If there are any institutions that should excel at social media, it is the church across North America. Each one could be a potential publishing powerhouse because of several reasons:
- They meet weekly to hear a compelling message
- It is a message the congregation values
- Each message has highlights that stand out
- Their original leader gave them the Great Commission to take their message to the ends of the earth
But for several reasons, many churches miss the mark with social media.
- Pastors are already stretched too thin and the last thing they need is another requirement to their job
- Many congregations skew to the older generation and they are scared, overwhelmed or have no clue the communications revolution happening around them
- Nobody is teaching it in seminary
- Pastors and lay people are terrified about the power of social media
- Social media is as much about listening as it is broadcasting (Both businesses and organizations struggle with this)
There are many reasons why churches may hesitate with social media. But because they have a message, and it is an important message, churches owe it to themselves and the world to make their presence known in social media.
