So here's the Catch 22. I keep talking about how your social media self should look a lot like your real, every day self. And you should do your best, as in real life, to not totally anger everyone you encounter. Avoid the land mines. Steer clear from controversy.
So what about the Jesus stuff?
The truth is, if I'm going to talk about my life on social media, then I'm going to have to talk about Jesus. Jesus is such a huge part of my life, I can't help but talk about him.
If this is not the case for you, we need to have a completely different discussion.
Talking about Jesus, though, is a great way to get people angry. Unless all of your friends are Christians.
If this is the case for you, again, we need to have a completely different discussion.
But what if you DO talk about Jesus and your friends AREN'T all Christians? How do you share your faith on Facebook without making everyone angry? Well, you won't. The Bible tells us that the gospel is offensive to those who are lost. There are going to be people who don't like what you have to say. That's a part of the cost of following Christ. People will get upset with you. They might even unfriend you.
That's not as bad as being fed to lions in the coliseum. But hey, this is 21st century suburban America. Unfriending someone is basically the same thing, right?
And sharing your faith on Facebook doesn't always mean that you are directly talking about Jesus. You might be talking about justice, or morality, or church. Stuff Jesus likes and is associated with being a Christian. Even in these things, people get upset. Its not just Jesus that's offensive, it's what he stands for.
There are ways to share your faith online without making everyone want to burn you at some sort of digital stake.
1. Do it in love, not condemnation. Don't use Jesus as your weapon to beat down the ungodly. I don't think he would like that. It's ok to be passionate, it's not ok to be cruel and condescending.
2. Be consistent. Don't post your favorite Bible verse or make a strong stance on an issue of justice and morality and then tag a picture of yourself passed out drunk on spring break. Be aware that just as in life, you can be an online hypocrite.
3. Be honest. You aren't perfect in life, you don't have to be on Facebook either. There's a difference between being a hypocrite and being real. The real you is imperfect. It's ok to admit your struggles. You might post something like: "Pastor Dan talked about forgiveness in his sermon today. I really have a hard time forgiving some people and I need to work on it. He is so wise. And handsome." Stuff like that.
4. Post other stuff too. As much as Jesus is the central part of my life, I do other things. I have a family, I love football, I drink lots of coffee. I post about these things as well. It helps spread things out. If all I posted was Bible verses, my posts would just become noise lost on someone's timeline. I try to be witty and engaging and interesting. Maybe I only am in my own eyes, but that's the effort I'm making. That way, people are genuinely interested in what I have to say.
I keep thinking of Mufasa's quote on the Lion King: "I'm only brave when I have to be. Being king doesn't mean you go looking for trouble." There are times when it becomes imperative to be outspoken about beliefs that may not be accepted by others. That doesn't mean you need to go looking for trouble.
Let's face it: Jesus ticked a lot of people off. When something needed to be said, when injustice or sin was in his presence in the worst kind of way, he was harsh and controversial. And yet somehow he was able to remain the greatest ambassador for love and peace that the world has ever seen.
Jesus didn't wake up in the morning to go looking for trouble. But he confronted it when it was necessary.
He also got crucified for it. You might have to be willing to endure that also.
And he saw that what he was confronting wasn't individuals, but the darkness of sin that had crept in. Remember who and what the real enemy is out there. It isn't the person who attacks you online. It's what is going on in their heart.
These are just some thoughts, but I think important ones. Facebook is a mission field, and we are ambassadors for Christ every time we log on.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
What to do if (and when) you offend someone
So what if it's too late? You've stepped on a land mine and made someone angry with something you posted.
Here's the thing: you probably didn't see it coming. You thought it was an innocent post. Pretty much everyone feel the way you do. Or it was just a joke and someone took it WAY too seriously.
Or maybe you did mean it. Maybe a part of being the real you means that now and then, you are going to say something someone doesn't like.
Either way, it's happened.
Here's what happens with me. First, all the blood runs to my face. My mind races. I feel remorse, I feel stupid, and I feel embarrassed. That quickly turns in to anger and outrage at the person who was offended. What's their problem? Why are they so sensitive? Why didn't they have the decency to call me or send their thoughts as a private message instead of throwing me under the bus in front of the entire internet?
