by Jonathan Pearson
Jonathan Pearson is a millennial determined to leave the world in better shape than he found it. He is the Orangeburg Campus Pastor at Cornerstone Community Church and Assistant Director of The Sticks. He is married to Melissa and the two live in Orangeburg, S.C. You can find Jonathan online at JonathanPearson.net.We live and work in a time period that past centuries would have died for. We have outlets that they could have only dreamed of and information that they could have never found.
One of the greatest tools we have at our disposal is the Internet and social media. Those of us in the church and in charge of our church’s communications have a resource in social media that opens us up for impact opportunities and communication possibilities that can literally change the world (yes, I believe that).
That being said, many churches fail to use social media to even 1/3 of it’s capabilities. Throwing up a website, claiming a Twitter handle, and opening a Facebook page is far from effective when it comes to social media.
Here are 3 things that you can begin today that will revolutionize your church’s social media impact:
1. Post Consistently
You’d be shocked at the number of churches that rarely update their website and post content on any social media platform. Maybe this is because they lack the time or people to do it. Maybe churches fail to post because they can’t generate regular content. Either way, many churches are losing their audience because they fail to provide them with appropriate amounts of content.
Post regularly. It can vary greatly how often is ideal, but be consistent in your posting. Keep your name and voice at the forefront of people’s timelines and minds.
2. Maintain Conversation
If 1/3 of churches get it wrong in failing to post consistently, 3/4 get it wrong in maintaining conversation. It usually looks something like this…
Church Facebook Update:
In honor of our family series, how are you and your family enjoying the great weather together this weekend?
Response
Response
Response
…
Without another word from the church’s Facebook page manager. That does nothing for keeping conversation going. Here’s a secret: Many people respond to the church’s social media outlets because it helps them feel connected during the week. Connect them. Keep the conversation going and respond to every comment!
3. Develop a Consistent Voice
Your church needs a voice. Just like you speak with a consistent language and tone, your church needs the same. The voice of your church must be consistent and unified. A set of posting principles and a consistent church culture will help with finding your voice. Keep it as consistent as possible. This allows the people you interact with to feel like they ‘know’ you and to keep posting and interacting. Language is a big part of culture. Keep it consistent on social media.
Are you doing these 3 things? Where are you missing the mark?
