By Jonathan Howe
In days of yore, we followed current events through newspapers, radio, and television. In our current digital landscape, those industries look to social media for the latest information—and so do we. Social media is ubiquitous in our culture. We use it; our employers use it; our parents use it; our kids use it.
Over the past year, I’ve written a great deal about how you and your church can use social media most effectively. I’ve also shared insight into the common mistakes that are made. Today, I turn to practices to avoid altogether as well as helpful ways to keep from falling into their traps.
While these may seem to be general in nature, the application of these guidelines for pastors and church leaders can make a difference in how effectively you shepherd and minister to those under your care. The simple act of adjusting how you engage others online can dramatically alter your ministry effectiveness.
- Over posting. This most often manifests itself when someone comments on everything everyone else posts. They are the person who comments on all your pictures or replies to all your tweets. It’s good to be engaged with your network of friends online, but it’s also helpful to know the limits for engagement. The simple solution is to reply only when you are adding value to something that’s already been said. If you’re just agreeing, a simple like or favorite will suffice. There’s no need to comment on everything. Simply be more selective in how much you interact.
- Sharing bad information. Of these five items, this is the most frustrating to me. As leaders in our churches, we are seen as trusted providers of truth. By sharing false information, bad stats, or fake news, our credibility is harmed and trust in us is lost. A solution here is to always verify what you’re sharing before you share it. And, as the old adage goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Humble bragging. This may be an unfamiliar term to some, but it was so prevalent online a few years back, even the New York Times devoted some ink to its rise. The humble brag usually has good intentions but often rubs readers the wrong way. An innocent tweet about “being tired after speaking at four conferences across the country this week” may be honest, but to some, it could be read as “look how important I am.” To avoid this, just consider the potential message your tweets or Facebook updates may be sending.
- Pastoralizing everything. This is often referred to as a “Jesus juke”—a term popularized (and possibly coined) by Jon Acuff. Turning everything you see or say online into a sermonette, Bible reference, or spiritual encouragement might seem like a good idea, but it often just comes off as forced and insincere. There are times for spiritual commentary, but when someone comments on his/her excitement over a sports team winning a game, that’s probably not the best time to quote Hebrews. Pastoral comments are most effective in pastoral moments.
- Polarizing politics. As this election (finally) comes to a close, I’ve heard from more than a few pastors and congregants who are relieved. This has been one of the most divisive election cycles in recent memory, and much of that division has been sown over social media. It’s good to remember there are Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and probably a few Libertarians in your pews. We could all use a little more Ephesians 4:29 online—myself included.
Do you find yourself falling into these traps? How do you guard against them online?
Thanks Thom, as usual…great and pastoral advice.
You are welcome . . . but this one is Jonathan’s article.
Great advice and sometimes convicting! A good litmus test for whether or not something is social media appropriate.
Thanks
Thom, good post! You’re right about over-commenting – it makes it look like pastors are on social media 24/7.
I didn’t mention that part, but it’s true. Some can use it negatively to “keep tabs” on a pastor.
Thom, I definitely agree with you about bad information however just a quick glance at my page will show you that I post frequently and I address the political, social and ecomonic issues that face my community. As a African-American I feel that the black church is silent on too many issues. I want to raise that voice. I know my views cost me preaching engagements and that I am labeled by others. I would rather die like Jesus for a cause than because.
That’s a good point. Sharing helpful information is a good thing for a pastor/leader. Especially if it doesn’t turn things into a flame war.
Great information here. I specifically like #4 – Pastoralizing everything. I’ve personally noticed this sometimes reaching epidemic proportions on my Social Media feeds. As a pastor, I’ve always found it best to just be myself, totally transparent, and give give an honest glimpse into my likes and dislikes.
That’s a great way to look at it, Jim.
Yes, polarizing politics is something to avoid. We got so much into politics that in the process it seems we are going to let our faith go too.
In a sense, all bad practices end up in idolizing of that which the bad practice is oriented to. In this case, I guess it is idolizing visibility or attention.
Good post.
Thanks!
I’ve just decided to get off Facebook, as a so called leader in my church I came to the conclusion that I was wasting too much time arguing with people about whatever and changing no ones mind. Since I got off fb I’ve had more time to do other things that I was neglecting and have more peace of mine!!
Sometimes that’s the best.
I’ve get to understand that people have lake of info,such as being pastoral means you may remain with truth and also when you tell church members truth about life,prophetically you may not judge others,an i guess people must pray God,Not to pray me as a pastor,Am not jelousy but it is a truth,when the pastors talk must have the solutions,If you tell people something you must finish it cause members they will be confused,Reading Bible and you understand as a postoral is the key…..
Jonathan, really useful article! Social media is an amazing tool, but can be destructive as well.
It’s important for innocent and well meaning tweets to still be thought over. Good intentions don’t always make for a good outcome, whether on or off the internet; it just so happens that people lend their own thought bubbles and tone of voice when reading something we share.
Thanks for sharing these tips!
-Courtney M | AllChurch.com
This is good stuff, not only for church leaders, but all Christians!
Thank you!