God has gifted us with so many wonderful things and, amidst a highly-technological world, social media and technology has become a blessing in more ways than one. Spreading the word to the most remote parts of the world is now possible; breaking barriers and geographical limits. The church's use of social media has been a helpful vehicle in reaching out to individuals and to the community as a whole. An article from Internet Evangelism Day talks about the church use of social media, its usefulness and impact.
Since biblical evangelism is usually relational and discussion-based, social media is an ideal match. There is a valuable chart explaining the differences between an older traditional understanding of one-way evangelism, and a more effective relational approach which the writer has called 'withreach'.
Never use social media as a way of trying to preach or teach. The main purpose is to have a two way communication wherein there is interaction between the two.
Social Media has many helpful tools to bring about something good in the community. In the same Internet Evangelism Day article it points out the importance of social media and how it can significantly affect the Church.
The most effective way in using social media by the Church is to use them and observe how the way others use it.
Church Use of Social Media
Personal and church use of social media obviously differ somewhat. That which is published in the church's name represents the fellowship. Personal use relates more to an individual set of friends and followers. Check these challenges and issues:
Many churches, including individual ministries such as the youth group, use social media to communicate internally. This is great, but should not be confused with reaching out into the community. On the Web in general, and social media in particular, you have no automatic audience, and there is virtually no 'trickle-down effect'. In other words, your insider communications about faith will not normally interest outsiders. Why should they, with the possible exception of people who are already seeking? Do you follow, on Facebook or Twitter, posts from groups (eg. a sport or hobby) you have no interest in? Why would you do that?
The Web is not a medium to announce to everyone. The user should be responsible enough to select its viewers. However, this can also include topics that would be interesting to them.
Since biblical evangelism is usually relational and discussion-based, social media is an ideal match. There is a valuable chart explaining the differences between an older traditional understanding of one-way evangelism, and a more effective relational approach which the writer has called 'withreach'.
Never use social media as a way of trying to preach or teach. The main purpose is to have a two way communication wherein there is interaction between the two.
Social Media has many helpful tools to bring about something good in the community. In the same Internet Evangelism Day article it points out the importance of social media and how it can significantly affect the Church.
The most effective way in using social media by the Church is to use them and observe how the way others use it.
Church Use of Social Media
Personal and church use of social media obviously differ somewhat. That which is published in the church's name represents the fellowship. Personal use relates more to an individual set of friends and followers. Check these challenges and issues:
Many churches, including individual ministries such as the youth group, use social media to communicate internally. This is great, but should not be confused with reaching out into the community. On the Web in general, and social media in particular, you have no automatic audience, and there is virtually no 'trickle-down effect'. In other words, your insider communications about faith will not normally interest outsiders. Why should they, with the possible exception of people who are already seeking? Do you follow, on Facebook or Twitter, posts from groups (eg. a sport or hobby) you have no interest in? Why would you do that?
The Web is not a medium to announce to everyone. The user should be responsible enough to select its viewers. However, this can also include topics that would be interesting to them.
About the Author:
The harvest is plenty yet the laborers are few. Building a good grasp and knowledge on the use of social media tools and its role in the churchcan make a difference in a staggering church growth!