Blogging Week Recap
I hope this series has been helpful and hopefully you’ve had a chance to visit some new blogs and have some of your blogging questions answered. I’d like to share a few final thoughts on blogging:
- Content is king. If you share something worthwhile, I’ll come back. You have more to say than you realize.
- Anyone can read what you say. Once your words are out there, they are out there. Don’t say something you might regret. (Follow the rule: never blog when you’re angry!)
- You will be criticized. You will not expose yourself to a lot of people without someone blasting you once in awhile. Be prepared for it, but don’t dwell on it.
- Rome wasn’t built in a day. Your blog won’t likely reach a ton of people overnight. Be patient. Be faithful.
- You can make a difference. Believe it or not, I got an email from a pastor who said he was going to quit the ministry, but didn’t because God used Swerve to encourage him to continue on. God can use you to make a difference!
I encourage you to consider blogging if you haven’t already. If you decide blogging is right for you, a great place to start is by learning. The Blogging Church, by Brian Bailey and Terry Storch, is a terrific resource for any blogger.
Next, decide who you’re hoping to reach and what you want to accomplish. Who is your audience? If you say “everyone,” you are going to fail miserably. I’m not an expert, but I’d suggest you focus on a specific group of people. You might try to reach skeptics, minister to believers, mentor pastors, communicate with your church, develop friendships, disciple people…write about what is on your heart.
If you do start a blog (or if you already have one), and you link to Swerve on your blogroll, let us know in the comments below. We’d like to add you to our rotating blogroll.
Visit 
Great week of posts! Thanks! I (www.caseyross.net) link to your blog.
Great stuff Craig, thanks for coaching/mentoring us, I know it has been a great help to me as I am just starting out with my blog.
I am already looking forward to see what you will have for us next. Like you said “content is king” and I’ll definitely be back. You Rock.
You’re on my blog roll! I read this everyday. It’s very encouraging to me. Not to mention, this is sort of the “it” blog of the ministry world. You guys are like the Starbucks of church blogging. (Even though out here in New England, I still drink my Dunkin Donuts coffee but you get my drift, right?)
THANKS and Jah bless!
I have been blogging since October of 2005 and have really enjoyed this medium. You guys have been on my blogroll since your first week! Thanks for the great discussions.
http://www.bucketology.com
I just wanted to thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to blog as often as you do! I, like that pastor have learned so much and have had my cup overflow since I began spending time with your blog and others that are listed in your blogroll. I again cannot thank you enough. This series on blogging has taught me a great deal!!! By the way you guys are definitely in my blogroll!!!
hi craig,
i’ve got swerve linked.
thanks so much for your blog!
This series has inspired me to rethink my blog. Thanks guys, I find this entire blog very helpful and encouraging. Oh, and I link…
I am so thankful for this series and for ALL of the GREAT information in general that encourages me to mature, shape and extend (sounds like a good workout)…we can all use Blogging to better HIS kingdom and reach many! I have linked Swerve or “Thump�.
As a fairly new reader and commenter, part of my morning routine now consists of…
Coffee, “Swerve�, Observe, Apply!
You Guys are the “Cats Meow!�
craig & bobby:
thanks for this series of posts. came at a good time for me as i feel like my blog is in transition while our lives are in transition. your thoughts from this week will certainly help me as i find a new rhythm with my blog.
i really appreciate how positive, helpful, and relational you guys are with your blog. and, thanks for your willingness to share what you’re learning, good and bad.
swerve is most definitely on my blogroll!
Thanks guys!
Swerve was on my blogroll the FIRST day you guys released! (and it’s still there!)
Swerve is one of my firsts for the day. I have you linked.
this was very encouraging. thanks.
swerve is linked on my blogroll as well.
Casey, So glad you enjoyed the week. Thanks for linking to us.
Clif, You are too kind. It is great dialogging with you.
Steve, Next time I’m in New England, you’ll have to take me to a Dunkin Donuts.
Michael, Thanks for the encouragement. I pray God blesses your work.
Lloyd, Thanks for reading and being a big part of the conversation.
Tony, We appreciate the link!
Dana! So glad you find Swerve encouraging. Have a great weekend!
Jenn, You’ve been one of my favorite people until the “cat” comment.
Jay, Thanks. Hope your transition goes well.
Nathan, Jeremy and Robin, Thanks for the encouragement and links!
I appreciate this series on blogging as I’ve just started myself in the last two months. Thanks guys!
pastormarty.wordpress.com
Craig,
Thanks for your influence. I’ve had swerve linked since I began blogging. Also, you can check out our church (C3 Church) site at http://www.c3orlando.com. Thanks again for your ministry!
Craig,
Thanks a lot for this blog and what you guys do! I definitely link to Swerve!
Thanks for the series Craig. You’re linked in my blogroll at http://jthelmsdeep.blogspot.com.
You’re on…Swerve has been an immense help.
Just received your book in the mail. Looking to break this bad boy open and share the stuff with the families I work with on a regular basis as well as let the content hit me in the face with my marriage. Got you linked on my blog. Keep going!
livearevolution.typepad.com
Despite the incredible sadness I feel in my heart whenever I read “thump,” I’ve really appreciated this series.
