Social Media – General | Joel Southerland

Archive - Social Media – General RSS Feed

Turn your phone off in church … NOT – Church | Social Media

April 9, 2012 in Social Media - General with 2 Comments

It used to be (it may still be at your church) that there was a sign hanging on the door that asked you to politely turn your phone off during the worship service. And, years ago people complied – well, almost everyone did. There was always one person who did not turn theirs off and that pre-set ring would go off at exactly 12:00 sharp and it would take the person the entire invitation to find their phone to turn it off. You know the one.

Anyway, it was that we wanted people to unplug during the worship experience. That was yesterday – this is today. Today, we do not really want people to unplug – we want them to be plugged up and plugged in during the worship service. Now there is a generation that could not do church without their electronic device. When they bring their device to church they are bringing their Bible, commentary, worship music, sermon note taker, diary, calendar, contacts, camera, and social device with them.

Comscore recently released this information:

Analytics firm comScore released new data today showing that U.S. mobile social media audiences increased 37%, and more than half of social mobile audiences read a post from an organization, brand or event on their mobile device.

People are using their mobile devices like never before to help the do life! In my opinion we shouldn’t fight it – we should tap into it. Have portions of the service where you are asking people to use their mobile device and then ask them to go silent for a few minutes.

Here are 3 ways you can tap into the mobile device your church members bring with them:

1. Put “snippets” of your sermon in the bulletin

Instead of putting your outline in the bulletin what if you put snippets from your sermon that could be broadcast on Facebook and Twitter? What if during a portion of the service you encouraged everyone to post 1 snippet to their network? You would ensure that your message was getting out to people who had never been to your church. You would be helping your people be a digital witness.

2. Encourage photo sharing

Ask people to take pictures of their day at church and to post them on-line after the service. They could get their small group to pose for a shot. A staff member. A friend. When you tag people in pictures on Social media the effects can be multiplied.

3. Take your Ipod and open to ….

It is OK for people to use their device to read the scriptures. YouVersion even has a way you can upload your sermon notes online for people to view during the service. I do not mind for people to read on their phones because I know that wherever they go that week their Bible will be with them.

Those are just a few of my ideas…. if you have more share them below.

Reach Teens with Twitter – Church | Social Media

March 12, 2012 in Social Media - General, Twitter with 0 Comments

The research is in and teens are flocking to Twitter. One recent study found that as many as 16% of online teens were using Twitter and girls age 12-17 were twice as likely to be using Twitter as boys age 12-17 (22% vs 10%).

The reasons are probably many on why this would be the case. Teens may just be experimenting with a new social media; they may belooking for a site their parents aren’t using; they may be finding it easier to follow their “stars” on Twitter; they may like the privacy Twitter users enjoy. Whatever the case, if teens are on Twitter, the church should be too.

Why? Religious and church activity is on the decline according to Barna in at least six key areas.

Small group attendance
Prayer
Sunday school participation
Donations to churches
Reading sacred texts other than the Bible
Evangelism

That being the case – we need to go where teenagers are – and they are slowly moving to Social Media and Twitter.

If you are in ministry (Pastor, Student Pastor, Small Group leader, etc) and you are interested in reaching students – here are three things you can do.

1. Follow them
Sounds simple enough doesn’t it. By following that teenager you are letting them know you value them. It is a sign of respect in the Twitter world when you follow someone’s updates.

2. Engage them
If they follow you back send them an @reply “Thank you”. Engage them in Twitter conversation on a consistent basis and encourage their walk with the Lord. Find out about their world and don’t just have a one way conversation.

3. Resource them
Use Twitter to provide resources to help them in life. You might mention them in a “Verse of the day” or a devotional you follow on Twitter. Put things in your status updates that will apply to their lives.

Use Twitter to connect with teens and you might reach more for the Kingdom.

———————————————————————-
CAUTION: Treat all of these relationships just as you would an in an off-line setting. Avoid private messages. To the best of your ability stick to like gender. Do not get over your head. Keep your spouse updated on all activity. NEVER do anything inappropriate.

Facebook Makes Your Brain Bigger ? – Church | Social Media

March 5, 2012 in Facebook, Social Media - General with 0 Comments

Recently a study revealed that people on Facebook have more brain matter.