For whatever reason, some people view themselves as Facebook vigilantes, scouring their news feed for people who are mistaken and need corrected with a virtual public flogging. We'll thank them someday for exposing our ignorance of everything that they already know is right and true.
I don't always respond to them well. But if I did, this is what I would do.
1. Humanize them in a way that they did not do with you. My first reaction is usually to write a well-worded response to their obvious ignorance. Two can play at their idiotic game. I will tell them why I'm right and they need to get off their high horse.
This is a terrible idea. All it does is blow up the land mine more. Everyone gets sucked into it. And no one feels good about themselves.
Remember that the person who said whatever they said is still a person that God loves. Ugh. We hate that. And they may have a way deeper reason for saying what they did. What people say on Facebook is not always who they are as much as it is a visible symptom of what is going on in their lives.
2. Apologize well. Look, I know you did nothing wrong. You, in fact, are probably incredibly right. But here is what just happened: you have happened upon a wounded bear. Poking it and getting it to admit it that is grumpy will likely result in you being mauled. Instead, see the wound, and apologize. And there's a difference between "I'm sorry" and "I'm sorry you got offended at what I said." The second is not an apology.
Even if you are right, just apologize. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have posted that. I need to realize that the things I say can incite strong feelings in others. I should have been more careful with my words.
I know you don't like this option. You probably disagree with it. You're an American, and we don't apologize. Unless you're on of my readers from Pakistan. In which case, شکریہ پڑھنے کے. Remember, you aren't admitting that your opinion is wrong. But even if my kid accidentally knocks someone down on the playground, I have her apologize, even of that kid wasn't watching where he was going.
3. Message them. Send a private note, reiterate your apology, and then show you care about them as a human being. "Sorry about that. Haven't talked in a while. How have things been?"
You have now turned a potentially volatile land mine into a chance to speak love into someone's life. Whatever point you were trying to make in the comment that ignited all of this was not nearly as important as that.
OK, now let's say that this tactic is a complete failure. The same person feels like they need to constantly police your words. For one, you probably need to post less controversial stuff. Maybe you should just post cute pictures of kittens for a while. Use this one:
You have to still be you, but sometimes you have to know when to back off for a while.
If they still find fault with you, its time to block/unfollow/unfriend them. And that stinks. Message them. Tell them why. Be kind. Be loving. Let them know how they've made you feel. It's going to be messy. But guess what: that's what relationships are. And if you think that these relationships aren't real, once you have one of these discussions, you'll recognize how real they actually feel.
Here's the thing: you probably didn't see it coming. You thought it was an innocent post. Pretty much everyone feel the way you do. Or it was just a joke and someone took it WAY too seriously.
Or maybe you did mean it. Maybe a part of being the real you means that now and then, you are going to say something someone doesn't like.
Either way, it's happened.
Here's what happens with me. First, all the blood runs to my face. My mind races. I feel remorse, I feel stupid, and I feel embarrassed. That quickly turns in to anger and outrage at the person who was offended. What's their problem? Why are they so sensitive? Why didn't they have the decency to call me or send their thoughts as a private message instead of throwing me under the bus in front of the entire internet?
For whatever reason, some people view themselves as Facebook vigilantes, scouring their news feed for people who are mistaken and need corrected with a virtual public flogging. We'll thank them someday for exposing our ignorance of everything that they already know is right and true.
I don't always respond to them well. But if I did, this is what I would do.
1. Humanize them in a way that they did not do with you. My first reaction is usually to write a well-worded response to their obvious ignorance. Two can play at their idiotic game. I will tell them why I'm right and they need to get off their high horse.
This is a terrible idea. All it does is blow up the land mine more. Everyone gets sucked into it. And no one feels good about themselves.
Remember that the person who said whatever they said is still a person that God loves. Ugh. We hate that. And they may have a way deeper reason for saying what they did. What people say on Facebook is not always who they are as much as it is a visible symptom of what is going on in their lives.
2. Apologize well. Look, I know you did nothing wrong. You, in fact, are probably incredibly right. But here is what just happened: you have happened upon a wounded bear. Poking it and getting it to admit it that is grumpy will likely result in you being mauled. Instead, see the wound, and apologize. And there's a difference between "I'm sorry" and "I'm sorry you got offended at what I said." The second is not an apology.
