This document summarizes a Twitter chat about using blogs and social media in church and ministry contexts. Participants discussed how they include blogs in their social media strategies, techniques for building community around blogs, the appropriate length of blog posts, and ways that blogs can engage both church members and outsiders. They also debated whether sermons can or should be directly translated to blog posts.

1. #ChSocM Tweetchat
10/04/11
Denise205: Welcome to our weekly church and social media chat, especially those joining in for
the first time.
If this is your first tweetchat ever, please don’t get discouraged by the pace! Ask if you need help.
We’re a friendly group.
We’ll get started in a minute with self-introductions, but as ever, we start with prayer.
djchuang: looking to join my 1st tweetchat, looking to add a video portion to run simultaneous
with it..
paulsteinbrueck: @skenow @MeredithGould @rev_david Good to see you all again tonight.
Denise205: Almighty & merciful God, we rejoice in your abiding presence everywhere & your
mercy at all times.
We give thanks for this & every opportunity to share experience & inquiry anchored in faith.
Stevefogg: I'm a church comms guy. Just swopped blog to wordpress & changed domain to
www.stevefogg.com but blogging less than I used to
Denise205: We ask your Holy Spirit to inspire tonight’s conversation & guide us as we move
forward in love & service. Amen.
MeredithGould: @jazzpastord Absolutely! All are welcome...always #fullcommunioninaction
Denise205: @djchuang Welcome!
skenow: @revweb @jazzpastord this might help t.co/hHY4Liwz
rampracer: @jazzpastord welcome to
MeredithGould: <--sociologist, author of Word Made Fresh (abt church comm), keen on using
social media to build community, gadfly tendencies
sm4faith: Best wishes to all attending chat - timetable clash here, but will try to lurk a bit.
emdeerx: Erin Devotional writer for www.God-The-Healer.com
skenow: @mgoins glad to see you tonight! I've been quite tardy lately
Denise205: Next up: self-introductions. In addition to your church affiliation, please let everyone
know how you currently use social media
Denise205: Moderating this chat: Denise Gorss. I work on Web content for a Catholic publisher in
Chicago.
1

2. We will assume tweets during this chat are yours & do not represent your church or organization
T1 How do you include blogs in your social media mix?
mgoins: T1: First example was for my church... My personal blog is unlisted, hidden, and used as
my journal.
rev_david: T1 My use of blogs has changed a lot over the last few years. Used to be my primary
social media engagement
paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 T1: Blogs are great for in-depth conversation, teaching, inspiration.
Content is king!
MeredithGould: @Stevefogg I moved from Blogger to WordPress then back to Blogger for
@Virtual_Abbey. WP gave me a headache.
smshepherds: This applies anywhere! :) RT @MeredithGould any blogging done for a [church] by
a non-writer needs to be edited by a real editor
Stevefogg: @MeredithGould I'm using @standardtheme which does pretty much what I need. I
moved from typepad that was more restrictive
Denise205: T2 What techniques do you use for building community around your blog?
T2b Or if you don’t have a blog, how does a good blog make you feel a part of the
community?
RevWeb: T2b Drawn into cohort and fed by blog from denominational staffer. Converting me.
t.co/PeTgwwJr
mgoins: T2b Blogs allows you to connect w/ and share a more in-depth convo. Many of the best
tweets I get are the titles of blog posts.
rev_david: Also, auto-publishing to #FB can hurt the edgerank of your posts, which has become
even more important with the changes
Stevefogg: I think linking to your blog is fine IF u have are a thought leader in yr niche. ppl know
when u link there is value
MeredithGould: T1 Strong opinion (shocking, I know): any blogging done for a diocese by a non-
writer needs to be edited by a real editor
erinwarde: @SmilingKIJ I love this lady!!
rev_david: Can't be helped, some of us are just dense! / MT @MeredithGould: I despair when I see
church blog posts that are long & dense.
MeredithGould: @rev_david It's why GOD created editors!!
2