Researchers said:
Scientists have found a direct link between the number of “friends” a person has on Facebook and the size of certain brain regions, raising the possibility that using online social networks might change our brains.
The four brain areas involved are known to play a role in memory, emotional responses and social interactions.

So, if you needed a reason to spend a little time on Facebook there you have it!
Assuming all of us have unchurched friends on Facebook here are some Spiritual things you can do on Facebook to help grow your brain!

1. Create a Prayer List of lost / unchurched people
Why not create a private list on Facebook and put people in it who do not go to church or who are not believers and spend time everyday reviewing their status updates and praying for their salvation. You might be able to pray specifically for a life situation someone is going through that God would use it to bring them to (or back to) Christ.

2. Create a Prayer list of Ministry needs
When you spend time on Facebook why not keep a journal with you and jot down prayer requests when you see people going through difficult times. It is surprising how much people share on Facebook – even detailed health information. Send them a private message and let them know you prayed for them that day.

3. Invite people to church
Instead of putting out a status update that says, “I go to XYZ church and would love for you to visit with me”, why not send a private and personalized invitation.
Send them a message like this: “Bob, I noticed from your Facebook status that things have been kind of rocky in your marriage and family life recently. I do not mean to be nosy but thought I would let you know how my relationship with God has improved my family life. Before I was a believer and started going to church my marriage wasn’t so great…. (expound and end with) My church is offering a marriage workshop and I would love for you and your wife to go with my wife and I.”
You get the idea.

If you spend time on Facebook praying and inviting people to church there is a good chance you will make an eternal impact in someone’s life and get a bigger brain in the process!

Whitney Houston, Superbowl XXV, and YouTube – Church | Social Media

February 15, 2012 in Social Media - General, YouTube with 0 Comments

This weekend we all heard the news of the tragic death of Whitney Houston. It was the case of a life gone awry – one that any good preacher could pontificate on and make some great applications to the audience. I’ll save that for another day.

If you are a member of my generation and a sports fan there is probably one Whitney Houston moment that stands out above all others – the 1991 Superbowl. The Superbowl between the Giants and Bills was amazing enough in its own right. The 20-19 win by the Giants is the only Superbowl decided by 1 point. It is commonly referred to as the “Wide Right” game as Buffalo kicker, Scott Norwood, missed a last second field goal that would have won the game. It started a string of 4 Superbowl losses for the Bills – a memory they still cannot live down.

However, the greatest moment may have come before the game started when Whitney Houston sang the National Anthem. Ten days before the Superbowl Operation Desert Storm had started and America was in an all out war with Iraq. If you weren’t at least a teenager then you probably wouldn’t understand the tension surrounding the war. There was genuine concern in America on the outcome of the war. We had heard stories of a giant military, sophisticated weaponry, and possible nuclear threats. Now, none of that materialized, but at the time no one knew for sure.

So, when Superbowl XXV started we had been engaged in an all out war for 10 solid days and the sense of angst, combined with patriotism, was at an all time high. Whitney stepped on stage and delivered a rendition of the National Anthem that was legendary.

Consider this:

It was backed by the Florida Orchestra
It was later released as a single, where it reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the only artist to turn the national anthem into a hit single
The single was also reissued after the September 11, 2001 attacks a decade later and charted even higher on the Hot 100, reaching number six
Houston’s performance at Super Bowl XXV in 1991, during the Gulf War, is largely regarded as one of the best renditions of the U.S. national anthem in history

And, here is the amazing thing – the moment was captured on video and you can watch it below. There is great power in video. I watch it now and still get teary eyed when I do.

What does this have to do with Church? Social Media? Ministry?

Video is important for the church because it can have the same effect oftentimes. Here are 3 good/quick reasons to have a YouTube channel for your church.

1. It captures the moment

Nothing captures the moment like video. It’s the closest thing to real life we have. You can describe it. Write about it. Remember it. Nothing seizes the moment like video. It’s why parents spent hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of dollars on video cameras when they were first introduced decades ago. We wanted to capture that moment with our children that we would remember for a lifetime.

