Blogging our Mission Stories An Introduction to Internet Blogs with Mission Applications

Presenters Lead by - The Rev. Matthew Scott Joined by –The Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens –The Rev. Betsy Tesi

Outline of the workshop Intro to Blogging Why Blog? Issues to Consider Our Experiences as Bloggers

Questions Always Welcome! ?

About us What have we done with blogs? How do we see blogs as a part of our ministry?

About You How many of you have read a blog? How many of you have posted or commented on a blog? How many of you have administered a blog? How many of you are confused by the terms “posting”, “commenting”, “and “administering”?

The Basics of a Blog: The Post The body of text that makes up a blog Most recent displayed on top Can contain text, pictures, video, links…just about anything.

Other things you may find Comments –The responses of readers, often displayed on a separate page –Not required, but many feel they are essential to a blog Pages –Links to description pages (“About this Blog” or “About the Author”) Archives –The posts that are no longer displayed but are still available

Other things on a blog (cont) Blogroll –Other blogs that the author of this blog likes Links –Lists of other pages the Author likes RSS Feeds –Other website headlines

Some Examples of Blogs Personal Professional Group Blogs Short, limited period blogs

Why Blog? Virtually free communication Emphasizes personal voice Share stories To inform people To open avenues for discussion To encourage community

How to Set Up a Blog Register Free at a Blog Site –Blogger.com –Wordpress.com Purchase space at a Blog Site –No ads this way! Host a Blog on your website

Blogging Possibilites Parish News –General, parish-wide –Specific, individual ministry Theological commentary Personal reflections Group conversations Study Groups (Bible or otherwise)

Issues to Consider How official is the content? Who is your audience? Who writes the posts? Interactivity and Privacy Getting people to read it Lifespan of a blog Time commitment