There are so many blessing the Lord has bequeathed us and one of the notable things he has given us is the power of science and technology. When it comes to going out and spreading the good news of salvation to the whole world, there is no more limit because social media can bridge the gap. Social media and its tools provide so many benefits in imparting the message of love and hope to people and the community in general. An article from Internet Evangelism Day states the importance of social media to our everyday lives.
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'.
Don't try to use social media as a 'pulpit for preaching', or as a one-way publicity tool. The foundational key is to perceive it as a 'cafe for conversation'.
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 only way to decipher the significance of the different social media tools is to try to make the use of them and see how it works.
Church Use of Social Media
There is a difference in the use of social media by the church and the individual. Whatever is seen under the banner of the church would represent the church and its ideals. The personal use of the social media usually pertains to the individual and his or her small circle of influence. Now, here are some concerns to think about.
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 broadcast medium. Each user is highly selective, and only views material they choose. This can, of course, include randomly-found unexpected eye-catching material on topics that interest 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'.
Don't try to use social media as a 'pulpit for preaching', or as a one-way publicity tool. The foundational key is to perceive it as a 'cafe for conversation'.
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 only way to decipher the significance of the different social media tools is to try to make the use of them and see how it works.
Church Use of Social Media
There is a difference in the use of social media by the church and the individual. Whatever is seen under the banner of the church would represent the church and its ideals. The personal use of the social media usually pertains to the individual and his or her small circle of influence. Now, here are some concerns to think about.
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 broadcast medium. Each user is highly selective, and only views material they choose. This can, of course, include randomly-found unexpected eye-catching material on topics that interest 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!
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