Do you have social media guidelines for your church/staff? You should. Unfortunately, as this is such new territory for churches, few do. In the hopes that it might serve, allow me to share with you the social media guidelines we use at Mecklenburg Community Church (the Meck):
7 Social Media Guidelines Inform Our Practices
1. Don’t post anything that could potentially undermine your reputation or the church’s reputation for Christ-like character. For example:
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Sharing a link to a popular video that’s inappropriate
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Liking or linking to a website that, while popular, often features sketchy content
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Liking or following organizations that are not in keeping with biblical, Christian values
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Posting pictures that are immodest
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Key Idea: When you become a staff member at Meck, you are no longer a private person. As ministers, we are a reflection of the church to a watching world. When in doubt, ask a pastor.
2. Do actively engage with all of Meck’s social media accounts.
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Share, retweet, follow and be active on all things related to Meck and its ministries.
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When sharing, retweeting or adding to your story, be sure to include similar language to the original tweet or post.
3. Don’t post anything that would potentially undermine the maturity and gravitas accompanying your staff role.
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People will Google you, search you, find you on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook, and then make an evaluation. Does your online presence support your staff role or undermine it? Does it breed confidence in you as someone who is wise and mature?
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Go back through your accounts from time to time and clean up things that may still be there from earlier eras that are no longer relevant or reflective of your age and staff position.
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Have everything about your social media presence support your position in the church. This is particularly important if you are a young leader, as you may still have a “college-y” feel to your online presence that makes you seem juvenile to older adults you are attempting to lead.
