Social Media for Non-Profits -- Maybe Even Churches

Last week, an article in Faith and Leadership, an online publication from Duke Divinity School, detailed how established non-profit organizations are beginning to use social media like Facebook.  The title of the article is a challenge to any congregation: "No more excuses: Nonprofits give social media a try."

No church is mentioned in the article, which focuses on the recent experiences of organizations like the American Humane Society.  However, the opportunities presented to congregations by Facebook and YouTube, in addition to blogs like this one, are at least as great as those to national non-profit organizations.

For starters, they offer an opportunity to build our community outside of a weekly worship service.  Social media, though it cannot replace face-to-face interaction, can allow us to connect at any time, wherever we are.  If the church cannot overturn the "on-demand" culture we now face, we can adapt so that we are not overwhelmed by the demands it places on our schedules.  Social media allows promising opportunities in this regard.

In the short term, Eastgate's new media will be focused on this pastor's blog.  In time, we will explore other resources that may strengthen our community of faith, including other social media.