Schafer, Thomas

OTM 301 Orientation to Ministry

#1 Introduction to Social Media Pt. 1
9/11/15

#1 Introduction to Social Media Pt. 1
In todays world our culture has embraced a new style of communication in this
Digital Age. This new style of communication has created a virtual world were people
interact by sharing or exchanging information through text messages, blogs, and video
posts. This virtual world is commonly referred to as Social Media. Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram and Pinterest are many of the most common Social Media tools to name. These
Social Media tools have created a new way that churches have reached the world for
Christ. The benefit of Social Media is huge, but if not done carefully can damage a
ministries creditability.
In an article entitled, Social Media and Christian: Reaching the World for the
Kingdom of God by Ed Stetzer, Stetzer explains how Christians have always been on
the forefront of communication technology. It first started with Pauls writing in the
New Testament being written on paper. Then the invention of the printing press gave
Martin Luther the ability to mass-produces Gods word to all people. Aimee Semple
McPherson was the first person to use the radio to spread the Gospel. Billy Graham used
the television to spread the Gospel, all which were new technology of their day.
The benefits from Social Media can be a positive or negative aspect for your
ministry. It really depends on your discipline as a believer. Social Media can benefits
your ministry by allowing pastor and leader from around the world to connect without
having to travel. Its even reported, that 80 percent of pastors are now using the internet
to keep up with relationships compared with 64 percent just 15 years ago.(Jackson)
In an article written by Thom S. Rainer, Rainer lists warnings for church leaders
who use Social media; however, I believe all christian believers need to heed these
warnings when using social media. The first warning would be that you have to be
careful and consider anything you do on social media to be permanent, because you
can never truly erase it. The second warning is that you need to be careful on what you
say, because things you say on Social media can be misunderstood and taken out of
context. Also a third warning is that emoticons are not sufficient to help people
understand what your trying to say to them. A fourth warning and I believe a good piece
of advise is to never text or post something on social media when your anger or
emotionally charged. It will be something youll regret later down the road. Furthermore,
its a real cowardly act and damages your character as an individual. The last Warning
would be that the non-Christian world is watching Christian attacking each other.
In article written by Ava Pennington, she writes about ten social media mistakes
that happen in ministry. The first being that you used use your ministry more for
announcements rather than social interaction. Pennington then suggest in her article that

you should follow the 80/20 rule meaning 80 percent social interaction and 20 percent
announcements. The second mistake made would be what kind of information you post.
The third mistakes would be that people would tag people in photos their not in so that
they could get the information.. The fourth mistake would be adding people with asking
them however, Pennington states that the biggest mistake you could ever make in her
opinion would be to never participate in social media at all.
In the article titled, Top 5 churches that use Social Media Best written by Alex
Murashko, Murashko lists five churches that have been ranked by the Christian Post for
their success in Social media tools like Facebook, U-tube, Instragram
In conclusion, when it comes to using social media with your ministry it either
magnify your platform meaning it reach a larger population of people or it could
amplify your mistakes. Social media if done well can be beneficial to your ministry in
so many way; however, if not careful can bring any ministry spiraling down.

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WORK CITED

Bozeman, Darryl E. Assessing Your Social Media Ministry Strategy. Social
Media Ministry (Blog). 27 Dec 2013. 11 Sept 2015
http://www.socialmediaministry.org/2013/12/assessing-your-social-media-
ministry.html
Jackson, Amy Your Ministry Can Benefit from Social Media . Small groups.com.
30 March 2015. 10th September 2015
http://www.smallgroups.com/articles/2015/your-ministry-can-benefit-from-
social-media.html
Murashko, Alex. Top 5 Chruches that use Social media best. ChristianPost. 7th
June 2013. 11 Sept. 2015 http://www.christianpost.com/news/top-5-churches-thatuse-social-media-best-97492/
Pennington, Ava. Ten Social Media Mistakes in Ministry. Crosswalk. 10th Jan
2014. Sept 10th 2015 http://www.crosswalk.com/church/pastors-or-
leadership/ten-social-media-mistakes-in-ministry.html
Rainer, Thom S. Seven Warnings for Church Leaders Who Use Social Media
Thom S. Rainer.4th Aug 2014 10th Sept 2015.
http://thomrainer.com/2014/08/seven-warnings-church-leaders-use-social-
media
Stetzer, Ed. Social Media and Christian Ministry: Reaching the World for the
Kingdom of God. Christian Today. 21st Feb. 2014. 10th Sept. 2015
http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2014/february/social-media-and-
christian-ministry-reaching-world-for-king.html