Heart Soul and Might

Boundless has an article here on responsible blogging that I thought was insightful, helpful and good. Two bloggers I link to, Justin Taylor and Carolyn McCulley were interviewed for the article (by Suzanne Hadley). Here’s an excerpt:

In May I visited a certain well-read Christian blog for the first time. The content of the day’s post was a review of a controversial Christian book. I had been pointed to the post by another blogger who claimed the comment trail following the review was unloving and unfair. I, along with several hundred others, flew to the controversy. As I read through the comments, many revealed not only an aversion to the book but severe and specific criticism of the author’s character.

As I scanned the comments — many seemingly dashed out in anger — I found myself wondering if these bloggers didn’t have something better to do with their time than tear apart a fellow follower of Jesus.

Unfortunately this kind of graceless conversation among Christians is all too common in the blogosphere. “The secular world is not impressed with the Christian world of blogging,” says Justin Taylor, proprietor of the blog “Between Two Worlds.”

Justin, whose blog receives up to 1,800 visits per day, believes that many Christ-followers are abandoning the basics when it comes to their online conversations. “Jesus said they will know us by our fruit and by our love, and a lot of blogs are failing in that.”

And, fellow blogger Bob Kauflin provides some GREAT insights in this article “Blogging To Worship God.” This is a must-read for fellow bloggers…

Technorati Tags: blogging, blogs, Christian blogging

If you haven’t yet visited Together For the Gospel blog, you need to. I have really been inspired and intrigued by Ligon Duncan’s 7-part series on “Pastors - Studying and Reading” - I guess primarily intended for pastors, but beneficial for EVERYONE who wants to grow in their knowledge of God and depth of their faith. I have gotten some great ideas not only on what to add to my reading list, but on what not to add to my reading list, and why. All of the contributors to this blog - Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, Al Mohler and CJ Mahaney - are well-read, well-spoken and humble.

Also, Bob Kauflin’s series (pt. 14 so far) on “What Does a Worship Leader Do?” at Worship Matters is really quite comprehensive and, while primarily written for worship leaders, is great “perspective-giving” reading for any worshipper. I really respect Kauflin’s perspective, and as a worship leader myself, have been challenged and inspired.

My friend and fellow pastor at Fellowship, Reid Monaghan, blogs at Power of Change Blog and is a must read. His perspective is always thoughtful and his insights are beyond his years. His area of primary interest is apologetics and he has done some work regarding The Da Vinci Code that you will want to check out.

Thank you to Fellowship Bible Church for sending me each year to the Re:create conference here in Franklin - a ‘think-tank’ type gathering of worship/arts leaders from large churches all over the country. Randy Elrod from The People’s Church is the mastermind behind this extraordinary event. We gathered together again this last week and once again had a slate of great speakers, creatively stimulating activities and of course, good food. Last year, one of our speakers was Hugh Hewitt, regarded by some as the ‘father of the blogosphere.’ Many of us were inspired to start blogging, and below is a list of Re:create bloggers compiled by fellow Re:create alum Pat Callahan:

Here are the guys (and gals) from re:create that I know are blogging. check them out…
Pat Callahan (Two Blonde Boys) - That’s me!

Randy Elrod (Ethos) - Randy was, in a way, the guy who got me blogging. He brought Hugh Hewitt, author of Blog, to re:create last year. That started the whole ride.

Carlos Whittaker (Ragamuffin Soul) - This is one of my favorite blogs. Carlos is a great young man of God with a great heart for God and people. I love this guy. Los also has a podcast on iTunes (search for worship leader)

Heather Whittaker (Whittaker Woman) - Heather has a great perspective on being a wife to Carlos and mom to two of the most adorable girls in the world.

Bethany Gaddis (Perspective) - This one is a new find for me. Bethany is a great writer with a great heart for God.

Randy Parker - I love me some Randy. Randy is a NewCov guy and makes me look GOOD every single Sunday.

Brian Petak (Heart Soul and Might) - Brian is a writer and worship leader in Franklin, TN, who met his sweetheart after the very first re:create conference.

Rich Kirkpatrick (Rich Kirkpatrick’s Weblog) - Rich is a great guy - he has some of the best pix from re:create on his blog.

Troy Kennedy (NewWorship Blog) - Troy is a gifted worship leader and a great guy. He is slacking a little on posting, but keep an eye on it… when he posts, it’s good.

John Machowski (ArtsPastor.com) - Come on, John… it’s time to post again!

Whoops! I forgot Chad Jarnigan (*Blogstar) - Chad is a worship leader at The People’s Church in Franklin, TN. He is a talented singer and has a great heart for the Lord. Check him out.
(HT: Pat Callahan)