Church Brand Architects

By: Michael Holmes

“That’s absolutely ridiculous!! If that’s what people want to do outside of church that’s fine, but that has no business in the House of God!!!”

That’s what a minister told me when I tried (emphasis on “tried”) to show him how effective social media, especially Twitter, would be for ministry.

And you guessed it: after that response I backed off. No sense in going to war with one of God’s minister’s about ministry strategies in Jesus Name!

And so since he wouldn’t listen, I thought, maybe there are some ministers here who will listen.

Twitter is an essential tool for ministry–I mean considering the fact that almost EVERYONE is on Twitter (the Dalai Lama recently joining).

Understand this:  Twitter is growing at a MIND-BOGGLING pace! Currently, Twitter sends over 50 million Tweets per day:

Wow!

Do I have your attention?

Why should we use this?

But the benefits are too many to name…but let’s see the ones that are most beneficial:

• Reach the unreachable–The greatest opportunity Twitter provides is in building a platform to reach the un-churched.  Pete Wilson– senior pastor of Crosspoint Church–an avid Twitter user with over 51,000 followers said this: “There was no Twitter before recently and ministry still happened, so too much importance shouldn’t be placed on it. I have a lot of fun on Twitter, but it never fails that someone comes up to me after service and mentions that they found Cross Point because of Twitter. It’s also a great way to keep in touch with people in your church.” [1] In this day and age, social media is in instrumental in church growth!

• Monitor your church’s “brand”–I don’t want to insult you but EVERYTHING is a brand (and by “brand” I mean an “expected experience”). And that “everything” also includes your ministry. People are talking about it…and most of the stuff you’re not hearing. Twitter gives you an awesome opportunity to monitor what people are saying.

• Find lost sheep–When asked in my church recently, “What can we do to find ex-members? Where can we go to find them?” I immediately shot my hand up and said, “You can find them all onFacebook!!” Social media has been instrumental in finding long lost people. Whether it be finding a lost cousin after the Haiti Quake using Facebook or finding a missing family member on Twitter after the Chile earthquake (and through Google person finder). And though those were extreme examples, lost sheep can be found through social media–and all good shepherds go after lost sheep.

• Help in fundraising–With ministry, money is not a measure of ministry success but it is a necessity for ministry. When the devastation of the Haiti Quake took place the world was shocked at how much money was raised through a social media and text messaging campaign. Money that would take weeks to raise was raised in a matter of days. Social media has been instrumental in raising money for Chile and is instrumental in raising money for charity. Twitter has great ways to raise money for your ministry (or non profit).

• Promote events– Sites like Tweetvite, Eventbrite, Amiando, or meetup.com. Any ministry can set up a successful Tweetup

• Meet needs faster–Ultimately, ministry is about meeting the needs of people–spiritual and otherwise. Twitter was instrumental in meeting the needs of this homeless family this recent Christmas.

A Twurch Family

But I must admit in spite of all this there are going to be people that “we don’t need social media to preach Jesus.” They’ll say, “As long as we preach Jesus and Him crucified, love people, and be faithful we’ll reach our communities.”

And you know what…they’re right. Ultimately it’s God that draws people to Himself. However they’re missing a HUGE advantage with the tools of social media (especially Twitter).

The Bible says:

“When He (Jesus) looked out over the crowds, His heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. ‘What a huge harvest!’ He said to his disciples. ‘How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!’” [2]

There is a huge harvest and I think if Twitter gives me the opprtunity to reach that harvest then I’m all for it!

But who care what I think…what do you think?

1. Personal Interview with Pete Wilson
2. Matthew 9: 37-38 (The MSG)

Disclaimer: Here are some resources to get started with Twitter

• The Twitter Guide Book
  
• The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Twitter Success
• Twitter Success Blueprint
• Twitter for Beginner’s -5 Things to Do As a New Twitter User
• Top 10 Twitter Tips for Beginners
• Twitter for Ministry and Church–A Business Perspective
  

Michael Holmes

Bio: Mike Holmes is the author of I Shall Raise Thee Up: Ancient Principles for Lasting Greatness. He’s also a blogger that writes on leadership development from a Biblical perspective. It’s leadership by the Book! When he’s not writing blogs or speaking he can be found writing bios in the third person. Check out his website/blog here.

email: mike@raisetheeup.com
site: http://www.raisetheeup.com
Author, I Shall Raise Thee Up: Ancient Principles for Lasting Greatness

Raise Thee Up Blog Worship: A Secret Leadership Strategy