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In 2 years’ time, I have written and published 100 articles on this website. It’s celebration time—woo-hoo!
Developing my website and online ministry has been a major learning experience and a ton of work. But I don’t intend to quit for some very important reasons I’d like to share with you.
01. Here’s why I am doing this:
01. To glorify God by using my gifts.
Scripture is clear that we must use whatever gifts we are given to serve: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
I was a communications and writing major in college. So far I have authored or co-authored 4 books and 2 eBooks. In addition, I have written materials that are being used to train thousands of church planting leaders through Dynamic Church Planting International where I serve as VP of Materials.
These avenues are awesome and I want to continue to increase the stewardship of my gifts through this website.
02. To help people grow spiritually.
My articles aren’t primarily for me, although I benefit from preparing them. They are for those who want to grow spiritually and read them. I am not just journaling—I am writing to bless others in the categories of spirituality, family, church planting, leadership, and apologetics.
The feedback I am getting clearly says that people are being helped a lot, praise God!
03. To get more spiritually uplifting material on the Internet.
There is so much that is trivial and even harmful on the Internet. Pornography is a major part of the Internet as well as lots of material that tears down Christ.
For example, my assistant Patty searched Ted Talks this week for Christian material and found 7 talks, 5 of which were actually anti-Christian! When God gives us a tool for communication such as the Internet, we must use it for His work instead of letting others dominate!
04. To Utilize the remarkable power of the WWW (World Wide Web).
We have an amazing tool that has never before been available:
a. The WWW is worldwide—people have read my articles in over 100 countries!
b. The WWW generally ignores borders of “restricted access” countries.
c. The WWW provides free translation tools so people can have the materials in their own languages—languages I certainly can’t speak. It will offer more and more languages in the future.
d. The WWW is infinitely reproducible and scalable. A single printed resource might get into the hands of 5 to 10 people, but a web-based resource has the potential to reach the millions who have access to the Internet. And the number of who can do so is growing by millions.
e. The WWW is searchable—if people want to learn about a subject, they can find tools like mine that can help.
f. The WWW can also include audio (which I am using) and video (which I am starting to use more).
g. The WWW is free—at least what I have offered is without cost to anyone who has Internet access. This means that no matter how little or how much people have, they can partake. Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 NIV)
02. Here are some reasons that are NOT why I am doing this:
01. To make a lot of money.
I’m certainly not against people earning money through the Internet—I’m actually for it. But it just doesn’t happen to be my objective, at least for now. As a pastor and missionary, my heart’s desire is to spread the Gospel. Carolyn and I are investing a significant amount of money on this website so that we can share biblical insights with others.
02. Ego and pride.
Some might wonder if I am doing this for vanity. I pray that is not the case for I am well aware that, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV)
For a great explanation why pastors should be on the Internet despite the potential of being accused of being ego driven, see this article: The Pastor and Social Media.
03. Because I don’t have enough to do.
That’s a funny thought. I have plenty to do, believe me. But I want to invest my time where I can make the greatest impact, and based on the reasons above, I believe this is one of them.
So now you know why I am doing this.
Those are my reasons. In addition, here are some quotes to consider about blogging:
“Simply put, digital social media is the single greatest tool available to leaders, for maximizing influence. Twenty-five years ago, if someone offered you a tool to effectively reach thousands of people, instantly, with text, audio and video, where recipients could provide you instant feedback, you’d be amazed. Yet this tool is available to you, for free, today.” Ben Lichtenwalner in an article Social Media: Vital Tool for Global Leaders
Al Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, is an author, blogger, and podcaster. His book The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters, has two chapters (The Leader as Writer and The Digital Leader) that have greatly influenced me. Below are some quotes from these chapters.
On writing:
“In order to be understood, leaders must learn to write and to set time aside for writing.” “Most of the words we deploy in any given day can be forgotten almost instantly. But the words we want to last, to influence tomorrow and not just today, are words best committed to writing.” (Location 2062 on Kindle)
On the digital world:
“If the leader is not leading in the digital world, his leadership is, by definition, limited to those who also ignore or neglect that world. That population is shrinking every minute. The clock is ticking.” (Location 2139)
On blogging:
“The White House hosts a daily blog, as does just about every major institution in the nation. The blogosphere, as it is now called, offers history’s most cost-efficient way of communicating big ideas and solid content. If you are not writing a blog, you should be.” (Location 2181)
On social media:
“Social media will soon dominate all other forms of digital communication. That fact is reason enough for leaders to be engaged in social media.” (Location 2202)