Recently, Eric Dye wrote a great piece about How To Increase Your Church Facebook Traffic. If you haven’t read it already, go check it out now.
I was inspired by this piece to take it just a bit deeper in the larger spectrum of social media. You see, at the end of the day, it’s not just about getting likes, retweets, +1’s or any of the other digital affirmations that bombard our brains with an oxytocin fix. No, social media is about more. It’s about developing community.
For those of us in the Church, we understand the importance of community. Knowing how important it is we should take the time to be intentional about creating it in whatever space we can. Whether it’s within the four walls of the Church, a local Starbucks (yes please!) or in the digital space, community needs to be intentionally sought after.
In the world of social media, this requires us to change the way we think of using such platforms as Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or the like. Instead of using it strictly for promotion take the time to create some conversation. Conversation creates community.
Look at a Church lobby on a given Sunday morning. What are people doing? They’re having conversations.
So how do you create conversation?
It’s simple. It’s so simple that you’ll probably get mad at me for taking so long to say it. Here it is. Are you ready?
Ask questions.
If you want to create community on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, Google+, etc. the best way to begin is by asking questions. Ask what people are thinking, what they like, who they’re rooting for, etc., but that’s not the end.
Once you get a response from the question it doesn’t end there. No, that’s where the conversation begins. Unless you follow this next step all you have is an exchange. While that’s all fine and good, you can do one small thing to take it from an exchange to a conversation. Are you ready for this next step?
Ask another question. Profound, I know.
Seriously though, just ask a follow up question to find out more about the human being behind the comment. If they’re taking the time to respond see if you can dig deeper, and watch what happens! It’s not always easy to do, and sometimes there just won’t be anything to follow up with. At least try.
If you are intentional about asking questions, and pursuing real conversations with people, you will be astounded at the depth of the community you will build.
“In my walks, every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that I learn from him.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
What in the world does this quote have to do with this blog post? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!
Matthew Snider says
Great article brother – gearing up to change the was we work things on our Geek for network!
DustinWStout says
Thanks Matthew! I can’t wait to see what you guys do!
David Willard Jr says
Awesome article!
I love the quote! To me it means that everyone you meet has something to offer that you lack.
When parents come together we learn from each others shared experiences we help one another grow as parents. When business owners come together they gain market partners or network connections. When followers of Christ come together they lift each other up, learn who in their community is struggling and pray for one another. They help each other stay strong in Christ and answer questions they may have on biblical matters or seek out counsel from a more learned peer.
The more people you can involve in the conversation, the larger you community grows. The larger your community, the more vast your level of available experience will be. This same concept works on Sunday in the lobby as well as 7 days a week on any social network.
Loren Pinilis says
Good quote.
I remember my English professor telling the story of a guy he knew who worked at dead-end jobs, and my professor had a real low opinion of his intelligence. That is, until my professor saw this guy one day playing the organ incredibly well. And my professor was just blown away.
I guess everybody is good at something, and everybody has something to teach someone else. Likewise, no one is great at everything, and everyone has something to learn.
Community is a great way for this to happen.