Rhett, thanks for being such a champion for our role and participation in this as ministers. I feel really behind the curve in this, but I love that you challenge us to minister through effective and relevant vehicles. Keep hittin’ me with your knowledge!!!!
JD

I would agree that in some contexts social media is more readily accetpted, necessary and implemented. For sure, college ministry is probably different in CA, then in CT.

I would also say that for example, you don’t expect, nor probably want a missionary in the field on Twitter and blogging all day. Though it would be great (as many are doing now) if more would post blogs (when it is safe for them) about their experiences in the field, etc.

The caveat for context makes sense. But I also wonder if we think far enough ahead, if context won’t matter much…that online media will be a way of life more many or most…so whether it’s a big ministry or small, social media will play a role. Again, we can contextualize not only ministries in the US, but around the world.

rhett

Working with the upcoming generation demands these skills, it is how people are learning to communicate, for better or worse (and probably both!).

Social media ministries will be a challenge to adapt to; I see it in my church, and in talking to people about the potential and the obstacles.

Would you agree that the scope of the social media phenomenon is limited to certain contexts? It seems that a college/student pastor in the greater L.A. area might utilize social media more than a college/student pastor in Burlington, VT or in a small community in central Oregon, or in the cornfields in Indiana.

While I see the great need and opportunity in social media in ministry, I wonder if this requirement needs to have more of a caveat for context.

Does that make sense?

Would you agree that the scope of the social media phenomenon is limited to certain contexts? It seems that a college/student pastor in the greater L.A. area might utilize social media more than a college/student pastor in Burlington, VT or in a small community in central Oregon, or in the cornfields in Indiana.

While I see the great need and opportunity in social media in ministry, I wonder if this requirement needs to have more of a caveat for context.

Does that make sense?

There has to be a willingness to use mediums being used today to reach the culture. This is Biblical and necessary especially in youth ministry.

There has to be a willingness to use mediums being used today to reach the culture. This is Biblical and necessary especially in youth ministry.

Agree. I started blogging in 2004, and that was pretty much on my own with the help of a techie student of mine.

Social media people seemed to be self taught in a lot of areas…and pastors I think are usually great about learning on the fly in some ways and acquiring continuing vocational skills.

Unless their head is in the sand…it can be taught, learned and become addictive

rhett

Agree. I started blogging in 2004, and that was pretty much on my own with the help of a techie student of mine.

Social media people seemed to be self taught in a lot of areas…and pastors I think are usually great about learning on the fly in some ways and acquiring continuing vocational skills.

Unless their head is in the sand…it can be taught, learned and become addictive

rhett

Absolutely. Unless there’s a fundamental unwillingness on the part of a person who insists “No, the world is not changing.”