3. klamach: @chsocm My blog, on the other hand, is a record of my journey, in hopes of inspiring
others who were out of the faith for years
erinwarde: T2 my blog is linked to Fb& Twitter so that even though I use it differently, those
communities can still engage it-Gets reg readers
skenow: @Stevefogg Given the tendency of people to over-stuff their blog, that may be a smart
move
erinwarde: @mySSW theology prof @ADemetriusBaker wonders if it would be helpful to have a
theology blog for class.. New possible way to use it?
paulsteinbrueck: @Stevefogg I <3 Wordpress!
MeredithGould: T? I prefer posts that max out at 500 words to help readers read.
smshepherds: @Denise205 Ahhh... great. #chompingatthebit
chaddbrooks: @meredithgould or at least the writer start studying the craft of editing and have a
review panel
paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 Blog & Twitter r like peanut butter & chocolate. Blog needs
distribution, Twitter needs content.
paulsteinbrueck: Blogs are also great for SEO & drawing new people to your website. We get 30%-
40% of our visitors from Google.
SmilingKIJ: ELCA candidate for ordination - waiting for first call in NTNL synod here.
chaddbrooks: @denise205 I have found that "odd" social media sites help alot (like instagram +
flickr). They build a really unique community.
mgoins: @SmilingKIJ Now that makes this librarian happy!
skenow: I tend to write more how-to and technical articles, contribute to a few blogs, occasionally
MeredithGould: @skenow I post personal opinion essays but also service pieces, QOTD, pictures,
videos. Not just narrative.
rev_david: But over-linking! If all your tweets are links to your blog, I'm probably going to stop
paying attention!
SmilingKIJ: I've also had some personal blogs which dealt w/ faith but ran out of steam on those. I
think in a cong, I'll blog on the lectionary
LisaHendey: @Denise205 to build community we welcome multiple bloggers at
www.CatholicMom.com - currently have over 130 active writers
paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 Group blogging through a book is also a great way to build
community among a group. I love doing that!
3

4. mgoins: @MeredithGould And often times, you can split one post into many... Red ink is a
wonderful thing!
mnplatypus: We use wordpress for our CMS but not really as a blog
skenow: @mnplatypus Glad to have you join at any time!
MeredithGould: @rev_david Actually, the color I use is based on the liturgical season!
Denise205: @Sr_Lisa Welcome! You'll be able to catch a transcript later for what you missed.
Sr_Lisa: Just tuning in now...lots of good recommendations streaming
skenow: RT @MeredithGould: T? I prefer posts that max out at 500 words to help readers read.
MeredithGould: @mnplatypus S'ok, we don't take attendance and there’s no detention for
lateness!
LisaHendey: @chaddbrooks @meredithgould agree w editing as long as it doesn't bog down the
process. Blogging must be current, swift responsive
emdeerx: @rev_david I have a separate twitter account for my website and a FB page.
Stevefogg: Blogging connected me with ppl I would never connect with... ppl like you
erinwarde: “@rev_david: But over-linking! If all your tweets are links to your blog I'm probably
going to stop paying attention! ”yes! Mix it up
MeredithGould: @chaddbrooks I tell writers that the more "red ink" they see, the better their
writing. I have something to work with
Denise205: @paulsteinbrueck Could you say more about that? Group within same blog, or a set of
blogs with same topic in timeframe?
rev_david: I'm considering taking up a special collection to provide @meredithgould with more
red ink!
Sr_Lisa: @LisaHendey @chaddbrooks @meredithgould otherwise, paralysis by analysis? re. over-
editing
mgoins: Whew! Active crowd tonight. Looking forward to reviewing archives tomorrow.
chaddbrooks: @meredithgould I value my editors, and when I know they appreciate my content it
helps when I get red penned real bad.
skenow: @rev_david I've seen those reports about auto-publishing, but I'm skeptical about
generalizations like those
MeredithGould: @klamach LOVE that you start w/scripture...helps underscore that it's a
communication about church & faith
4

5. emdeerx: @MeredithGould I agree. I refuse to read longer posts.
rev_david: @mgoins Shhh .... we don't want to start the "metrics" conversation #hottopic
#lotsofopinions
mgoins: @rev_david Look at you talking metrics! I agree with you though. You must find a balance
in sharing across all SM.
smshepherds: @emdeerx @rev_david If you're going to set up a syndicated feed to promote your
blog, a separate Twitter account is a great idea.
jazzpastord: is there no place for longer blogposts?
klamach: @chsocm I usually start my posts with Scripture, and sometimes multiple passages,
thoughts on this approach?
mgoins: MT @paulsteinbrueck @Denise205 Group blogging through a book is also a great way to
build community among a group.
MeredithGould: RT @paulsteinbrueck: Blogs are also great for SEO & drawing new people to your
website. We get 30%-40% of our visitors from Google.
youravgpastor: I've followed the shorter blog post philosophy, and it's helped me ship the post.
klamach: @Denise205 @jazzpastord I will read any post that engages me and teaches me!
paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 Here's an ex when a group of us blogged through @KemMeyer's
Less Clutter, Less Noise - t.co/1ghEDFUF
skenow: @jazzpastord I believe you can have longer posts, just not as the norm
erinwarde: I think blogs could be a place for ministers to elaborate on concerns brought up during
Christian Ed, reactions to sermon, etc..
rev_david: Yes! MT @erinwarde: Blogs could be a place for ministers to elaborate on concerns
brought up
Stevefogg: I blog to bring value to ppl in my niche. I only tweet links to articles that are super
valuable
djchuang247: @Denise205 place for longer blog posts = eBook :)
Denise205: RT @jazzpastord: is there no place for longer blogposts?
MeredithGould: @jazzpastord I ask writers to turn a long post into a series. Blogging is such a
visual medium that scrolling is counterproductive
mgoins: @MeredithGould Nice! Personally, I edit in purple (thanks to a former editor of mine).
Still visible, not as harsh.
5

6. paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 A set of blogs with the same topic. Or bloggers who blog on the
same topic guest blogging on one blog
sm4faith: Long blogposts have their place for a purpose, but aiming for 500-800 words is
recommended for most posts by most pundits.
rev_david: Don't tell @meredithgould. I post longer ones - sermons are 1200-1500 // RT
@jazzpastord: is there no place for longer blogposts?
Sr_Lisa: @paulsteinbrueck @Denise205 I haven't tried group blogging through a book. I'd like to
try that
smshepherds: @mnplatypus As your church's website CMS? Share a link?
mgoins: @Denise205 @paulsteinbrueck I'm hoping it's blogging about a book you're reading
together? Instead of meeting IRL discuss via blog?
Stevefogg: @Stuart_Dyckhoff church social media... i think ;-)
chaddbrooks: @jazzpastord throw them together into an eBook
Sr_Lisa: @MeredithGould So, how many words would make an ideal post length? @jazzpastord
youravgpastor: I've taken the Seth Godin posture to blogging. Ship it. I tend to over think it...so I'm
learning to live with imperfect writing.
ChrisWardYoung: Been following the stream, time to jump in... The odd mistake in a blog shows
your readers that you're human IMO
tijuanabecky: Sounds like fun RT @mgoins: @Denise205 @paulsteinbrueck I'm hoping it's
blogging about a book you're reading together? ....
Sr_Lisa: @chaddbrooks That's so true! @meredithgould @LisaHendey know our tendencies...
smshepherds: @jazzpastord Blogs are great for long form content, especially when compared to
our growing predilection for micromedia.
klamach: “@MeredithGould: @rev_david Actually, the color I use is based on the liturgical season!
”<---can I put you on retainer! ;-)
MeredithGould: @rev_david Oral communications do not automagically make for great reading.
Stevefogg: I try to keep my posts below 500 words if I can @MeredithGould short, sharp &
sweeeet
MeredithGould: @rev_david Zoom in on one of my pet peeves: blog posts are NOT
sermons....different communications.
smshepherds: RT @youravgpastor: Blogging is my favorite place for leadership development--for
myself and anyone in my congregation willing to read.
6

7. rev_david: @MeredithGould No, that's true. And it why I am always reticent to publish mine ...
tijuanabecky: I think blogging about the sermon or side points could be helpful to the church
during the week. Helps you learn more and retain it.
erinwarde: honestly a good blog could make me visit a church that'd been "on the fence" as to
whether I'd visit-It could make outsiders come in
mgoins: @Stevefogg Super sweet! And it keeps your readers happy!
rev_david: @MeredithGould But it's important for me to read them /share them /talk about them
with other preachers. It's part of why I use SocM
skenow: @MeredithGould Ah, but can sermons be blog posts?
mnplatypus: @smshepherds t.co/oZSuU5jF
ChrisWardYoung: Blog post could be used to follow on from the topic of a sermon, rather than re-
broadcasting it
Denise205: T2b How does a good blog make you feel a part of the community?
sm4faith: Ahh but you probably have good bandwidth, dial-up is still the norm in our rural
communities.
mgoins: @MeredithGould Amen! For me, reading a blog losses the inflection. I tend to click away.
But hearing it, I feel it.
ChrisWardYoung: @Stevefogg @youravgpastor - agreed, short is good for a blog post (generally
speaking)
MeredithGould: @skenow Not necessarily. Sermons generally need to be edited before showing
up on screen or in print.
sm4faith: @skenow Yes, some sermons translate well to blogs, depends on both style and
audience.
klamach: @MeredithGould @rev_david but can sermons turn into blog posts? or vice versa?
rev_david: I'll go with that! RT @MeredithGould: @sm4faith I’d rather listen to an embedded mp3
of a sermon than read it as delivered.
MeredithGould: @sm4faith I'd rather listen to an embedded mp3 of a sermon than read it as
delivered.
jazzpastord: @meredithgould editing sermons for me is key - so much of what i do is visually
oriented/sight gag humor required...
youravgpastor: Blogging is my favorite place for leadership development--for myself and anyone
in my congregation willing to read.
7

