How to use Social Media for your Church Part 1: Why

PART 1 – Why use Social Media

Whether you like it or not, social media is part of our culture.

You can do two things:

• Ignore it.
• Or use it for your churches advantage.

When used correctly it can build community.

So how do you do that? I will share how to do that in three parts. Today I am going to talk about why we need to use Social Media.

Jesus’ favorite way to teach people was to use parables.

Matthew 13:13
This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

I am convinced that if Jesus were walking the earth right now, instead of the Bible times, that he would be using social media. He would post the best memes and the prettiest scripture images you have ever seen.

Ok, maybe not. But there was a reason that Jesus used parables. He spoke in a way that every person could understand.

Jesus spoke directly to the culture that He was in. There was a reason that he spoke so often of sheep, and shepherds. It is because that is what everyone knew.

He didn’t just stand on a stool and shout old scripture verses.

He spoke in a simple way that everyone could understand.

I think the church, in general, could step it up when it comes to social media. Instead of shouting at people to come to us. Lets start meeting people where they are.

Let’s be authentic in a way that reaches people.

My favorite thing about social media is that it is essentially a free way to communicate to people.

Yes, Facebook charges for ads. Yes, some of the tools that I will suggest cost money. But it is cheaper and more effective than postcards.

Just this last week, I has someone come to church because of something they saw that we posted on our Facebook.

I hear people complain about Facebook and Social Media ALL THE TIME, saying people are addicted to it, or its always so negative. People are always comparing themselves to other people. Its just one big comparison game.

You know what, all of those things are probably true. But maybe we can use this amazingly powerful tool to our advantage! Maybe we can bring hope, love and authenticity to a place that isn’t.

Doing social media for your church doesn’t have to be difficult, and you can do it!

Next week I will share about the different tools you can use to help you use Social Media.

Part Two

Part Three