When I decided to blog almost two years ago, I couldn’t find any useful teaching resources for Christian bloggers. The most popular blogging courses or books only cared about fame and income, and the few resources by Christian didn’t cover the spiritual aspect of blogging in depth. At last, I found a blogging resource whose focus is on God. It’s Blogging for the God’s Glory in a Clickbait World by Benjamin Vrbicek and John Beeson.
As believers, our primary motive for blogging is the Glory of God. Or, as Vrbicek says, “we blog for the praise of His glorious grace.” Therefore, we cannot follow industry practices that focus solely on amassing subscribers and shares to the detriment of content.
In Blogging for God’s Glory in a Clickbait World, Vrbicek and Beeson remind us of our high calling and help us steward our blogs in a God-honoring way.
Vrbicek begins the book by explaining what it means to blog for God’s glory. He says it means, “first to have our motivations aligned with God’s and second to pursue excellence in the craft, including theological precision, beautiful prose, visual appeal, and the edification of readers, all drawing from the best industry practices.”
The authors then expound on this definition in seven chapters that explore different aspects of starting and maintaining a blog.
Chapter one addresses the purpose of blogging, “why am I blogging, and who am I trying to reach?” Here, Beeson explains why we should have a reason to write and who will benefit from it. He says, “if your blog is to honor God, it must serve others first, not yourself.”
Chapter two is on spiritual disciplines, “How do I spiritually grow while blogging?” Here, Beeson and Vrbicek explain how blogging can work with our spiritual disciplines and even become one. They say, “blogging ought to grow us in holiness. When we blog for God’s glory, the discipline of writing becomes integrated into the web of our spiritual disciplines.”
Chapter three addresses commitment, “How much time and effort will blogging take?” Here, Vrbicek helps us align our priorities and determine where blogging will fit. He says, “blogging makes a great hobby but a terrible taskmaster; without really noticing, you can find yourself shut in a bathroom on vacation anxiously writing a post.”
Chapter four covers obstacles, “What hurdles will I encounter?” Here, Beeson is blunt about the struggles we will have while blogging (blogging isn’t easy). He says, “blogging is fraught with challenges. But I believe your why is bigger than those challenges. You can and will glorify God as you persevere and live out his good purposes for your good calling.”
Chapter five addresses the financial and technical side of blogging, “what behind-the-scenes details do I need to know?” Here, Vrbicek details blogging costs to expect. He says, “If you can afford expenses to your blog, spend more…there is a cumulative witness to God’s glory when Christian bloggers do all that we can to pursue excellence, not for the sake of our name among the nations but for the sake of God’s.”
Chapter six addresses networking, “how will I connect with readers and like-minded bloggers?” Here, Beeson explains the role and importance of a community in our blogging journey. He says, “If you want to write to serve others, you need to network in the service of your blog. You need to network for the service of God.”
Chapter seven addresses success, “How do bloggers make money, and what even defines winning?” Here, Vrbicek discusses what success looks like when blogging for God’s glory and provides different ways Christian bloggers can make money with integrity. Yes, it’s okay to make money from your ministry. He says, “If you labor at something for the glory of God and the good of others, there is nothing inherently wrong with making income from your labors.”
Last the conclusion, “how do I cultivate a cross-shaped Blog?” Here, Beeson encourages bloggers to use God’s gifts for His glory and the benefit of others.
The book also has three appendices featuring quotes by twenty-six bloggers on whether blogging is dead, a glossary of blogging terms, and pull quotes from the book.
I must say, Vrbicek and Beeson did a phenomenal job with this book! They remind us that Christians should blog for God’s glory alone and thoroughly explain what that means. They also guide readers through all the stages of blogging, from choosing a name to making an income, and provide practical encouragement and guidelines to navigate each step in a God-honoring manner.
I appreciate Vrbicek’s and Beeson’s transparency. They share the hurdles and successes they have encountered in their journey and how having God’s glory as our purpose will help us through them. They say, “The glory of God alone can sustain us, bloggers when our traffic tanks and readers unsubscribe,” and “the glory that brought is to God is not proportionate to your subscription list.” Amen!
I also very much appreciated their honesty. Vrbicek and Beeson are real about the effort you will put in and the results you will most likely get. They don’t over-promise as many other bloggers do.
Last, I love how all their arguments are rooted in the Scriptures. Unlike a few craft books I have read, God’s glory is foremost throughout this book, and the authors frequently used biblical examples to make their point. It’s obvious Vrbicek and Beeson care deeply about Christians using their blogs to the glory of God, and I am thankful for that.
Blogging for God’s Glory in a Clickbait World is the book I wished I had when I started blogging, and I am thankful the authors worked hard to deliver us this treasure and useful guide. It encouraged me to plod on, align my motives with God’s, and do my best to excel for His glory and praise. I expect to return to this book often to receive encouragement and check my heart.
If you are an aspiring, new, or seasoned blogger (or any Christian content creator), I highly recommend getting this book. It will help you honor God with your blog and provide you with much encouragement!
