Just a few weeks ago I celebrated my 1 year anniversary of serving churches with the Church Solutions Group team. It’s been a huge honor to work with a group of people who are passionate about the local church and who are committed to helping churches grow to reach more people.

Late last year Reach 77, an initiative of CSG, began beta testing one day gatherings for church leaders called 77 Events.

The basic premise of the gatherings is to have a small group of likeminded leaders gathering together for a day of focused teaching, conversation, and connection.

No formal presentations. No keynotes. No rows of chairs. No conference hype. No wondering if you’d make some new connections.

Instead, there would be quick ideas shared by guest mentors and conversations in small groups around tables with the goal of giving you an actionable plan to implement in your ministry and a list of new people to connect with after the event.

It’s pretty simple and they have been great.

We’ve held gatherings for executive pastors, senior pastors, technical directors, and worship leaders. And coming up on March 14, we are hosting our first gathering for communication and media leaders at First Christian Church in Huntington Beach, CA.

If you are responsible for communication or media in your church… that’s everything from bulletins and the websites to videos and stage design… this event is for you.

Guest mentors for the day include:

• Dawn Nicole Baldwin – church communication strategist
• Drew Goodmanson – Monk Development
• Josh Burns – Park Community Church
• Curtis Templeton – First Christian Church
• Bruce Smith – Church Solutions Group
• and me!

Cost is only $77 per person. You must apply to attend.

You can learn more about 77 Events at 77events.org.

And, since it’s Wednesday and Wednesday is for winners…

If you’re interested in attending, I’ve got a free pass for you.

Drop a comment below sharing one of your biggest communication challenges as of late. I’ll randomly pick one of you to win a pass to the event tomorrow at 5 PM CST. You’ll have to arrange your own travel and hotel, but the cost of attending is covered.

A former staff member of Big Idea Productions [creators of VeggieTales] and Willow Creek, Dawn Nicole frequently contributes to today’s leading-edge thinking of integrating Christianity and culture but is best known as a change agent who is intent on stretching imaginations, connecting people and making a difference.

Dawn participated in the M2LIVE webinar series sharing on 5 Ways Social Media Can Kill Your Brand. Here’s my notes and you can check out Dawn’s here.

• Over 500 billion minutes per month are being spent on Facebook.
• One of the fastest-growing demographics is middle-aged women.
• Twitter is growing fastest in the age 12-16 demographic.
• People are now connecting with brands through social media.
• Everything is moving mobile.
• Over 30% of people who are connecting to social media are doing it through their smartphones and mobile devices.
• Hear how Park is using texting.
• Technology can be leveraged for “holy” things.
• Some churches are allowing people to text in prayer requests.

1 – To be unprepared

• Organizations are rushing into the space out of a fear of being left behind.
• Since social media is free, many people are jumping into it without thinking about why.
• “If you fail to plan you are planning to fail.”
• Being unprepared will kill your brand.
• So many people are throwing darts without a bulls eye in mind.
• We have to have a clear, defined target.
• Planning is a key component of effectively using social media.
• There is no perfect fix.

2 – Having the wrong people lead it.

• Social media channels can get delegated down to the wrong person.
• It’s not the job for a tech person… they often don’t have the larger picture in mind.
• You need to look at social media as one of the first ways your church interacts with the public.
• Whoever is spearheading you communication channels needs to be involved in the flow of social media.
• Social media isn’t a siloed function of organizations.
• You have to have a cohesive identity in how you are expressed in social media.
• The people you put in leadership of social media will be “brand ambassadors” for your organization.
• Social media isn’t a task to tackle.
• It’s not an item on your checklist.
• Communications is another channel to deliver your vision.

3 – It’s not set it and forget it.

• It’s not uncommon for organizations to set up multiple accounts but have no one championing it.
• “If you build it they will come” doesn’t work anymore.
• If you build it, they expect a response.
• Silence on social media is worse than not having a social media presence.
• Every communications channel has its own rhythm.
• Content is king when it comes to blogs.
• Audience interaction determines the rhythm of other channels.
• Check Facebook and twitter hourly and daily and respond when appropriate.
• It changes the way we communicate and will impact our daily activities.
• Social media isn’t something everything should do.
• How does it fit around what you do well?

4 – Not Adding Value

• SPAM applies to content.
• People are looking value.
• Don’t just repeat what people have already heard.
• Leverage it to give new, relevant information to your audience.
• It’s not about YOU, it’s about your audience.
• How can you meet their needs?
• Social media is a two-way conversation.
• It’s also a listening tool to connect with your audience.
• You don’t have to always know the answer.

5 – Expecting miracles.

• Technology isn’t the end-all-be-all.
• Social media isn’t a substitute for other media channels.
• Print still has a place in most places.

Some examples of social media impact:

• Greenpeace vs Nestle
• OldSpice YouTube campaign
• TSA backlash

Closing Thoughts

• People have always had conversations but social media gives people a public platform to amplify them.
• Google removed front doors. It made everything accessible.
• Don’t get overwhelmed… you don’t have to do everything at once.
• Think through what you want to accomplish and how it fits who you are as a church.
• Does it matter to the people you are trying to reach?
• Planning will help your efforts become more fruitful and effective.
• Choose channels that are manageable. Try one at a time.
• Experiment and let people know about it.
• Experimenting gives you freedom to adjust.
• Don’t be afraid to collect information.
• Don’t be afraid to ask people questions to find the right channel.
• Conversation beats everything.

Having great content is half the battle, but presentation is everything. We love what ApsireOne has done in creating a fantastic customized platform for sharing our audio and video content.

