If you are a pastor and wonder why social media needs to be a part of your life. Here are 5 things to consider:

1. More than 845 million users of social networks. The growth in these newer communication tools does not mirror any we have experienced before. It took radio 38 years to reach 50 million and 13 years for television to reach 50 million viewers. It only took Facebook less than one year to reach  200 million users. Couple this with understanding that if Facebook were a country it would rank as the 3rd largest country.

2. It’s where people are. One of the fastest growing segments in social networking sites are people 55 years to 65 years old. More than 95% of the people born between 1981 and 2000 are using social media so no matter what ministry you lead, social media may offer a bridge to communicate with the next generation of disciples.

3. 21st Century Leaders are expected to lead the way. Leading in this millennium may require continually matching skills to a fast paced, ever-changing technology driven world. Although the Message has not changed, learning how to build relationships that energize healthy Christ inspired conversations may help leaders who seek to share pastoral guidance with God’s people.  What a ministry shares in a tweet (Twitter), blog or Facebook update could inspire, engage or lead a people to live more faithful lives.

4. It’s a way to say, “welcome.” With more than 95% of Generation Y using social networks, writing blogs, tweeting and Facebook pages may be viewed as hospitable ways to reach out to welcome even strangers in the community. Similar to placing a “welcome guests” sign in the parking lots of churches, being present in active social networking sites helps to communicate welcome to  people who may not see an ad in the local newspaper or a listing in the local yellow pages. According to recent reports 24 of 25 major newspapers have experienced significant declines in subscriptions. With that said, where should congregations place “welcome messages?”

5. Effective leadership may require a new understanding. With kindergarden students learning on ipads and some university no longer distributing email accounts, now may be a good time for ministry leaders to explore technology and the ways in which these tools can be used to connect to God’s people. Social media is a new way to communicate. Just like leaders learn how to use telephones and email, now is a good time to understand how social media can help us connect face-to-face and digitally as we touch lives through Jesus Christ.

What are other reasons you may need Social Media?

Is your ministry ready to share their Facebook page?

with new Timeline? One of the biggest changes is the cover image. This large area (850 pixels x 315 pixels)  provides great space to help people visualize your ministry.

Here are  ideas to consider:

With millions checking emails, sending text messages, looking at the news feed on Facebook, how can ministries use these tools to invite the community?

These newer forms of communication such as social networking sites provide a platform for encouraging greater relationships with Christ and with each other if used as a ministry tool. The Message has not changed, it is the same yesterday, today and always but the way people communicate is changing.

Today, people are more likely to check on-line for upcoming events than to look at printed mediums. The use of technology offers another way to reach people who may not see a flier or pass by your church to see the banner but may be hungry for the Gospel.  Below is a starter list of how ministries can use  social media and email to invite and encourage others this season. Consider these 9 ways to reach out through technology. To participate using this list, you may need to open your digital door. If you have not yet explored social networking sites or set up a church website, this may be a great time to get someone to help you set up more presence on the Internet.

1. Facebook Event - Create a Facebook event on your congregation’s Facebook page and invite Facebook friends to Easter worship services or special events. This can be a great tool to get the word out. Encourage members to join in and invite their friends too. Read More→