8 Tips for Helping Pastors Blog Better
Nothing brings people together like a crisis. In just a few short weeks, we are seeing this happening at the roots of our communities. Yes, people are fearful, they may have lost faith in humanity. They are anxious for the future, and looking for support. But this is where you as a pastor or church leader can help them the most. And as it turns out, running a pastor blog can be very effective in doing this.
With the entire world undergoing a pandemic, there is no more important time than now to stay connected to your church group and donors. Blogging during this time is a wonderful way to share the things you have been learning as a pastor, talk about relevant themes, and give people that connection they are craving. All, without even “preaching” a sermon.
If you are new to blogging, or if you think that you may not have so much to blog about during quarantine, here are some practical ideas to use when scheduling your blog posts.
1. Share personal stories on your pastor blog
This is a good opportunity to give your members unique insights into your daily life, your routines, your normal schedule at home. What hobbies do you take up? Are there any sports you do at home? How do you spend time with your children, if you have any? What is it like at your breakfast, lunch or dinner table? Talking openly about some parts of your personal life will show your authentic, human side and help your followers feel more connected to you as a church leader.
2. Blog about ways to support the community
Which local businesses are you supporting by stocking your pantry with their goods? If many of your congregation run their own enterprises or small businesses, now is the time for you to show your appreciation and support for them. Instead of asking donors for their help at this time, show how everyone can give back to the community by becoming patrons of the church members. Showcase their products in a genuine way on your blog—never in a way that sounds like an advertisement.
3. Answer questions about anxiety
It is so vital to keep staying in touch with your church members. We may live in a desperate time, yes, and this will test the strength and faith of many. And it is normal for people to feel overwhelmed, even scared and full of fear. Pastors can be the tiny glimpse of light in these dark days, to give your members the hope they need.
4. Blog about using technology to stay connected during CoVid19
Keep encouraging folks through your blog, that there is light at the end of this tunnel. Reassure them that you are always there for them—to pray, to listen, to chat, even virtually. See if you can setup a video conferencing system where you can hold support meetings, and invite either a select group of donors, or all of your congregation to join you live, in an online conference. Your blog can be a channel to talk about using technology for good in these times. Encourage parents to use tech with their kids to learn new things at home, or avail of the many online education platforms that are now available.
5. Share inspirational, quotes, or books you are reading
An easy way to come up with blog content is to simply curate what you read for your own spiritual inspiration. During your daily devotions, did any Scripture or quote stand out to you in a special way? Make note of it into your journal and use these as little “nuggets of wisdom” on your blog. This can be as simple as one or two scriptures that you feel like expounding on, or a single poem you can share on your blog to uplift and inspire.
6. Give donors updates on outreach projects and fundraisers
It is likely that your public church activities are on hold at the moment. But that does not mean that your communications with donors and church supporters should be, too. This is the time to be more inclusive, more honest and even open about the fundraising projects. Or maybe, you can use your blog to define the tasks that you will be having to tackle once the quarantine is over. Write about the needs of the community and what the church is doing to address these.
7. Ask questions, do surveys
Your congregation will need lots of regular check-ins at this time. So, use your blog to get more insights from your church members. Ask them to keep you updated on what they’ve been going through, or any questions they may have. Ask what is working at home, and what is not working? How are parents creating new routines, and setting new boundaries at home? How are spouses finding the challenge of their relationships, and what lessons are they learning? This is your blog, yes, but you can also use it to give your church members the opportunity to share what they have been learning and experiencing at home.
8. Communicate that its okay to feel hopeless during a crisis…
…but, that there still is hope. People come to church to find support and guidance. They need you to acknowledge their fears, and allay them in some way. Even though nobody knows what the future holds, you can be a source of reassurance for them that there is a “silver lining” in all of this. With your blog, you show your human side, you let them into your world a little. If you feel anxious as well, it is ok to mention it, and let your church know that “we are all in this together”. Most of all, you provide support and comfort, a listening ear for anyone who needs it most now.
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As a pastor, it is your responsibility to lead the flock into greener pastures. To bring hope, shed light, and keep a positive outlook. Think of your blog as a modern avenue to accomplish this. You may be able to reach out to more people than ever before, and in a more personal way than you ever thought possible.
If you would like more insights into developing your donors, meeting their needs, and helping them get through the current crisis with faith and hope, we invite you to study our other posts on this topic. Running a pastor blog can do amazing things, but there are various other ways you can help your ministry as well.
