Social media has been defined many different ways, but generally most see it as social interaction done through online means. The most well-known examples of social media are, of course, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, Twitter and blogs, among others.
But very simply, social media is about relationships, connections and interaction, which happen on and through the Internet—the most fascinating, exciting and evolving communications tool ever invented.
And one key premise to keep in mind, though, as you read this or hear or read anything else discussed on the subject of “social media and the church” is that social media at its most fundamental level is simply a tool.
And like any tool, from the car that takes you to church on Sundays, to the printing press that was used to print your Bible, to the laptop computer I am writing this article on, it can be used for good or for evil.
And, let me add, as with everything in this world, it is stained by sin.
There are, indeed, dark places on the Web. You’ve all seen the abuses and horrors, so I won’t belabor that point.
But there is also unprecedented opportunity—perhaps never seen before in history—for the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
For the Gospel to be heard, understood and received, it must be communicated to people. And for that to happen, the Church must go to where the people are.
When people gather anywhere, we, as the Church, have a mission . . . to take the gospel message to them.
So let me tell you where millions and even billions of people are spending more and more of their time: The Internet. On social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.
Here are some quick statistics to illustrate what’s happening online:
• Facebook alone counts “more than 350 million active” users.
• “Facebook now accounts for 5 percent of all time spent on the Internet worldwide.”
• “Every minute, 20 hours of video is uploaded to YouTube.”
• Twitter is estimated to have more than 26 million users by the end of 2010.”
• In Sept. 2009, SecondLife.com, an online 3D virtual world, announced that their ‘Residents’ had spent more than 1 billion hours in their online community.
http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?factsheet
http://www.marketingprofs.com/charts/2010/3306/internet-marketing-recovery-forecast-for-2010
http://www.youtube.com/t/fact_sheet
http://www.emarketer.com/Article.aspx?R=1007271
http://lindenlab.com/pressroom/releases/22_09_09
But you already know all of this. I don’t need statistics to demonstrate this reality because it’s all around you. In fact, you might already be on Facebook, or know someone who is. If you’re like most Americans, you’ve watched a YouTube video, even if it’s a music video of “Amazing Grace.” And you can hardly turn on the television without seeing a newscast talking or using Twitter actively.
Let me add one more vital statistic: LifeChurch.tv, headquartered in Edmond, and pioneer creator of YouVersion.com, an online Bible, which now offers offers “41 different translations, in 22 languages, in the palm of your hand.”
That “in the palm of your hand” refers to their free downloadable applications for smartphones such as the iPhone and BlackBerry, which, according to my friend Terry Storch, who leads this effort for LifeChurch.tv, is being downloaded more than 300,000 times a month, and that number is only growing.
If you missed that statistic, or it didn’t sink in, let me tell you what that really means: it is the largest distribution of the Bible in the history of mankind.
According to the YouVersion.com site, “We aren’t just building a tool to impact the world using innovative technology, more importantly, we are engaging people into relationships with God as they discover the relevance the Bible has for their lives.”
No matter whether it’s print or pixel, the Word of God is STILL the Word of God.
Where do we go from here?
The point of all this is to illustrate and awaken the Christian Church—your church and you personally —to the fact that people are indeed spending more and more time on the Web.
They are building communities, in fact as SecondLife.com illustrates, millions of people are creating whole new worlds and identities for themselves online, and they are having conversations and connecting with each other through Twitter and Facebook.
Whether you like it or not, it is happening. And sadly, these communities and these conversations are mostly happening without us—the Church, the ambassadors of the saving Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Friends, we have a historic opportunity. An ever expanding tool, which in the providence of God, has opened a door of ministry never seen before. (High-speed access to the Internet is expanding in third-world countries rapidly now.)
This quote by Jolie O’Dell, a writer of an influential blog that tracks web trends, speaks volumes to the position of the church in social media:
“Churches aren’t the first organizations that come to mind when you think about intelligent adoption and incorporation of social media. Nevertheless, many feel that if there was ever an organization in need of modern relevance, the Christian church in America is it.”
http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/united_methodist_church_listens_responds_to_social.php
So I must ask:
• Will we, as the Church, seek God-honoring, biblically-centered ways to impact the hearts of men and women through this tool called the Internet? Or will we abandon it and retreat in fear of being “of the world” because of the horrors we’ve seen in it?
• Will we be brave enough to get out of our comfort zones to enter new communities and, dare I say, ‘people groups’ online, who speak their own unique languages and have formed their own cultures?
• Will we invite, seek and support open and transparent dialogues about methods and tools that could unleash the spread of the Gospel to the ends of the Earth . . . even if it’s done through a wire and a signal?
I hope. I pray. I urge you to join those of us seeking to carry the banner of Christ online for the highest glory of God.
Cory Miller is founder and CEO of WebDesign.com and iThemes.com,.
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Cory,
Your heart is reflected most in the questions at the end.
You wrote:
“• Will we be brave enough to get out of our comfort zones to enter new communities and, dare I say, ‘people groups’ online, who speak their own unique languages and have formed their own cultures?”
I love this. Missional, practical, and biblical. Enter the world with bravery, courage and confidence. But enter with wisdom, alertness and intention. Be strategic in engaging the “people groups” online (LOVE that thought—-the new mission field!!)
Thanks for writing such a well-thought-out article – I pray it helps many engage and understand what so many are trying to do already. The battle rages – who shall God send into it? Will we be ready to answer “yes”? Or shall we still be “in judgment” choosing to avoid the unclean?
-Randy
Hi Cory – a well written article. I agree that the church needs to stay relevant and must be involved in all forms of social media and online communities, worldwide.
This is where people are, and where people are the church should be also as a normal part of society. God is there too!
What a refreshing post. So many great points made Cory.
I like this great point:
“Will we, as the Church, seek God-honoring, biblically-centered ways to impact the hearts of men and women through this tool called the Internet? Or will we abandon it and retreat in fear of being “of the world” because of the horrors we’ve seen in it?”
Wow! So well said.
My passion IS to see Christians …and those in ministry to learn how to harness the power of the internet…social media, video etc…to reach out to a hurting world.
I also believe it is an amazing tool to build resources…extra…for provision for one’s vision.
I so appreciate your post.
Thank you.
Theresa
Thanks all for your kind comments. My intent is that this energizes those “on the bench” to get engaged with this huge ministry field.
People and churches will invariably make mistakes (I know I have) … but as we’ve always done, we will adjust and correct (even repent if necessary) and move on for the cause of Christ.
Cory,
Excellent article! I plan to share this with several leaders in my church where we are making a push in 2010 to really focus on “bearing fruit” as a congregation. One area of focus is getting members to step out of their comfortable zones and find those who are seeking Christ. As you said, there are large communities and conversations that are missing His message. And even if our “older” members won’t go, our youth certainly will.
There are some promising online communities like YouVersion.com’s online Bible (as you mentioned) and Brian Hardin’s DailyAudioBible.com that are advancing the Kingdom. Just last week, I had an opportunity to show my minister YouVersion.com’s Bible iphone app and he was blown away by its potential.
I am also a big proponent of Brian Hardin’s DailyAudioBible.com. His daily podcast ministry of reading through the Bible in a year has helped make the Scriptures a staple in my daily routine – I listen during my commute to/from work each day and it has been life changing. Based on the community found at his website, I would say it has been life changing for many others as well.
Again, great perspective in your article!
- Bruce
[...] January Cory Miller wrote an article about leveraging social media for the gospel. The following blog is an example of the kind of useful “tool” that the Internet and [...]