Even if you are right, just apologize. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have posted that. I need to realize that the things I say can incite strong feelings in others. I should have been more careful with my words.
I know you don't like this option. You probably disagree with it. You're an American, and we don't apologize. Unless you're on of my readers from Pakistan. In which case, شکریہ پڑھنے کے. Remember, you aren't admitting that your opinion is wrong. But even if my kid accidentally knocks someone down on the playground, I have her apologize, even of that kid wasn't watching where he was going.
3. Message them. Send a private note, reiterate your apology, and then show you care about them as a human being. "Sorry about that. Haven't talked in a while. How have things been?"
You have now turned a potentially volatile land mine into a chance to speak love into someone's life. Whatever point you were trying to make in the comment that ignited all of this was not nearly as important as that.
OK, now let's say that this tactic is a complete failure. The same person feels like they need to constantly police your words. For one, you probably need to post less controversial stuff. Maybe you should just post cute pictures of kittens for a while. Use this one:
You have to still be you, but sometimes you have to know when to back off for a while.
If they still find fault with you, its time to block/unfollow/unfriend them. And that stinks. Message them. Tell them why. Be kind. Be loving. Let them know how they've made you feel. It's going to be messy. But guess what: that's what relationships are. And if you think that these relationships aren't real, once you have one of these discussions, you'll recognize how real they actually feel.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
The worst thing you can do on Facebook
Full disclosure: I have stepped on this landmine more than once.
And it always ruins my day.
I'm a pretty mellow guy. I don't get too fired up about politics, hot button issues, and all that stuff. I tend to believe that the most important thing for people to come to agree with me on is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We can work out the rest of the details later on.
But now and then, I will allow something to upset me. I'll get passionate about a somewhat controversial topic. I will find that many people disagree with me, and I know that they are way wrong or misinformed.
And I post a Facebook status about it.
Cue dramatic music.
The worst thing you can do on Facebook is stir up controversy over touchy subjects. Please hear me when I say this: I'm sure these topics are important. They may be consuming a large portion of your personal life. It may be all you are thinking about. You may be absolutely sure that you are right.
Please leave it off of Facebook.
Facebook is really good for a lot of things. It is not good for controversy. Here are some reasons why:
1. It is almost impossible to convey a tone of voice or demeanor over Facebook. I tend to make a lot of snarky comments and I love me some good old fashioned sarcasm. When dealing with hot button issues, sarcasm does not translate on Facebook. People who are passionate on one side of an issue or the other often will totally miss the joke and go straight for why you are an inconsiderate sinner who is ruining the world with your presence and your opinions. It doesn't matter how many smiley faces you put after your comments or how thick you lay it on.
2. Many of the people on Facebook don't really know you. People who really know your heart will likely be able to read the intent behind what you are saying and even if they disagree with you, they will respect you and your opinion. But Facebook is full of people you haven't seen in ten years or had a real conversation with, like, ever. You can't assume people will know where you are coming from.
3. It creates a stumbling block for people. I have been unfriended for comments I have made on issues that are not nearly as important to me as making sure someone knows just how much God loves them. Now, they see nothing positive that I post, and only remember that I'm a Christian and they hate my ideas and opinions. I've wiped out any chance of communicating anything good to them.
Many of these are conversations that need to be had. They are topics that need to be discussed. Just not on Facebook.
Have you ever stepped on that landmine? Was it a topic you didn't realize would be so controversial, or did you know what you were getting in to?
Think before you post, and ask this question each time: Will this help me accomplish the larger goal of making the name of Jesus famous?
And it always ruins my day.
I'm a pretty mellow guy. I don't get too fired up about politics, hot button issues, and all that stuff. I tend to believe that the most important thing for people to come to agree with me on is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. We can work out the rest of the details later on.
But now and then, I will allow something to upset me. I'll get passionate about a somewhat controversial topic. I will find that many people disagree with me, and I know that they are way wrong or misinformed.
And I post a Facebook status about it.
Cue dramatic music.
The worst thing you can do on Facebook is stir up controversy over touchy subjects. Please hear me when I say this: I'm sure these topics are important. They may be consuming a large portion of your personal life. It may be all you are thinking about. You may be absolutely sure that you are right.
Please leave it off of Facebook.