Chris & I will be up in OKC through Monday…looking forward to breathing in some good red dirt!
Marty, Congrats on your blog. We’ll be happy to link to you.
Bryan, Blessings to C3!
Chris, It is our pleasure. God’s best to you.
Joseph, Thanks for the link. We’ll link back to you.
Dave, Glad it helps. Thanks for participating!
Todd, Glad you got the book. Hope you enjoy it.
Anne, Hope to see you and Chris this weekend.
I do link to you on my blogroll. This is a great blog! God bless!
http://leadership2law2longing.wordpress.com/
I really enjoy this blog and often forward posts to the pastors at church. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve got a link to Swerve on my blog:
http://davecrow.wordpress.com
Hello Craig…thank you so much for putting the Swerve out here for us. It’s been a huge encouragement to me and my ministry and is a daily read for me and countless others in my ministry that I email your posts to.
I have Swerve in my blogroll
My blog is http://www.confessionsofaworshipper.com
Thank you!
I appreciate your humility and short posts. They go well together. I link to your blog: jonathaneverette.blogspot.com.
I have been enjoying this blog for several weeks now. I needed to update my blogroll anyway, so you have been added.
Sorry, forgot to add my blog - technerdical.churchpunk.com
I read here daily. I added a link to your site because it is one of the best out there. My first hesitation will go away soon.
http://www.kevinbussey.wordpress.com
Craig & Bobby,
I read your blog everyday. It’s a highlight. I totally enjoy that your guys are REAL. You guys are for sure on my blogroll!
BTW, I started reading “Going All The Way”, it ROCKS! Thanks for the book.
(www.bradmartin.org)
Love your blog! I’ve been blogging for about a year now at http://www.growthstarts.org. I was a worship pastor and my SP asked me to head up spiritual formation & leadership development…thus GrowthStarts was born! Keep up the good work at Swerve at LifeChurch.tv!
Thanks for your blog! I think it is the most practical blog out there!
You’re on my blogroll at bethanychurchplant.blogspot.com
Thanks Craig & Bobby, this series was great for bloggers and potential bloggers! Is there a clinical diagnosis for syndrome called blogitis? If not their will be in the next few years!
I would love be added to the Blogroll.
I have really enjoyed the comments this week!
I’ve had you on my blogroll for sometime now. I also had some friends listen to your series on Thirty Days to Live. I rarely miss an opportunity to drop by. Thanks. (www.unveilinghope.com)
Craig & Bobby, thanks for a great week! After passing 100,000 visits on my blog, I realize the amazing potential this format can provide.
I think there’s a danger of some becoming more transparent, real or even bold in a blogsite then in person. But, that’s the exception I pray, and not the rule…
Swerve is a blessing.
You’re welcome anytime to checkout my site.
Peace, Chilly
Thanks for all the advice and the encouragement! God bless you and your ministry!
Craig, I love your approach to blogging. You clearly follow your own advice - your content is useful and to the point. I link to the swerve blog and lifechurch.tv on my blog (http://michaeldanner.typepad.com)
Keep it up brother, God is using you
Craig, It is my pleasure to be a part of what you are doing for the Kingdom of God!!!
i forgot to include my link…lol
http://www.therstblog.com
I like the idea of choosing your blog audience.
and of course you’re on my blogroll
[...] Craig posted that they would add those that link their blog to Swerve, to the Swerve blogroll. That will increase your traffic; read about here. [...]
Hey Craig and Bobby, I have Swerve linked. Thanks for the great info you guys put out.
Craig,
I am impressed by the wealth of information on your blog and the integrity and Christ-likeness by which you and Bobby Gruenewald present yourselves. I am an far, far from perfect tool in God’s hand, but your ministry has helped me take a step or two closer to what God wants me to be. I am happy to link to Swerve and to LifeChurch on the blog I help moderate.
http://fromtheashesblog.com
I would love to be added to your BlogRoll
I currently link to you guys and have actually wondered about getting on to your BlogRoll
http://www.churchovate.wordpress.com
I started blogging a few months back. First it was to get our church to follow a day-to-day play-by-play of our mission trip to Romania. Then I launched my personal [Roland Thomas Gilbert] blog with an emphasis on church communications as I’m the Communications Director with a personal mission to “help the church matter.” Thanks for your timely direction with this series.
http://rolandgilbert.blogspot.com
This was really helpful to me. I started blogging in March this year. I dont have a huge audience, but I have a defined audience. My blog has been a great way to keep connected and accessible to the women of my church between face to face meetings. Also a pretty good teaching outlet, although I violate the short post rule — a lot.
Great series of posts, thanks for the reminders.
These last few posts about blogging have been very encouraging. I have been putting blogging for a while now and the your blogs have helped to get me off the ground . Thanks a lot.
You guys are on my Blog roll. It was great meeting you Craig at WFX with Andy. I am a huge fan of what you guys are doing for the kingdom. Say hi to Trent Austin for me!
Woo hoo, it is exciting that so many people like this blog… it is sooo goood…
Pleas add me!
