Great connection! I've just finished reading a book by a retired law enforcement officer who has transformed her "burnout" from the job into a wellness coaching program for other first responders. In the concluding chapter, she points out that she recognized her "calling" when she had to choose between the path that she believed God prepared for her and the path that God prepared her for. An important distinction!
"Maybe platform is just another word for ministry. But only when it emerges naturally from communion, not when we construct it from ambition." Amen to this. It puts first things first. Thanks for sharing this.
I have felt a tug to build community on Substack, and it's what keeps me going when I don't feel like posting. This line spoke to me: "Every subscriber isn't simply a fan; they're someone God might be drawing to Himself through the overflow of what He's doing in you."
I'm blown away by your thoughtfulness and intentionality. This topic is something I have wrestled with and your words are words of clarity and truth. Thank you for stewarding them well :)
Thank you for writing on this subject. As a new blogger, I often wrestle with whether my writing is truly giving glory to God or if I’m slipping into seeking glory for myself. What you shared reminds me that if my blog ever stops being about Him, then it’s time to step away. Your words gave me peace and clarity today.
Thank you, your thoughts have confirmed what I was thinking. Having never been involved in social media before, I was a bit taken aback by some of the aproaches to public connection. I wondered if I needed to join the competitive mindset in order to make this worthwhile. But I didn't want to. I want to share what God has laid on my heart over many years. To share in order to bless. I always pray before posting "Lord hide this from anyone who won't be helped by this, and reveal it to those it will bless" Thank you again for settling my spirit about this.
Thank you so much for your article. It resonated loudly with me. God also used it as confirmation of what He's been telling me: The number of subscribers is not my validation or my responsibility. I should never be concerned about "doing enough" or "failing". If I focus on Him first and let that overflow of His Spirit pour into the subscribers I have (as He leads), He will orchestrate the outcome.
I've also found it helpful to discern the difference between a platform and a pedestal. I think Christian writers sometimes equate the two, but they're actually quite different. Your illustration of a pastor with a microphone is a prime example. That same pastor is also usually on a physical platform—a stage. He's physically higher than his congregation, not because he believes himself superior to them or because he longs to be "on a pedestal," but because that elevation is one way to better serve his flock in a very practical sense—they can see and hear him better. Similarly, if God has given us writers a message to share with others, we don't need or want a pedestal, but we do need some type of platform from which to serve them.
Great connection! I've just finished reading a book by a retired law enforcement officer who has transformed her "burnout" from the job into a wellness coaching program for other first responders. In the concluding chapter, she points out that she recognized her "calling" when she had to choose between the path that she believed God prepared for her and the path that God prepared her for. An important distinction!
"Maybe platform is just another word for ministry. But only when it emerges naturally from communion, not when we construct it from ambition." Amen to this. It puts first things first. Thanks for sharing this.
“Like a cup running over, not because you're trying to water others, but because He keeps filling you past capacity.“
I love this imagery, Grant. Thank you for sharing this!
I have felt a tug to build community on Substack, and it's what keeps me going when I don't feel like posting. This line spoke to me: "Every subscriber isn't simply a fan; they're someone God might be drawing to Himself through the overflow of what He's doing in you."
A good word. Thank you, Grant.
I needed to read this. Daily Manna!
I'm blown away by your thoughtfulness and intentionality. This topic is something I have wrestled with and your words are words of clarity and truth. Thank you for stewarding them well :)
This was so good and spoke to me in many ways. Thank you for your time in writing this.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Blessings
Maxine
You're a very good writer! Thank you again
Thank you for writing on this subject. As a new blogger, I often wrestle with whether my writing is truly giving glory to God or if I’m slipping into seeking glory for myself. What you shared reminds me that if my blog ever stops being about Him, then it’s time to step away. Your words gave me peace and clarity today.
Thank you, your thoughts have confirmed what I was thinking. Having never been involved in social media before, I was a bit taken aback by some of the aproaches to public connection. I wondered if I needed to join the competitive mindset in order to make this worthwhile. But I didn't want to. I want to share what God has laid on my heart over many years. To share in order to bless. I always pray before posting "Lord hide this from anyone who won't be helped by this, and reveal it to those it will bless" Thank you again for settling my spirit about this.
This really blessed me! Thank you 🙏🏾
Thank you so much for your article. It resonated loudly with me. God also used it as confirmation of what He's been telling me: The number of subscribers is not my validation or my responsibility. I should never be concerned about "doing enough" or "failing". If I focus on Him first and let that overflow of His Spirit pour into the subscribers I have (as He leads), He will orchestrate the outcome.
This is such an important message. Thank you for sharing!
Yes! Communion before content.
I've also found it helpful to discern the difference between a platform and a pedestal. I think Christian writers sometimes equate the two, but they're actually quite different. Your illustration of a pastor with a microphone is a prime example. That same pastor is also usually on a physical platform—a stage. He's physically higher than his congregation, not because he believes himself superior to them or because he longs to be "on a pedestal," but because that elevation is one way to better serve his flock in a very practical sense—they can see and hear him better. Similarly, if God has given us writers a message to share with others, we don't need or want a pedestal, but we do need some type of platform from which to serve them.
What a very important distinction - between a platform and a pedestal. Thank you for sharing that, Jana.