It’s Social Media Q&A Time

Our College of Congregational Development had their annual evangelism workshop on the weekend. This year’s topic was social media. The attendees had too many questions for a 27-hour workshop,  so we’re gradually answering them here. Some answers will be written by us (or you?), and some will be from existing great sources that we’ve found […]

Meerkat, Periscope, Live Streaming Sermons

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Over the last few weeks, you’ve probably heard the terms meerkat and periscope being thrown around the communications world and wondering why an adorable mammal needs something to see over fences with.

Using Photos of Children

One of the most common questions that I am asked when I do workshops on website design and social media is “What about photos of children, what are the guidelines?”  I will talk about needing permissions, how to (or not) identify them and then go on to the broader topic of photos of people in […]

Sacramental Social Media

One of my favorite go-to sites for church stuff is ECF Vital Practices.  They are a terrific resource and this post is no exception.  This excerpt encapsulates so much of what I tell people, it is nice to know others are saying the same: “Going to a Facebook page or a Twitter account and finding […]

Can You “Like” God?

For people who are “digital immigrants” ( basically those over 40), the idea of social media is somewhat confusing.  When you add religion into the social media mix,  it can get even more convoluted.  What is spirituality, what is community?  How do you have a religious encounter through technology?  The program New Tech City on […]

A New Voice in the Church and Social Media Arena

I am always looking for tips and other input on how to best reach people in sharing the Good News.  A new blog has just popped up and it looks really promising.  It is Episcopalshare – Adventures in the World of Church Social Media.   Laura is the curator of this site and her goal of […]

Good Social Media Practices

When I go out and talk with churches about their communications practices, I usually end up at some point talking with people about social media.  One of the questions that comes up concerns appropriate uses and etiquette for social media.  What is the best media?  When does it make sense?  What are best practices and […]

Friends and Followers and Social Media

When I first started this position at the diocese, I got a certain amount of push-back on social media from people I talked with.  Why do we need this?  What about privacy?  Who would use it?  How will this help or enhance our mission?  All valid questions.  This article that was sent to me does […]

How to Stay Current Without Going Crazy

Last year I completed a certification program from the University of Washington in Social Media Technology and Implementation.  It was a terrific program and I would recommend it to anyone interested in this topic.  I regularly receive information from the university concerning upcoming programs, tips, etc.   I received an email from them that I […]

Social Media and a Safe Church

A number of people have asked me of late, “What is the social media policy for the diocese?”  That’s a good question.  We are working on one at the present time and it is a challenge and a balance between making it a living document/policy and not to go overboard with rules and “what ifs”.  […]