Blog mentors come alongside visitors who post comments on the blogs by providing responses to comments, engaging further discussion, and offering related resources.

Blogging about specific topics is an effective way of communicating with people about things that matter to them.  We want to encourage people to talk about issues that are of significance to them and then as appropriate guide them to interactive links and/or discussion regarding spiritual issues. 

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Choose your preferred ministry area and understand the purpose of the blog. Indicate to our Mentor Coordinator whether you would prefer to mentor on a blog that is evangelistic or discipleship focused. At TruthMedia, we desire to “connect with people at a point of felt need and help them take the next step in their spiritual journey”.  Some of the blogs are designed to be culturally relevant and may not appear to be a ministry at first glance; others are for building and encouraging Christians. It is important as a blog mentor that you understand the goal of the blog and feel comfortable doing ministry in that specific way.
 
2. Keep aware of the blog. To be a blog mentor, please sign up to receive email notification of any new posts and comments. (Each blog has a subscribe button on the right sidebar). Take time to regularly read through the blog.

3. Respond to posts and comments. People tend to interact on blog posts that have lots of activity.  If you see that no one is commenting, get the conversation started.  On the evangelistic blogs, address the issues in such a way that unchurched people can connect relate to what you are writing.   As you respond to comments and posts, you can provide resources and direct the discussion.  We have a growing resource area that can offer help for you.

4. Pray before you respond. As people begin to talk and share, it is the Holy Spirit who can transition conversations into ministry.  Trust Him to guide your words. 

5. Don’t feel you need to give answers. Your main responsibility is to encourage conversation, offer to pray for someone or draw them into online mentoring so a mentor can share the next step in their relationship with God.

6. Minister in a relevant way without “preaching on the blog”. 

•  End responses with a question to encourage responses
•  Commit to encourage others on their spiritual journey toward an authentic, growing relationship with Jesus Christ (discipleship blogs)
•  Pray for the site visitor in the blog comment (discipleship blogs)
•  Share Christ by including links to the Gospel and Holy Spirit presentation and directing them to further resources (evangelistic or discipleship)
•  Speak the truth in love through scripture verses (Discipleship blogs)
•  Point visitors towards maximizing the grace of God in his/her life

6. Encourage them to respond back by asking specific questions. Many of the people writing in may not know Jesus Christ or they may be living defeated spiritual lives.  There are points that all of us can relate to such as relational or life management issues.

7. Blog moderating.  Occasionally comments may be inappropriate and require removal and/or a request for an edit by the writer (if email address is available).  As a blog mentor you need to notify Mentor Coordinator of your concerns (mentoring@truthmedia.com)

Sample blog post, comment and a sample response:

Source: www.marriageuncensoredtalk.com (Blog for unchurched visitors with marriage issues)

Comment from Jim Nov 5th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Hang in there. I’m a man who cheated on his wife, and I know I will always be looking for someone else. I don’t know why wives forgive husbands like me.

Comment from Eve Nov 11th, 2007 at 8:35 am
My husband has these intimate secretive phone conversations with other women. We have been married five years, but four years now, I discover him either meeting a woman secretly or some form of contact. We are both Christians, he claims he has never had an affair with them and is just helping them through some problems. I am so sick of going through this pain like thrice every year. I have tried my best to get him to talk with me about these women, but he always claims he is no longer in contact with them, until I discover him again. What can I do, I am a Christian and do not want to divorce, but I have just about given up.

Mentoring by Iris Nov 21st, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Jim, let me suggest that you read Stephen Arterburn’s book called, “Everyman’s Battle”. It could release you from always having to be looking for someone else. Here is a descriptive bit from the back cover: “Shattering the perception that men are unable to control their thought lives and roving eyes, “Everyman’s Battle” shares the stories of dozens who have escaped the trap of sexual immorality and presents a practical, detailed plan for any man who desires sexual purity–perfect for men who have fallen in the past, those who want to remain strong today, and all who want to overcome temptation in the future. ”It also includes a special section for women, designed to help them understand and support the men they love.”

Mentoring by Iris Nov 21st, 2007 at 4:03 pm
People need to realize that there are different forms of extramarital “affairs”. An extramarital affair is: 1.A search for fulfillment outside the marriage. 2.An escape from a struggling marriage. 3.A result of carelessness within the marriage. As such there can be different forms of extramarital affairs. These include sexual unfaithfulness; emotional bonding; career affairs; sports; hobbies; addictions; family; even church involvement. I think that some of these are just a matter of balance, but when it involves another person of the opposite sex, emotional bonding can be just as hard to give up as sexual bonding.

Mentor Job Description  http://truthmedia.com/job/blogmentor