I recently read an interview with Mark Clement of Big Picture Media done by Leadership Network in which he wrote:
Churches should view social media as being equally important as their websites and as any other core communication tools they may already be using.
Catch that? “…equally important…”
Why? Mark goes on to say…
Successful churches meet people where they are, and right now the “where” digitally/web-wise is, without question, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other related social media forums. If you want to be part of the conversation on any level, you have to be around the same table as those you’re trying to converse with.
(The full interview/article is here and worth the read, IMO)
In a recent webinar LifeChurch.tv online community pastor Tony Steward revealed that when LifeChurch.tv launches a new campus they create its Facebook page first, its mobile site second, and its website third.
LifeChurch.tv connects with people who tend to be younger, more tech-savy, and bigger users of mobile and social media, but still the change in priority is telling.
Do you think social media has become more important than a website for churches? Does the way your church communicates reflect that?
22 Comments
I work with non-profits and faith-based organizations on integrated marketing and I believe that not every church/non-profit is cut out for social media and shouldn't feel the pressure to pursue. However, every church and non-profit should be social in their media.
There are so many issues to consider before jumping into the social media pool. Startegy, resources, time, staff, demographics, etc. Every piece of social media we use must have a purpose. Don't just jump in to jump in. It is more harmful for a social media account to die from inactivity or misue than it is to not have one.
I've worked with people to make their websites more connective by adding features to the website itself that build community. You have to be sure you have the people, time and resources to pursue social media. Your website can be very social and if that's all you can do for now, make sure it is connective, building community, interactive and people-oriented (not program-oriented). It's not as important to know the "what" as it is the "why."
You guys have a good conversation going, I think you covered most of it as I'm not sure what to add. Though I do have to say that if you're already a Facebook user and having your church and info on FB instead of another site is a much easier way to find out what's going on. It's less than two clicks away, should be easily found in FB search, and sometimes you find out what's happening on your home page. For a website though, you first have to figure out what the website is, and then it'll be at least one click to find out what is happening. FB is also good for a conversation and chatting with those from your group.
Interesting conversation, but in the case where you would like to introduce the use of social networking like Facebook, what do you think should thud steps to take? I am dealing with an older congregation that would like to have younger people join the few that are currently members.
A lot of older people are using Facebook now to keep in touch with their kids and grandkids. I'd start by finding out who in your church is already using Facebook. Then after you set up your Facebook page, encourage them to become "fans" of the churches FB page and share & comment on things you post there. Also be sure to add a Facebook graphic that links to your churches Facebook page to a prominent place on your church's website, preferably someplace "above the fold" in the template, so people will see it on every page of your website without having to scroll down.
All Christian Churches needs a good website in my opinion. No more yellow pages, the people are now all on line, looking for any and all types of information.
Hey one more note on this discussion…
Right now today… if you were going to search for a new church in a specific city (let's say you were moving)… I think the vast majority of users will go straight to Google (or their preferred search engine) to find you and not on Google… so in that case, you need / MUST have a website that you control so you can optimize and make sure it comes for searches for churches or other resources in your area…
This is true today… but I think it won't be too long until Facebook will publish its own search engine and train its users to stay in Facebook to do their searches… then we have a whole different ball game to talk about… 🙂
Patrick Steil