Jamie Schneider Digital Strategist for the North American Division. Facebook LIVE results in baptisms. Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.' (Revelation 14:6-7) This blog post is going to be very direct and to the point. One of the biggest concerns expressed to me regarding using social media, such as Facebook LIVE, to broadcast evangelist meetings is that “we can’t control who sees the message.” I’ve even heard, “Well, this message isn’t for everyone.” I agree that some controversial topics, such as homosexuality and internal church conflicts, may not be appropriate for the wider public. But evangelistic series typically do not tackle these divisive topics and instead focus on prophecy and historical evidence, God’s grace and love for all humanity, the cross, salvation, and redemption. These topics are for anyone willing to engage, and we have precious little time remaining to share these messages. If you’re doing an evangelistic series and are concerned about who sees it, then stop calling it evangelism. Evangelistic messages are for everyone. It’s not for you to decide who should and should not see it. It’s your job to spread the gospel and to reach as many people as possible. That responsibility includes embracing new technologies. You must ask yourself, at what point does my unwillingness to adapt constitute a sin of omission? “We’ve always done it this way!” is not justification to carry on in the same fashion. North America has become the mission field. We must use every resource available to more effectively reach people. We must combine our traditional means of outreach with digital strategies to magnify our impact. The Great Commission given to us by Jesus Christ states, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). An easy and free way to reach the nations lies in the palms of our hands. When we hesitate to make the gospel message more available, we allow our own human weaknesses and fears to get in the way of our mission. We live in an era of religious freedom with minimal persecution in North America (in contrast to what is happening in other parts of the world). How can we justify this resistance to boldly declare our faith online? When we act as gatekeepers to the truth, we stand as judge of our brothers and sisters. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) In our busy and chaotic lives, people cannot always make it to a location for each meeting—especially when evangelistic and prophecy series continue for weeks. But Facebook LIVE allows people to watch from anywhere with an internet connection, anytime it works for their schedule. Often the archived views of previously live videos far exceed the live views. We know that four times as many people would rather watch a video about something than read about it (Animoto). Right now Facebook's algorithm favors live video, and social video generates 1200% more shares than text and images combined (Brightcove). Facebook LIVE is a great way to expand the reach of your message to those who may otherwise not be ready or able to come to a church. We are to work in cooperation with the leading of the Holy Spirit. After we do our part to get the message out, we must trust the Holy Spirit to do its part in leading those ready to listen. In most cases, streamed videos are watched by a self-selected audience. Meaning, if they are not interested, they will likely scroll past it, hide it, or simply ignore it altogether. Content creators cannot be paralyzed by a fear of negative feedback. It is better to do something than limit our sphere of influence to what we can "safely" control. In the last year, I have worked with several pastors who have chosen to live broadcast their evangelistic or prophecy series. Because of their boldness, individuals who could not consistently (or ever) attend the meetings have come to know Christ and are now baptized members of the church. As good stewards, we must use every available resource so at the end of the age, when we face our Master, we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!...” (Matthew 25:23) Join me in following the example of the apostles: Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon the Lord, who was testifying to the word of His grace… (Acts 14:3) We’ve been far too concerned for far too long in controlling the message and the conversation. The message is yours, the conversation is theirs. That is the era we live in…and it couldn’t have come soon enough.
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A. Allan Martin Pastor of Younger Generation Church A perspective on the social networking landscape. The Bible makes it fairly clear that in order to reach people, you need to go to where the people are. That's all I'm attempting, just making an honest effort to hang out where today's generation is "hanging out." Barna Group president David Kinnaman revived the phrase "Digital Babylon" to describe today's social media landscape. I like to think I'm making efforts to "dare to be a Daniel" in Digital Babylon―trying to be where next generations are. Social media has really flattened out the structures of society. We have the ability to reach a wide, eclectic, diverse group of people―worldwide. It's not uncommon to follow a celebrity or notable author on Twitter, and likewise the famous can also follow you. In today's culture, and it seems accurate to say, we are reaching each other. The latest technology methods haven't changed much about humanity. We are social beings, eager for relationships. Whether it is the latest info divulged at a quilting bee or the latest viral video, we all want to share our lives with each other―we all long for significance and purpose. We all want meaningful relationships. Although speed, genre, technological advances, and languages vary from generation to generation, we still communicate basic human needs. Generally I see today's needs being familiar to every era. The need for love and attention. The need for meaning and direction. The need for answers to life's most fundamental questions. The need for relationships. There are many ways church members can engage other and encourage each other through social media, but a key principle for any activity in social media is: Be Kind. As it is an expansive public arena, social media is one of those places where the most basic of Christian courtesy and compassion can be our best expression of our faith. Kindness to others is a great virtue to hold high when interacting online. Another principle is: Be Discreet. Just because we can express every feeling, thought, opinion, and urge doesn't mean it's wise to do so. No one has given us permission to emotionally vomit online. Further, if there is a conflict, fight, or disagreement, social media is among the worst places to communicate. Following the biblical model in person has proven to be a time-tested exceptional method of reconciliations (see Matthew 18). This one is important too: Be Civil. Civility is defined as courteous or polite behavior. It's a discipline that can distinguish believers in a media world that thrives on instantaneous, infamous, and often rude acting out. You video man not go viral, but if you're civil, you will be known nevertheless for all the right reasons. Finally, keep Matthew 5 in mind. Several times a day I post to various groups of people, mostly through Facebook. As I stand on my "purpose firm," I remember these points:
This post originally appeared in the Adventist Review and was posted with the permission of the author. Dustin Comm Director of The Media Story, podcast and blog. One of the knocks on churches using social media is, it's all digital fluff. "No real relationships are being fostered." "No deeper connections are being formed." "It perpetuates our culture of digital voyeurism without bringing people face-to-face."