8. SmilingKIJ: If blogging gets the juices flowing for me as a writer, I'll use part of a post in a sermon!
MeredithGould: RT @youravgpastor: I've followed the shorter blog post philosophy, and it's
helped me ship the post.
RevWeb: T2b-I find inspirational and usable material, well archived, keeps me engaged and
coming back to get connected.
Sr_Lisa: Me too! RT @klamach: @Denise205 @jazzpastord I will read any post that engages me
and teaches me!
youravgpastor: I've been doing sermon samples on my blog. A bit like my homiletics class exercise
of "sermon in a paragraph."
MeredithGould: @Sr_Lisa I like them to run 400-500 words...maybe 550.
paulsteinbrueck: RT @youravgpastor: Blogging is my favorite place for leadership development--
for myself & anyone in my congregation willing to read.
ChrisWardYoung: @Denise205 - @joelabell and the Hillsong team have created a real community
through their 'Collected' blog
erinwarde: RT @skenow: RT @paulsteinbrueck: Blogging is a good way to get conversation
started in your church a couple days before a sermon too.
klamach: RT @MeredithGould: I'm fine with posting sermons on blogs -- just not without editing
for the medium. Blogging is a particular form of media.
sm4faith: @MeredithGould Only to the frequent readers of blogs. Many people here only read one
blog - the one with their parish sermons.
MeredithGould: I'm fine with posting sermons on blogs -- just not without editing for the medium.
Blogging is a particular form of media.
mgoins: @RevWeb And it's very easy to reference past posts. Not so easy on web sites, twitter, et.
al.
chaddbrooks: @tijuanabecky I blog about rabbit trails or potentially deeper points that MIGHT
interest people.
MeredithGould: @sm4faith I worked for a priest who freaked if I changed one word or moved We
are to "we're" to be more readable. #PITA
Sr_Lisa: Definitely! RT @ChrisWardYoung: Blog post could be used to follow on from the topic of a
sermon, rather than re-broadcasting it
Stevefogg: Blogging great way to use an informal tone of voice, rather than offical 'church'
megaphone. can be so much more relational
8

9. mgoins: Restating: @MeredithGould Amen! For me, reading a SERMON losses the inflection. I tend
to click away. But hearing it, I feel it.
MeredithGould: RT @paulsteinbrueck: @SmilingKIJ Blogging is a good way to get conversation
started a couple days before a sermon too.
skenow: RT @paulsteinbrueck: Blogging is a good way to get conversation started in your church
a couple days before a sermon too.
klamach: @Denise205 can we suggest out Priests/Ministers/Pastors blogs as food for thought?
Denise205: T3 How might churches better minister through blogs? Good examples of who’s
already doing this?
SonofBosco: RT @MeredithGould: RT @paulsteinbrueck: @SmilingKIJ Blogging is a good way to
get conversation started a couple days before a sermon too.
skenow: @MeredithGould differentiation: a blog is not for transcription
paulsteinbrueck: @SmilingKIJ Blogging is a good way to get conversation started in your church a
couple days before a sermon too.
Sr_Lisa: @MeredithGould @sm4faith I found when I give a reflection, I have to modify it if I want
to post it. Otherwise, doesn't work.
rev_david: Yes! Also, digital recording MT @sm4faith: Dial-up is still the norm in our rural
communities.
youravgpastor: RT @paulsteinbrueck: @SmilingKIJ Blogging is a good way to get conversation
started in your church a couple days before a sermon too.
youravgpastor: The sermon audio goes up on my blog any time from Sun-Tues. I've been using
@hipcast
mgoins: @paulsteinbrueck We do this via FB, but worthy of blog posts for sure!
klamach: @chsocm also, for folks who may be looking for a website overhaul, many are moving to
Wordpress-driven sites
jazzpastord: @meredithgould unfortunately a good many churches are still way behind the curve
in terms of being able to put up mp3s
smshepherds: RT @rev_david: T3 Grace Lutheran #ELCA in Houston has a good blog-as-website
t.co/GvmDBRRA
sm4faith: Only some people prefer mp3s, other value being able to skimread, which can be faster.
Variety rocks.
tijuanabecky: A3 Church could better minister because blogging those who are visual or book
learners vs just hearing it.
9

