I know I wrote about this topic last week but I had an incredible meeting with a gentleman yesterday the result of which has had my mind spinning ever since. Matt has a global consulting company that deals with cutting edge ideas in the area of community, marketing and communication. He is based in London but he was in my office yesterday. (Yeah, I know, cool huh?)
He discussed his excitement about the growing opportunities for the church in the social community networks, ie. Twitter, FaceBook, Linked In, etc. Even though the media has been around for a while, the church (as is normally the case) has been slow to jump in. So the opportunities are still brand new. Opportunities such as having the majority of the church using Twitter (Idealistic? Probably) But think of the possibilities – a person has a medical emergency and a friend Tweets about it. Within seconds, prayer is being offered up from all over the city. People are there in minutes to do what they can. Now, online communities must never replace face to face time. But the real value here is the added layer of community that social media provides.
Here is my question for thought (and please comment if you have any ideas): How do we help our people make the transition to truly value social media and commit to use it? Any thoughts?
Clay in the Hands 
Brian, Educational Technology and Innovation are a big part of what my department at ACU does. In in the past year we have devoted much research, time, and effort in deploying the iPhone to students and faculty and had great success. Our department heads are extremely well versed in technology, the uses, advantages and are champions for it’s use here at ACU but really as a daily tool for society. I can tell you even with all of the benefits the technology brings, there is a fear of the unknown that some people cannot get past. And others just need a little hand-holding then will take off on their own. But I have no doubt the impact various mediums such as twitter, facebook, iPhone technology and others will have when they evolve into a practical means of communication within the church community.
Brian,
I like it and think that it is a fantastic idea. Thanks.
I have no problem with adding a layer of connectivity to the Church, but I would not, in the process, sacrifice one ounce of effort we might invest in attaining true Christian community and outreach in the existing layers. We have a long way to go before we can say that the Church models loving community in Jesus Christ visibly, authentically, deeply and, yes, in-the-flesh. I would hate to see us diverted by flashy, funky gizmos (that will become outmoded and mundane before you know it) when the real issue with the Church is our failure to follow Christ, to obey His Word, to sacrifice ourselves for the Gospel. The shortcomings of the Church (certainly those reflected in Revelations 2 & 3) have nothing to do with a lack of material resources.
Sorry to rain on the parade. Our mission is too important for us not to take pains to avoid distraction. I can attest first hand to the power of current social media both to connect and to distract. I am not saying we should not use it, but I am suggesting that we must resist an “everyone’s doing it” sense of desperation. We must deeply subordinate the tool to the task, as well as to the greater resources we’ve been given by the Holy Spirit.
I think Michelle is right, there needs to be a little hand holding and incentive just to get over the “what’s the point?” thought that often prevents people from considering using social technology to connect and put themselves out there. If they can see a black and white reason why they should invest some time in social medias then usually they follow.
I had a great time chatting with you. I’m going to try and dig up a few articles about various user roles people fall into on various social media platforms. But the basic idea is that you will have some users that are creators, encouragers, commenters, etc. others who just want to consume. I’ve always thought one goal is to make sure these users who naturally like to product and create have the right tools and platform to create. Give them an inch and let them take a mile.
I look forward to more chats over the summer!
And thanks Mom, but I think you are bias! Either that or my little dinner time rants have started to sink in on you!
@Matt Higgens
I understand and agree that all the tools that are hot right now will be outdated in mere years. That’s fine. I’m of the school of thought that the church should stay relevant with culture (or even push culture ahead). Just because it’s hard to keep up doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play.
For my generation, facebooking can be just as valid of form of communication as the telephone. Nothing can replace face to face and all age groups believe that, but don’t limit yourself by leaving this very valid part of our lives out. But you are right it’s about connections through whatever means works. There are some things that twitter/facebook whatever can deliver that could be crazy powerful. Let’s think about. Let’s open up the church let’s let people take a bit of ownership by taking photos, by having a place to express or connect that goes well outside the church walls or events. Having a presence online isn’t too much work.
Sure there can be distractions, but those are everywhere. I doesn’t feel fair to just pick on social media. Distractions come from what you put in/pull from it not the media itself.
Have you tried announcing that you will be tweeting a morning prayer/encouragement each am? Many that would never sign up for your tweet may want to get that prayer each day. Have no doubt, social networking is the future, adn the future starts now.
Great response to the post! Thanks for the ideas. As a matter of response to Matt H. – I agree with you and thank you for your comments. It is really easy in church life (as in other areas of life) to jump on the next best thing and spend our time jumping from one whim to another. WE HAVE TO KEEP THE MAIN THING THE MAIN THING! We can never move away from real face to face community – God created us for such. BUT – adding a layer of connection can only enhance that authentic community. Like anything else – moderation!
Thanks again for all the great thought everyone – keep ’em coming!