This pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?
The growth of social media in the past five years is like nothing that we’ve seen or experienced before.
Just look at this growth!
[Click for Larger View]
There is no doubt that Churches and organizations need to have a social media presence.
Jesus went to the masses and the masses are using social media.
We need to “go” there, but what does it look like?
- Tweeting scripture?
- Announcing the next Chili Cook-off?
- Gaining more “Likes!” and Followers?
As the Body of Christ, we need to develop a strategy. We need to use technology to leverage the Kingdom of God, and not simply use technology because it’s cool, hip and fun.
It can be all of these things.
We must become more than just interested in being “Liked!-ed.” We must become more interested in gaining Followers of Christ instead of Twitter Followers.
So what’s our strategy?
How do we leverage social media for the Kingdom of God?
[via SEJ & Jeff Bullas]
Joel Walkley says
Thanks for the opportunity to reflect on this question. I think it comes down to helping people see God in their lives. That might look like posting questions that invite a sharing of a faith story: “how did you see God in your life today.” Or encourage reflection on a congregational practice like 20 mins in silent prayer this week – how did that go for you?
Eric Dye says
Good stuff, Joel. Very practical, something that can be applied by anyone, and not preachy. Thanks, man.
Brandon Rowe says
I think churches should use social media to let their congregation know what’s going on at the church. They could also spend some money and incorporate a prayer request app on their FB page which I think will pull iin people not even in the congregation.
Eric Dye says
I think a lot of social media is the new Church bulletin. Good point, there. I love your prayer request app idea! Thanks!
Dustin W. Stout says
I think I read something about using social media to create community…? If I remember correctly, it was pretty brilliant. 😉
Kenny Jahng says
Woot! Woot!
Eric Dye says
You DID! But no link!?!
Ah, the day in the life of the ChurchMag editor: https://churchm.ag/create-social-media-community/
Kenny Jahng says
The question pitched is kind of a red herring, don’t you think?
That’s like saying, how should churches be using the internet, or advertising, or printed marketing collateral.
In my experience, social media is a medium, not an objective. The proper answer to your post’s question is probably, we need less tactics and more strategy when it comes to social media usage.
I personally have been teaching our teams to use the POST framework when appropriate:
P-eople — define what audience you want to engage with
O-bjective — what’s the win?
S-trategy — how will we do it?
T-actics — execution plans to make the strategy hit the objectives regarding the people you’re targeting
Eleanor says
Great comment Kenny!
I think it’s also important for churches (or anyone reaching out via social media) to remember to figure out where their people already are. Don’t stress over Google+ if your people are on Facebook. Same with Twitter, Foursquare, and on and on …
Eric Dye says
What would a practical application of POST for the local Church look like?
Peter says
I like one of the suggestions that you put at the end of your post, Eric. I think it’s a great idea to tweet Bible verses because we know that God’s word never returns void. It’s a sure thing and we never know how the Lord is going to use it to accomplish His purposes.
Eric Dye says
True. I often enjoy seeing Tweets of scripture people share from their morning devotionals. Very cool. It’s just part of their life. 😀