In the topics suggestions, ee posted this:
Obviously you are already doing this, and may have already had some posts on this, but I thought it would be interesting to hear your take on evangelism in the age of social media/networking.
How do things like Twitter/Facebook/Search Engines/etc. affect the way that one connects with spirituality, and how do you see the role of the pastor/priest/mentor changing (if at all)?
I will eventually give some response, but first I’d love to foster an open conversation: How do you think social networks effect spirituality? How does it shift Christian engagement in evangelism? Do you think it should reshape the role of pastor/spiritual director?
Popularity: 5% [?]
I think that it is kind of my opinion with marketing and social media. I think it really adds when people tweet or blog about personal experiences. It should not however be a place where the organized church “markets.”
So if it is a place where individuals are sharing faith with their friends, great, but if it becomes a place for church organizations to post cheezey board phrases. I guess the difference is that people would have to choose to follow that church org to get those posts.
@Heffe – I agree that there is a high potential for there to be cheesy church marketing of churned out statements, but I also get the sense that in networks where people aren’t as anonymous, it is possible to get honest discussion.
I like your idea of individuals sharing faith. So perhaps that is part of the equation:
If you are an individual sharing faith-good.
If you are an organization that is simply broadcasting without a relational basis, then its just spam from a religious plate.
Mass broadcasting seems like something that should be informational (Youth services will be at 4:30 instead of 6:00pm this week) and not attempting to be personal…
“You need to change your sinful ways” broadcast to a million Twitter users is really a devaluation of any relationship held with each individual in the broadcast.