As various conversations exploded  in the blog-world, it created and national and international network. Blogging became a key tool and a legitimate community builder. As we pushed the envelope of theology, church, missional thinking and culture, many of us forogt that their was still an old world lurking, reading and disagreeing. I’ve had friends lose their jobs because of theological information they discussed on their blog, blogging was no longer safe. 

Bloggers had to grow up and think about the content they posted. If you wanted to blog you knew you would be held accountable. So blogging became more official and our thoughts had to be more detailed and succinct. Christian bloggers had to learn how to write, discuss, debate and still have a sense of humility in the process. 

Now the blog world is older, more mature and for the most part normal in Christian circles. When I meet someone for the first time I would much rather have their blog URL then their cell number. Its not like we’re going to call each other. We really do life online through Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and Blogs. 

But there is a downside to blogging; it can become an addiction. I hear bloggers all the time communicate how they need a break from blogging but they are scared they will lose readers. Many bloggers are fascinated with their technorati rank. It’s frustrating to see bloggers who write lame one-sentence posts to create comments and stats. How do we continue to blog but not lose authenticity in the process? 

Many bloggers put a lot of time and effort into their blog. They blog with a sense of purpose. They want their bog to do well and to be read by many. I do care about my readership, I don’t want to waste time blogging if no one is going to read my posts. Also, I do know Simply Missional has created a space for friendship, collaboration, networking and mission. I feel like this blog has been an encouragement for the most part.  

Like all things we just have to be careful as we blog. We can’t allow our blogs to control us, we can’t allow blogging to create a culture that is not healthy, we can’t become so fixiated with our popularity that we lose a sense of health and balance. 

So blog and blog well…But please keep it authentic and balanced.

I found a free wordpress theme and my friend John, from the Strange Idea Labs did all the coding and whatever web guru’s do. If you need some design work give him a call. He will hook you up.

I love the design, its simple but still has a creative spark. I’m excited to also be able to add all the various plugins that I could not add with wordpress.com.

I still want to do some tweaks and I also have a few ideas I’m working on.

Happy blogging!!!

Charles Lee is a pastor, teaches at Life Bible College and also runs a non-profit. But for some reason I don’t think he’s all that busy. I’m going to be chatting with Charles next week on the phone. Looking forward to that.

Brandon Hatmaker is a local Austin pastor and also leads a non-profit. Brandon just planted his church in the past year and they are doing some really good work here in Austin.

Nick Asolas has become a great virtual friend. Here is what I love about Nick, he takes on challenging topics like politics and he’s not afraid to share his thoughts. Nick is a youth pastor in AZ and their church does a ton of social justice work.

Todd Hiestand is a pastor in the Philly Suburbs. Todd is a voice for the organic church in suburbia. His writing is reflective and thoughtful.

Aaron Ivey is one of the worship pastors at the Austin Stone. His blog is creative and his passion for the Kingdom is contagious. He’s also a musician and has adopted some kids from Haiti.

Jonathan Dodson is also a church planter here in Austin. I know I’ve put Jonathan on my “new bloggers” list before. But I truly think his blogs (he has three) are refreshing, practical and insightful.

John Chandler is a friend that I met through the blogging world a few years ago. He just moved from Seattle to Austin to plant a new faith community. The only downside to John is the fact that he’s an avid Denver Bronco’s fan. This is not easy for Raiders fans like me.

What bloggers are you following…Leave the URL in the comments.

Next week I will be participating in Blog Action Day 08.

Bloggers across the world will unite and do what is necessary to spread the word about poverty and create creative solutions to fight this unfortunate reality. If you blog I would encourage you to sign-up and share your story.

• Bob Roberts discusses some of the current issues facing our world - inner core.
• John Chandler has some nice post on missiology in the West based on Bosch’s writings.
• Scott Thomas has a great post on Am I a Church Planter. Very practical wisdom and insight on church planting, even if you don’t agree with the theology. 
• Ed Stetzer posted on mission in suburbia  
• Seth Godin is giving money away to organizations.
• If you fill like you’re in a rut, Zen Habits has some good thoughts on enjoying life.
• Joel Vestal, who is the founder of Servlife has a new blog.
• My friend Steven posted some good thoughts on the proposed bailout plan and the impact it could make in the global world.
• Jacob Vanhorn posted some great notes from the Sticky Church Webinar.
• JR Woodward has some thoughts on Faith & Politics.
• Checkout Drew Goodmanson thoughts on the transition of Kaleo Church.

Austin, TX; Portland, OR; San Francisco and Seattle are the Top Blogging Markets

Somehow this little ol’ blog made the Alltop – Top Christian Blogs list-which is a web endeavor of Guy Kawasaki. Pretty exciting to say the least. Lot’s of blogstars are on this list and I gotta tell you I think they made a mistake when the added me

Now it’s time to write a book. SIKE!!! 

Alltop is a new aggregator for the blogging world. If you want to read some of the top church blog then go here.

I really enjoyed Dave Ferguson post on 5 Leadership Lessons It Took A Long Time To Learn.

Carlos has some thoughts on Mega Church Myths.

Tim Lemons posted notes from Craig Groeschel talk at the Willow Leaders Summit & Ryan Day also has some great notes of all the main sessions.

Jonathan Dodson shares some though on church planting here.

Tom Davis wrote a great article on Why Christians S**k.

Brad Lomenick discusses some young and influential leaders.

“To reach people others aren’t reaching, you have to do what others aren’t doing.” Craig Groeschel is a rule breaker.

If you’re looking for a creativity boost then head over to Creativityist.

As always, Drew Goodmanson has some great thoughts on  Shared Values Of Missional Communites.

Los chimes in with some helpful thoughts on the Louie Giglio & Chris Tomlin church plant here. Just a thought but maybe we should give these cats a chance and assume they have a heart for God and Atlanta. 

Matt Chandler is now blogging. Matt is a great communicator. I have a ton of respect for him. HT: Lot’s of people  

Scott Hodge has some great advice on listening.

Great new blog on living missional in suburbia. Many think I hate suburbia-I don’t. Well except for HOA compalining about this-that-and-the-other. But God loves the “burbs.” 

Aaron Ivey posted his thoughts on simple living. Welcome to Austin btw. 

I love the photography of Stuck In Customes. Another Austinite who’s work is incredible. 

Also, if you’re not reading Eugene Cho & Bob Roberts you should be. Both of these guys are church planters who are making great local & global impact. Eugene has 75,000 Facebook fans for his new “not-yet-named” non-profit. Yes I’m envious. I’ve decided to start a Facebook page also-I will give .1 to every fan, any takers?  Bob Robert’s is a living mentor to me. I have not met Bob, but love his heart and passion for the local and global church. 

Now it’s time to eat cold pizza for lunch….Shalom!