The Q: Where do I begin with Social Media?

Mon, Nov 9, 2009

This post was written by:

Greg Johnson - who has written 72 posts on Media Outreach.

I'm a Texan through and through and have been married for 7 years to the coolest woman ever and have 2 dogs who try my patience and teach me about life on a daily basis. I am a bit of an oddball and have a unique perspective on life. Follow me on twitter = lumberjackgreg

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2 Responses to “The Q: Where do I begin with Social Media?”

Daren Says:
November 9th, 2009 at 9:38 pm

What you suggest here is that we follow our congregation into the media they are already using, and that makes sense.

But do you see any benefit in leading congregations into using social media that will help us reach our communities?

lumberjackgreg Says:
November 10th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

Great question! Of course, every church is different, but in general, I do see great benefit in leading your congregation into using social media. Here's why:

1. Even if your congregation isn't there yet, they will be. The MediaOutreach team had a really interesting discussion yesterday about George Barna's book "Revolution". Basically, he predicted many of the trends we are now seeing in social media. Like it or not, it's here to stay and as time goes by, more and more people will adopt it. I feel it's time for the church to be on the front of this wave, not trying to play catch up. Lead your congregation there now, be a thought leader now, don't fall into a perception that you are just jumping on the bandwagon after everyone showed up.

2. By leading your congregation there, potential visitors will find a way to connect with you when they see you're online using social media if they use social media. It's just about closing the back door.

3. Your congregation is online. You may not know it, but your potential congregation is online. Experts including Barna estimate as many as half of all "church-goers" will be strictly online church-goers by 2025. Let's reach them now!!!

What do you think? Do you pastor a church? Have you guys done anything at your church to reach your members with social media?

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33962 Responses2009-11-09+15%3A30%3A39Greg+Johnson to “The Q: Where do I begin with Social Media?”

Daren Says:
November 9th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
What you suggest here is that we follow our congregation into the media they are already using, and that makes sense.

But do you see any benefit in leading congregations into using social media that will help us reach our communities?

lumberjackgreg Says:
November 10th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Great question! Of course, every church is different, but in general, I do see great benefit in leading your congregation into using social media. Here's why:

1. Even if your congregation isn't there yet, they will be. The MediaOutreach team had a really interesting discussion yesterday about George Barna's book "Revolution". Basically, he predicted many of the trends we are now seeing in social media. Like it or not, it's here to stay and as time goes by, more and more people will adopt it. I feel it's time for the church to be on the front of this wave, not trying to play catch up. Lead your congregation there now, be a thought leader now, don't fall into a perception that you are just jumping on the bandwagon after everyone showed up.

2. By leading your congregation there, potential visitors will find a way to connect with you when they see you're online using social media if they use social media. It's just about closing the back door.

3. Your congregation is online. You may not know it, but your potential congregation is online. Experts including Barna estimate as many as half of all "church-goers" will be strictly online church-goers by 2025. Let's reach them now!!!

What do you think? Do you pastor a church? Have you guys done anything at your church to reach your members with social media?

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