I’ve had a Swerve link on my blog for awhile…not sure if I’m on the blog roll but would be greatly honored to…
http://www.jasoncurlee.com
Thanks for the investment you guys are making. (www.ScottyNeal.com)
Thanks for all the advice. I’m going for it. Please link to my bog at http://ablogjourney.blogspot.com/. I’m now a Swerve superfan — I read everyday. But you convinced me to add to the conversation. I think I’ll learn even more.
Thanks guys for this series of post… You guys are on my blogroll and it would be such an honor to be included in yours. (www.treytaylor.net)
Hi Craig,
Troymaxwell.com and I (http://spreadtheflame.blogspot.com) have you guys linked. We love the Swerve blog!
I’ve been reading Swerve for awhile and it is great! You’re liked on my blog too! Thanks for all you do.
http://www.thegreatiamnot.blogspot.com
Natalie Witcher
Thanks for the investment guys! I have linked to your blog. (ScottyNeal.com)
Craig
I read your blog everyday and find it very helpful. Your posts this week on blogging pushed over the edge to begin blogging. Thanks for the challenge to do so. You are on my blogroll…
http://keithpennel.wordpress.com/
Yep, you guys are on my Google Reader. I really enjoy reading, found you through my husband’s blog. I started blogging myself in March and it’s really blessed my heart.
http://amazingfreedom.blogspot.com/
I love what both of you bring to Swerve. I have had you linked for awhile. I write about family and the life of a worship leader.
Greylias Worship http://greylias.com
I check your posts out through my Bloglines feeds. Great blog. I have you on my blogroll.
My blog is found at http://wiredtoserve.wordpress.com/
Thanks for all y’all are doing. I hurt my back and was unable to lead somethings we had planned at our church. But I was able to login and join the live expereiince on Sunday at 10. It was an awesome experince! I’ve added you guys to my blog roll, so blog on!
Thanks for this great conversation! Yes, please add me:
http://www.barryhughes.blogspot.com
I enjoy your blog. I have added swerve to my blogroll. Thanks for the add.
http://www.rustyposey.com
Rusty
Craig, I always love reading SWERVE. If you link to me though, I may have to stop copying your posts and saying they’re mine. JUST KIDDING! =)
Thanks for the wisdom, bro!
http://www.corbettreeves.com
You guys have been a great source of encouragement to me. Add me to your blog role (youthpastoradam.wordpress.com
You guys have inspired me to start a blog. rahulusfbcm.wordpress.com
Thanks Craig and Bobby,
I just added Swerve to our blogroll!
Thanks for this blog. It is a great encouragement, and I can always count on you guys to give me those priceless “nuggets” of thought that stir up my creative juices.
I’ve been blogging since early this year (http://chadpayne.typepad.com), and I have Swerve listed on my blogroll.
By the way… Craig, it was great to meet you last week at the Outreach Convention in San Diego!
Blessings!
Chad Payne
I just started a blog and added Swerve to my blog roll.
Adam Young
20somethingpastor.com
I (www.dannyeiler.com) link to your blog. Keep up the great work, I’ve learned so much from you guys!
[...] couple months ago, we asked you to let us know if you were linking to swerve, so we could link back to you. [...]
I would appreciate the link on your blogroll…
http://ChrisReeder.com
I have Swerve in my blogroll. Thanks for all you guys do.
Kyle [www.isenhowers.com]
I would appreciate the link on your blogroll…
http://TrulyCaptivating.com
Sorry… just noticed the cached link to my website was wrong on my previous comment. I would appreciate the link on your blogroll…
http://ChrisReeder.com
Hi!
I love reading your blog everyday! You guys are awesome!
I’ve linked you on my blof for a while…
Have a fantastic day!
I have enjoyed keeping up with swerve and have linked to you on my blogroll. My url is deeplycommitted.wordpress.com
thanks for the link!
Swerve is one of my daily reads. I love getting another perspective. I have you linked on my blog which is http://www.jeffrenner.blogspot.com I call my blog Church Planting: Running with Scissors.
You guys are such a blessing….keep it up!
Thanks guys, love the blog.
http://www.godinaheadlock.com
Thank you for investing in to young guys like me.
jodyearley.com
Hi guys… I’ve add you on my blog roll for many months now. Keep up the great work!
Greg
Hey Guys and Gals,
Thanks for all your mentoring. Like someone else said, Wake up, start coffee, pray, get coffee, read bible, read swerve, pray again, drink more coffee! As a Co-Pastor of a small church (20) just starting out, the free resources that you provide have been invaluable. Between swerve and the free message series you have blessed us more than you will know. If we don’t meet on this side of eternity know that I will be looking you up on the other side. If your in Ocala, Fl shoot me an email.
Oh, and you are on my blog roll as well.
http://www.reflectionsofamirror.wordpress.com
God Bless,
Shawn
Bobby,
I have you guys on my blogroll. If you feel comfortable with it you can link to mine (stovallweems.com) and the church (celebration.org)as well. Have a great 2008. Hope to see you in the near future.
Stovall Weems
Celebration Church
Jacksonville, FL