Social Media Revolution

[James Nored]

This is a striking video on the incredible growth of social media. How can we best use this media to reach the unchurched? It must be more than simply through broadcasting. Social media is meant to be "social"--which means we must use this technology to actually engage people, not shout at them.

What ideas do you have on using social media to reach the unchurched?

[John Dobbs]

I think it's an incredible video. I have been convinced for a long time that the two-way communication format available on the net is a rich resource of evangelism.

I do think it legitimate to broadcast events/opportunities ... and i believe you earn that right when you interact with people.

I love twitter, but it is likely that most of the broadcasts are lost in the stream. It's the @conversations that cultivate relationships. I've enjoyed the lunches I've had with Twitter friends ... we already knew some about one another when we got together.

Facebook is a good relationship builder as well. I am cultivating a few conversations that I hope will become more important... but it has to be genuine. If people do not make an ultimate decision for Christ we have to decide ahead of time we will still be their friends. Otherwise we're just manipulating.

Just a few thoughts ... got to see that video again.

[James Nored]

John, I think that you are right on in your analysis of the use of Twitter and Facebook, as well as thoughts on building genuine friendships.

The best use of social media is using it to lead to and supplement face-to-face interaction. Like with you and I. We got to know one another through Twitter. Met briefly at Tulsa. Video chatted. You came to the Missional Outreach Seminar and we shared a meal together.

Social media is not an evil nor is it a savior. But it can be a great tool to initiate conversation and friendships, as well as some broadcasting (which has some uses, though it can be abused).