Twitter seems to be the new place to be when it comes to social media. It might not be as popular as facebook or myspace in terms of users, but it is no doubt on everybody’s mind. It was this past fall that it really started to gain interest and millions of people began signing on to the idea of sharing what they were doing with others. The great thing about twitter is that there is no right or wrong way to use it. Depending on who you’re following you would probably see anything from what was for breakfast to severe weather alerts or even where Lance Armstrong is biking today.
With that being said, how should churches use twitter? Should churches follow everybody that follows them? Should they use it as a bulletin board or as a way to connect to people and create meaningful relationships? Should one person update the twitter feed or multiple? Should it be the web & communication guys or should it be the pastors & ministers that update it? There are many other questions that I could ask but I don’t need to. The only question that you need to ask yourself is do you want to make a difference in people’s lives?
It shouldn’t matter who is updating your twitter feed as long as they know and understand what you’re all about. The social web provides a new way to connect with the un-churched and allows buildable bridges and connections with those a degree or more away. Community is essential for the church. A primary goal is to seek out those in need and initiate a relationship with them. So how do you expect to build community and relationships by refusing to connect with those that are interested in what you are doing? What better way to make a difference in their life than by connecting and ministering to them on their level. Don’t make them jump over hurdles to get to you, you should go to them. Simply put, if they’re following you then follow them back. Take that step towards reaching out and connecting with them. You never know what you might be missing on their twitter if you’re not listening to them.
Remember that the internet is a communication tool first and a distribution channel second.
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