Facebook for Churches. Good or bad?

This is a first post in a short series about congregational Facebook sites

Facebook is a tool that is rarely used by the church well.

I’ll be upfront that Facebook is not my favorite platform. I don’t think it is the platform where the church can best shine. But it is so much a part of today’s world that it can’t be ignored.

Here are some things about Facebook—some good, some not so good, and some a mix.

  • The Facebook platform does not belong to you. Facebook can, and does, change its rules as it pleases.
  • Facebook makes its money on advertising. Every free site is a billboard that you will not control.
  • Facebook has text limitations. Church people like words!
  • Facebook shifts back and forth from favoring photo content to text content. A moderator must stay on top of these shifts in Social Media.
  • Facebook is a great linking platform and holds great potential for churches if they can get over the fear of “sending people away” from their site.
  • Facebook is fun for people already a part of a community, but it can appear cliquish to outsiders.
  • Facebook can augment your church blog or website. It can drive traffic if used properly.
  • Facebook, once the favorite of young adults, is now growing more popular among older segments of the population. (The young are liking Instagram today. Who knows what they will like tomorrow?)
  • Facebook requires attention and to work well should have fresh information available several times EVERY day.
  • Facebook is very public. If you are not judicious in your postings, you risk offending. You will have to be vigilant about things like outsider tags, etc.
  • Again—Facebook is very public. Members may unwittingly share information that others consider private. John may not want the world to know that he has cancer. The Smiths may not want to advertise that they are traveling for two weeks and their house will be empty. Emily may not want her employer to know that she is taking courses to prepare for a new career. It may seem natural for members to offer prayers, travel blessings, and congratulations, but in doing so, they may be creating problems.

These are all things to consider if you intend to build Christian community with Facebook.