How your Church can utilize this Twitter advantage

Facebook dominates social media. Not only is there basically everyone imaginable on Facebook, but they have figured out how to monetize their network so they are racking in the dough. They also own Instagram, the most popular network for young adults. Snapchat, if it can survive the onslaught from Facebook stealing all their good ideas, has the market cornered with teens and 20 somethings.

With all these social media networks reaching key demographics, what is there any reason why your Church or Ministry should be on Twitter?

People talk on Twitter about events in real time.

When things happen around the world, people talk about it. And whenever there is a major event such as a popular sporting event, event like the Oscars, a tragedy or an election is happening, people go on Twitter to talk about it in real time. For example, this is what happened on Twitter during Game 5 of the World Series.  Sure, they go on Facebook too, but with the awesome power and reach of a Hashtag on Twitter, it is easier to find out what people are talking about and joining in the conversation.

The reality is that whenever breaking news is happening in the world, of all the social networks out there, news media often turns to Twitter to find out people’s thoughts on something trending. Everyone is talking about it and where did the news media get responses from people? They get it mainly from Twitter.

Not only do people talk in real time on Twitter, but they also talk TO each other freely!

Twitter is set up differently from the other social networks. If you want to follow a celebrity on Facebook you are usually following a Facebook page by that celebrity which is probably run by a media director or some sorts. But with Twitter, you can actually follow the person. So, whether it is a celebrity, or a popular minister, or even the President of the United States, you can freely follow someone and find out what they are talking about.

And because of this access to people, there is a lot of engagement and talking back and forth to others. I have personally tweeted with more celebrities and people I would have no opportunity to talk with before through Twitter.

How can Churches uses this?

• Join the conversation. Find a hashtag that is trending and get involved in a conversation centered around an event that is happening (especially if it is local to your area). Twitter can be a great opportunity to for you to increase awareness to others that your Church actually exists and, depending how the conversations go, can increase the likelihood that someone may want to check out your Church…espeically if you live stream your services.
• Share stories. Being apart of the conversation is great, but being on Twitter also provides an opportunity for you to share about the great stuff you have going on via stories that are happening in the lives of people in your Church. Facebook and Instagram definitely have more users than any other social network, but as of the 3rd quarter of 2017, Twitter had 330 million active monthly users. That’s a lot of people, not just to engage with, but can possible hear about all the great stories of life change and the stuff you are doing in your community.

Conclusion

Twitter may not have as much reach or active monthly users as other social networks, but as the 3rd biggest, there are still lots of potential there. And, as Twitter appears to be the “go-to” place for people to turn when they want to hear what others are talking about, it is very relevant to Churches and Ministers. That is why Churches AND ministers need to be on Twitter. It’s a great place to engage, share stories and join conversations that are happening all around. It’s the perfect tool for any Digital Missionary.

If you want to learn more about how you can utilized Twitter for your ministry this week on Digital Bootcamp.

What do you think? How have you seen Twitter effective in this way? Share your thoughts below or social media using #ymsidekick when you post.