Another Doorway with LinkedIn
Today via email I received notification of a new functionality within LinkedIn that will increase potential to spread the message of Jesus.
LinkedIn has partnered with Twitter. LinkedIn users can now set up their account to have their Tweets update their LinkedIn Status and have a link to their Twitter account show up in their LinkedIn Profile.
This offers another subtle way for Christians to promote their faith based blog and share faith focused tweets with their colleagues and connections.
To set up LinkedIn with Twitter
- Go to the account settings of LinkedIn
- Select Twitter Settings
- Enter your Twitter Account information
- Customize your Settings
Do you see any other evangelism possibilities related to LinkedIn or Twitter?
Read about the parntership – LinkedIn, Twitter announce partnership, San Francisco Chronicle Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Post Idea – Plinky
Having trouble coming up with things to write about? Want to avoid becoming redundant or preachy? Want to keep the blog fresh and appealing to today’s readers?
Plinky is a free web based service that offers writing prompts. Some are silly, others introspective, and others are bizarre. Still, some of them are perfect for sharing your everyday walk with Christ. Sign up and try it. You are under no obligation to use their service but you might find it useful.
Here are some interesting prompts you might find interesting:
Share your thoughts with a Plinky audience, import your answers into your blog, and read other people’s response to the same question.
Have fun and let your light shine!
Please let CBT know what you think of Plinky.
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!
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!