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Be a blogging missionary and harness the Internet’s power to share your faith with the world. This comprehensive guide provides essential tips and strategies to help you create impactful content, engage with readers, and spread the gospel message effectively in the digital realm.
In our increasingly interconnected world, the Internet has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sharing the gospel. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have the unique opportunity to become digital missionaries, using our keyboards and screens to spread the light of Christ. This post will explore how we can effectively use blogging as a tool for missionary work in the 21st century.
The Power of Personal Perspective
Remember that as a blogging missionary, you’re speaking as an individual sharing personal perspectives. Your unique experiences and insights are what make your blog authentic and relatable. It’s crucial to:
- Clearly state that you’re sharing personal views, not official Church doctrine
- Share personal stories of faith, struggles, and triumphs
- Use “I” statements to emphasize your individual perspective
Your own experiences will be insightful and interesting to readers, providing a genuine glimpse into the life of a Latter-day Saint.
(Share your heartfelt testimonies on our message boards, and I’ll reblog them on our main page and to other platforms, amplifying your faith while supporting missionaries in need with every shared testimony as part of an initiative to spread the gospel.)
Crafting Effective Blog Posts
When writing your posts, keep in mind that most blog readers are looking for content that is easy to digest. Here are some tips:
- Keep posts relatively short (aim for 500-800 words)
- Use clear, simple language
- Break up text with subheadings, bullet points, and short paragraphs
- Remember the adage “milk before meat” – focus on basic gospel principles
Write about fundamental subjects such as faith, repentance, Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon. These topics provide a solid foundation for those seeking to learn more about our beliefs.
The Power of Testimony
One of the most powerful things you can share on your blog is your personal testimony. Tell how you feel about gospel principles. People may be able to argue against a principle, but it’s much more difficult to argue against someone’s personal experiences and feelings.
- Share specific instances where you’ve felt the Spirit
- Describe how living gospel principles has blessed your life
- Express your love for the Savior and His teachings
Engaging with the Blogging Community
Blogging isn’t a one-way street. To be an effective blogging missionary, you need to engage with the wider blogging community:
- Read and comment on other blogs, especially those discussing faith and religion
- Respond thoughtfully to comments on your own blog
- Follow up with bloggers who visit your site
This interaction helps you build relationships and expand your reach. It’s also a great way to learn about different perspectives and find new topics to address in your own writing.
Navigating Challenges with Christ-like Love
As you engage in online discussions about faith, remember Elder Ballard’s counsel:
“Every disciple of Christ will be most effective and do the most good by adopting a demeanor worthy of a follower of the Savior. Discussions focused on questioning, debating, and doubting gospel principles do little to build the kingdom of God.”
It’s important to:
- Maintain a positive, uplifting tone in your writing
- Avoid argumentative or defensive responses to criticism
- Know when to disengage from unproductive discussions
- Focus on sharing your own experiences rather than debating doctrine
Creating a Digital Safe Haven
One of the unique benefits of blogging as a missionary tool is that it provides a low-pressure environment for those investigating the Church. Unlike in-person interactions, blog readers can:
- Explore Church teachings at their own pace
- Ask questions anonymously
- Find answers without feeling pressured to make immediate commitments
By creating a welcoming, informative blog, you can help prepare hearts to receive the gospel message, potentially leading to future interactions with full-time missionaries.
Embracing New Technologies
As we enter this new age of technology, we have unprecedented avenues for missionary work. Consider incorporating:
- Video testimonies or explainer videos
- Infographics explaining gospel principles
- Podcasts discussing faith topics
- Social media integration to share your blog posts more widely
Conclusion: A Call to Digital Discipleship
Blogging as a missionary is a powerful way to share the gospel in the digital age. By sharing our personal experiences, testimonies, and insights, we can touch hearts and minds across the globe. Remember, with a little creativity and boldness, coupled with Christ-like love and wisdom, we can help others learn more about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
As you embark on your journey as a blogging missionary, always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Let your words be a beacon of light in the vast expanse of the Internet, drawing others to the truth and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
