Media Outreach

Growing up, I volunteered with one of my best girlfriends each year to lead the music at my church’s VBS.

Why? Because it was one excuse to make a fool of myself “for the kids.”  I remember dressing up in goofy clothes, alongside the pastor, to get the kids excited about coming to church and learning about Christ.

Today, I head back to the same church I spent over 10 years of my life being molded, encouraged and ministered to.  This time, the occasion is not one of light-heartedness.

My pastor, Dr. David Edwards, from childhood through high school, was killed at the age of 51 on Friday.  He was hit head-on in a car collision.  I can’t even believe I am typing this.  I’m still in shock.

News of the accident spread like wildfire.  One Facebook status changed the mood for thousands of people.  Within an hour, a prayer chain had started like I’ve never seen before.  Many people were able to get the details about Pastor David’s memorial services that may not even have heard about his death until well after the services had taken place.

As people heard of the tragedy, prayer messages were spread across Facebook.  Even more touching than the prayer chain was the comments posted to rally around the wife and children of Pastor David.  The family received hundreds of posts just like this, “I hope you are completely overwhelmed today by the love and grace of God…and feel the hundreds of prayers being rained down on you during this time.” Understanding that the family would receive hundreds of phone calls, I could post my encouragement to them so they could read it in their own time.

I would have never thought that a social network could do this, but Facebook was actually a very real part of the grieving process for me. Reviewing Pastor David’s profile, I got to see his pictures, read his past statuses and even link to his obituary.  Connecting with the Edwards family, as well as church members spread out all over the country, I was able to spiritually, mentally and emotionally accept and process the devastating loss.  Exchanging memories and old pictures, I found joy in the midst of sorrow.

Speaking with a former member of Pastor David’s church, she explains how Facebook affected her, “Right after I heard about it, I went straight to his profile and saw all the comments others had left…it was very moving. I know his family can go back to that page and see the way he has impacted others. People can continue to post to his page for years to come, blessing his family and keeping his memory alive for a very long time.”

In fact, hundreds of people left messages on Pastor David’s page.  Posting about the impact he had on their life; comments ranged from “I haven’t stopped crying” to “You led me to Christ.”  This will undoubtedly encourage the family, as well as offer an emotional outlet to those in mourning.

Before his passing, Dr. David Edwards was interviewed by a local newspaper.

“I use the term ‘relevant’ a great deal,” Edwards explained, “how to be really relevant, or meaningful to this community, to reach people for Christ, to reach families, to make a difference in the lives of children and young people.  We wanted to be like Christ, in terms of doing what Jesus would do. The church is here to serve the community. That’s why we exist.”

Pastor David’s words resonate truth, especially in regards to interaction on social media.  Relationships are all about connecting.  If Facebook isn’t a relevant way to engage people and connect in real ways, I don’t know what is.

Photo by Laura Wilkerson