Facebook for Your

Congregation:

The Whys and Hows

The bottom line is this…

“We don’t have a choice on whether we DO social media,

the question ishow well we do it.”

–Erik Qualman (author of Socialnomics: How Social Media Transforms the Way We Live and Do Business)

People don’t want to be talked AT,

They want to be talked WITH.

OLD MODEL of church communication: One Way Street

If not…here’s why they should be:

• EVERYONE is on Facebook. (Or…nearly everyone…)• It’s FREE• It’s FUN• Did I mention everyone is on Facebook, it’s FREE and

it’s FUN??!!??

“Your congregation needs to be a voice, have a voice, in

the social media conversation. If you aren’t talking to them,

someone else will.”

~Anne Winfrey

Need another reason?

Oh no, Not the “E WORD!”

Facebook is a way to evangelize to your current

congregation.

Facebook is a way to evangelize to your future

congregation.

• Use Facebook to communicate to your congregation quickly and effectively• Use Facebook to share photos of special events (people LOVE to see photos!)• Use Facebook to share videos• Use Facebook as a connection and prayer point• Use Facebook as an invitation• Use Facebook to increase your staff’s visibility in the congregation• Use Facebook to have some fun• Use Facebook to celebrate successes• Use Facebook to rally the troops• Use Facebook to Evangelize (yes, I said the E word again)

Ideas for HOW to Use Facebook

in Your Congregation

What NOT to do with Facebook in Your Congregation

• Don’t forget about it!• Don’t ignore people’s questions!• Don’t over-post or I will personally send you to Facebook jail• Don’t be cheesy, you’re not a salesman• Don’t use Facebook to get on your soapbox• Don’t let people be rude or disrespectful• Don’t forget about people’s privacy

DON’T WORRY

You will make mistakes.

If you are sincere about helping your congregation, the authenticity will show and your mistakes will be

forgiven.

Let’s Talk About

Facebook and Privacy

• Don’t let this be a stumbling block!• If you feel so inclined, you can set out “rules”

on your Facebook page• Use common sense• Ask permission, if possible, when posting

pictures or videos• Let your congregation know about your

social media policy (Do you have a social media policy?)

• Check out the ELCA’s Facebook page guidelines (http://www.facebook.com/notes/evangelical-lutheran-church-in-america/facebook-page-guidelines/128793396556)

• Read “Social Media and Congregations: Strategies, Guidelines, Best Practices and Resources” (http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/Resources/Web-Ministry/Social-Media.aspx)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php

http://www.facebook.com/FacebookPages

Facebook for Your Congregation,the Super Awesome Extras Edition

Picasa App (pictures): http://apps.facebook.com/picasauploader/• Click “Insall Now” button• To install the Picasa Uploader, you must have Adobe AIR installed (follow

instructions on the page to install Adobe AIR)

Poll App: http://apps.facebook.com/my-polls/welcome• Click “Try it free” button• Follow the instructions, it will lead you through

Birthday Calendar App: http://apps.facebook.com/BirthdayCal/

Event Calendar App: http://apps.facebook.com/_calendar_/

Bible App (called YouVersion): http://apps.facebook.com/YouVersion

Other Facebookish Thoughts• Think about making a social media plan in advance, perhaps

even make a calendar of what you are going to post and when in relation to upcoming services and events

• Schedule Facebook messages via HootSuite• Get familiar with other social media platforms (Twitter,

YouTube, blogs) and link them to your Facebook account• Learn how to read your Facebook analytics page, and pay

attention to it• Use private Facebook groups for:

• Youth• Bible study• Mission trips

• Use a QR code to get people to your Facebook page• Use social media in worship or education