Social media is a place where churches and ministries lately have been putting in a lot of effort to reach more people with the Gospel. Unfortunately, the energy and time they have put into developing social media accounts does not necessarily mean they have experienced success. In some cases they do not even know what the return on investment should be.
We get to sit down with Josh Burns of Social Media and the Church to talk about that very topic.
Thoughts on Social Media and the Church
- How have you seen churches use social media correctly and incorrectly?
One of the biggest mistakes that churches make is that they jump into social media without knowing why they want to use social media as well as not having the goals to measure their success. This requires vision that includes buy goes beyond just sharing the Gospel. Social media is more than just a communication tool, it is a place to create, build, and facilitate relationships that translate into face-to-face relationships. We have the ability with these tools to create a Biblical community. - You write about on your blog that churches need focus, can you explain that a little?
Focusing with social media is a matter of understanding our target audience and then what that core audience wants from your church online. Not knowing this misses the mark completely. You can find more about this topic here. Social media is not about hitting everyone, but starting small and growing with the people that you are intentionally communicating to. - What is one pro-tip you can give to churches on social media to take them from good to great?
Justin Wise said at the Echo Conference, “Churches are content factories. We just need to learn how to utilize that content”The reality is that churches are content creating machines. Whether it is the pastor’s sermon notes, a youth pastor who is coming up with training material for volunteers, a newsletter you send to families, or elders and leaders that are furthering the cause for Christ, they are all saying amazing things that can be tweeted or shared on YouTube. Capitalize on it.
Josh Burns Link Dump
- Josh’s About Me Page
Get to know a little more about Josh, including the fact that he is the Director of Web & Social Media at Park Community Church in Chicago, IL and his Twitter account @jburno - Social Media and the Church blog
Josh has been killing it with content the past few weeks on amazing social media articles that will take your ministry further. A must read! - Social Media and the Church Google+ Community
If you want to know more about social media and how your ministry can do more, start a dialogue on how to use social media better, or just network with people of the same mind, this is the community for you!
What do you think is vitally important for your ministry as you engage on social media? For those that have questions, what would you ask Josh if you could pick his brain?
Dave Shrein says
I love what Josh had to say about the ripple effect. It is so exciting to not know how God will use social media and these digital connections to grow his kingdom.
Good job guys. Thanks for taking time out of your busy lives to keep equipping the church and church leaders. Well done.
seventy8Productions says
Welcome Dave! Thanks for the comment.
Josh Burns says
Thanks Dave. It’s so true. We often forget about the friends of friends that will see our message on social media. God uses it in big ways.