Social Media Helps the Church Say Yes
Maybe we should blame the Ten Commandments for setting the stage. Early in the formation of our religion, the faithful were presented with “No” Lists or “Don’t” Lists.
- Do not eat of the fruit . . .
- Thou shalt not . . . .
The New Testament shifts to the positive with ideas of what the people of God CAN do and SHOULD do. It is all summed up in “Love one another.”
Leaders in authority often rely on “No” to exert their power. In reality, it exposes their weaknesses.
“Yes” is a much more powerful word. Good parents instinctively know that the more they can say “yes” to their children’s wants and dreams, the more the children will listen when “no” is needed, the more they will feel loved, and the more they will explore their true potential. Parents who attempt control with stern prohibitions that defy explanation are headed for trouble!
And yet the Church clings to “No” Lists.
“No” shuts down the work. Things seem safe.
When in doubt, say “No.” Don’t do that outreach. Don’t spend that money. Don’t dance. Don’t play that music. Don’t wear those clothes. Don’t take on that project. Why? Because the person saying “No” said so.
Saying “No” is a way of exerting power. Questions will be discouraged. Innovations will be few and far between — left to the most tenacious who will be labeled “troublemakers.”
The regular use of the word “No” is probably at the root of the Church’s precarious state.
Saying “Yes” is empowering to others, but it is more work. “Yes” means things will happen (but not necessarily the way we thought)! “Yes” means entering the unknown. “Yes” means loss of control. “Yes” means change.
The Church can no longer afford to follow “No”sayers. We no longer have to.
“Yes” has never been more possible. The resources of the world are at our keyboards. We can so easily find the people with energy, hope and ideas. It has never been easier to follow the Church’s positive mandates.
That’s the great thing about Social Media’s potential for the Church. Social Media makes it easier for us to look outside of ourselves and who we think we are. We can look beyond our church walls, our membership, our community, our denomination.
Anybody can join the conversation. We will be trailblazers.
But then, so were those disciples. Jesus had good advice for them in dealing with “No”sayers—shake off the dust and move on!
Say “Yes” to Social Media.