And yet for a church whose members have their cliques and clubs, how are you going to beat human nature in the familiarity of the group? How do you get folks to start thinking outside their circle, to the larger needs of the congregation, and even into the community? Start telling stories. Pick one person in your congregation, take a nice picture, and write a little bio you can post on social media that will show everyone else in the church a face that may look familiar, but a person they don't know. All of a sudden people realize they have something in common with the person, a shared interest, or some sort of conversation starter when they do see them next time. You'd be amazed at the relationship-building that occurs with such a small effort on your part. As you move through your congregation, start branching off into the neighborhood surrounding the building and looking for stories you can share with your congregation. When your members understand there are faces behind the doors of the houses surrounding the church, that there is pain and hurt, and there are needs, you will find your member involvement in outreach increase. One church I worked with had a house across the street with hardened biker thugs always loitering around on the driveway. There was rarely any interaction between the church and the bikers. I decided to film an interview with the owner of the house. We were able to show the congregation how nice these guys actually were and there was even an invitation extended for the church to come have some "juice or water" anytime! When people aren't just a face (or a skull handkerchief covering the face- darn those bugs when you're riding a bike!), it breaks down our natural walls and allows for real relationships to grow. So try telling a few stories and see where it goes! This article was originally posted on The Media Story. Jamie Schneider Digital Strategist for the North American Division. He who is careless and heedless in uttering words or in writing words for publication to be sent broadcast into the world, sending forth expressions that can never be taken back, is disqualifying himself to be entrusted with the sacred work that devolves upon Christ’s followers at this time. ―Counsels to Writers and Editors, Ellen G. White Long before audio/visual equipment was invented, Ellen White knew how to do the figurative mic drop better than anyone. Regardless of how you view Ellen White, this quote stands as a powerful and relevant reminder of the solemn task we have been charged with. I encourage everyone who is on social media to read her Counsels to Writers and Editors. Social media is the ultimate equalizer. It gives a voice and a platform to anyone willing to engage. ―Amy Jo Martin Social media has eased entry into the world of telling stories, sharing ideas, and expressing thoughts to a wide audience. It used to be that if you wanted to tell your story to a broader audience, you had to buy your way in through costly traditional media. Times have changed; we are all writers and publishers now. But with this ability comes responsibility. Social media, at its very essence, is people connecting with people to create a collective human story. We all want to be heard, and we all now have a platform for public speaking. You can have hundreds, thousands, even millions of people viewing your messages. But, as so often is the case, the person we need to set boundaries with is ourselves. Your personal social media is a great opportunity to share your story and contribute to the collective conversation. It can serve as a powerful witnessing tool, revealing what God is accomplishing through you and your work. But… Would someone know you are a Christian based on your social media? What values are you reflecting? Would your audience like Christians based on your behavior online? I once listened to a powerful sermon in which the speaker asked, “If you were pulled into court today, is there enough evidence in your life to convict you of being a Christian?” Well, what evidence does your social media provide? Is your use of social media driving people away from the church or toward Christ? Think about it. Social media is public by nature and has blurred the lines between your work for the church and your personal life. This can be a good thing. Follow principles of responsible use and be a living testimony to others. Be a light among the quagmire of negativity online. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) We were all taught in primary school to T.H.I.N.K. before we speak. It is not enough for something to be True; it must also be Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. Every opportunity to share is an opportunity to either advance or hinder the kingdom of God. People should use social media; it is a powerful tool. After all, the appeal of social media is that it reflects a basic human need, and that need is to connect and share. As disciples, that means connecting with each other and God as well as sharing the gospel.