10. SmilingKIJ: RT @tijuanabecky: A3 Church could better minister because blogging those who are
visual or book learners vs just hearing it.
tijuanabecky: RT @paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 T3: A church could also blog immediately after a
sermon to keep the convo going & call to action.
klamach: @chsocm our priest's blog represents our mission pretty darn well t.co/8MZNDftm
RevWeb: T3-I think blogs can help keep people connected between Sundays, extend coffee hour
conversations.
SophiaSPU: What's your rule of thumb for frequency of blogs?
erinwarde: I think doing some catachetical work (like "What does baptism do?") via blog could
help your congregation but also inquirers!
MeredithGould: T3 A series of posts about liturgy, music, sanctuary decor, church governance --
anything to inform, educate & inspire.
paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 T3: A church could also blog immediately after a sermon to keep
the convo going & call to action.
MeredithGould: @smshepherds Exactly! I spend most of my time writing/teaching about
differences in learning styles
smshepherds: @mgoins @MeredithGould While not a substitute, I think The Word resonates with
people's different learning styles when read/viewed.
skenow: @SophiaSPU whatever your frequency, be predictable - have a rhythm
youravgpastor: I found out a group from another congregation printed out a blog post for
discussion recently. Blogs get ideas circulated &tested.
jazzpastord: @paulsteinbrueck I like the idea of sermon convos via blog, but my folks look for that
on FB. I have a lot of collegial convos there
rev_david: T3 Grace Lutheran #ELCA in Houston has a good blog-as-website t.co/GvmDBRRA
MeredithGould: @SophiaSPU I think it's impt to set expectations for posts every 4-7 days for a
church to reduce burnout for writers
MeredithGould: @jazzpastord True. I served at a church that spent gazillion $ on the new social
hall but it wasn't wired for WiFi.
SmilingKIJ: I'd rather read than listen to an mp3, myself. (Visual learner here!)
chaddbrooks: @paulsteinbrueck how easy has it been for you to build a blogging culture (of
writing and reading) within your community
10

11. youravgpastor: @MeredithGould The big question is--is anally-retentive hyphenated in sermon
publication???
rev_david: Good question! MT @youravgpastor: The big question: is anally-retentive hyphenated
in sermon publication???
mgoins: @smshepherds I agree completely. We must all be cognizant of the various learning styles
throughout mission, SM, etc.
jazzpastord: @meredithgould turning long blog posts into a series. i never thought of that
SmilingKIJ: @erinwarde Agreed. And you can give resources with links on where to buy them
online.
mgoins: @skenow Analogy for you. For me, an encyclopedia is to Wikipedia as a blog is to a wiki
paulsteinbrueck: @jazzpastord If FB is a better medium for your church, that's great!
skenow: In what ways would a wiki be better than an blog?
chaddbrooks: @paulsteinbrueck we have a couple that might. FB groups have been something we
have considered and could do easily.
smshepherds: @skenow On an internal level (administration, kids ministry, music, events,
calendars), I think wikis have huge potential.
rev_david: It's all about knowing your audience & what will engage them! #heardthisbefore
#recurringtheme
sm4faith: Group blogs and blogging cycles can reduce load for volunteer clergy.
paulsteinbrueck: @Denise205 T3: We have also had a couple sermon series @ my church where
we did daily devotionals on a blog.
MeredithGould: Personal blog: post once a week, maybe; for --> blog: a couple of times a week
mgoins: @erinwarde Excellent point! You must feed the audience with more than just a post. Tend
those posts.
smshepherds: RT @ChrisWardYoung: Use different writers across areas/ministries. Keeps
frequency regular, but source fresh
jazzpastord: @paulsteinbrueck I like the idea of sermon convos via blog, but my folks look for that
on FB. I have a lot of collegial convos there
Sr_Lisa: Same here. RT @mgoins: @paulsteinbrueck We do this via FB, but worthy of blog posts
for sure!
sm4faith: Ok, gotta dash, bye all, but remember, the rules of blogging will often be local - suit your
mission, your bandwidth, your people.
11

12. mnplatypus: @klamach exactly what we just did
Sr_Lisa: @jazzpastord @paulsteinbrueck also, on a blog vs FB, the distractions are limited from
other feeds...
tijuanabecky: @paulsteinbrueck @jazzpastord Could use a blog to expand beyond the 140 and the
amount you can post on Facebook.
chaddbrooks: @sophiaspu I haven't done so well in the last few months, but I shoot for 3 posts a
week. I don't post on weekends
erinwarde: If you're going to blog for ministry, you have to commit to answer comments.. Posting
and not honoring audience would seem a failure
erinwarde: @SmilingKIJ you can give a resource and BE a resource!
skenow: @mgoins hmm, not quite sure I get that analogy. Too circular
MeredithGould: RT @ChrisWardYoung: Use different writers across areas/ministries. Keeps
frequency regular, but source fresh
jazzpastord: @paulsteinbrueck FB works in interesting ways I get folks from across the country to
connect to what's happening in my local setting
ChrisWardYoung: Blogging, if you're going to do it, should be part of a wider church comms
stragegy across multiple mediums
ChrisWardYoung: @MeredithGould @SophiaSPU - or use different writers across
areas/ministries. Keeps frequency regular, but source fresh
jazzpastord: @paulsteinbrueck plus my folks are not very type people. FB stretches most of them
to the max. some will read a blog.
paulsteinbrueck: @chaddbrooks Not easy at my church - we don't have that culture yet.
MeredithGould: I stopped caring about analytics on my personal blog because a lot of my posts are
warm-up exercises for book content.
Denise205: @sm4faith Those are great closing words! Thanks for joining in tonight.
skenow: MT @sm4faith: ... the rules of blogging will often be local - suit your mission, your
bandwidth, your people.
RevWeb: RT @mgoins: @erinwarde Excellent point! You must feed the audience with more than
just a post. Tend those posts.
skenow: @mgoins oooh - not in all circles. The relevancy of printed encyclopedia is outdated by
the time it goes to print
paulsteinbrueck: @erinwarde Absolutely! Must respond to comments.
12