You have moments at church as well. A service, youth retreat, salvation, event, revival, celebration, building dedication, children’s event, etc. Capture the moment on video and let everyone relive it over and over.

2. It conveys emotions

I still get emotional when I see that video and remember the era. Nothing does that like video. It doesn’t have to be a tear you are trying to capture. It can be joy, laughter, tears, fear, sorrow, excitement, etc. Video has the ability to stir us like nothing else apart from real life.

3. It lasts forever

Memories fade. Dull. Lesson. I can’t say that YouTube will be around forever but here is what I know. I got to watch Whitney perform the National Anthem 21 years later – not just try to remember it. When you capture something on video the people who missed get to watch and the people who experienced it get to relive – for a long time to come.

So, watch the anthem below and know why you should start a YouTube channel at your church.

Use Social Media to enhance your Church Holiday Experience – Church | Social Media

November 28, 2011 in Social Media - General with 1 Comment

How much do you have going on at Christmas this year at your church? If you are like most churches, your calendar is full of activities for the church, choir, kids, and students. Instead of doing business as normal this year, why don’t you use Social Media and enhance what you already have on your calendar?

Here are a few quick ideas that I hope will inspire others:

1. Video interview the Family your church or Sunday School class is helping

If your church or class is going to help a family(ies) at Christmas why not interview them and post it on YouTube / Facebook /Twitter? If it is a dad who has lost his job and the family cannot afford Christmas how powerful would it be to let him tell his story to the camera? How much more support might you get? If they are leery of the camera, interview them for a Facebook note or for your church blog. If your church is helping kids at a local school with Christmas interview the principal and let her tell the stories. Stories make a huge impact when told first hand.

2. Interview the cast of the Children’s Play

Put 3 or 4 of the cast from the Children’s play in a room with a camera and interview them 20/20 style. Let them tell about learning their lines, practice, etc. It will no doubt be a great watch that the church, family, and community would even enjoy. When you are finished, post it on all your Social Media outlets.

3. Interview the Minister of Music and choir members about the Christmas musical.

Do the same as in #2 and let them talk about what the songs mean to them – how their lives have been touched or impacted by the words and the story of Christmas.

4. Post Snippets of the musical or play

If you can find video online of the play or the songs you will sing in the musical post those everywhere to give people a sneak preview. Don’t post 45 minutes worth, but post 3-6 minutes here and there. Create excitement about the event by giving them a little taste of what’s to come.

5. Keep your Holiday schedule flowing

All churches adjust their schedules around the Christmas season. Keep yours posted and reposted on a regular and consistent basis. You can’t tell them too many times what the changes are.

Those are just a few ideas to get you thinking.

Leave your ideas and comments below…

Your Facebook Wall – Dealing with the Dirt

September 9, 2011 in Facebook, Social Media - General with 1 Comment

I’m a fairly upbeat and positive guy. I don’t like a lot of negative talk and I don’t like hanging out with folks who whine, complain, and in general have bad attitudes. It probably has to do with all the Zig Ziglar books I read early on in my life and the things I heard him say over and over. One of the best quotes by Zig is,

“We all need a daily check up from the neck up to avoid stinkin ‘thinkin’ which ultimately leads to hardening of the attitudes.”

I don’t want ‘stinkin thinkin’ friends – even if they are on Facebook. And, to be honest, there is a lot of stinkin thinking, posting, commenting, and talking going on with Facebook – and sometimes it will bleed over to your profile wall.

Here is what you need to know about your Facebook wall – IT IS YOUR FACEBOOK WALL!! It is your personal property – you own it.

You do not have to allow anything to go on your wall you don’t want on your wall.

I take great pangs to keep my wall cleaned up and presentable. I view my wall like my living room – when people come to my home I want their first impression of my home to be a good one – because my home is an extension of me. My wife keeps the whole house clean all the time – but the Living room and foyer are never allowed to get cluttered because it is the first thing people see when they come over.

When people look for you on Social Media the first thing most of them see is your Facebook wall – so don’t leave dirt / clutter on your wall. I’m going to give you permission to do what needs to be done – clean up your wall and deal with the dirt.

