Proverbs 18:24

James Galloway considers how to use social media

James Galloway

'A man who has friends must himself be friendly.' Proverbs 18:24

At the time of writing, I'm just about to go to a local 'tweet up' arranged by our local paper. Meeting with people that I have only virtually met might not sound like your cup of tea but there is reason to my insanity.

Most Christian leaders, in my opinion, just don't get the power of influence that social media provides. Whether it's Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Keek or Digisocial, social media is a tool that can be used to effect change in a community.

When I look at the updates of many a Christian leader, with their scriptures and inside information about the church, I often wonder: 'How many non-Christians follow'? See, the deal, for me, is that social media is SOCIAL! It is a great way for me, a church leader, to connect with the thousands of people in my city. I don't get out much, I don't know many non-Christians, but social media connects me to people; I don't want non-Christians to 'unfollow' me because I'm continuously talking scripture and mentioning stuff that means absolutely nothing. I want them to engage with me.

I'm going to this 'tweet up' tonight to be with people that I have formed a relationship with via social media; a group of people that I would never normally be able to meet.

It's really important to think about social media and how it's used. Here are some tips that I have learnt:

You. Me. Them. It is always important to consider who is reading your social media. I'm very careful in my witness with my social media. I'm not going to bad mouth or belittle others, because who will read it and how will it effect their view of Jesus? I make sure that my social media is always positive and helps encourage people. People don't want to read about your feelings or opinions about others. Gossips do, yes, but that's another subject.

Involved. I try to get involved in fun activity and conversations. It's amazing when you've had fun on social media how often the recipient talks to you again. Don't just talk about your 'stuff' with your 'people', social media is social, remember, so build relationship by being friendly.

Too much. Too little. It's a fine line but too much on your time line and you'll drown people and they'll 'unfollow'. Too little however, they'll 'unfollow' because you've made them bored. The content is important too. Talk about more than one interest or topic of conversation. A continuous scriptural download and the 'unchurched' will 'unfollow'. It's ok to quote scripture and others but be considerate and relate it to the context of your followers.

Who is watching? I have staff members who have full access to my social media. They know the passwords. They can access it any time they like. This is more about protection than anything else. If there is something abusive, they can deal with it so I don't even get to see it. If there is something that I don't need to be dealing with and they have the time to deal with it then they can.

Be interested. Don't just wonder who is reading your stuff, read other people's stuff. And comment! Let them know that you're interested in them. It's not all about us. Social media isn't self-perpetuating PR. We shouldn't use social media to project an image of the perfect person that we are obviously not. It's a tool to engage with others and the best way to do that is be interested in others.

These are a few things that I have learnt regarding social media.

Oh by the way, you can find me on Twitter: @MrJamesGalloway