13. djchuang247: @smshepherds @skenow agree that wiki have tons of potential; hurdle to get
people motivated to keep it updated
jazzpastord: @skenow this is good advice for me - have a rhythm to posting. i am so sporadic but i
do have auto alerts to Twitter/FB. that helps
smshepherds: MT @erinwarde If you blog for ministry, you have to commit to answer comments.
Posting and not honoring audience = failure.
paulsteinbrueck: @MeredithGould Especially the nasty ones! Where's the love in only being nice
to nice people? :)
mgoins: @skenow I haven't seen a printed encyclopedia since I was a kid. ;-) They're all online
now... too expensive to print anyhow.
paulsteinbrueck: @Sr_Lisa @jazzpastord You can also write blog posts & post links in FB, Twitter
to try to engage everyone.
ChrisWardYoung: @smshepherds - my Mate @Stevefogg runs a great, informative blog
mgoins: @skenow Sorry, it's the librarian in me. An encyclopedia can be seen as a better source
that Wikipedia.
Sr_Lisa: Absolutely! RT @paulsteinbrueck: @jazzpastord You can also write blog posts & post
links in FB, Twitter to try to engage everyone.
thecatholiccoup: @Sr_Lisa very true! FB is full of so much noise! Your feed will only be seen if you
post just at the right time!
chaddbrooks: @paulsteinbrueck @Sr_Lisa @jazzpastord I have learned which outlets do better to
promote to different folks. read your analytics
jazzpastord: @revweb my congregation is pretty far from being able to do that. I still have elders
who want me to call when I've sent an email.
rev_david: What I love ab blogging as opposed to other SocM, is the permanence. A post from
years/months ago can still be a convo point today
chaddbrooks: @meredithgould we need to talk openly about our blogs from pulpits/teaching
platforms etc. Vocally name it and folks will check in
SophiaSPU: @smshepherds just moved our site over to wordpress and am giving ministry team
leads access to post so i can just proof and publish
tijuanabecky: @Denise205 @smshepherds @gccwired does a pretty good job or this.
SophiaSPU: Anyone experiment w/ video blogs as either a teaser/promote sermon or just to
experiment w/ different format?
Denise205: MT @smshepherds: Still hoping you guys can share some stellar examples of blogs
that aren't from authors or celebrity pastors.
13

14. rev_david: @Denise205 @smshepherds I think mine is pretty stellar. And I'm only a celebrity in
my own mind. :-)
Sr_Lisa: Bravo. RT @paulsteinbrueck: @MeredithGould Especially the nasty ones! Where's the
love in only being nice to nice people? :)
mgoins: @youravgpastor If my 4th grader can do this as a class project, so can we all!
MeredithGould: @paulsteinbrueck Ok, never mind nasty...I'm talking about vicious vitriol I've
encountered on some sites. Christian love abiding?
erinwarde: @SophiaSPU Yeah, what about Vlogging as being an intimate way to engage
audiences/share sermons?
rev_david: Another well-done blog for ministry is @prkanderson's. I really appreciate the
layout/content/engagement
klamach: “@RevWeb: T3-I think blogs can help keep people connected between Sundays, extend
coffee hour conversations. ”//yes!
rev_david: @MeredithGould Yes! Not book-related, but I blog for myself, not necessarily the
analytics
ckbliss: RT @smshepherds: Still hoping you guys can share some stellar examples of blogs that
aren't from authors or celebrity pastors. Anything? Bueller?
youravgpastor: @SophiaSPU Saw a post last week about video posting. I've played with a Flip
Video a few times. Need to get back into it.
MeredithGould: RT @rev_david: Primary audience for church blog = members, potential visitors.
Personal blog has wider intended audience
ChrisWardYoung: @MeredithGould @paulsteinbrueck - haters are gonna hate sadly, "Christian" or
not
MeredithGould: @mgoins For the --> blog, I just hope to keep posting useful content & some fun
stuff
djchuang247: @smshepherds et al - t.co/IFTTEGH2 is an example of good pastor blog & video blog
t.co/rzCelFaU
youravgpastor: @mgoins I've been thinking about faith sharing from the congregation via video.
Must go looking for some willing guinea pigs.
rev_david: Primary audience for church blog = members, potential visitors. Personal blog has
wider intended audience
jazzpastord: sheesh! it sure is hard to keep up with but I'm glad to be chiming in as I can!
chaddbrooks: @meredithgould I watch analytics not for hits, but to see what type of content is
getting read the most. It steers future writing.
14

