Social Media and the Social Graces
The goal of Social Media is to engage others in a topic of mutual interest.
Social media is just beginning to be explored by churches. Judging from 2×2’s analytics, there is great interest. Much of it may come from lurkers just starting to remove their socks so they can dip their big toe in the water. We recommend diving in!
There is great potential for the church in the use of social media, but it requires engagement. Engagement requires time. More important, engagement requires sincerity and the careful exercise of the social graces.
Think of Facebook dialog as if you were at a party. How far would your conversation go if all you did was acknowledge someone else’s comment? If there is to be a flicker of life at this digital party, you must foster dialog. When you acknowledge a comment, leave the door open a crack to let your virtual guests come in — if and when they feel comfortable.
Here are some simple social graces to use in engaging with your readers.
- Respond with a question.
Glad you enjoyed our review of “We Have a Pope.” How did you like the ending? - Answer a question.
Good question! Thanks for asking! Here’s our answer: . . . . - Add some additional information to the comment, even if it means sending them to another site. This is expected on the web and can be helpful to you, too.
Glad you enjoyed our post on children’s sermons. You might also enjoy this web site (add link). - Make an invitation.
If you are interested in movies, you might like to attend our movie night next Friday. We’re showing…. - Acknowledge a commenter’s expertise.
Thanks for pointing out our mistake in today’s post. We corrected it right away. Overall, did you like what we are trying to say? Please, if you disagree, let us know! - Invite participation.
Thanks for your comment. You seem to know what you are talking about. Would you like to contribute a post to our site? Our readers would love to hear your point of view! - Ask for links.
Thanks for telling us about that youth project. Do you have a link we can share with our readers?
One caution: readers expect the owner of a Facebook page to be a real, live person. If they share serious concerns, you must be prepared to have the most qualified person in the church respond with true empathy and unselfish advice.
Your guests may choose to remain anonymous, but there should be real names attached to the responses from your congregation. Truth and transparency are vital.
Engaging in social media is work, but it is the easiest way for the church to reach the most people. It is well worth the effort.
If you don’t invest the appropriate time and resources and have an open attitude, your Facebook presence will be as effective as the generic caveat on every church bulletin board. “All welcome.”