Can Social Media Have a Positive Effect on Religion?

by Melony Brown

Social media hit the world of technology with a forceful and penetrating impact several years ago. In a society hungry for social connection, it seems social media outlets are the bread and butter on the dinner plates. You might not know your next door neighbor’s name or what he does for a living, but you know intimate details about your long forgotten high school sweetheart’s life thanks to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and others. You can learn about the throwing up escapades of a “friend” in Sweden or how many times your “friend” on the PTA board plays “Mafia Wars,” but is that a real and meaningful social connection?

Talk shows have discussed the addictive nature of the social media outlets. Businessmen and women have been fired for playing on Facebook during company time. Parents have discussed the opportunities their children have to display inappropriate pictures or participate in illicit conversations with a “friend.” All of this points to the negative aspects of the social media outlets.

But, what if . . . Christians could connect and encourage each other and pray for each other on their chosen social media? Instead of being embarrassed to say your request aloud, it’s as simple as typing your concern on your status bar. Instantly, all your “friends” or “followers” know specifically how to connect with you in a meaningful way. If you are having a difficult period with your teenage son, post your situation and ask for others who’ve had similar circumstances to respond with their insight.

What if . . . Christian pastors used social media to connect with the members of their churches instead of just saying “Hi” at the end of the service? Pastors and elders lead busy lives just like the rest of us. Social media offers them the opportunity to send a quick note of encouragement or prayer instead of waiting until the order for the stationery arrives and the stamps are bought. Conversely, the church members can encourage the church staff and elders by posting comments or sending them a private email.

What if . . .  Christian pastors posted their upcoming sermons on their social media page, as well as videos of the sermons they’ve already taught? They could post blogs on their page about a current “hot topic,” drawing in their Christian and non-Christian “friends.” This concept allows the social media outlets to spread God’s Word. Some pastors daily post Scripture and a short teaching about it. For some, this might cause curiosity that leads them to study the Bible or visit a church.

As much as critics state social media allows too much of our private lives to be shared with the general public, learning about other Christians’ lives and seeing their pictures can create new connections by noticing similar interests. For example, you might not have known that the guy sitting down the pew from you loved golf as much as you do but never has anybody to play with. Suddenly, you have a new golfing partner. Or you discover a family with young children who desperately need a vacation, and you have a time share on the beach. Reach out to the family through social media and offer them a well-deserved vacation.

Religious organizations have been given an incredible opportunity to minister to their members and those seeking a relationship with God through social media. All of the negative things happening on social media sites are real, but it would only take a few Christians to turn the tables, making social media a way to spread God’s love and teach others about the blessings of God. Will you be a part of causing social media to be used for good?