Social Media Ministry is something you should definitely be doing in your Church and/or organization. There’s pretty much no one that would argue against it.
But there does exist “too much of a good thing” and Social Media Ministry isn’t the cure-all to all of your online endeavors (or woes).
Here are 4 myths commonly circulated among those attempting to build a robust Social Media Ministry:
- Guaranteed Success – This is probably the biggest one. “Doing” social media doesn’t guarantee anything except that you’re “online” somewhere. You’re never guaranteed really anything in the online space.
- It’s All Good Because It’s All Free – This might be semantics to a certain degree, but the point here is that Social Networking ain’t completely “free.” You see, the cost is extremely high sometimes, not financially but in terms of your time. Time is your most valuable asset and also your most limited resource. If you’re not getting the returns (see #1) then you’re wasting it. It’s not “free.”
- You Need The “Big” Ones – This is the myth that you need to actually have a social networking presence on the “big” name Social Networks like Twitter, MySpace, Facebook, etc. or you’re not going to “make it.” This is bogus. Some ministries and churches are doing quite well without them. In addition, focused concentration on a select few has always been better. See #2 about time as well.
- Social Networks are the Future – Nope. This isn’t necessarily true either. Some of the sites we use today are going to be gone tomorrow and completely forgotten. Better come up with a long term strategy instead, and one that’s based on principles of engagement rather than tools.
Any other “myths” that you’ve heard lately? I always like a good laugh!
Mikes says
Social Networking is FUN!
Not it isn't. Hmmm yes maybe just half fun, and half boring.
Ron_Tuffin says
yes, yes yes and yes to the above.
Brad Davis Seal says
"Social Networks are the Future" – We forget how short MySpace's dominance was.
Steve Rubel reminds us of this:
"Remember, however, that Second Life was digital marketing's Vietnam." http://www.micropersuasion.com/2009/04/the-next-t…
And gives us advice:
"The greatest rewards will go to those who embrace and participate in as many communities as they possibly can in credible ways."
human3rror says
ah, great stuff here brad. thanks for that.
Jim says
i concur…developing a strategy and principles for long term is key.
Paul B Thomas says
Ive heard a myth that goes something like this. 'We must be separate from the world. so I dont use the web' I thought, 'O well in order to do that I have to leave planet earth and go to Heaven.'
Jesus said the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and Christ. The kingdom includes the kingdotcom. The web is God's gift to the believer to enable him to make ammends for not going into all the world and preaching the gospel, Now we can go global without being scared of leaving the room to be a missionary. And what's more we have no excuse for not affording a plane ticket or getting a passport. If youre online your already a global evangelist!
Just a thought.
Thanks for the blog.
Paul.
human3rror says
Paul,
Thanks for stopping by!