CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2016 – Year in Review, Part 1

2016 has, most definitely, been a year of creative innovation and unexpected change in the Church, Social Media, and Technology space!

To celebrate this exciting year, I’m happy to spotlight my favorite picks for the very best Church and Social Media news, views, and trends of 2016.

Congratulations to all of this year’s truly remarkable church social media innovators, contributors, and colleagues. And, of course, a big “Thank You” goes out to all my amazing social media family, followers, and friends for all your fantastic suggestions, support and encouragement throughout the year. Much Love & Appreciation!

Here’s my ‘Best of 2016 Church and Social Media’ stories:

• 3 Tips to Kick Start Year-End Giving With #GivingTuesday – Church Tech Today
• 3 Tips to Simplify Church Purchasing and Enhance Expense Control – Church Tech Today
• 4 Areas of Focus to Visualize Church Tech’s Next Decade – Church Tech Today
• 5 Best Bible Study Programs on the Market Today – Church Tech Today
• 5 Creative Ways to Use Instagram to Promote Church Events – United Methodist Communications
• 5 Disruptive Church Trends That Will Rule 2016 – Carey Nieuwhof
• 5 Easy Ways For Your Church to Thrive on Social Media – @SocialMediaChurch
• 5 Free Apps You Can Use to Give Back – CNET
• 5 Keys to a Happy New Year – Relevant Magazine
• 5 Reasons to be Thankful for Social Media This Thanksgiving – Sendible
• 5 Reasons to Launch an Online Church Campus in 2016 – Nils Smith
• 5 Reasons You Should Embrace Digital Bible Study –  Church Tech Today
• 6 Church Website Essentials – Church Media Tech
• 6 Free Android Bible Study Apps That You Can’t Miss – Church Mag
• 6 Tools for Creating Great Church Apps – Capterra Church Management Blog
• 7 Apps That Changed My Life – Church Mag
• 7 Tips on How to Host a Successful Event for Your Church – DialMyCalls
• 7 Top Church Website Companies – Church Tech Today
• 8 Effective Uses of Twitter for Churches – Thom S. Rainer
• 9 Keys to Maximizing Your Church Facebook Page – Thom S. Rainer
• 10 Blogs to Follow in 2016 – Church Mag
• 10 Predictions About the Future Church and Shifting Attendance Patterns – ChristianWeek
• 10 Reasons Videos Should be on Your Radar in 2016 – Church Tech Today
• 10 Remarkable Achievements of Barack Obama’s Presidency – T. D. Jakes
• 10 Social Media Reporting Apps You Can’t Live Another Day Without – Successful Blog
• 10 Steps to Building an Effective Digital Strategy – Social Media Today
• 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Quotes That Will Challenge You to Take Action – Relevant Magazine
• 34 Best Church WordPress Themes 2016 – ATHEMES
• 70 Most Inspiring Church Websites of 2016 – ShareFaith Magazine
• 77 Of The Best Church Websites in 2016 – Pro Church Tools
• 100 Top Christian Blogs – Redeeming God
• 100 Top Faith Blogs for Christian Women – Women’s Bible Cafe

What favorite Church Social Media stories of 2016 would you like to share with our readers? Would love to hear from you!

Btw, stay on top of the latest Church Social Media news, stories, and trends at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS.

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

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas & A Blessed, Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review, Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of ‘Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review!’ Picking up where we left off in Part 1, here are my picks for the top, most impactful, most insightful church social media #chsocm stories and sites posted on social media in 2015:

