What does Twitter have to do with hospitality?
By Rob Rynders and Stephen J. Hustedt
“I just got on Facebook. Now I’m supposed to start using Twitter too? Why can’t people just find me on Facebook?”
These are sentiments being shared around the church as social media and social networking continue to change how we communicate. It is an argument that has been made since the internet arose and long before that. “Why do we need a blog… can’t they just read our newsletter? Why do we need a website… can’t they just look us up in the phone book?” The lamenting goes on and on, but it is always from the wrong point of view. Until we can stop asking why seekers and even church members won’t just stay within in our comfort zone, we will not know how to reach them. The only question we should be asking is how we use every means available to make disciples for the transformation of the world. It is as simple as that!
It doesn’t matter if we like it or not, Twitter is a good way to reach the unconnected and strengthen our connection with those we are already in ministry to. Twitter is a service that lets you create a simple user account and profile where you can post updates that are shorter than 140 characters. At first it may seem a little silly. You may wonder who really cares where you are going to lunch or how nice you think the weather is. However, as you become more comfortable with the technology, the perspective changes.
The possibilities for ministry become clear. Yes, you can send instant news about programming and event updates, but the true value to pastors and church leaders is in painting a picture of your life for your followers. Faith leaders do not always realize how they are seen by seekers. Twitter provides a level of accessibility that makes a leader much more approachable. If you are experiencing a crisis of faith it is much easier to approach someone you know personally and are comfortable with. Twitter provides this kind of accessibility, and there is an even greater benefit. Twitter allows you to lead the example of a spirit-filled life 140 characters at a time.
“The greatest success we have had with Twitter came when we were live tweeting from rallies around the passage of SB 1070,” said Joanie Faust, The Desert Southwest Conference Communications Writer/Editor who runs the DSC Twitter accounts. “On Twitter, people want to know what’s going on right now. Think of it as real-time, on-the-scene reporting. People across the country were following our lay and clergy leadership as they responded to the pain around SB 1070 and addressed how it would impact our churches.”
Of course, ministry takes many forms in the church. Imagine the impact of live tweets from a Habitat build, a feeding of the homeless, or even a food or clothing drive on a seeker that is following your account and trying to decide if they want to be a part of your church family. Would that impact be the same if you told that Twitter user that they just need to go over to Facebook or your website for the information?
If we, as Christians, believe what we say we do, it is time we stop asking why seekers can’t just come to us on our terms. If we truly believe it is our call—our mission—to make disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world, we have to bring our message to the people where they are and in a way they understand. There are people waiting for us on Twitter and in countless other places that make us nervous. How much longer will we make them wait?
Editor’s note: To open your Twitter account, go to http://twitter.com and click “sign up.” If you would like to learn more about Twitter or any of the emerging social media, contact Communications(at)desertsw.org or rob(at)valleywesley.com. You can also follow The Desert Southwest Conference on Twitter @dsccomm, and you can follow Rob Rynders on Twitter @robrynders.
Like Facebook, Twitter’s demographic includes young, tech-savvy church members and potential visitors. (Photo by Rob Rynders.)