Your posts can have a much greater impact and reach than you imagine. We recognize and value diversity of opinion within our community, but as an employee or member, your followers may confuse your opinion with the official position of the church. While this is most likely not your intention, be mindful to:
How many people are you willing to drive out of the church to make a point or to “win” your argument? Public figures have the potential to magnify division and take thousands out of the church. For those of us on an individual level, we may discourage someone from ever considering Christianity. We talk about a life lived as a reflection of Christ but turn into devils on social media. People say things on social media that they would never dare to say in person. We absolutely respect and value different perspectives among our members and leadership. But as representatives of the church, we must not use our public speaking platforms as a sounding board for the problems we see in the church, in leadership, and our country. We are a family; let’s resolve our internal issues privately. It would be considered obscene to go knocking on doors and to begin your evangelistic effort by lambasting the very church you are asking people to join. So why do it online? We must protect our church family and frame all of our digital communications with the salvation of others in mind. Social media is a powerful tool for sharing the gospel; let’s use it wisely and err on the side of caution. The power and efficiency of our work depend largely on the character of the literature [message] that comes from our presses [social media profiles]. Therefore, great care should be exercised in the choice and preparation of the matter that is to go to the world. The greatest caution and discrimination are needed. Our energies should be devoted to the publication of literature [posts] of the purest quality and the most elevating character. Our periodicals [Tweets and updates] must go forth laden with truth that has a vital, spiritual interest for the people. ―Counsels to Writers and Editors, Ellen G. White Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences. Carelessness in speech can and will inhibit our ability to accomplish our mission. When we turn people away from the church, we are not only working against ourselves, we are working against God. You can also get your ministry or self in legal trouble. In many cases, you may endanger your job and reputation. This can all be avoided by simply using discretion and focusing on the positive, such as what God is accomplishing through your church or ministry. Let’s not fall into the trap of using the negative and sensational to get attention online when God calls us to focus on what is good and holy. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable―if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) We all have the same goal. I truly believe that social media is a vital tool for accomplishing our mission in the 21st century. Young people are leaving the church at a startling rate. They spend 7 to 12 hours a day behind a screen. Up to 9 hours of that time is spend on social media. What messages are you sending them? We must take the gospel where they are, and not where we want them to be. But when our actions and our speech contradict each other, we only have ourselves to blame for the rising egression. I hope that this post changes how you view social media. Let’s work together to get the job done and go home. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14) Download our full presentation on social media safety and best practices. The Social Media + Big Data department will be partnering with Adventist Learning Community this year to create a professionalism course centered around use of social media.
Visit SDAdata.org to learn more about #DigitalEvangelism. Jamie Schneider Digital Strategist for the North American Division. Pictures and video are taking over on social media, which is evident with the rise in popularity of platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. According to Instagram, 80 million photos are shared per day on the app. But it’s not enough to just post images; they have to be good images that evoke a positive reaction. Social media is like a constant conversation, and compelling images help you stand out in the newsfeed. This means we need to divorce ourselves (at least in digital communications) from the cherished images of our childhood, in favor of images that can capture the attention of a wider (and younger) audience. This is especially important for reaching Millennials and the emerging Generation Z. They spend up to nine hours a day on social media and are constantly bombarded with messages that challenge their beliefs. Many of these conflicting messages seem very relevant and enticing to them. “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Therefore, we must speak to them in a “language” and style they understand or else we will continue to lose them on account of our own irrelevance. Part of the success of our campaigns geared towards young adults, such as #HopeTrending and @iBelieveBible, can be attributed to the fact that the communications style, design, platforms, and images are all geared towards young people. The #iBelieveBible project is a prime example as it is content created by young adults for young adults―presenting difficult topics in an un-sanitized and provocative way that welcomes honest conversation. To get you started, here are some helpful guidelines for choosing strong images:
To learn more about designing for social media, download our digital images presentation. Case Study: Why the Burning Earth was Not So Hot How does this principle play out in real-life digital campaigns? In the fall of 2016, the Chesapeake Conference piloted the Voice of Prophecy Series, “Revelation Speaks Peace,” in 30 churches. To promote awareness around the series, we placed ads targeted at two groups of people in the area. The first group was local Adventists, and the second group was locals interested in the following topics: Bible, Bible prophecy, Christianity, prophecy, spirituality, and religion. Adventists were excluded from the second group. For each of the two ad groups, the message was the same: “What is happening in the world today? Join us to unlock the secrets to peace and a hope-filled future. Register to attend at a location near you!” However, we tested a mix of provided images (more traditional) against stock imagery available from Facebook. We found that for the non-Adventist group, the stock images from Facebook (below) had the strongest click-through rates, and/or highest relevance rating. Each image evokes a sense of conflict, journey, and/or loss of hope. For the Adventist group, the following images performed the strongest. For the Adventist group, we saw mixed preferences toward both the stock images and the classic Adventist imagery. The strong performance of more traditional Adventist imagery may be due to a type of “brand awareness” among our members. Having said that, the stock imagery did outperform the more traditional Adventist imagery even among Adventists, and especially among the under 35 crowd.