• African Americans Use Technology More Than Others For Worship Services – BlackEnterprise.com
• The Best Social Platform For Your Church with Meredith Gould – Pro Church Tools
• Biola Digital Conference – open.biola.edu
• Building an Internet Church Campus – The iChurch Method/ Jason Caston
• The Cellular Church – The New Yorker
• Charleston Relatives “Forgive” Shooting Suspect in Court – BBC News
• Christian Podcast Directory – Listly/ D J Chuang
• Christianity Today’s 2016 Book Awards – Christianity Today
• The Continuing Evolution of the Digital Church – The Christian Post
• Directory of Multiethnic Churches – Multiethnic.Church
• Facebook Guide for Pastors in Transition – hackingchristianity.net
• Faith Community Rallies Around Charleston Church After Shooting – HuffingtonPost
• Getting Your Church Started on Periscope or Meerkat – Josh Blankenship
• God’s Work Our Blog: Behind the Scenes with the Social Media Team at the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering – northeasterniowasynodelca.blogspot.com
• How Frequently Should Churches Really Post on Social Media? –  djchuang.com
• How MLK Made a Better World in Just 10 Years – Michael Hyatt
• How Social Is Changing Church – BeliefNet
• How Would Jesus Behave on Social Media? – Patheos
• Joel Osteen Radio – Positive Inspiration For Life – SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• Love Conquers All In Charleston – Kenneth Lillard/ Faith Based Media 2.0
• Meet Kanye’s Pastor: Rich Wilkerson Jr. – Relevant Magazine
• The Netflix-ization of the Church – Patheos
• Pastors in Paris: Opposing Terror with Love – Christianity Today
• Prayer and Social Media Action in #Baltimore – #Chsocm Chat Transcript
• Producing by Faith, Inspiring Through Technology/ Devon Franklin – thebridge.att.net
• The Potter’s House – Bishop T. D. Jakes
• Roseburg Pastors: “This Is Our 9/11” – Christianity Today
• Saddleback Church – Pastor Rick Warren
• Theology of Social Media – Willow Creek TV
• Top 5 Church Social Media Trends in 2015 – bradbridges.net
• Top 15 Ways That Churches Can Use the Periscope App in Ministry – FluidMinistry
• Top 300 Christian Blogs for Ministry/ 12th Edition – churchrelevance.com
• The Ultimate List of Social Media Policies for Churches – justinwise.net

That completes our ‘Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review, Part 2.’ It’s truly been an eventful and exciting  year in church social media. Would love to hear what your favorite church social media stories and sites were in 2015. Please feel free to share your favorites with me and the readers in the comments section!

Btw, to stay on top of all the latest church social media stories, sites, and developments read SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS weekly.

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

Have a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2016!

Be Blessed Everyone,

Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review, Part 1

Can you believe the year has flown by already? Yes, it’s true! As we close out 2015, what better time than now to take a look back at the top Church and Social Media stories that have shone in the social media spotlight this year.

2015 has, definitely, been a very busy, challenging, and exciting year in church social media. Some of the major developments we’ve witnessed this year have revolved around: 1) the impact of social issues on church social media; 2) the emergence of mobile live streaming technology, especially the increasing popularity of the Periscope and Meerkat apps; and 3) the steady adaptation and implementation of the latest technology, and social media strategies and tools by today’s churches and ministries as they continue to evolve in the Digital Age.

The following compilation includes social media posts highlighting very practical information that can be readily applied by church social media practitioners. So, here are my picks for the top church social media #churchsocialmedia #chsocm stories of 2015:

• 3 Mistakes Churches Make with Social Media – ChurchTechToday.com
• 3 Reasons I Love My Tablet – ChurchMag
• 3 Surprising Facts About Churches on Social Media – TonyMorganLive.com
• 4 Predictions For Online Church in 2016 and Beyond – TonyMorganLive.com
• 4 Things Your Church Website Must Do – ChurchMag
• 4 Tips to Keep Teens Engaged in Church – ChurchTechToday.com
• 4 Ways Churches Should Be Using Text Messaging –  ChristianMedia Magazine
• 5 Easy Tips for Using Periscope in Ministry – ChurchMag
• 5 Reasons to Record and Post Sermons Online – Church Media Blog
• 5 Tips for Periscoping Your Church Service – Nils Smith
• 5 Tips for Promoting Your Church on Facebook – pastors.com
• 5 Ways to Market Your Church Using Pinterest – ChurchTechToday.com
• 5 Ways Social Media Can Help Churches Connect at Christmas – ChurchPlants
• 5 Ways to Use Google Hangouts on Air for Ministry – lifeway.com
• 6 Church Live Streaming Best Practices – ChurchTechToday.com
• 6 Steps to Creating An Effective Guest Follow-up System – ChurchTechToday.com
• 6 Ways Churches Can Use Instagram – JoshBlankenship/ Church Media Made Easy
• 6 Ways to Use Mobile Technology to Power Up Your Spiritual Life / Valorie Burton – thebridge.att.net
• 7 Keys to an Effective Church Social Media Strategy – factsandtrends.net
• 7 Online Church Trends We Have Seen in 2015 – TonyMorganLive.com
• 8 Things Christians Need to Do More on Social Media – Relevant Magazine
• 8 Tips to Get Your Church Started with Twitter – Internet Toolbox for Churches
• 9 Books Every Leader Should Read – Time.com
• 9 Fascinating Facts About People Who Attend Megachurches – Leadership Network
• 9 Steps to Engaging Your Church Through Facebook – Ministry Communicators Association
• 9 Technology Podcasts I’m Enjoying Right Now – ChurchMag
• 10 Books Every Pastor Should Take on Vacation This Summer – ChurchLeaders.com
• 10 Fundamentals to a Creative Church YouTube Strategy – Nils Smith
• 10 Reasons Video Should Be on Your Radar in 2016 – ChurchTechToday.com
• 10 Reasons Why Pastors Should be on Social Media – ymsidekick.com
• 16 Seriously Impressive Gifts That Give Back This Holiday – mashable.com
• 21 Social Media Tips For Your Church – stevefogg.com
• 25 Must Listen to Christian Podcasts – TheologyDegrees.org

