Facebook for Churches: Next Steps

Facebook for Churches: Next Steps

July 12, 2010 by

This is part 5 of a 5-part series on using Facebook for churches.

We’ve talked about getting your staff to embrace Facebook, how my church uses Facebook, how our pastors use Facebook and offered a wealth of resources. Now it’s time to dive in yourself. Challenge the members of your staff to leverage the power of social media for ministry.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Don’t force it: Model and celebrate it. It truly isn’t for everyone, but most people will realize the value and jump in.
  • Circulate this blog series to the people on your team and set up a time to discuss everyone’s thoughts/ideas.
  • Find someone who is passionate about social media to be a resource to staff members just dipping their toes in the water.
  • Set up some guidelines. For best results: Don’t be militant. A good example of a Facebook guideline is something like, “Don’t talk bad about other Christian ministries/churches. We don’t play that game.”
  • Be vigilant about capturing positive stories and circulating them among the staff.

These might seem like simple steps, but they worked for me. I’d encourage you to at least try. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work—at least you know! Don’t let fear of the unknown paralyze your church’s potential for amazing ministry.

I’m here to say that the battle is worth fighting, and not so your church can look cool. It’s worth it because there are real people with real lives and real pain out there just waiting for someone to reach out. Don’t force them to come to you. Meet them where they are.

Post By:

Danielle Hartland


Danielle Hartland is the director of communications at Grace Church in Erie, Penn., where her goal is to create and foster accessible communication strategies that cut through without cutting in. You can find her fastest on Twitter: @daniellesuzanne.
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3 Responses to “Facebook for Churches: Next Steps”

  • Gregory West
    July 22, 2010

    I am 60 in 6 months. I have been on computers since 1984 and punch cards B4 that.

    Our church consists mainly of people who have little interest in using the Internet to communicate, other than emailing (50%).

    For the most part our members are technophobes who dare not try new things.

    Most of our members are well over 60 and I believe that unless we get new blood…Well you can fill in the “REST OF THE STORY”.


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    • Patricia W. Price
      April 17, 2012

      Wow! I thought it was only our church. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this issue, but it’s nice to know that we are not alone!


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  • Jim Reynolds
    August 10, 2010

    Danielle,

    What recommendation do you have about the type of Facebook page for a church. Is it best to use a business account or attach a business page to someone’s personal account. The latter would seem to have the fewest limits but what happens if the person whose account it is linked to leaves the church?

    Jim


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