If you have been on Facebook for any amount of time you have probably been invited or added to a Facebook Group, if you have not the day is coming when you will be. There are thousands of Facebook Groups out there. In fact, if you can think of something, there is probably a group out there to join. According to Facebook’s Groups Basic site, “Groups provide a space for people to communicate about shared interests. Groups can be created by anyone.”
Within the past year I have become more active in a couple of groups that relate specifically to church communications. If you have any part of digital and/or social media communications for your church or organization you need to check these groups out. I have gained many insights, ideas, and help from any number of individuals who participate in one of these groups. Each of these groups offer unique perspectives to digital and social media communications. Here are 5 church communications groups to check out, and 1 bonus social media group.
Church Communications Facebook Groups
Group: Church Communications
Admins: Katie Allred & Darrel Girardier
Type: Closed
Members: 2700+
The Church Communications group is by far the one of the best church communications groups out there. The content, resources, conversations and information is constantly flowing. Started by Katie Allred & Darrel Girardier and even though it is a closed group they accept new members on a daily basis. Participate in weekly conversations: Wednesdays are “What You’re Working On Wednesday”. Share pictures and videos of what you’re working on in the thread posted weekly. Fridays are #BPF “Blog Posts Fridays” and you have the opportunity to share a blog post or article that you worked on that week. New files and resources are added for downloads and members are quick to offer help when asked. I cannot say enough about this group and highly recommend joining.
Group: Church Social Media Managers
Admins: Hunter Collier, Bill Aumack, and Jeremy Poland
Type: Closed
Members: 2600+
The Church Social Media Managers group is yet another great group for those who manage social media in the church. The group is close, but they do welcome new members all the time. Their purpose is, “This group is for support and discussion for those who run church pages (any form of social media platform).” The group does well to live into that purpose and goal. Anytime a question is asked other members are quick to answer or find an answer if one is not immediately known. Lots of great content floods the group feed daily. If you manage your church’s social media this is a great group to join.
Group: Social Media Sunday
Admins: Meredith Gould, David Hansen, Joelle Coalville-Hanson, Carolyn Clement,
Fran Rossi Szpylczyn
Type: Closed
Members: 900+
Social Media Sunday officially started in 2013 by Carolyn Clement at Trinity Episcopal Church in Connecticut, the church has celebrated Social Media Sunday Nationally since 2014. The initiative was started in an effort to, “encourage social media use by and within churches not yet using social networking platforms; boost social media participation within churches already using social networking platforms; and; demonstrate the power of social media to be and do church within — and beyond — building as well as in between times of gathering for formal worship.” The Social Media Sunday Group seeks to provide, “Information, resources, and tips about Social Media Sunday 2016 (#SMS16), an ecumenical effort to share the good news about building community with social media.”
There is a lot of great content and information shared in this group through the conversation and uploaded files. This group also provides great ideas for your church if you have not yet participated in Social Media Sunday before. The group is closed, but welcomes new invitations at any time.
Group: CRTVCOMMUNITY
Admins: Nik Goodner, Lydia Goodner, and David Clark
Type: Closed
Members: 380+
The CRTVCHURCH Group is, “dedicated to the local church, providing church creatives + leaders inspiration and resources to further the message of Christ through creativity.” The Admins created the group so that the community could share ideas, specs, graphics, artwork, inspiration, strategy and marketing principles, and other items pertaining to creativity and leadership. Their goal is to create conversation among the community. Ask questions, seek feedback or simply share what it is you are working on. Although fairly new to the communications group offerings, this group has a lot of great content being shared within the group. This group is a closed group, but they do welcome new members at any time.
Group: Church Communication Strategies
Admins: Barbara Carnerio, Marguerite Andrews
Type: Closed
Members: 170+
The Church Communication Strategies group is a smaller communications group, but the content shared and conversations that happen are very helpful and enlightening. The group is closed, but welcomes new member at any point. The purpose of the Church Communication Strategies group is, “to explore and share church and ministry communication strategies; to encourage and equip each other with communication strategies, processes, tips and tools; and to address questions and topics surrounding the challenges of working in church communication.”
Bonus Social Media Group
Group: Social Media Managers Group
Admins: Kate Buck Jr. from Social Media Pro
Type: Closed
Members: 10,700+
This group is not specifically for church communications, however there is a wealth of knowledge being shared every day. The Social Media Managers Group is, “ the place for Social Media Managers and strategists to connect, share, ask questions, and have fun with fellow SMMs! Social Media Managers of all levels are welcome.” Some members are brand new and some are seasoned professionals, regardless all are part of the group to learn and grow. The group encourages questions and sharing of insights and ideas. Throughout the week there is the opportunity to share files, job postings, and a day to share what you are doing, on “market yourself” Friday. The group is closed, but welcomes new members at any time.
Meredith Gould says
Thanks, Meghan, for including the Social Media Sunday Group (#SMS16) in this round-up. We’d love your readers to know that transcripts from Tuesday night #chsocm chats are also posted to the http://www.facebook.com/chsocm/ page as well as the Church Communications group. And of course all are always welcome to participate or observe.
Meghan says
You are quite welcome. I appreciate all the work you all do with Social Media Sunday.
Kenny Jahng says
@Meghan, great list. Here’s one I out together recently:
http://www.kennyjahng.com/church-marketing-and-communications-facebook-groups-you-need-to-be-a-part-of/
Meghan says
Great List!
Barbara Carneiro says
Thank you, Meghan for including the Church Communication Strategies group! Excited to see what God has in store for these groups!
Meghan says
My pleasure. Glad to be part of the group.
Nik Goodner says
Thank you, Meghan for including CRTVCOMMUNITY!
Shannon Miles says
We just started a group called ‘PCO Mastermind’ to discuss all of the apps under the Planning Center Online umbrella. PCOM exists to learn from each other on how to best use and integrate the PCO family into our ministries. http://www.facebook.com/groups/1644738519185360/