Well, that concludes Part 1 of our Church Social Media 2015 Year in Review. Stay tuned for Part 2. Would love to hear your top church social media #chsocm stories of 2015. Btw, for all the latest stories and developments in the church, technology, and social media space be sure to read SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS each week!

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

Wishing You A Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Be Blessed Everyone,

Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2014 Church and Social Media Year In Review, Part 2

As 2014 draws rapidly to a close, now is a great time to look back at the top Church and Social Media events and stories of the past year. Hope you had a chance to take a look at ‘2014 Church and Social Media Year in Review, Part 1,’ shared earlier on this site.

Here, in Part 2, we share more of 2014’s top #churchsocialmedia news and developments posted on social media!

Best Christian YouTube Channels – ThinkInternational

Blogging While Brown 2014/ Conference Highlights – Rothesia Stokes/ She Has Purpose

Christianity Today’s 2015 Book Awards – Christianity Today

Christian Bestsellers, December 2014 – Christian Book Expo

#ChSocM Chat/ ChurchSocMed Using social media to build church and deepen faith – Storify

#ChSocM Integrating Technology Into Life and Faith – #ChSocM Founder, Meredith Gould

#ChSocM Searching and Finding Information About Social Media for Church – #ChSocM Founder, Meredith Gould

#ChSocM Strategy and Mission in Church Social Media – #ChSocM Founder, Meredith Gould

#Ferguson and the Cross – Derwin L. Gray/ Christianity Today

Forest Hill Church on Pinterest – Forest Hill Church/ Pinterest

Great Free Resources From Top Churches – djchuang.com

Haley Veturis of Saddleback Church: Episode 85, Social Media Church Podcast – @djchuang

How We Read the Bible: Bible Gateway’s 2014 Year in Review – Biblegateway.com

Is An Online Church Really A Church? – Ed Stetzer/ Christianity Today

Joel Osteen Radio – SiriusXM subscription satellite radio service. Joel Osteen Radio on SiriusXM launched on Sept. 29, 2014.

Jason Caston: The Internet Church Campus/ Biola Digital 2014 – Jason Caston/ WebMatters

Just the Top Bible Websites, Plain and Simple – DJ Chuang/ American Bible Society

Lessons From Mars Hill Church – Gerry & Sherry Breshears/ Living Grace to the World

Maya Angelou: Award Winning Poet, Author, and Activist Dies at 86 – Huffington Post

My Proverbial Summer – Kenneth Lillard

Social Media in Youth Ministry: Tumblr – Rachel Blom/ churchleaders.com

The Potter’s House – T. D. Jakes/ thepottershouse.org

The Year In Gospel: Lecrae Dominates – Billboard

Top 300 Christian Blogs – Kent Shaffer/ Church Relevance

Top Church Tech Blogs 2014 – ChurchMag

Top Churches On Facebook – Social Media Church

Twitter and the Rise of Microprayer – Casey Cep/ The Kernel

Btw, you can stay update-to-date on all the latest news and developments in Church and Social Media by reading SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS. And you can follow me at kennethlillard.com.