Facebook is really good for a lot of things. It is not good for controversy. Here are some reasons why:
1. It is almost impossible to convey a tone of voice or demeanor over Facebook. I tend to make a lot of snarky comments and I love me some good old fashioned sarcasm. When dealing with hot button issues, sarcasm does not translate on Facebook. People who are passionate on one side of an issue or the other often will totally miss the joke and go straight for why you are an inconsiderate sinner who is ruining the world with your presence and your opinions. It doesn't matter how many smiley faces you put after your comments or how thick you lay it on.
2. Many of the people on Facebook don't really know you. People who really know your heart will likely be able to read the intent behind what you are saying and even if they disagree with you, they will respect you and your opinion. But Facebook is full of people you haven't seen in ten years or had a real conversation with, like, ever. You can't assume people will know where you are coming from.
3. It creates a stumbling block for people. I have been unfriended for comments I have made on issues that are not nearly as important to me as making sure someone knows just how much God loves them. Now, they see nothing positive that I post, and only remember that I'm a Christian and they hate my ideas and opinions. I've wiped out any chance of communicating anything good to them.
Many of these are conversations that need to be had. They are topics that need to be discussed. Just not on Facebook.
Have you ever stepped on that landmine? Was it a topic you didn't realize would be so controversial, or did you know what you were getting in to?
Think before you post, and ask this question each time: Will this help me accomplish the larger goal of making the name of Jesus famous?
Monday, April 16, 2012
Theme of the Week: Making People Mad
So this week I want to tackle a topic that a lot of people struggle with on Facebook, Twitter, and...well...life in general.
One of the biggest problems with the internet is that everyone gets to talk, and a lot of people are stupid.
Maybe that was harsh, but honestly, we've all thought it from time to time. We see what other people say or post or tweet or comment or whatever, and it makes us mad. We can't believe that people would think, let alone SAY, the things they say on the internet.
Take some time to read the comments section on a local newspaper. Or Huffington Post. It's enough to make you want to claw your eyes out with a rusty fork. Or at the very least, you assume that God has to be about done with humanity and they shall be smited from the face of the earth shortly.
Here's the thing: in real life, we encounter these same people every single day. And while there are certain people we may not get along with or agree with, we can be cordial to one another. We can somehow live on the same planet...even the same internet...as they do.
Online, all filters are gone and we just say with absolute bluntness the things we want to say. If you don't like it, stay off the internet.
And that's what many choose to do. We log off, block users, shut down Facebook accounts. And maybe that's not a bad thing. From time to time, it probably needs to happen.
For me though, the internet is a mission field. People are there, Jesus loves people, I love Jesus, so I'd better love people, even internet people, even if they are saying stupid things.
So this week I want to look at how to deal with making people mad on the internet. This is for everyone, but especially for pastors, who are really good at inciting angry mobs carrying virtual pitchforks. In the meantime, keep your eye out for internet anger, lack of a filter in what people are saying, and all that is divisive and hurtful. Ask yourself this question: what if the internet were a third world country that God was sending me to as a missionary? Where would you start? What are the issues that need confronted? How does the gospel need preached? What land mines do you need to avoid?
One of the biggest problems with the internet is that everyone gets to talk, and a lot of people are stupid.
Maybe that was harsh, but honestly, we've all thought it from time to time. We see what other people say or post or tweet or comment or whatever, and it makes us mad. We can't believe that people would think, let alone SAY, the things they say on the internet.
Take some time to read the comments section on a local newspaper. Or Huffington Post. It's enough to make you want to claw your eyes out with a rusty fork. Or at the very least, you assume that God has to be about done with humanity and they shall be smited from the face of the earth shortly.
Here's the thing: in real life, we encounter these same people every single day. And while there are certain people we may not get along with or agree with, we can be cordial to one another. We can somehow live on the same planet...even the same internet...as they do.
Online, all filters are gone and we just say with absolute bluntness the things we want to say. If you don't like it, stay off the internet.
And that's what many choose to do. We log off, block users, shut down Facebook accounts. And maybe that's not a bad thing. From time to time, it probably needs to happen.
For me though, the internet is a mission field. People are there, Jesus loves people, I love Jesus, so I'd better love people, even internet people, even if they are saying stupid things.