Here are three things you now have permission to do:

1. Delete any negative post on your wall

Don’t sit around debating on whether or not you should delete the negative or hurtful comment that was made about you, someone else, or something else. It may be in the form of a post or comment on a post – DELETE IT! Do not worry if it is going to hurt someone’s feelings – they obviously didn’t consider that when they posted it on your wall. If you feel you must acknowledge your deletion then send them your reasoning in a private message. It it is stinkin’ thinkin’ and if you don’t like it then get rid of it.

2. Unfriend someone if necessary

This is the “capital punishment” of Facebook right? You have told someone they are not your friend. How could you? I just gave you permission to do it – blame it on me! If there is someone on your friend list that you are constantly having to delete their dirt from your wall then just end it with 1 click.

3. Get the goats and teddy bears out of your living room

I’m on Facebook for church, ministry, and relationship reasons. I’m not on Facebook for Mafia Wars, Teddy Bears, Farms, etc. I don’t need a goat, grenade, machine gun, or a barn - so don’t post it on my wall. I try my best to keep all of that off my wall because I don’t want that to be what people see when they visit.

There you go – you have permission to Deal with the Dirt on your Facebook wall.

What are some of the things you would consider “dirt” on your wall – leave your Facebook comments below.

And, if you Facebook “Like” this post below it will show up on your wall and your friends might get the hint!

3 things Southern Baptist Leaders (and Pastors) could learn from Twitter.

June 13, 2011 in Social Media - General, Twitter with 2 Comments

The Southern Baptist Convention is underway. The Social Media changes that have come this year are very evident. Last year when I led TalkSBC we were ground breaking in the use of video and Social Media to cover the convention. We tweeted, posted, blogged, Youtubed, and Ustreamed when no one else was.

This year – that has all changed. BP has released it’s official Twitter hashtag (#sbc20ll or #sbc11 ) and the Social Media coverage is taking care of itself. With all of the Tweeting going on what can the SBC learn (and pastors too!)?

1. Let the conversation take place

It seems that in the past that SBC leaders were afraid of the conversation. Nothing was officially stated but when you spoke with leaders you had the feeling they were hoping to stifle the conversations taking place. It felt as if the philosophy was to supress the conversation and it would go away. So, entities issued anti-blogging guidelines and employees were told to stay off Social Media. Maybe if the conversations were ignored they would go away.

They did not go away.

They are not going away.

You should not want them to go away.

When the conversations take place you find out what people are really thinking.

The SBC and pastors should want the conversation to take place about the convention and about your church. When the conversations take place you find out what people are really thinking. You discover their frustrations. Joys. Desires. Fears. Concerns. Likes. Dislikes. You find out who has a following and who doesn’t. You get to listen to all walks and stations in life. You hear from the young, the old, the retired, the upstart, the newbie and the oldie.

Let the conversation happen. It’s beneficial.

2. Listen to the conversation

You have to listen. Pastors and leaders cannot ignore the conversations. You have to pay attention. Take notes. Think of Social Media conversations as the Textus Receptus of our day! It’s not one tweet that is going to make you change – its the culmination of all those tweets that are going to make you pay attention.

I’m not talking about a knee-jerk reaction to random comments. Just listen. Things are being said. Feelings are being shared. In the midst of all that you may discover something that needs fixed. You may discover a great idea. You may discover an innovator that needs to be listened to and heeded.

Pay attention.

3. Respond to the conversation

How great would it be if after the convention a study was put together of all that was being said on Twitter (Social Media) and a study was done on what Southern Baptists feel need to be changed / done to make our Convention great again?

What if SBC leaders of all entities responded to tweets and comments in the days ahead? What if they answered questions? What if they responded to criticism? What if they celebrated alongside? What if they made phone calls? Wrote letters? Invited people to lunch? Listened? Corrected? Affirmed?

If that happened the feelings among Southern Baptists would immediately change. No one thinks they have all the answers – they just want the comments they have to be heard.

Let the conversation happen.

Listen to the conversation.

Respond to the conversation.

Pastor: You should follow the same plan. Search Social Media to find out what is being said about your church. Encourage the conversation. Listen as your members speak. Respond to what they are saying.

It’s a simple plan that could reap great benefits.

Page 1 of 312 3 »