[This is part three in the Networking in Youth Ministry series. Be sure to read part one and part two!]
Connecting online is a perfect way to meet students and volunteers in a different way that is completely different from at church or youth group. Social networking has made this online connecting even easier than ever. Yet, just because something is easy to do and has benefits does not mean that you should jump in head first and go crazy.
We have a few tips for you to think about with social media. Some of you may come out of this thinking that you do not need to do it at all. Others will have some good ideas for making this a main priority in your ministry.
- Know If Your Audience Uses Social Media
I cannot stress this enough. If other ministries in the area or students do not use any or all social media tools, then you need to know that. Maybe the best way of getting a hold of another youth pastor down the street is a phone call. At the same time, realize that many middle school students are not allowed to have an account online because their parents recognize the hazards that come with it. Ask students, colleagues, and parents what they use. Then you will know how to wisely use your time and energy when you campaign people to sign up for camp or announce a new small group. - Using Social Media Well
We love connecting with social media, but you really need to be smart while you are online. We have some things for you to consider, no matter what social media you are using. What are your privacy settings set to? You need to make sure that the right people are accessing the information. If there is no concern, set it however you want, but if there is sensitive information, be careful. Along with privacy, do you have permission to use pictures of teenagers online? The liability of divorced parents or family problems could mean that you do not have permission. Make sure you have it in writing. Finally, how would you draw the line between appropriate and inappropriate with teenagers? You need to know when you should step in because teenagers (and unfortunately volunteers) have crossed a line and just as if you were in person, you would say something. - Not All Social Media Is Alike
While Facebook seems to attract many high school and college aged people, Twitter has largely has a professional feel to it with youth workers, but teens are slowly moving towards it. We can share ideas, have inside youth ministry humor, and ask for prayer requests from loyal followers. But many students are beginning to actively use Twitter. Google+ is still trying to find its niche. For those that are looking for a new job or to higher a second staff person, LinkedIn is designed for potential employers to interact with those seeking a job or references. Regardless of your job status, I highly recommend you and your church set up an account and be present on LinkedIn. Finally, Google+ is the young gun on the scene and something you should at least look into. - Networking on Facebook
With the coming of the age of social media, we have the opportunity to connect with students, parents, volunteers, other church staff, and other experts in a whole new way. The issue is not should we use Facebook in ministry, but how to do it well. First off, do not use your own account. Instead, setup a Facebook page for your ministry. Try to keep a firm boundary between the two with photos you upload, statuses, and all other uses. Secondly, after you set it up, do not neglect it. The worst thing you could do is show everyone on Facebook that you don’t care because your last post was two years ago. Finally, interact often with teens, parents, volunteers, and other like-minded organizations. Use the Question tab, tag students in photos, create events, and comment back when students talk on your wall. Be prompt, fun, appropriate, and open.
What social media networks do you use and see as being effective?
Tre Lawrence says
Good stuff… agreed with not leaving G+ out of the considerations….
Heather Servaty-Seib says
Excellent points! A great way for youth ministers to stay connected with teens is through the use of texting. However, using a personal cell phone can present problems. SendTree (www.sendtree.com) is a solid and reasonably priced tool that allows for texting groups and subgroups using the web rather than a cell phone. Youth ministers can upload contacts, create subgroups, and even schedule messages ahead of time. Messages can include event reminders, cancellations/schedule changes, encouraging quotes/verses, etc.–and SendTree connects with both Facebook and Twitter. Try SendTree for free–see blue button at the top right of the website!