What were your top Church and Social Media stories of 2014?

As we count down to a brand New Year, I sincerely wish all my wonderful readers, family, and friends a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed 2015!

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

Be Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard

2014 Church and Social Media Year In Review, Part 1

Can you believe that 2014 is almost over? Yes, we just have a few more days until the start of a brand New Year! 2014 has flown by like a jet plane. However, it has truly been an exciting and eventful year in Church and Social Media.

FAITH BASED MEDIA 2.0 continues to tell the fascinating story of how today’s churches are using the latest technology and social media to share the Gospel. Here are some of the top #churchsocialmedia stories shared online via social media over the past twelve (12) months.

4 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Count – Relevant

10 Apps to Grab for Your New Smartphone or Tablet – Spiritual Living, Christian Faith/ crosswalk.com

10 Best Religious Personal Finance Blogs – Shared via @ChristianPF

10 Social Media Tools That Make Everything Easier – Chris C. Ducker

11 Imaginative Ways to Use Social Media for Your Church – Steve Fogg

20 Great Ways to Use Instagram at Your Church – TheCreativePastor.com

20 Tips to Tap Into Your Divine ‘Instinct’ for Business Success: T. D. Jakes – blackenterprise.com

21 Of the Best Social Media Articles This Year – SocialMediaToday

31 Days of Thanks – Our Daily Bread

49 Church Blogging Tips – Dave Hakes/ Internet Toolbox for Churches

55 of the Best Church Website Designs – Vandelay Design

100 Years of Glorious History From the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference – Huffington Post Religion

Stay tuned for ‘2014 Church and Social Media Year In Review, Part 2’ where we’ll share more of the top #churchsocialmedia events and stories of 2014!

What were your top #churchsocialmedia stories of 2014?

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

Be Blessed

Kenneth Lillard

It’s Time To Close The Digital Divide!

Today, the term ‘inequality’ is everywhere – on TV, in newspapers and magazines, and more and more frequently, online. But the area of  ‘inequality’ that’s not getting enough attention is the ‘digital divide’!

The digital divide is an economic inequality between individuals and groups, in terms of who has access to, use of, and knowledge of computers, information and communications technologies.  It refers to inequalities between individuals, households, businesses, and geographic areas at different socioeconomic and other demographic levels.

Who has access to high speed internet, desktop computers, laptops, smart phones, tablets such as iPads, electronic book readers, MP3 players, Xboxes or PlayStations? Studies show that individuals and groups at higher economic levels have much greater access to these technologies than those at lower economic levels.

And this matters, a lot, because those with greater access have  enhanced advantages and opportunities for acquiring information, education, economic resources, and services (including online medicine where patients at home will be able to speak with their doctors, and thus gain access to lower-cost, higher-quality care).

This all translates into  enhanced advantages in achieving cultural and social capital, as well as mass economic gains due to dramatic increases in terms of productivity. And it, definitely, has implications for churches, congregations, and ministries in poorer communities, which would lag behind others in possessing and employing digital technology to spread the gospel, joining in online religious and social conversations, accessing resources, and enhancing internal communications.

One of the most important social, economic, and ethical questions facing us today is this: How can the incredible benefits of the internet, and information and communications technologies be made available to a broader range of individuals and groups, especially churches and ministries in disadvantaged communities? What if churches in poorer communities partnered and collaborated with more ‘technology rich’ churches and ministries for their mutual benefit? What type of impact would that have?

It’s, definitely, time to close this ‘digital divide’ so that everyone can benefit from the tremendous possibilities and benefits of these rapidly evolving digital technologies, which are so important to communications, information, and to one’s ability to succeed in a myriad of fields in today’s digital world.

Let’s make sure no one gets left behind!