So this week I want to look at how to deal with making people mad on the internet. This is for everyone, but especially for pastors, who are really good at inciting angry mobs carrying virtual pitchforks. In the meantime, keep your eye out for internet anger, lack of a filter in what people are saying, and all that is divisive and hurtful. Ask yourself this question: what if the internet were a third world country that God was sending me to as a missionary? Where would you start? What are the issues that need confronted? How does the gospel need preached? What land mines do you need to avoid?
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Follow Friday: Rob Bell
Confession time: I wish I was as cool as Rob Bell. The glasses. The books.
Written in short phrases.
Mind-bending.
Words made up.
Incarnationified.
The former pastor of Mars Hill Church, creator of the Nooma videos, and author of "Love Wins" has been a lasting presence at the forefront of emerging Christian leadership.
You can try to follow Rob on Facebook and Twitter, but he has already moved on past those forms of social media.
Rob took time out of trailblazing a path to where Christianity is supposed to be in his eyes to sit down with me for a completely fake and in no way real interview that didn't really happen and I am making up. He did not say these things. Any of them.
Me: Hey Rob, thanks for agreeing to meet with me. I know you're busy.
Rob: It's no problem. I love being incarnational with common people.
Me: Yeah, um, it's generous. By the way, I love your glasses. Where did you get them?
Rob: I don't want to tell you.
Me: What?
Rob: I don't want anyone else to have these glasses.
Me: Isn't this a Seinfeld episode?
Rob: No. I came up with this first.
Me: Why don't you want anyone else to have your glasses? You used to have the black plastic rimmed ones. I got some just like them, they're awesome.
Rob: I know. Everyone copied me. I want to be the only one with these new ones.
Me: But those glasses made me a better pastor! I was suddenly relatable, yet slightly more intelligent than those I was talking to. Being a pastor on the growing edge of fashion is so unheard of, I was immediately flocked with adoring parishioners who knew that I knew more than them, and yet would speak about it in trendy, hipster demeanor while showing video clips of...I don't know...a seed sprouting into a plant in the palm of my hand.
Rob: First off, the glasses did nothing for you. By the time you got them, they were out of style. Second, a seed growing in your hand? What is this, 2002?
Me: I have so much to learn from you.
Rob: I know.
Me: So your book "Love Wins" seemed to spark a lot of controversy. What was that all about?
Rob: It was expected. People always have a hard time when you start talking about God's grace. It doesn't make logical sense to them.
Me: What in particular made people so upset?
Rob: I think it was when I said that I wasn't sure that Ghandi was in hell. I just asked the question without giving an answer. I said, "Really? He's in hell? Are we sure of that?"
Me: Yes.
Rob: What?
Me: No, I'm totally sure he's in hell.
Rob: How are you so sure?
Me: His classic quote. He said, "I very much like your Christ."
Rob: I don't follow.
Me: Look, you said "love wins." Ghandi just "liked" Jesus. Love wins. Like loses.
Rob: But what if it isn't about how Ghandi felt about Christ, but how Christ felt about Ghandi?
Me: UNIVERSALIST! ROB BELL IS A UNIVERSALIST!
Rob: No, I'm not. I never said Ghandi was saved.
Me: Yes you did...didn't you?
Rob: No, I just asked the question. Could it be possible that he isn't in hell?
Me: Right, and I answered your question.
Rob: Did you? Or did the question reveal an answer about you?
Me: You just blew my mind.
Rob: It's what I do.
Me: I really want your glasses.
Rob: No.
Me: So what have you been up to recently?
Rob: I've quit my church, moved to Los Angeles, and have begun working with the producer of "Lost" to make a TV show based on my life.
Me: You've got to be kidding.
Rob: It's called "Stronger." It's been picked up by ABC.
Me: You know there is no chance this will work, right?
Rob: Yeah, it's a dumb idea.
Me: I see you are on Facebook and Twitter but don't use it much. I feel like someone at the forefront of new ministry would be really engaged in social media.
Rob: Oh I am, just not on Facebook and Twitter.
Me: Google+? It's more on the cutting edge I guess.
Rob: That has as much a chance of succeeding as "Stronger."
Me: Nice one.
Rob: I use Expluvo.
Me: Expluvo?
Rob: It's new. You probably haven't heard of it.
Me: How new?
