Have you ever seen something on Facebook and wondered, “Why would they post that?!” Social media might be on of the greatest tools for the Church in a century, but it might also be the greatest stumbling block for so many Christians. And if “stumbling block” sounds too melodramatic, how about we just put it like this:
Social media brings out the stupid in all of us.
If you don’t think we could use some church social media policies, how about some anecdotes?
- Once my wife was “propositioned” by a man in our church who’s Mafia Wars strip club needed dancers.
- I had a friend who was constantly complaining about their job online, knowing full well that their boss could see what they were saying.
- And then, of course, there are all of the very messy, very public divorces and custody battles that play out in competing status updates.
All of this leads me to ask:
Does your church have a social media policy for its staff and volunteers?
The Thin Digital Line
The first step, of course, is what the policy should allow or, more controversially, disallow. Honestly, that’s a question for your staff, board, and perhaps an outside HR company to answer. For one, you don’t want to be so invasive and restrictive that you turn people off. Secondly, you’ll want to make sure that any policy you develop is legal and enforceable. On that end, you’ll want to make sure that any “enforcement” of this policy includes a measure of grace and tact in keeping with Matthew 18.
Setting a Standard for Staff
It’s not unreasonable to set a standard for church staff. The Bible itself is pretty clear that those who serve the church ought to always be above reproach. However, it can be difficult and oppressing for a staff member to be told not to complain online about their boss when their complaints are valid. Even still, such displays of discord, disrespect, and such can be toxic for any church.
The point is to make sure that these expectations are clearly spelled out beforehand and that, in the case of complaints, that there is a reasonable way to ensure that frustrations, valid complaints, and criticisms can be addressed with respect.
How Do You Control Volunteers?
This might be the hardest part of the whole thing. Staff are compensated for following the rules. Volunteers, however, only give to the church—how dare the church ask for more? But let’s back up. What’s the real issue here?
For starters, a church is supposed to be a place where people enter into relationship with God, through whom they find the power to change their lives. If the volunteers of your church, especially those at higher levels, appear to be the same online as everyone else, what is the point of your church after all?
It’s a tricky situation, balancing the church/volunteer’s testimony against their freedom to do and say what they want. It’s a balance that will most likely only be found with prayer and open, honest dialogue between the church staff, elders, and lead volunteers.
Does your church have a social media policy?
Better question: Chould churches have social media policies?
[Editor’s Note: Need a social media policy? Try this.]
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