Can twitter give your ministry’s effectiveness a step up? The church could learn alongside businesses that social media matters, because word of mouth can build or destroy a company or ministry’s PR impression, how people view them. Word of mouth is, after all, the way in which the gospel is spread—one beggar telling another where to find the Bread of Life.

It’s time for beggars to unite and network with others socially, offering something of value. For goodness sake, don’t enter the networks with a, “ya’ll come now, you hear?” attitude. This isn’t a place to issue blanket invitations to a church service or gathering. We’ve got to enter into a relationship with those we want to reach. Offer ourselves, friendship, a listening ear, an encouraging word, a big kudos for a job well done. Offer helps, tips, whatever, as long as it’s of value.

Should a church or ministry have a social media minister? Since businesses find great potential in social media as a cutting edge way to do business, it might benefit ministries as well. A ministry can make relevant connections and impact lives through social networks. I’m not saying all ministries or churches should engage social media as a method of reaching and touching people, but it’s a great way for ministries to engage and relate with those they want to reach and give them something valuable.

Here’s a video worth looking into. It’s Laura Fitton’s, @Pistachio, keynote address about twitter titled “Twitter for Business.” If I could rewrite the script, I would title it “Twitter for Ministry” and have every mention of business rewritten as ministry.

Think of

• the ways a ministry team could benefit with instant communication,
• the knowledge and understanding of the people you work with and those you want to reach, and
• the opportunity to share your vision and keep focus on your mission.

After watching the video, please share your opinion of the benefits social media can have on your ministry. Have you seen a social network ministry be effective, build relationships with opportunity for life change?

To view @Pistachio’s power point presentation.

I look forward to hearing your ideas.