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Why I hate blogging.
Everyone has a blog. I never wanted one. I am not a big fan of the value of "opinion". Research, data, theory... those things get me excited, but not the concept of people venting what "they think". Perhaps I was running across the wrong blogs. As a result, I thought I had found a definitive scripture that was written by Solomon that was a prophetic word about future blogging: Prov 18:2 "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions."
I wrestled with God for some time on that. I do not want to be a venter or a philosophizer (Zoolander word). I desire to see real change and shine the light on the dynamics of growth that have alluded the church. That is my purpose as a person. It would seem blogging would be a waste of time. This was my case and I had pleaded it with God (and my co-workers) for years.
In my day to day life, I get to work with pastors and church leaders and help them solve the problems that effect health and growth. It is incredible to see what God does. We see a church that had once plateaued, now growing at 30%, we see the church that was dwindling become revitalized, and we see the the growing church become more effective and strategic. I am blessed. I love my life.
It’s a passion of mine to call to attention the granular realities that produce long-term, sustainable growth--the things we explore as we travel the globe serving pastors. My heart is to join the pastor and his leadership—to offer them solutions in their struggle to fulfill their God-given visions.
Then one day it hit me. That could be the purpose behind my...
And that’s why I’m starting a blog.
Post Comments
Pat Dryburgh
This was a solid, solid post. Thank you for pointing out that verse.
I don't necessarily use my blog for airing opinion as much as I do to share things that I've learned, experiences I've had, and information I've found. I even included your Starbucks video that was so classic and hard-hitting at the same time.
Thanks for your blog! Looking forward to reading more.
Posted on Thu, Nov 6, 2008 @ 1:51 PM CST
Marc
Thank you for starting this blog. I really appreciate your insights and efforts to relate our culture to the great commission.
Posted on Thu, Nov 6, 2008 @ 6:00 PM CST
Kent Shaffer
Congrats on the new blog, Richard!
I was wondering when you would finally get around to starting one. Welcome to the blogosphere! I look forward to reading more of your posts.
Posted on Fri, Nov 7, 2008 @ 8:13 AM CST
Kevin
Good first post!! But are you going to post more than once a month!?!? :)
Posted on Sat, Nov 8, 2008 @ 10:17 PM CST
Rene M. Charest
Great job. I appreciate how you look at Christianity from the outside in. It reminds us how to connect to and unconnected world. Bravo Brother!
Rene M. Charest
CEO CharestCorp Church Builders
Posted on Tue, Nov 11, 2008 @ 4:54 PM CST
Ryan
Fully understand the eternal debate between letting one's light shine and humbly serving in the background...I struggled with the same issue before starting my blog. On one hand, you want to champion "good" and stand up for what's right, on the other hand, you don't want to appear "preachy" or too self-serving. It is indeed a fine & tricky balance. What is so cool about the internet age is that we can easily connect remotely with like minded people and exchange great ideas. Best of luck with the blog! --Ryan
Posted on Fri, Nov 14, 2008 @ 2:44 PM CST
Spencer
I am a little surprised to read how blogging irritates you with it's submission of 'opinions' and philosophies. Opinions and philosophies, no matter what the content, are substances of what shape people and their communities. Sociocultural identity is not shaped by research, data, and theory...these are taken from opinions, philosophies, context, and so forth. Without listening to what 'all' people think i doubt 'connection' is a possibility and furthermore, relevance.
Venting is healing. 'Philosophizing', even in its potential pain, is revealing. Interaction with both is inviting.
Much love and Welcome to blog.
Posted on Fri, Nov 21, 2008 @ 6:53 PM CST
Mike
Nice observation Spencer.
Posted on Mon, Dec 1, 2008 @ 2:17 PM CST
Keith Locke
Amen Richard. Amen.
Posted on Thu, Dec 11, 2008 @ 5:13 AM CST
Matt Brown
Richard! My close friend Spencer showed me your blog. I have had my blog linked to your "blog," which were really your church marketing 101 articles. Loved your book, pumped for the next ones and this blog : )
Posted on Mon, Dec 15, 2008 @ 12:31 PM CST
Christie
I do appreciate blogs that are "for the greater good." I posted your Starbucks video on my blog, a lot of my friends and I are of like minds with you, I believe.
Posted on Sun, Jan 4, 2009 @ 12:29 AM CST
Dimitri Nosarev
Thank you for starting this blog, I am thinking now to start mine too :)
Loved your starbucks video, had a good and hearty laugh.
Blessings!
Posted on Sun, Apr 12, 2009 @ 4:26 PM CST
Paul McCracken
What a great blog... Very relevant.. But lets take it one step more.. Is God calling his church to be flashy and slick?
I don't think so.. Tell some fearing-for-their-lives Iranian christians that they need to market Christ a little better with some neat signage and an ATM in their house church.
We need to re-imagie church as Jesus envisoned it. Groups of committed believers gathering together in homes and boldly displaying their faith in the world. Loving God and loving people into the kingdom. simple strategy huh?
Posted on Tue, May 26, 2009 @ 12:43 AM CST
Cindy
Why do we try to systematize the message of a divine being that by nature defies systemization? Packaging the profound cheapens it. Something is very wrong with this. I do love the Starbuck's video though. It brings to light how ridiculous we in the church can be. Well done.
Posted on Mon, Oct 19, 2009 @ 10:44 AM CST
Julien
Wait... weren't Proberbs written generally by Solomon?
Posted on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 @ 8:39 AM CST
Richard Reising
Julien - Thanks for the catch! I'll fix that asap. Thanks again!
Posted on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 @ 5:54 PM CST
Mark
I have to agree with Spencer here. As a hardcore blogger, I am a little disappointed that you don't like "opinion" forums. That's how we learn and grow. . .it's our identity.
Posted on Mon, Jul 9, 2012 @ 7:21 AM CST
Richard Reising
Hi Mark,
That's cool, thanks for your patience with me. I'm a work in progress!
Posted on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 @ 9:53 AM CST
Laurie Neumann
Good post. I think the key to a great blog is to share useful information for your readers - not sharing your own opinions but trying to educate them and give them what they need. That's why it's so important to know who you're talking to - who is reading your blog - and write about topics that they are interested in. It's about THEM, not YOU.
Posted on Sat, Apr 13, 2013 @ 11:21 AM CST
Richard Reising
Laurie, well said. Thanks for the wise words!
Posted on Tue, Apr 16, 2013 @ 12:13 PM CST