15. Denise205: @SophiaSPU I think both would have their place...what's everyone else say? Who is
your audience for a ministry blog?
smshepherds: @SophiaSPU Great question. Are your website, blog and social profiles targeting
visitors, members or ministries? Can it be all 3?
jazzpastord: @chaddbrooks @meredithgould re: talking openly - most of mine don't checkin. I
keep a low profile on TW, but am very open re:other 2
chaddbrooks: @sophiaspu I have, but to work well I think they need to be slick. If they aren't well
done it looks shabby to me.
SophiaSPU: one question i keep coming back to is audience: are blogs for members who may/not
read or for others?
mgoins: @MeredithGould Then you get what you need from your personal blog then. Internal
measurement counts too!
chaddbrooks: @sr_lisa @chaddbrooks @mgoins FB is huge for me. Twitter does better for specific
things. I also look at what time to link.
thecatholiccoup: Sometimes on twitter if you use hashtags related to your post you get new
viewers.
MeredithGould: @chaddbrooks I feel in super LOVE with Twitter because it's micro-blogging
smshepherds: @skenow Wait? They actually print off Wikipedia and sell it as a book? j/k :)
mgoins: @MeredithGould Anyone else on tumblr? Our younger generation (like I'm ancient or
something as a GenX) seems to be there.
rampracer: RT @erinwarde: @sophiaspu I agree that audience is both-This means though that we
must write carefully&not use inside terms that leave
some out
MeredithGould: @thecatholiccoup Can you get an announcement instead?
paulsteinbrueck: @mgoins Does tumblr allow commenting? If not, I don't see the point.
skenow: @jazzpastord I have the same problem - disciplining myself to write
erinwarde: @thecatholiccoup I say do it.. But then write as if every member of your congregation
is reading, bc you never know who'll tune in!
klamach: @paulsteinbrueck @chsocm my blog's most viewed post is about the funeral of a
homeless man, via a searches on him humbled
chaddbrooks: @meredithgould you get to truly know who you read
thecatholiccoup: I've thought about putting an ad in my church bulletin for my blog. Any thoughts?
15

16. youravgpastor: @SophiaSPU My blog has hit both inside/outside. Some topics hit a nerve. I
haven't focused too much on targets to this point.
rev_david: Thanks all for a great convo again tonight! I love learning with and from you every
week!
tsudo: @chsocm I get an excused absence from tonight since I had a meeting at church right?
smshepherds: RT @djchuang247: @smshepherds et al - t.co/IFTTEGH2 is an example of good
pastor blog & video blog t.co/rzCelFaU
youravgpastor: @mgoins we don't have any youth :( well, i suppose my 4 & 8 year old...
MeredithGould: @skenow I do work-related writing almost every day. My challenge is doing "my"
writing
mgoins: @thecatholiccoup Include a link on your email sig file, on your web site. Anywhere your
potential audience might find it.
chaddbrooks: @thecatholiccoup why not? I have it on my business card and other stuff
jazzpastord: Are u blogging as an individual, referring to the church OR as a particular congreg OR
as the pastor of a particular congreg?
jazzpastord: @rev_david that's OK. I will just enjoy this for the moment it's here! a transitory
blessing!
thecatholiccoup: @MeredithGould yes our bulletin has ads in the back for local
businesses/doctors/restaurants.
chaddbrooks: @meredithgould I use twitter for conversations, then others content and last my
content. I love the relational factor.
paulsteinbrueck: @klamach That's cool. If ur strategic in ur blogging, u can bring in a lot of
outsiders through search engines.
MeredithGould: @thecatholiccoup Makes sense to put an announcement in the church bulletin...is
that what you mean by ad?
Denise205: @jazzpastord It's fast-paced, but you're doing well I think. Transcript comes later to
catch what you missed.
skenow: RT @smshepherds: @SophiaSPU Great question. Are your website, blog and social
profiles targeting visitors, members or ministries?
erinwarde: @sophiaspu I agree that audience is both-This means though that we must write
carefully&not use inside terms that leave some out
mgoins: @youravgpastor try your youth... most active and willing in my arena.
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17. ckbliss: is it possible/effective to have multiple target audiences on a blog? Or would a solid target
(internal v external) be better.
skenow: @MeredithGould well, I guess that is the same with me - I don't see that as 'writing', even
though it can be 'creative'
Denise205: @tsudo No excuses necessary. Sorry you missed our lively chat.
thecatholiccoup: I blog as an individual :)
SophiaSPU: @chaddbrooks yup, i know more folks moving to disqus for comments.
chaddbrooks: @paulsteinbrueck I have installed disqus on tumblr sites. certain themes natively
have it and others don't
erinwarde: “@MeredithGould: At this point I can honestly say my dearest & most valued
colleagues & frnds have come via Twitter ” we love you too! ;)
rev_david: Heading out: But please pray for Texas tonight - another fire broke out in the Bastrop
area, where they just put out the huge one
ChrisWardYoung: Have to head out, but thanks for letting me hop on to the conversation.
jazzpastord: @skenow finding time for TW, FB, sermon, worship planning, hospital visits, congreg.
leadership, newsletter articles AND blog? #whew
klamach: “@mgoins: @youravgpastor try your youth... most active and willing in my arena.
”//yes!!!!!
youravgpastor: @MeredithGould You rock bringing together the Catholics and Protestants This is
a good thing.
MeredithGould: @chaddbrooks At this point I can honestly say that my dearest & most valued
colleagues & friends have come via Twitter
chaddbrooks: @jazzpastord I blog as an individual, pastoring a certain congregation but reaching
to a larger audience
mgoins: @paulsteinbrueck yes it does! Just started due to finding a few of my son's friends on
there. I need to keep up w/ where he'll be!
Denise205: We’re already coming up on the hour. Final thoughts before prayer?
klamach: RT @rev_david: Primary audience for church blog = members, potential visitors.
Personal blog has wider intended audience
paulsteinbrueck: @chaddbrooks Ah, good to know.
skenow: @jazzpastord everyone needs sabbath.
mgoins: @SophiaSPU @chaddbrooks many of my professional journals are using it as well.
17

