When pastors update and tweet

Social networks are the way we connect. But how should Pastors use networks like Facebook and Twitter? Since the words of a leader carry more weight, they should be weighed more carefully.

Seven Do’s

1. Announce events and teaching themes
2. Link to helpful resources
3. Encourage others
4. Let people know a little about yourself
5. Share Scriptures or great quotes
6. Ask for prayer
7. Limit your time on networks

Seven Don’ts

1. Post anything that you would fear being read at Church
2. Engage ongoing conversations with the opposite sex
3. Fish for affirmations or support
4. Post ambiguous or manipulative statements
5. Vent toward Church matters or members
6. Become combative or defensive (take the bait and escalate)
7. Embarrass your family with comments or photos

Seven questions

1. How have social networks helped or hurt your ministry?
2. Are you disappointed when people don’t respond to your posts?
3. Do you waste too much time on Facebook?
4. Do you use Facebook to avoid real life contact?
5. Do you have intimate conversations under the guise of counseling?
6. Do you use Facebook to complain about life or people?
7. Are you always truthful and loving in the things you post?

Seven Scriptures

1. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
2. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23).
3. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I corinthians 10:31).
4. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves (Philippians 2:3).
5. “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe” (Philippians 2:14-15).
6. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut” (Proverbs 10:19, NLT). “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19)
7. “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:8-9).

See also: Facebook photos: the good, the bad and the ugly

Two helpful resources:

1. Solomon on Social Media by Tim Challies
2. Dangers of narcissism in leadership 

Steve Cornell