If your church is still on the fence about using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or other social media tools to communicate with those in your church and those in your community, here are 5 compelling reasons.
1. Gets news/info to people who use social media. People miss church, they don’t pay attention to announcemets, they don’t read newsletters, and some don’t check email. For some Facebook or Twitter users, the best way to let them know about what’s going on in your church may be through social media.
2. Helps people feel better connected to the church. For a person who may only go to church once a week or less, connecting to the church through social media helps them to know what’s going on and feel better connected to the church.
3. Fosters better relationships among members. Through your church’s use of Facebook or Twitter, members of your church and meet and get to know other members of the church.
4. Enables the entire church to be the church – praying, encouraging, teaching each other – online.
5. People can invite friends to services, share stories, articles, videos, and the gospel with friends outside of the church and Christianity. The church’s role is not primarily to evanglize, it’s to equip its people to evangelize and disciple.
For more information about churches and social media see the Social Media for Pastors and Church Planters Webinar Slides, Video, and Resources.
If your church needs some social media coaching, check out our new 50 Point Social Media Review service.
Which of these reasons for using social media resonates most with you? Got any other reasons churches should use social media?
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
12 Comments
Love your reasons! How about this one for 6? –
6. Because that's where the people are. – want people, go to where they are!
That's another great reason! Thanks, Becky!
Same reasons why a School should use Social Media
Good point, Dan.
I enjoyed your 7reasons blog I emailed my pastor for permission to start a fb for our small church. I am also going to suggest one for my chapel. Thanks.
Great article Paul, thanks for sharing.
I was sharing with my wife about starting a “new” church. It would have no buildings, no creeds (except the Bible), & no membership. It would meet in small (2 or more) groups at homes or resturamts or coffee shops or parks … And stay connected by phone email Facebook or other mostly electronic means.
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Tell me a benefit of how bibleschool teachers can use social media…how and why they should..Thanks
Great question, Anita. It depends on age of the students, but Bible school teachers can connect with their students on social media sites and interact with them throughout the week. They can connect with other Bible study leaders and read Bible study materials & articles posted by those Bible study leaders. They can share some of those articles and resources with their students. They can post questions and materials related to the topic or passage for the week. All of that helps to strengthen the relationships and keep the learning going throughout the week.
Social media presents an amazing opportunity to introduce people to Jesus and the church who may not usually be exposed to it. Leveraging everyone's sphere of social influence can advance God's word even further than just on our own.