Rob: I just made it up.
Me: And yet...I want to be on it. You just say it, and I know if I also do it, I will be cool like you. What is this spell you have over me?
Rob: That's how I roll.
Written in short phrases.
Mind-bending.
Words made up.
Incarnationified.
The former pastor of Mars Hill Church, creator of the Nooma videos, and author of "Love Wins" has been a lasting presence at the forefront of emerging Christian leadership.
You can try to follow Rob on Facebook and Twitter, but he has already moved on past those forms of social media.
Rob took time out of trailblazing a path to where Christianity is supposed to be in his eyes to sit down with me for a completely fake and in no way real interview that didn't really happen and I am making up. He did not say these things. Any of them.
Me: Hey Rob, thanks for agreeing to meet with me. I know you're busy.
Rob: It's no problem. I love being incarnational with common people.
Me: Yeah, um, it's generous. By the way, I love your glasses. Where did you get them?
Rob: I don't want to tell you.
Me: What?
Rob: I don't want anyone else to have these glasses.
Me: Isn't this a Seinfeld episode?
Rob: No. I came up with this first.
Me: Why don't you want anyone else to have your glasses? You used to have the black plastic rimmed ones. I got some just like them, they're awesome.
Rob: I know. Everyone copied me. I want to be the only one with these new ones.
Me: But those glasses made me a better pastor! I was suddenly relatable, yet slightly more intelligent than those I was talking to. Being a pastor on the growing edge of fashion is so unheard of, I was immediately flocked with adoring parishioners who knew that I knew more than them, and yet would speak about it in trendy, hipster demeanor while showing video clips of...I don't know...a seed sprouting into a plant in the palm of my hand.
Rob: First off, the glasses did nothing for you. By the time you got them, they were out of style. Second, a seed growing in your hand? What is this, 2002?
Me: I have so much to learn from you.
Rob: I know.
Me: So your book "Love Wins" seemed to spark a lot of controversy. What was that all about?
Rob: It was expected. People always have a hard time when you start talking about God's grace. It doesn't make logical sense to them.
Me: What in particular made people so upset?
Rob: I think it was when I said that I wasn't sure that Ghandi was in hell. I just asked the question without giving an answer. I said, "Really? He's in hell? Are we sure of that?"
Me: Yes.
Rob: What?
Me: No, I'm totally sure he's in hell.
Rob: How are you so sure?
Me: His classic quote. He said, "I very much like your Christ."
Rob: I don't follow.
Me: Look, you said "love wins." Ghandi just "liked" Jesus. Love wins. Like loses.
Rob: But what if it isn't about how Ghandi felt about Christ, but how Christ felt about Ghandi?
Me: UNIVERSALIST! ROB BELL IS A UNIVERSALIST!
Rob: No, I'm not. I never said Ghandi was saved.
Me: Yes you did...didn't you?
Rob: No, I just asked the question. Could it be possible that he isn't in hell?
Me: Right, and I answered your question.
Rob: Did you? Or did the question reveal an answer about you?
Me: You just blew my mind.
Rob: It's what I do.
Me: I really want your glasses.
Rob: No.
Me: So what have you been up to recently?
Rob: I've quit my church, moved to Los Angeles, and have begun working with the producer of "Lost" to make a TV show based on my life.
Me: You've got to be kidding.
Rob: It's called "Stronger." It's been picked up by ABC.
Me: You know there is no chance this will work, right?
Rob: Yeah, it's a dumb idea.
Me: I see you are on Facebook and Twitter but don't use it much. I feel like someone at the forefront of new ministry would be really engaged in social media.
Rob: Oh I am, just not on Facebook and Twitter.
Me: Google+? It's more on the cutting edge I guess.
Rob: That has as much a chance of succeeding as "Stronger."
Me: Nice one.
Rob: I use Expluvo.
Me: Expluvo?
Rob: It's new. You probably haven't heard of it.
Me: How new?
Rob: I just made it up.
Me: And yet...I want to be on it. You just say it, and I know if I also do it, I will be cool like you. What is this spell you have over me?
Rob: That's how I roll.
How (and Why) to Tweet a Sermon
One of the main things that I tweet are sermon notes. It will look like this:
This is the last sermon I tweeted. It was Jason Collins' (@jasoncollins75) message called "Decision Time" on Palm Sunday. It rocked.
