According to the U. S. Congregational Life Survey, the number of congregations using the Internet increased significantly between 2001 and 2008. The percentage of congregations with a website increased from 43% to 77%, while the percentage of congregations using email for some communication with members increased from 45% to 74%.
Central Christian is no exception. We have increased the amount of things we email, and we have a unique web presence with both our congregational website and this pastor's blog.
Now we are beginning to further enhance our Internet presence by utilizing new media, beginning with a congregational Facebook page. On this, we will be able to share upcoming events and announcements. People will also be able to have public conversations with each other about congregational issues, posting brief comments back and forth. This is a fun, generally non-threatening way for people to interact online.
Using Facebook is a fairly new phenomenon, and I know of no scientific study of how many congregations are using social networking media. However, I know of several other congregations that are experimenting with Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.
To get started, click on the Facebook link on the right sidebar, which will take you to the congregational Facebook page. Once there, "Like" Central Christian Church and you will receive updates on your wall whenever anything on the congregational page is updated.
2 comments:
I might poke fun at you for calling Facebook "new", if it weren't for the fact that Fourth has been dragging its heels on this and still hasn't made a Facebook page. Several of our ministries and programs have done so, but not the church as a whole. So kudos for jumping in and bringing your congregation along!
Poke away!
But seriously, there are others in the congregation spearheading the Facebook page -- I'm just along for the ride. Which is good, because if we were relying on me to keep updating it, it probably wouldn't work.
As for Fourth, I'd imagine something like this is easier for us than for you guys. We just have a single person doing it with some help. I can't imagine how many administrators you'd need, and how much info you'd have to post when you created the page, etc.
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