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7 Tips to Leverage Social Media in Your Church

By Christy Scannell • 07/05/2012

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If your church is like most, you have a social media presence, but your efforts are scattered. Harness social media power using these tips.

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Does your church have a Facebook page? Yes. Is your youth group’s latest jam session on YouTube? Likely. Is your pastor featured on LinkedIn? Maybe. Who are your official church tweeters?

Uh, let’s form a committee for that.

If your church is like most, you have a social media presence, but your reach is like an octopus on roller skates—plenty of action with no forward momentum.

Harness social media power using these tips.

1. Embrace texting.

It might seem counterintuitive to pastoral care, but millennials—the future of the church—are text-centric, often praying via digits.

2. Be an Avid Facebook and Twitter User.

“Church” is happening everywhere. Find seeker- and believer-created Facebook pages and join the conversation. Similarly, track and use popular Twitter hashtags such as #Jesus, #prayer, #church and even #spirituality or #Allah.

3. Use the “check-in” feature

Check in using the special feature on Facebook, Foursquare or Google to let people know you’re available for a chat at the nearby coffee shop or to remind them of a ministry meeting.

4. Make connection your primary social media goal.

Sure, deep thoughts and Scriptures are important, but study after study has shown that people use social media to engage with others. That means discussion, not monologue. Save the sermon for Sunday morning.