Blogging's Been Tough

It's been a tough year blogging for me. (I'm about to get vulnerable on ya, so watch out.) Year 2008 has been full of transitions and new challenges, which don't make for very good blog fodder.

1. I stepped out of pastoring a church one year ago and don't quite know what to do with myself. Still trying to figure that out.
2. I spent June through December writing a book on church planting. I poured every God-given idea I have about ministry into this work and kept the content off the blog. Which was hard.
3. I started writing for COLLIDE. Again, content off the blog.
4. I can't/don't write about "insider" stuff in the Christian ministry world. I've got enough juice to fill a tabloid newspaper, but consider it my "sacred trust" to not hinder the cause of Christ.
5. It's a weird dynamic to have a blog and a boss at the same time. I never worried about getting fired as a church planter because nobody ever wanted my job. =)
6. I'm getting more responsiveness to my thoughts on innovation than ministry, which ticks me off just a little bit. =) Not sure I want to be "that guy" just yet.

So give me a little time, and I'll figure this thing out. Best is yet to come.

Comments

[Scott Fillmer]

I love blogging but you are right, it is a tough business. I have gone back and forth over the years with my blog and only really started enjoying my blogging (on my personal blog) when I started posting from the heart. nice post.

[Ben Arment]

If I could shoot photos like you Scott, I wouldn't even write. =) I'd just shoot all day and post photos.

[Scott Cheatham]

It's hard Ben but you're doing the right thing by partitioning things as you've stated.

As for pastoring a church, I don't give it long before you'll be back at it again. God's called you to that so eventually, you'll be needed somewhere. We have too many empty pulpits and not enough humble leaders to step into them.

Keep up your blogging though! It's fun to read.

[daniel d]

I'd embrace being the innovation guy only because innovation helps ministry and fosters change. I think most people who read this blog respond to innovation in the context of ministry, or maybe I am mistaken.

I've said it before in emails to you direct but I'll say it here publicly. I think you have a unique lens / perspective on certain things. You process ideas in ways that many others don't. That is unique and valuable. I'm often challenged by things you post or at the least inspired to be as succinct with a thought.

All that to say... regardless of the frequency, Ben + Blogging = Goodness.

[Ben Arment]

You're too good to me... thanks for the thoughts.

[Clayton Bell]

Ben, this post was a load of crap. Here's why-

Your blog is one of the few from "ministry leaders" that actually provides leadership, vision, direction, and you usually do it under 100 words! No one says more with fewer words than you, I've linked to no blog more than yours, and, well, that's all I got.

I LOVE this blog. Heck, I flew to VA for a day because of it! How could it be better?!?!

[Ben Arment]

Clayton, that's so nice of you. Maybe it's just me that's feeling a little out of place. =)

[Jeremy Small]

B,
I agree with Clayton, I refer to your blogs almost daily. Friends that don't even know about the blog world know who you and are growing increasingly irritated at me for constantly bringing you up in discussions. You are authentic and pointed, I can't even comment in less than 100 words much less blog.

[Jake Press]

Hey Ben,

This is excellent! Agreed with Clayton on your ability to communicate in such an effective manner. I'm looking forward to this "journey" as well. I can't wait for our meeting on Friday! See you there bud... -- Jake

[Pedro Infantas]

I just wanna say my friend that God uses you in ways that you dont know...Your posts make me think,challenge me,give me a lot of ideas....as a executive pastor in a southamerica church (Lima Peru), man THANXS!!!!!!!!!!
now, go to your map and look for Lima...Im there!!!!