For more information on the ‘digital divide’, and on effective ways to addressing it, see the following:

• A Global Church and the Digital Divide – United Methodist Church
• ‘App Gap’ Emerges Highlighting Savvy Mobile Children –  gigaom.com
• Church Tackles Digital Divide – Church of Scotland
• The Church in the Digital Divide: Bridging the Gap – Zawbdiyel Media
• Close The Gap – close-the-gap.org
• Comcast and Khan Academy Announce Help to Close the Digital Divide – Comcast
• Culture Watch: Digital Divide in the Church – JimErwin.com
• Digital Divide – Wikipedia
• Falling Through the Net: A Survey of the ‘Have Nots’ in Rural and Urban America – U. S. Department of Commerce
• Digital Divide Initiative – National Black Church Initiative
• Digital Divides and Bridges: Technology Use Among Youth – Pew Research Center
• The Digital Divide Isn’t Racial – It’s Economic – Salon.com
• The Digital Divide: Resource Roundup – Edutopia
• The Digital Divide Will Ensure a Broadband Ghetto – gigaom.com
• The Digital Divide: Where We Are – Edutopia
• The New Digital Divide – New York Times Sunday Review
• Obama Announces Public and Private Investments for High-Speed Internet in Schools – Washington Post
• One Laptop Per Child – one.laptop.org

Has the digital divide affected you? What examples can you give, or suggestions can you make, for helping to close the digital divide?

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

Be Blessed,

Kenneth Lillard

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

The Best of ‘SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS’ – SUMMER 2013 EDITION

Can you believe it? It’s Labor Day Weekend 2013 already! Where have all the sun-drenched days of summer gone? The  autumn leaves of red and gold will soon be swirling in the air. To mark the occasion, we have assembled a special souvenir of the awesome Summer of 2013 that we hope will bless you, and remind you of those much-too-soon-departed, wonderful days of summer!

It has been an especially rich and exciting summer at our companion publication, SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS.  For each of the past 90 days, SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS has offered its readers the best church social media news this summer, packed with information, videos, and photos of the latest, most-talked-about and interesting developments in the faith, social media, and technology space. (Click on the Archives icon to check out previous issues!)

Faith Based Media 2.0 is a faith-based journal of information, innovation, and inspiration. It is designed to creatively share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through social media and web 2.0 technologies. We’re always so excited to share the most exciting things happening over at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS with our loyal readers.

So, we’ve teamed-up and pulled together this summer’s top inspirational stories, chats, podcasts, and thought-provoking opinion pieces from the June, July, and August 2013 editions of SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS.

As we say goodbye to the halcyon days of summer and eagerly anticipate Autumn 2013, we’re happy to present this unique, special edition of the VERY BEST of ‘SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS – SUMMER 2013 EDITION’. Enjoy!

• 5 NFL Stars Turned Pastor or Christian Minister – Christian Post
• 7 Facebook Tips for Pastors – Pastors.com
• 7 Innovative Church Buildings in America  – Church Relevance
•  8 Leadership Lessons From Martin Luther King, Jr. [Podcast] – Michael Hyatt
• 10 Google Services You Didn’t Know Existed and How They Help Church Leaders – UnSeminary
• 35 Social Media Questions for Every Church – ChurchMag
• Are You Putting Technology Ahead of Your Church’s Message – Internet Toolbox for Church/ Dave Hakes
• Behind the Scenes at Christianity Today – Christianity Today
• Church: Social Media Chat: 8/13/13: Myths & Truths About Church Social Media [TwitterChat] – #ChSocM Meredith Gould
• Churches Play Catch-up as Social Media Continues to Grow – Facts and Trends/ Aaron Earls
• Complete List of Churches on Pinterest – Godvertiser.com Kenny Jahng
• Free eBook: ‘Sanctification in the Everyday’ by John Piper – ChurchLeaders.com
• Free eBook: ‘YouTube for Churches Quick Guide’ from ChurchTech Today – ChurchLeaders.com
• How Are Apps Making Prayer Social – Leadership Network/ DJ Chuang
• King’s Dream: Waiting with Perseverance – WP On Faith/ T. D. Jakes
• Mega-Mind of Bishop T. D. Jakes – Patrick D. Shaffer
• More Than 2 Million Will Participate in Back to Church Sunday – ChurchLeaders.com
• Most Anticipated Tech: End of Summer Edition – CNET
• New Bible App Updates, Another Huge Milestone, and More – YouVersion
• Preaching/ Speaking from an iPad? 10 Rules – Patheos
• Summer Boone of Church by the Glades – Episode 51 [Podcast] – DJ Chuang
• What Story Is Your Church Telling? – Mark Brooks

What church social media blog posts, podcasts, or articles were you excited about this summer? Please share them here with our readers and become a part of this, our special, SUMMER 2013 EDITION. Btw, to get your day started right with an on-time word of inspiration and encouragement, be sure to check out FAITH and DEVOTION DAILY.  Much Love & Appreciation!