18. chaddbrooks: @ckbliss I do. But it is only 2 or 3. Name your posts and pay attention to categories.
ckbliss: I find that the more fragmented my target gets, the more fragmented my content gets.
fsantoni: Ok. I'm here (for once). What'd I miss?
klamach: RT @MeredithGould: @chaddbrooks At this point I can honestly say that my dearest &
most valued colleagues & friends have come via Twitter
SmilingKIJ: Thanks everyone!
Denise205: @ChrisWardYoung Thanks for joining us tonight!
jazzpastord: @meredithgould this is where I generally am at the moment as well.
klamach: RT @erinwarde: “@MeredithGould: At this point I can hnstly say my dearest&most
valued colleagues&frnds hve come via Twitter ” we love
you too! ;)
RevWeb: When I launch my work blog I'll be looking to you folks for help. Thanks for all these
great ideas.
MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build community, be a person for
others, stay true to the Gospel
Denise205: @fsantoni We've been chatting blogs tonight.
MeredithGould: @RevWeb You're launching a work blog???
fsantoni: @Denise205 Thanks
erinwarde: I'm out. Blessings to you all. As someone who works in social media, this is one of my
favorite parts of my job--this chsocm group!
klamach: RT @MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build community,
be a person for others, stay true to the Gospel
youravgpastor: RT @MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build
community, be a person for others, stay true to the Gospel
SophiaSPU: how much cross posting/interaction do you have between personal/ministry/church
blogs?
Denise205: Coming up on the hour, we conclude with this prayer from Compline:
JustinWise: I'd love to hear all of your thoughts on a comment experiment I'm doing. No blog
comments for 30 days!
smshepherds: Narrow focus for maximum impact. RT @ckbliss I find that the more fragmented
my target gets, the more fragmented my content gets.
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19. RevWeb: RT @MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build community,
be a person for others, stay true to the Gospel
MeredithGould: @JustinWise Makes sense to me!
Denise205: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night & give your
angels charge over those who sleep.
skenow: RT @MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build community, be
a person for others, stay true to the Gospel
smshepherds: @JustinWise There goes the neighborhood :)
chaddbrooks: @meredithgould true. people realize real quick if you are just trying to build a rep
and it shows. Always give, build and assist.
paulsteinbrueck: @JustinWise No comments? Really? Why?
smshepherds: RT @MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build
community, be a person for others, stay true to the Gospel
youravgpastor: @SophiaSPU I decided that if I have one FB profile that I will do one blog. Too
difficult for me keeping up w/more than one blog.
ckbliss: @JustinWise so wait... Should we comment on no comments? :)
JustinWise: @smshepherds Ha! That's what happens when I show up late ;)
mgoins: @JustinWise Not allowing comments or not giving comments and if so to your posters or
to other blogs? Inquiring minds want to know
paulsteinbrueck: RT @MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build
community, be a person for others, stay true to the Gospel
skenow: @JustinWise I've seen another suggestion: a reverse blog. Comments first, content second
klamach: Rt @Denise205: Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this
night & give your angels charge over those who sleep
JustinWise: @paulsteinbrueck t.co/X5dnAu8G
sarahnapoline: RT @MeredithGould: Final thoughts: Contribute more than you take, build
community, be a person for others, stay true to the Gospel
ckbliss: @chaddbrooks cool. I've even debated different channels... But I just don't have the
content :)
Denise205: We’re at the hour. Thanks to all for your contributions & insights. Join us again
next Tuesday @9pm EDT.
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