Tweeting a sermon can be helpful for several reasons.
- It helps you put into your own words the things the preachers are saying. The pastors I tweet rarely make 140 character comments, so I have to summarize. That helps me internalize what they are saying and it sticks.
- It creates a record of thoughts. Truth is, people have been doing this for years, they've just been writing it in the margins of their Bible instead of in the twitterverse. (hint: if you make your notes in YouVersion, you can then share them on Twitter. It's like tweeting your Bible margins. More on that in a later blog).
- It lets the preaching pastor see what stuck out for others. I'll often go back after my sermons and see what was tweeted by the couple of people I know are doing it. It provides me with instant feedback on what was communicated well. Feedback is a good thing. Sometimes after the sermons when we are sitting down with our teaching pastors and going over last weekend's sermons, they will ask what we thought. I will just pull up my Twiter feed and share with them the things that stuck out for me.
- It allows others to follow along who can't be with you. As I tweet the sermons, I will sometimes have parishioners comment that they are glad I'm doing it because they are sick or out of town or something. I will sometimes even get complete strangers to follow along.
- It provides extra resources. If a pastor mentions a book or something I will quickly hop onto Amazon.com or other website and provide the link to that book. I will also provide links to the scriptures that they use.
- It gives people a chance to dialogue. Now and then a point will become a topic of discussion on twitter. You can model how to have a mature, Christian discussion on a theological topic right there on Twitter.
- You can tweet pictures. It gives people the ability to see what it looks like there even if they aren't there.
- It helps provide clarity. When I am preparing to preach, I will sometimes ask myself, "Could someone tweet this?" If the thoughts are incredibly complex, too complex to tweet, maybe you need to find a better way to say what it is you're saying. It's a great practice in communicating clearly.
I know some people don't like the idea of tweeting or being on smart phones at all during sermons. And maybe it's not for everyone. But for me, I actually find it helpful.
What do you think of tweeting sermons? Let me know in the comments below!
This is the last sermon I tweeted. It was Jason Collins' (@jasoncollins75) message called "Decision Time" on Palm Sunday. It rocked.
Tweeting a sermon can be helpful for several reasons.
- It helps you put into your own words the things the preachers are saying. The pastors I tweet rarely make 140 character comments, so I have to summarize. That helps me internalize what they are saying and it sticks.
- It creates a record of thoughts. Truth is, people have been doing this for years, they've just been writing it in the margins of their Bible instead of in the twitterverse. (hint: if you make your notes in YouVersion, you can then share them on Twitter. It's like tweeting your Bible margins. More on that in a later blog).
- It lets the preaching pastor see what stuck out for others. I'll often go back after my sermons and see what was tweeted by the couple of people I know are doing it. It provides me with instant feedback on what was communicated well. Feedback is a good thing. Sometimes after the sermons when we are sitting down with our teaching pastors and going over last weekend's sermons, they will ask what we thought. I will just pull up my Twiter feed and share with them the things that stuck out for me.
- It allows others to follow along who can't be with you. As I tweet the sermons, I will sometimes have parishioners comment that they are glad I'm doing it because they are sick or out of town or something. I will sometimes even get complete strangers to follow along.
- It provides extra resources. If a pastor mentions a book or something I will quickly hop onto Amazon.com or other website and provide the link to that book. I will also provide links to the scriptures that they use.
- It gives people a chance to dialogue. Now and then a point will become a topic of discussion on twitter. You can model how to have a mature, Christian discussion on a theological topic right there on Twitter.
- You can tweet pictures. It gives people the ability to see what it looks like there even if they aren't there.
- It helps provide clarity. When I am preparing to preach, I will sometimes ask myself, "Could someone tweet this?" If the thoughts are incredibly complex, too complex to tweet, maybe you need to find a better way to say what it is you're saying. It's a great practice in communicating clearly.
I know some people don't like the idea of tweeting or being on smart phones at all during sermons. And maybe it's not for everyone. But for me, I actually find it helpful.
What do you think of tweeting sermons? Let me know in the comments below!
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
What to Tweet
Tweeting is an art form. It takes a while to understand how to speak the language of Twitter. But once you learn Twitter, it becomes a great way to communicate your ideas and thoughts, the things you've been focused on, and to see what the rest of the world is doing in their thinking and every day lives.
