Are You Open to New Relationships?

Lynette Hawkins
Can you imagine the possibilities of new relationships that may form as a result of connecting your ministry to social networking sites such as Facebook? As I reflect on Joshua 2:1-24 and think about the unlikely relationship formed between two Israelite spies and a Canaanite woman who shared a common faith, I could not help but wonder what new relationships may form when we use social media? Whether you are a Pastor, Steward, Trustee or ministry leader, summer may be a great time to explore ways to build new relationships by opening the digital doors of your church wider.

As you know, the Message has not changed. It is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow and always. However, the way people communicate continues to evolve. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social networking sites change the landscape for communicating. Sending out fliers about ministry events or placing a newspaper ad may no longer be enough to reach younger people in the community. “Nearly three quarters of online teens (73%) and an equal number of (72%) of young adults use social network sites (Like Facebook),” according to a 2009 survey by Pew Internet & American Life Project. How can we ignore what possibilities these methods of communication bring?

A large number of African Methodist Episcopal churches and leaders are already spreading the Word through social networks. With that in mind, I wonder how we can use these communication tools to be even more faithful to the Great Commission. Any suggestions?

Lynette Hawkins is a church communications consultant with Awesome Insight of Beyond Marketing Group, Inc. based in Greensboro, N.C. Join her in July & August for a series of introductory webinars on Social Media for ministries. She offers a free monthly e-newsletter for church leaders that reaches more than 1,000 Christian leaders, resource tools, seminars and consulting on welcoming and reaching out. You can reach her at www.awesomeinsight.com or e-mail her at info@awesomeinsight.com