I wish I could remember where this analogy came from, but an illustration going around the Internet for businesses that want to use social media effectively is that many people’s social media is simply junk food.
In other words, your tweets, Facebook status updates, LinkedIn posts, YouTube videos, and Google+ posts are about as
as the empty calories in a large McDonald fries. In many ways, our social media activity can be summed up in one phrase, “a waste of time.”
Not just for the people reading them, but for the people writing them too.
To put this in a context for church, the question I ask myself is:
Is our ministry adding any value to your target audience?
- You share a Bible verse on social media out of context. It might get retweeted, but is that actually furthering the Kingdom of God?
- You automatedly promote your latest blog article that has several pictures, but without a link for others to sign up for the next event or challenge question for others to engage, is it doing anything?
- You share for people to come to your church service, but never have actually developed rapport online and therefore not touched the lives of others.
- You let people know your sermon topic and the Bible verses you are covering online, but leave it at that. No context. No wisdom imparted.
- You give your personal comments on political or personal topics, not understanding that people of every socio-cultural background with a variety of stories could be reading your convictions and not your compassion.
- A 140-character prayer. No real reason but to let everyone know you are praying… kind of goes against that prayer closet.
- The humble brag. It’s a thing and pastors do it way too much.
I could keep going, but I’m annoying even myself.
The point is not to notice faults, but to start being intentional with what it is that we do online. Why are you about to hit send on that Facebook status update? How is it going to give glory to God? You are just spamming people’s social media feeds hoping someone takes the initiative to connect with you?
Without wise answers to these questions, you probably are doing social media wrong.
Don’t get me wrong, I always love a good meme or Instagrammed quote, but in the world of evangelism, discipleship, and worship, the Church could be doing so much better.
Sheila Scorziello says
This post is thought-provoking, Jeremy, and I thank you for it. Because I get really tired of all the junk on social media. But, and I don’t mean this to be critical in any way, I would have appreciated it more if you would have included some suggestions for what we (I) could change! Sometimes, we do things in the wrong way, because no one has shown us a better one! What I’m trying to say is: Think you could follow this up with a post of meaningful suggestions? I, for one, would be truly grateful! Thanks, and hope your Christmas is especially meaningful this year!
Jeremy Smith says
Most definitely. In fact, a whole ebook is coming out with it as well as a couple of other examples already out there if you would like a link.
Dillon says
I would like to have those links!
Jeremy Smith says
Here you go:
http://churchmagpress.com/digital-marketing-for-churches-that-want-to-succeed/
http://churchmagpress.com/social-media-handbook-church-edition/
http://www.downloadyouthministry.com/effective-blogging
http://www.downloadyouthministry.com/practical-blogging
http://www.downloadyouthministry.com/retweeting-church
Eric Dye also purchased the 78p.tv ebooks I wrote, that I am not sure where they are right now, but I bet will be made available soon. Also, another book is coming out soon from me on social media, but that is more strategy based.
Sheila Scorziello says
Yes, I definitely need those links!! This whole social media thing is a mystery to me. I keep trying, but it seems to fall flat. It probaby doesn’t help that all the people I’m trying to reach are far, far away from me. Or that I personally don’t like social media. But I do know that it makes it easier for many of my followers to follow/keep in touch. And that’s important. I keep trying, but it’s such a trial!! Thank you so much–I really appreciate it! And once again, as we say over here in Italy, Buon Natale!!
Jeremy Smith says
Here you go:
http://churchmagpress.com/digital-marketing-for-churches-that-want-to-succeed/
http://churchmagpress.com/social-media-handbook-church-edition/
http://www.downloadyouthministry.com/effective-blogging
http://www.downloadyouthministry.com/practical-blogging
http://www.downloadyouthministry.com/retweeting-church
Eric Dye also purchased the 78p.tv ebooks I wrote, that I am not sure where they are right now, but I bet will be made available soon. Also, another book is coming out soon from me on social media, but that is more strategy based.
Eric Dye says
I think it’s easy for churches to become mechanical in their posting and get stuck in these annoying ruts. I think the next step in towards avoiding ‘junk’ is to start treating social media more like a conversation and less like a bumper sticker.
Awesome as usual, Jeremy. 😉
Jeremy Smith says
Love it!