I recently spoke with a pastor of a church who is diving into new media even though he self-admittedly does not “get it.” He feared consuming large amounts of information that did not matter to him. This seems to be a common barrier to becoming more active on Facebook, Twitter, and more.
As we spoke I looked around his office admiring the hundreds of books he had on the shelves and it occurred to me that he was giving the same “weight” to the information on Facebook as he does to the books on his shelves.
I’ve noticed this similar pattern with sharing the power of using an RSS reader (those skeptical often talk about RSS like managing another email account) even though there are similarities the weight issue again surfaces.
I see about 300-400 new posts come into my RSS reader (my favorite on the iPhone right now is Reeder), but on average “read” around 20-50.
Two quick and easy ways we can help others overcome the “content weight” issue:
- Literally demonstrate how to use tools like an RSS reader, Facebook and Twitter lists.
- Helping them set up lists within the various platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Seesmic, Tweetdeck, Google Reader, Google Alerts) to get what’s most important to them as quickly as possible.
Near the end of the conversation another staff member came in and shared how much significant information (deaths, births, sicknesses, job losses, job gains, encouragement, discouragement) was being shared on Facebook that was not being shared in bible studies, one on one meetings, or even in the communication cards.
The pastoral team was missing out on praying and connecting with members at significant moments of their life.
I’m excited about helping pastors and ministry leaders filter the content they consume on the web because it enhances their ability to demonstrate care and concern for those whom they are leading.
Anyone else run into this content weight issue?
Lou says
I totally understand where you’re coming from. When I was presenting the idea of breaking into multiple avenues on the web that our church should explore, I was immediately faced with apprehension. I think because navigating the web is akin to learning a new language for men and women over the age of 30, they need to be eased into using it especially for the purposes of God. It’s better to have effective use at a slower but steady pace, that a rush to use everything out there ineffectively. However, I do think within the next 10 to 20 years the content weight issue will become less overwhelming because the average person will become more capable of organizing their digital life so that they integrate it into the everyday.
Brian Barela says
great thoughts luis!
going slow is definitely a good strategy. i’ve been trying to find one thing i can teach or share with each of the pastors i’m helping at this church. rather than dumping all the things they can do, it’s been super effective to focus in one little thing.
thanks for the comment!
Chris Huff says
I’ve been using facebook and rss for years now, and I still find it difficult to find balance in the amount of data I’m presented with. I’m making some progress, but I constantly have to refine my lists and focus. It just amazes me how much data is being created every single day.
I wish I could recall the exact quote and where I read it, but I recently was encouraged to stop trying to consume all the books (i.e. content) that I’m presented with. Instead, pour over 2 or 3 of the best and proven books and implement them diligently. I think there’s a lot of wisdom in this, not only in relation to books.
Brian Barela says
just went through my rss reader and cut a bunch of feeds. also have over 1,000 favorites on twitter that i rarely get to–although some are high quality and key to my online goals.
thanks for the comment chris!