Editor's Note: This is one of a continuing series of stories on pastor's tools from Ministry Today magazine's special May/June issue, MinistryToday 21.

What does it take to run a church today? The pastor just starting out in ministry may be surprised by the answer. While it's important to keep kingdom purposes at the forefront, experienced church leaders have found that a pastor's toolkit consists of many instruments that are helpful in doing the work of the ministry today.

We have pooled some of our own talent to answer that question and have asked a number of businesses to give their take on what 21 tools the pastor needs to know are available for meeting today's congregational needs.

Blogs

Not blogging is like dismissing church prior to the sermon.

If you have a ministry, you have a message. If you have a message, you need to be blogging.

You have plenty to say. People around you ask about when you are going to write a book. You journal and feel God is speaking to and through you. But something keeps you from writing for publication.

So why don't you blog? Which of these reasons/excuses are keeping you from writing?

• "Blogging is dead." No it's not. Check-out Feedly or Facebook and notice the blog promotions. The best time to start blogging is now.
• "I don't have time." Yes you do. Write for one hour and you can have a weekly blog. As you write, you may find you have more time.
• "I really don't have a reason." It is within you. Perhaps you are hung up on the word "blog." Think of it as publishing an article in a local newspaper. Would you write once a week for your local paper for the exposure? Your personal audience can be larger than a newspaper's circulation.

Blogging expands your personal brand. Your ministry is broadened as you post your blog. New people will find your message every day. Obviously, you will need to do some social-engagement work with your blog, but you probably have someone doing that for your ministry now.

Think about blogging as a platform. Your message multiplied by the size of your platform equals the influence of your content. Less is probably more in content creation. Your gift will probably help someone without the necessity of lengthy writing. Keep them coming back with your unique voice and message.

Blogging is an important outlet for content creation and dissemination. It is also a powerful attraction magnet for your ministry. Write for yourself as you serve in the ministry. Expand your influence.    

Follow Dr. Greene's daily leadership blog on ministrytodaymag.com/greenelines.

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