I also wonder if images like the “burning earth” actually repel audiences more than interest them, especially among non-Adventists. Such images convey a sense of condemnation and judgement, when people are looking for freedom from fear and confusion. The clock above the earth may not be understood by people unfamiliar with the prophecies. These are just theories, but what we know for sure is that people respond more positively to fresher, modern images that reflect the human experience. In terms of “Revelation Speaks Peace,” we know this advertising was successful because over 50% of the people who attended were non-Adventist. Normally we would not expect more than one-third of the participants to be from outside our faith. To learn more about the “Revelation Speaks Peace” campaign, download the full report. Post your questions or comments below. Engage with us using #DigitalEvangelism Erica Jones Assistant Director for the North American Division's Women's Ministries Department Have you ever been told to “put your money where your mouth is”? The origin of this widely-known expression is unclear, but its intended meaning is not: when you value something, you put your resources behind it. For years, we have been watching as a growing number of teens and young adults leave the Adventist Church, and we ask, “’why?” I’ve searched for the answer to this question and have found that one reason surfaces more than any other: they don’t think the church is relevant to them. The leadership of the North American Division not only recognizes this problem, but has also committed to actively investing in new avenues to reach our young people with a message of hope and wholeness. When asked to serve as the assistant director for Women’s Ministries, I understood my primary role would be to create resources for teen girls and young adult women. As I travel and meet some of the amazing young women in our division, I feel certain God is leading and opening hearts. As they’ve shared their personal struggles and questions of faith with me, however, I am convinced that unless we minister to our young people in a way that speaks to their everyday lives—and is relative to the real issues (and distractions) they are facing—and in a communication method they respond to—we will continue to see an exodus of this next generation. Today’s youth are bombarded with thousands of messages every day. They spend an average of nine hours a day on social media.[1] The Church cannot ignore this reality; not only must we have a voice on social media platforms, our voice must be clearer and more relevant than all of the others they are hearing. When the media tells our girls they’re not thin enough or running with the right group of people, we must speak up and help them understand how beautiful they are in God’s eyes. When they struggle to see their own self-worth, we must speak up and remind them that they are daughters of the King. Together with the NAD Education and Youth departments, Women’s Ministries has developed an online blog to facilitate conversation about real-life issues and to give our young women a place to ask tough questions anonymously. The Gorgeous2God blog serves to inspire and uplift teen girls while providing a Christian perspective on how to navigate the unique challenges they face. We are often hesitant to open the door for difficult questions because we fear we may not have the answer. But I have found that young adults care less about us having the answers and more about feeling they have spiritual support and the ability to grow in a non-judgmental environment. They are looking for leaders who are consistent, committed, and compassionate. They wilt under criticism, but grow spiritually when they are mentored by a loving, mature Christian family. If being a Seventh-day Adventist looks like nothing more than a list of “don’ts,” they’re not interested. They’re searching for a faith that is deeper than how they dress or what they eat—a faith that is relevant, engaging, and serves others in practical ways. As leaders, parents, and mentors, we have a critical role to play in encouraging them as they search, and showing compassion and understanding when they stumble. Every young person needs a feeling of acceptance, belonging, and validation; this must be reinforced by offering opportunities for leadership. Our goal must be to convince them that they have a stake in the future of the Church. I am grateful to be a part of the North American Division family and to have been given an opportunity to serve the Church in a leadership capacity. I thank the leaders of this division for being willing not only to speak up, but to put resources behind what they value: our young people, the future of the Church. Check out Gorgeous2God through these online platforms: Gorgeous2God.org Facebook @Gorgeous2God Pinterest @Gorgeous2God Instagram @Gorgeous2God |
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