This generation absolutely is one of the luckiest to have experienced the dawning of the internet and social networking. The phenomenon we all know as Facebook has ushered in a different kind of culture, mindset and way of life that is one of a kind in history.

We can talk to family, friends and even co-workers as casually as we talk to our next door neighbors.

In actuality we possibly know more about a friend across the country than we do our own neighbors!

Nobody can dispute that Facebook has indeed changed how people connect, communicate and even raise their spirituality. As absurd as it may seem to some people in our church communities, Churches across the country are ramping up their efforts utilize Facebook and Social Media to connect with their community. With that being said, we need to understand how big the role of Facebook is in a church and if it really is better than the other old fashioned means of verbal exchanges.

FACEBOOK IS BETTER THAN:

Better than e-mail: Sending messages on both e-mail and Facebook is very easy. All you have to do is create a message and then press send.

The critical difference between the two is that for E-mail, the exchange of information is regarded as more private or one-to-one or one-to-selected few as compared to a Facebook Page where the discussion is public or one-to-many. If the purpose of your church using Facebook is to distribute information to build relationships, it can be considered as the “Key” since messages are instantly sent to your entire “fan” following and every reply is promptly sent to any person participating in your discussions on your wall.

Better than blogs: Prior to the popularity of Facebook, the ministers’ most preffered way of reaching people online is through writing blogs. But, you should know that blogs are quite tougher to maintain when it comes to contents, filtering, and traffic as as opposed to Facebook.

Additionally, blog writers are required to continuously promote their respective blogs and look for more followers and you would also heavily depend on Google to direct traffic you way.

The great thing about Facebook is that it will allow for “Friending” of people and this immediately calls the interest of the people friended as well as their friends who get to see the posts via Live Updates which is not achievable on a Blog. Just recently, Facebook added another feature in their message section wherein both live chat messages and private messages to your inbox are preserved in the message section.

Better than a Baptist Church webpage: It is true that a webpage is still considered a fixture on the internet, however, it functionalities are very different from what a Facebook Church Fan Page provides.

Firstly, a website is really a “one-way” means of sharing information unless a feedback section where your church community can express their thoughts, look for guidance, or just communicate for whatever intention is provided.

Secondly, the ways to measure the effectiveness of your website is very minimal unless you hire professional services or tools to accomplish that for you.

Last but not least and most significant, the “anonymity” of your website’s audience does not promote personalized presence in comparison to Facebook where you are more or less conscious of your followers’ personal info and vice-versa.

Better than a phone call: Phone calls are fantastic when discussing sensitive matters, one on one however, limitations like finding someone home or interrupting people while working or at dinner, this tends to make posting or sending messages using your Facebook page more practical and convenient.

Likewise, you can save a lot of your precious time with Facebook. Just for an example, you are to communicate with 100 people, by making use of your phone, even if you have contacted a single person, you still have 99 more to go.

Nonetheless, if it’s an emergency or too personal, go ahead and make that call.

FACEBOOK IS Undoubtedly NOT BETTER THAN:

Not better than a face to face meeting at the church: A face-to-face meeting at the church is still the best way to connect no matter how serious or fervent a discussion you have made over Facebook. There are surely somethings that people can exclusively and better to talk about in person.

Not better than, you holding their hand after a tragedy or in time of sadness: A personal and warm touch or hug is the very best way to express and show symphaty, sincerity and care. This are the times when people are longing for a “real” person to talk to.

Definitely not better than Sunday Morning Church: A church Facebook fan page can never ever replace the importance of going to Sunday Church Service. As an habit to strengthen our Faith and building our Spirituality, the act of going to church also fulfills our duty to honor, pray or worship the Lord. The opportunity of building fellowship wth our fellow worshipers is being presented while being physically present in the church.

Surely not better than, YOU: Being a Church representative and a Facebook user at the same time provides you the edge to harness the power of Social Media and let your Church enjoy this leverage in the process. Facebook equips you (no matter who you are) with a great tool for connecting with people and your Church. Use Facebook to encourage more people to join your church discussions, events and community.

Want to find out more about making a Facebook page, then visit Chad Gleaves’s site on how to choose the best Facebook Fan page type for your church.