Sharing the Gospel in a Digital Age

What Message?“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the

power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)

What Audience?“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given

to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Multiplying the Voice

Multiplying the Audience

- All Things to All People“I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22).

- Casting Out a Wider Net“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’“ (Matthew 4:19).

Social MediaSocial media are media for social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable communication techniques.

Social Media – 2012

Social MediaAvailable 24/7

Why Use Social Media?Make relational connections with peopleShare opportunities to learn more about Jesus

Bobby Gruenewald - Pastor, Innovation Leader at LifeChurch.tv Creator – YouVersion Bible (40 million downloads as of

March, 2012)

Why Use Social Media?Personal help in times of struggle – instant focus groupBe more accessible and connected “Personalize” youGrow as communicator, writer, leader, person – believer

Brad Powell – senior pastor, North Ridge Church, Plymouth, MI

Before You BeginAnswer Questions:– Why do I want to do this?– What is my message?– Who is my audience?– How much time can I invest?– How do I measure results?

Short AnswersAnswer Questions:– Why do I want to do this? • Fill the halls of heaven• Expand the ministry

– What is my message?• God so loved. . .

Short AnswersAnswer Questions:– Who is my audience?• “Followers,” “Friends,” “Fans,” “Family,”

– How much time can I invest?• Know limits

– How do I measure results?• Relationships and Connections

GoalsSame as personal witnessing…

Develop relationship– Common interests– RespectfulShare information– Too much = you are in a box– Too little = not interesting

GoalsShare the Gospel– Winsome– InspirationalContinue discussion

Common Social Media

Facebook

Using Personal – Posts about• Family• Values• Prayer requests• Celebrations

Relationship building– Friends– Reach beyond the circle

DO• Post once or twice a day• Listen• Be respectful• Substantial• Expand your circle• Share

– Events– News– Prayers

DO NOT• Post so much people are bored• “In your face”• Rude• Trivial• Circle the wagons• Share

– Routine– TMI– Sarcasms

Using

Timeline Your Faith JourneyHand of God – God guiding you

Significant events– Video, Pictures

Be genuineNot just “Church” events

--Scott Santee (GlobalSmartFilmNetwork.com/blog.php)

Using

Using

• Keep in touch• Prayer requests• Expressions of faith• “Stand by their side”• Frequent

• News Ticker

Using

• Recommend• Web sites• Videos• Events

• Short messages (140 characters or less)

Using

• As a search site• Post sermons• Post church information• Create account• Share teaching• Share everyday moments –

“You are there”

Blogs

Why BLOG?Provide valuable ideas– To create further thought

Let others glimpse what’s important – For you– For your organization

http://www.thewebexecutive.com/2012/03/the-true-importance-of-blogging/

Using BlogsTo give

OpinionsReactionsInformationPositionTeachingWitness

Social Media Advantage

The JoyHe will bring you a message through which

you and all your household will be saved. (Acts 11:14)

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

From Here…

Select one of these social media mechanismsGo to their web site Open an accountApply these ideasPray that God reveals opportunities!

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