.
Now, find a photo/image that inspires you. One that makes you seek God or long for Him. A photo that causes you to want to serve the poor, conquer your fears or fight injustice. Maybe that image reminds you of all you have been blessed with? Take that photo in digital form, post it to your blog and tell the story behind it. Inspire people and show them the places you see God every day!
The Redemptive Analogy – Introduction
A few years ago, by the recommendation of a co-worker, I purchased a book. Unfortunately, it sa
t dormant on my shelf until a few months ago. After I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down.
Don Richardson in his autobiographical work, Peace Child, describes the cross-cultural mission work he did among the Sawi people of Netherlands New Guinea beginning in 1962. It is a fascinating story of hope, courage and perseverance. Richardson spent countless hours learning the language a
nd studying the culture. He encountered many hardships and obstacles in trying to teach the word of God. Then, in a moment, he witnessed the connection that would allow him to help the Sawi connect with the Gospel. The Peace Child!
Part of Richardson’s success involved his desire to find that connection or what he calls the “redemptive analogy” that would help the message of Jesus make sense to the Sawi. I believe that we have to be looking to find that same analogy in order to help the 21st century person understand and connect with Jesus. The reality is, for whatever reason, people don’t get the message of Jesus. Our job is to help them see and understand Him.
Stay tuned as we discuss how to seek the redemptive analogy.
Richardson, Don. Peace Child. Ventura: Regal Books, 2005.
Monitoring Your Blog Traffic – Stat Counter
StatCounter.com is an easy service to use for monitoring traffic on your blog.
Go to StatCounter.com’s homepage
Click REGISTER NOW!
Fill in the correct information.
Select your timezone and Click PROCEED & ADD A PROJECT.
Fill in the correct information.
Do NOT click Public Stats.
Select Culture & Religion
Continue to CONFIGURE & INSTALL CODE.
Select INVISIBLE COUNTER
Select your blogging platform.
StatCounter will give specific instructions for embedding the code on your blog.
After your code is installed, click on the EMAIL icon.
Fill in the appropriate information and choose how often you would like a report emailed to you. Click Add Email Report and you are all done!
Post Idea – Movies
Most people watch several movies a year. If you write a post about a recent movie, chances are, you will be able to relate with the majority of the U.S. population.
Post Idea:
In a recent movie have you…
seen God?
seen someone’s search for God?
seen a struggle you accomplished with God’s help?
seen anything related to your walk with Christ?
Write your review and reflections in a post including scripture references. It would also be beneficial to put a picture of the movie poster at the top. Don’t forget to tag your post and include the title of the movie there.
I would encourage and challenge you to include movie reviews and reflections for each movie you watch from now on. If you really want to connect with today’s culture, movies are a great start.
Blessings in your blogging!
Expanding the Goals
This week we are expanding the goals of CBT, adding a third element.
1. Put the truth on the internet so that people can find it.
2. Use your blog as a springboard for one-to-one evangelism.
3. Utilize and facilitate the blog’s ability to be an encouragement to your brothers and sisters in Christ.
While 1 & 3 are the natural products of a sincere, Biblical, faith-based blog, the primary priority should focus on making personal connections and establishing spiritual friendships for the purpose of sharing the message of Christ.
Fear of Posting? – New Podcast
Do you have fear of posting? Listen in for 3 strategies to help you end your fear so that you can blog boldly for the glory of God.