Bo Emerson's recent article explores how pastors are using Twitter to engage their congregations while also reaching much larger audiences. Twitter executive Claire Diaz-Ortiz found that "religious leaders were completely punching above their weight on Twitter" and "were super-engaged." For example, Joyce Meyer has far fewer followers than Lady Gaga (26 million and 1 million respectively), yet Meyer has a greater impact. So What? While the article focuses on notable Christian Read More …
Social Media
Thinking Theologically – Social Media (#0783)
It is important that Christian leaders understand and engage in social media. This activity must include both learning about new social media tools and theological reflection. Since finding the balance between these two is difficult, many have given inadequate attention to the theological component. Verity A. Jones, project director of the New Media Project and a Research Fellow at Union Theological Seminary, recently wrote an article that should be required reading Read More …
Celebrating Social Media Day (#0776)
Today (June 30) is Mashable's third annual Social Media Day. Several cities (including Tampa) have officially joined the celebration. Individuals can participate by participating in one of over 400 meetups and/or joining the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #smday ( to view the live stream of tweets simply click here). So What? Social media is changing the way we connect with each other. It is a frequent topic here at sowhatfaith: 15% of all posts are Read More …
Goodbye Facebook – Hello Twitter (#0775)
People's social media usage habits while working are changing. According to the latest research by Palo Alto Networks, during the last six months (November 2011 to May 2012) the percentage of time workers spent on social networking sites shifted: Facebook: down 17% (from 54% to 37%) Twitter: up 10% (from 11% to 21%) Tumblr: up 9% (from 1% to 10%) So What? In only six months, the percentage of time people spent using Twitter at work doubled and the percentage of time they spent Read More …
Facebook Changed Your E-mail Address (#0772)
I was not as engaged in social media yesterday as I am most days, but noted one recurring theme: Facebook changed everyone's e-mail address. If you don't already know, be advised that your new e-mail address appearing on your timeline is an @facebook.com account. If you would like to restore your prior account simply Go to your profile page Click on About Click on Edit in Contact Info Click on the menu beside each e-mail address listed and choose your desired setting So What? I Read More …
Social Media Fatigue (#0763)
Alan Rudnick, social media guru and pastor of First Baptist Church ( Ballston Spa, NY), recently blogged about social media fatigue. Those who spend significant amounts of time using social media may find they occasionally suffer from fatigue and would benefit from stepping away from it all for a specified period of time. Sometimes the signs of fatigue are all but impossible to ignore. Those unsure if fatigue is present would benefit from asking someone close for insight Read More …
Considerable Complexity – Social Marketing (#0761)
Many congregations are rethinking how they spend their limited marketing/advertising dollars. In most cases less and less money is allocated for print (phone book, direct mail, etc.) in order to free up additional funds for new media. While this shift seems logical, the next steps are far less clear. One of the troublesome aspects of entering this new arena is the considerable complexity of social marketing. The graphic below, from Buddy Media, illustrates this quite Read More …
Most Seniors Now Online (#0759)
It's official: most American adults age 65 or older are now online. According to the Pew Internet & American Life Project those age 65 and older are online more now than ever before: 53% use the internet or email (April 2012) 34% use social networking & 18% do so on a typical day (February 2012) So What? While usage rates are higher among the younger the population, the percentage of those in older age cohorts using the internet has continued to increase. Another Pew Read More …
Facebook Bible/Book Study? (#0755)
Many congregations offer fewer opportunities for adult discipleship during the summer months. With more and more adult learning and growth opportunities moving from an on campus (church building, someone's home, or a coffee shop) to either a blended (part on campus and part online) or online format, perhaps summer is the ideal time for your congregation to try something new online (or expand its existing efforts). There are so many possible ways to begin that many people get hung up Read More …
Review of Viral (#0743)
Meet the Author Leonard Sweet is the E. Stanley Jones professor of evangelism at Drew University and visiting distinguished professor of Evangelism at George Fox University, was voted one of the 50 Most Influential Christians in America, and continues to write and speak prophetically about the church. An ordained United Methodist pastor, Sweet has authored over 20 books and 600 articles, and is perhaps best known for his forward thinking ideas about the church. For Read More …