After almost 3 years of not writing or publishing a blog post, I resumed writing in this space a few months ago. I thought I’d pause to catch up and share why.
Let’s Start at the Beginning
I started this blog back in May 2012 (you can find my first post here) after months and months of deliberating if this was a space I wanted to enter. (I am an introvert and a pretty private person, so sharing on the internet was WILD to me.) At that time, kids ministry blogs were pretty popular, with most having (from what I could tell) pretty good traction. I wasn’t sure if I, unknown in the kids ministry world, would stand a chance at making a name for myself. I was afraid of failing. But I bit the bullet and dove in, writing from my ministry perspective and hoping that others would join me for the ride.
After a while, my posts caught the attention of several influential leaders and organizations, many of whom invited me to write guest posts for their publications. Over time, I was also offered freelance projects and speaking engagements that blew my mind. It really was a dream come true for someone afraid of putting herself out there.
Then…A Few Shifts
In 2021, during the tail end of the global pandemic, I recognized a personal shift when I assumed my current role as our church’s Senior Next Gen Director. I was transitioning into that expanded role during a time that our church was also in a season of transition. I felt ill-equipped to share anything of value. (In retrospect, that statement is quite laughable now because I learned SO much in the first 6-month timeframe!)
The landscape of sharing online had also shifted. More online content became video-based (think Instagram reels) and since I dread being in front of the camera, this made me feel as if my delivery method was outdated, unneeded, and unsustainable.
I felt like I had nothing to say, but at the same time…
I felt like I had a lot to say, if that makes sense. I felt like a lot of things that I wanted to talk about would have been fruitless or not appropriate for the internet (mostly that part lol) so I just said nothing.
I was also grieving the loss of my beloved grandmother and literally hit writer’s block – HARD!
Why I Came Back
I missed blogging. I enjoyed many years of regularly posting and had developed a system that worked well for me. I intentionally held on to my blog domain name with the intention of returning at some point. I’d do a few random reviews here and there, but that was about it. After posting regularly for the past few months now, I feel a spark re-ignite…and my ‘Drafts’ folder has some gems that I’m looking forward to developing.
While video-based content (podcasts and reels) is still super popular, I realized that this is MY form of content creation. I enjoy being able to write with no pre-established parameters. I also still have a pretty solid number of subscribers and Facebook page followers who are viewing my content, so I want to show up for you and them. (Be sure to follow along on Facebook if you’re not already.)
I will close with this…
The children’s ministry and Next Gen spaces are still vibrant, thriving communities, probably even more so than when this blog started 14 years ago. Leaders still want practical help for their week-to-week, day-in and day-out ministry roles. If I can play a role with that, even a small one, that’s worth it in my book.
I’m so grateful for this little community I’ve built. Thank you for being here. Great things ahead!
Let me know in the comments what topics you’d like to see me cover.