Reading Rainbow - Week 2...Book2

This week I focused on "The blogging Church" by Brian Bailey and Terry Storch.

I was actually pleasantly surprised with this book. I knew going into this book that I was in for a lot of great information and disciplines in creating and maintaining a blog. I did not expect how creatively it was written. I think we have certain expectations for "how-to" books and this one surpassed my expectations.

If you have started a blog or are just thinking about it, grab this book. There is a lot of focus on churches creating and using blogs, but not to the extent that it leaves the individual out. The writers took time to teach us a little history as well as give us clear detailed info on the how, why and where of the blog world. Chapter 9 & 10 focus on starting a blog and then building a blog well. I love chapter 11 titled "Build A Really Bad Blog". It's kind of the how-to in reverse.

One of the coolest things in the book was hearing from bloggers around the country about their take on blogging and how it has affected their lives or the lives of the businesses/churches they are involved with. I enjoyed hearing the real world ideas.

This book really starts from the beginning by asking 3 questions...
-Is it a tool or a toy?
-What problem are you trying to solve?
-What is the return on ministry?

The writers go on to explain that "Blogs are tools, not toys. Blogs help solve real problems. Blogs deliver a true return on ministry."

I also appreciate the hopeful message from start to finish. As churches and Christ-followers, we have an amazing opportunity to share our story with others. The blog world is open and ready for the taking. This book consistently draws you back to intent. The writers want you to be excited about who God is in your life and they want that to burst out on your blog.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of or already in the blogging world. It's very easy to read. It is not extremely technical. And when it does get technical, they have done a great job of explaining themselves so no one gets left behind. It has real life stories and history. It is a quick read. I thought this would take me longer than some of the other books I have planned for the "Reading Rainbow", but this read very smooth.

If you want to check in on the writer's blogs, take some time to say thank you for their book.

Terry Storch is on staff at Lifechurch.tv in Oklahoma

Brian Bailey is on staff at Fellowship Church in Dallas Texas

Here are a couple of great quotes from the book...

"Church is the last place where you should invest a lot of time pretending to be perfect. The standard has already been set, and everyone has been found lacking."

"Whether online or in person, reaching out is about risk. Walking across the room and introducing yourselves involves risk, and the blogosphere is no different."

"If we want to have any hope of communicating with on another, and learning from one another, we have to realize that we're all self-centered sinners, trying to do the best we can in this life for our family, our community, and ourselves."

"When passion, mistakes, answered prayers, and struggles are shared openly and honestly, people can connect with the church beyond the weekend services."