The beauty of the tweet is that you have to condense your thought into 140 characters or less. This makes you focus and disciplined in communicating what really matters. The fluff is wiped away and it is just the basic thought. You learn to say things well.
So there are a couple schools of thought when it comes to using Twitter as a pastor. The first is to create your brand. In other words, all of your tweets revolve around the same basic concepts. So if I were to do this, all of my tweets would revolve around using social media in the church. Doing this helps you become influential in one realm of thought. People who are interested in this realm will follow you.
I've chosen to go with a separate school of thought. My tweets are more eclectic. You'll find me tweeting about a little bit of everything. It's very much how I also use Facebook:when someone reads my Twitter feed, I want them to see that it is very much who I am. The things I talk about on Twitter are also the things I talk about in real life. I'm the same person in both places.
While I likely won't ever become a viral sensation within a certain realm or topic, it is more important for me to be real and authentic and just me.
I want Twitter to be an extension of me and who I am because that's what I use in my every day ministry. Authenticity and openness and vulnerability are key traits. So with that in mind, what do I tweet about?
Looking back on some recent tweets, here's what I've got:
So this was during the NCAA tourney. I tweeted a lot about the Buckeyes. During the game, when I can't get together with a bunch of guys and watch, I hang out on Twitter with those who are watching and making snarky comments about the game and the refs and all that stuff. I follow a bunch of people who love the Buckeyes and do the same thing. So I will retweet some of their really good comments.
Here is another day that was full of retweets. Re-tweeting is a great way to share info from people you either follow or find through searching hashtags you are interested in. I like funny ones, especially church humor, and will often retweet them. There is also in the middle a tweet of an Instagram picture I took.
This is what my feed will often look like. Lots of links. Some to this blog. I use the hashtags to help people interested in certain topics to find my tweets. I also mention people by their Twitter name so they can easily see I was talking about or to them.
So tweet often. Keep it updated. Decide if you want to be about a specific thing or just use Twitter as a microcosm of your life as I do. And follow interesting people. Like me. :)
Who do you love to follow on Twitter? Tell me in the comments section below.
The beauty of the tweet is that you have to condense your thought into 140 characters or less. This makes you focus and disciplined in communicating what really matters. The fluff is wiped away and it is just the basic thought. You learn to say things well.
So there are a couple schools of thought when it comes to using Twitter as a pastor. The first is to create your brand. In other words, all of your tweets revolve around the same basic concepts. So if I were to do this, all of my tweets would revolve around using social media in the church. Doing this helps you become influential in one realm of thought. People who are interested in this realm will follow you.
I've chosen to go with a separate school of thought. My tweets are more eclectic. You'll find me tweeting about a little bit of everything. It's very much how I also use Facebook:when someone reads my Twitter feed, I want them to see that it is very much who I am. The things I talk about on Twitter are also the things I talk about in real life. I'm the same person in both places.
While I likely won't ever become a viral sensation within a certain realm or topic, it is more important for me to be real and authentic and just me.
I want Twitter to be an extension of me and who I am because that's what I use in my every day ministry. Authenticity and openness and vulnerability are key traits. So with that in mind, what do I tweet about?
Looking back on some recent tweets, here's what I've got:
So this was during the NCAA tourney. I tweeted a lot about the Buckeyes. During the game, when I can't get together with a bunch of guys and watch, I hang out on Twitter with those who are watching and making snarky comments about the game and the refs and all that stuff. I follow a bunch of people who love the Buckeyes and do the same thing. So I will retweet some of their really good comments.
Here is another day that was full of retweets. Re-tweeting is a great way to share info from people you either follow or find through searching hashtags you are interested in. I like funny ones, especially church humor, and will often retweet them. There is also in the middle a tweet of an Instagram picture I took.
This is what my feed will often look like. Lots of links. Some to this blog. I use the hashtags to help people interested in certain topics to find my tweets. I also mention people by their Twitter name so they can easily see I was talking about or to them.
So tweet often. Keep it updated. Decide if you want to be about a specific thing or just use Twitter as a microcosm of your life as I do. And follow interesting people. Like me. :)
Who do you love to follow on Twitter? Tell me in the comments section below.
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