Facebook and Today’s Church

Is your church on Facebook?

Chances are many of your church members already are on Facebook – posting updates, commenting on messages, ‘liking’ posts, and otherwise engaging with others online. You may well be reading this post on Facebook right now. And while many may feel Facebook is a complete and total waste of time, there are actually many very good reasons for you to be on Facebook, as evidenced by the many churches and ministries that are already there.

There are over 1 Billion, with a B, people on Facebook today! It is the world’s most popular social networking platform. Facebook is where the people are. Digital technology has empowered everyday people to connect and interact online, and they are doing so at a rapidly increasing rate.  Facebook has emerged as the most popular social network on the planet, and it’s still growing.  Having a presence on FB is a great way for your church to connect with the very people you’re trying to reach.

Being on Facebook is a great way to introduce people to your church. In fact, Facebook, for many, has replaced the Yellow Pages as the go-to source for seeking out churches to visit in new communities.

For pastors, a personal Facebook page provides a great opportunity to be an ‘online shepherd’, and to stay connected with your congregation  beyond the Sunday service. By establishing a Facebook Church Page you can conduct vital outreach beyond the four walls of your church and immediate community. It enables you to share your church’s message with many people who otherwise may never hear of you. From your Church’s FB page you can also direct others to your church’s website, where they can access more specific information about your ministry’s vision and mission.

While many may complain about the negative things some people post on Facebook, by being online, you can serve as an example of a positive role model of good online behavior and character.  Finally, your intentional presence online can help to fulfill the Great Commission, Jesus’ final instructions to the disciples while still physically here.

My recent book, SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY Sharing the Gospel in the Digital Age, points out ‘100 Ways to Use Facebook to Help Grow a Ministry’ (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes). In addition, here are some links to more information on how Facebook might benefit your church:

• 7 Ways to Have  a Great Church Facebook Page – Pastors.com
• ‘Church on Facebook’ Unites Students Around the World – Liberty University
• Do You Use Facebook and That Other Stuff – SR. Susan Wolf, SND
• Facebook Passes 1.19 Billion Monthly Active Users – The Next Web
• Facebook vs. Your Church Website – Internet Toolbox for Churches, David Hakes
• Facebook for Pastors That Don’t Want to Use Facebook – Internet Toolbox for Churches, David Hakes
• Lacrae Questions ‘Judgmental Christians’ in Viral Facebook Post – The Christian Post
• List of Most Popular Facebook Pages of Churches and Ministries – djchaung.com
• Should Pastors be on #Facebook, #Twitter and Other #Social Media? – iChurch Method, Jason Caston
• Social Media Glossary for 5 Major Social Networks – Social Media Today
• T.D. Jakes Ministries on Facebook – tdjakes.org, Bishop T. D. Jakes
• The United Methodist Church on Facebook – UMC

Btw, to stay up-to-the-minute on the latest developments in ‘church social media’ be sure to check out SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS for daily updates.

How is your church positively using your Facebook to share Christ’s gospel?

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus!

Be Blessed,

Kenneth Lillard