GodBlogCon, Blogging ADD and a Big World Out There.

In October there is a conference taking place at Biola Universtity that will bring Christian bloggers together for a series of discussions on how to use blogging for the purposes of the Kingdom.  I have been meaning to put up some posts encouraging involvement in the conference but have found myself pulled in other directions. 

It dawned on me that this is exactly one of the challenges with blogging per se, and why some more intentional conversation about blogging as a “spiritual discipline” or missional exercise would be a benefit for most of us. 

One of the most challenging parts of trying to maintain an updated blog has been keeping a sense of focus on a subject to do it justice.  While some bloggers do an exceptional job at it, most of us tend to jump from subject to subject based on what catches our attention, or our current interests. 

While I have been convicted about keeping the focus of my blog on encouraging the church to be an authentic, missional community, my own entries have been interrupted--and enhanced?—by a trip to Africa, another to Belize, a speaking engagement in Texas, a new sermon series, following and responding to this, my addiction to this, and preparing for this.  Most of the time I try to weave these things into a rich fabric that centers around these questions: What, then, should we do?  What does it mean to be the people of God in the world today? But sometimes, it is just tempting to chime in about anything I find interesting.  But does it help?  Do we really need another voice on every topic?

(This was exactly why I haven’t written much about the Iraq War, Terri Schiavo, or even the recent bombings in London—far more informed people than I have written far more eloquently and helpfully--on both sides--of every issue.)

Also, as my friend, Rob Asghar pointed out to me over lunch, the very way of reading blogs contributes to this tendency to “blogging attention deficit disorder”.  Every topic leads us to another link, to another post, to another blogger.  It is an interesting and almost overwhelming way of reading where the possibilities for input are endless. 

But, like most people, I want people to read my posts.  And so quickly, my various interests get shaped by feedback.  It is tempting to leave behind a topic where I actually have some degree of expertise and might even contribute meaningfully, to instead join in conversations that are popular but where I am not really that knowledgeable or competent to comment.  And instead of contributing I can become part of the problem, adding my voice where silence would actually enhance understanding by letting those “speak” who actually “know”.

Ultimately, I believe it is best for us God Bloggers to consider blogging a community endeavor where each of us contributes to the overall conversation as part of the body of Christ.  While I have many interests and am curious about many things, I believe my blog serves best by keeping a more limited scope and contributing with a larger goal than my blog.  Of course that is the same goal for every Christian—blogger or not. 

I believe these kinds of conversations are exactly why we need something like GodBlogCon.  If you blog or are an avid reader of blogs, consider joining us in October.

Comments

[brad]

Yes...I am with you on the topic of blog ADD. I have struggled with this problem and it has led to putting less faith in blogging as a reformational media. I blog exclusively on Church renewal and discipleship. I have learned the value in preaching to preach in series lasting a few months each. I think I need to apply this lesson to my blogging..

[Tim Thompson]

It is true that every topic can lead us to another post, another link, another blogger, but is this not how a conversation can proceed in a casual face to face chat over coffee. We go with a topic and that leads to something else and we may well draw someone else into the conversation.

On occasion, we may have a focused discussion about one specific topic and we may stay on that for awhile.

All of this leads to learning, growing, dialogue and, even in cyberspace, some semblance of community.

My blogging has led me to some great teachers, some new ideas, some confirmations of old ideas, and all of it has aided me in my Christian walk.

If anything, we fail to adequately engage each other in the conversation via commenting. It is hard enough sometimes to find time to blog, read blogs, and read comments. To participate via comments in the conversation is another thing that takes time.

And it is in this that the ADD thought perhaps has its most strength. We don't take the time to comment and to discuss, especially areas where we could all learn from each other. Instead we jump onto the next great topic and we're off again.

There are pros and cons to all of this and perhaps we simply have to find some kind of balance in order to reap the full benefits that blogging can provide.

[new barbarian]

Thank you, Tod. As a relatively new Christian I am on the Mission and Evangelism team at my church. In obedience we are trying to carry the Good News to the world and see the utility of using the cyber community and cyber tools. Thank for recognizing that it is easy to lose focus in the dizzying array of links and ideas in the process.