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

Be Blessed,

Kenneth Lillard

The Best of ‘SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS’ – June 2013

SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS is a daily online publication which brings you the very best information from across the Internet on all the latest developments, news, and views in the social media, faith, and technology space.

It’s halfway through  Summer 2013 and we’ve pulled together the top inspirational stories, chats, podcasts, and thought-provoking opinion pieces from the June editions of SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS for your information, convenience, and enjoyment.  The following represent the summer’s hottest church social media stories – the Very ‘Best of SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS’ – June 2013:

• ‘2 Minute Pastor’ Takes Daily Devotionals to High Tech Land of Video App – Christian Post Tech
• 5 Incredible Takeaways From Behind the Scenes with Carl George, A Master Church Consultant – Will Mancini
• 9 Hispanic Christian Celebrities You Should Know– Christian Post
• 12 Twitter Chats for Community Managers and Social Media Pros –  Simply Measured
• BET’s Lift Every Voice on Pinterest – Black Entertainment Television
• Church Documents You Should Post on Your Website – The iChurch Method
• Church Internet Strategy: How to Make it More Than a Pile of Paper – Internet Toolbox for Churches
• Church Mag’s 2013 Top Church Tech Blogs – ChurchMag
• Creating and Sustaining a Social Media Voice for Your Church – #ChSocM Weekly Twitter Chat/ Meredith Gould
• Dr. Martin Luther King Nominated for Canonization by the Christian Orthodox Church – Christian Post
• How to Get Your Church Started on Twitter – Episcopal Share
• Joel Osteen iPhone App Reaching Tens of Thousands – Christian Post
• List of Online Churches – djChauang.com
• Pursuit of Diversity and the Local Church – Christianity Today/ Trillia Newbell
• The Rise of the @Pastor – The Barna Group
• Top 5 Churches That Use Social Media Best – Christian Post
• Top Ten List for Using Social Media for Ministry – Catholic Web Solutions
• Social Media and the Church – Social Media Today
• Summer Boone of Church by the Glades: Episode 51 – Social Media Podcast/ Social Media Church
• Why Your Church Should Have a Podcast – Media\Outreach

Are there any June 2013 church social media articles, online chats, podcasts, or posts you would recommend to our readers?

During Summer 2013, stay on top of all the latest SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS by subscribing today!

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

Stay Blessed,

Kenneth Lillard

The Best of ‘Social Media and Ministry News’ – May 2013

The month of May has been another exciting and busy time at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS, a daily online publication which brings you the very best information from across the web on all the latest developments, news, and views in the social media, faith, and technology space.

Many inspirational stories, chats, thought-provoking podcasts, and insightful opinion pieces have been shared in this month’s editions. Here are some of the very best featured stories:

• 20 of the Best WordPress Themes For Churches – Templates – Website.net
• Does Your Ministry Have a Strategy? No? You’re Not Alone – #ChSocM Weekly Chat, Meredith Gould
• Why is Social Media Important for Churches – Jason Caston
• Not a Celebrity Pastor’s Wife? 10 Reasons That’s OK – Megan Hill
• Book Review: Social Media Guide for Ministry – Church Tech Today
• Free eBook – 7 Things Every Church Should Communicate Every Sunday – Tim Peters
• Internet Outreach: What Others Are Saying – Internet Toolbox for Churches, Dave Hakes
• John Dyer – From The Garden to The City: Episode 45 – Social Media Church – DJ Chuang [Podcast]
• Followers, Friends, and Faith in the Digital Age – The Christian Century, Edward J. Blum
• Noel Jones and the Real Pastors of Southern California – The Christian Post

Which May 2013 social media and ministry articles or blog posts would you recommend to our readers?

Don’t miss any of the latest developments in the church social media space.  Subscribe to SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS!

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

Be Blessed,

Kenneth Lillard