The player integrates with multiple formats… vimeo, FLV, 316 Networks, Lightcast, etc and is updated seamlessly with an easy-to-use web based administration panel. Simple. Easy. Seamless. Always a good way to go.

We’re still uploading our content and getting it all organized but I wanted you to be the first to see!

Huge thanks to the team at AspireOne!

A former staff member of Big Idea Productions [creators of VeggieTales] and Willow Creek, Dawn Nicole frequently contributes to today’s leading-edge thinking of integrating Christianity and culture but is best known as a change agent who is intent on stretching imaginations, connecting people and making a difference.

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How Texting Works

• Think of your phone as a tool for connecting with your audience in an intentional and controlled way.
• Texting is permission based.
• We have to think differently about texting than we do any other communication channel (i.e. direct marketing, email, etc).
• We need to be intentional and keep the special privilege and relationship we have with people.
• Some people say texting began in 1989 with a Motorola beeper.
• Japan first adopted text messaging; America is a bit behind.
• Texting the Great Debate. Texters in all countries use “lol”, “u”, “brb” and “gr8.”
• ~(_8^(\)   – Homer Simpson
• When American Idol used texting for voting, we got it.
• In the 3rd quarter of 2006, over 12 billion texts were passed through AT&T’s network.
• 87% of the US population has mobile phones.
• Over 110 billion text messages are sent every month (up 1,000% from a few years ago).
• Adults send/receive 357 text messages per month on average; compared to 204 phone calls.
• Teens/young adults send 1,742 text messages per month.
• Texting is a communication channel of the future.
• 87% of 13-27 yos send text messages… 73% of 15-37 year olds… 44% of 28-39 year olds; 18% of 40-49 year olds.

Textology Terms

• SMS – Short Message Service
• Shortcode – Your “address” … hard to create/approve with all carriers.
• Keywords – tell the system what to do. There’s more flexibility with keywords.

Applications of Texting in Church

• Text-to-Screen – user initiates contact. (asking questions to the pastor, etc); allows church.

1. Granger Community Church did a whole weekend called “Ask Anything” where people could text in their questions to the pastor.
2. Park Community Church does Q&A in every service. (that’s me!)

• Surveys & Polls – allows people to share their opinion and gets people engaged so they can participate, not just listen.
• Text Alerts – church initiates conversation with their church. Churches set up texting groups to alert them about upcoming events and news.
• Promos - an opportunity for an audience to engage and win something… think radio content.
• Bouncebacks – get people specific information about events/opportunities. (Example, you have a BBQ… you can have people text the word BBQ to your shortcode and a message bounces back to them with info about the BBQ).
• Two-Way Messaging – think ChaCha. Example: During church service times, you could allow people to text questions and have someone respond to them personally. (Mental note: We need to do this at Park!) It’s a great way to give them next steps… can change the way you communicate.

Bottom line… you need to check out Jarbyco!

Dawn Nicole Baldwin is a strategist with a passion to help churches reach people more effectively. She lives this out as founder and lead strategist of AspireOne and as a senior partner with Jarbyco, a mobile communications firm specializing in live events that works with organizations such as Park Community Church, Lifechurch.tv and Youth Specialties.

A former staff member of Big Idea Productions [creators of VeggieTales] and Willow Creek, Dawn Nicole frequently contributes to today’s leading-edge thinking of integrating Christianity and culture but is best known as a change agent who is intent on stretching imaginations, connecting people and making a difference.

About Cynthia Ware
Cynthia Ware is a consultant with an in depth expertise in two areas: online technologies and strategic church development.

Equipped with two decades of pastoral ministry and a Master’s Degree in New Media, Cynthia helps Christian leaders develop online communication strategies to compliment their ministry goals. She consults pastors, churches, ministries and non-profits in how to use their online presence to enrich and expand their ministry reach.

Besides consulting, she is an active public speaker & writer. This year she has presented at Biola University, the Internet Ministry Conference, Willow Creek’s Group Life Conference, the Dynamic Church Conference, Innovation3 and The Idea Camp.

Her personal blog, The Digital Sanctuary, encourages Christian leaders to explore, embrace and employ participatory media technologies to serve the Kingdom of God. Additionally, she is a co-contributor to several other online sites including Digital, the Leadership Network’stechnology blog. She is also an officer for many online Christian networks, websites and internet resources.

Since 2001, Cynthia and her husband Bob, an associate pastor, have lived in the greater Los Angeles area with their two teenage children and a lot of computers.

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Social Media – a fusion of sociology and technology, transforming monologues (one to many) into dialogues (many to many).

• The church has existed as a monologue.
• We don’t want to be talked at, we want to be talked with.
• We don’t want to be talked to, we want to be talked with.
• We cannot project what our trajectories will be like through social media.
• Christianity is spread virally.
• Technology is opening a new door and opportunity for the church.
• Check out a new book called SimChurch… not released yet, about the number of people Christians are reaching online.
• Social media allows us to connect hubs and connect people with like-mindedness and passions and connect them.
• People now drive and author content.
• We need to shift our mindset in how we think how we should communicate.
• Facebook, Twitter, Web, YouVersion have changed the way we communicate.
• 250 million people are on Facebook.
• 4.6 million people are on Twitter.

What does that mean for us?

1. We can avoid it.
2. We can realize it’s already there, already happened, it’s free, and figure out what can we do with it.

Facebook

• The connections that happen online become far more tightly connected and woven than it used to through social media (e.g. when you post something to Facebook and people respond to it.).
• It’s not about publishing your sermon, it’s about finding places for people to connect in real and authentic ways (even though it’s virtual).
• Websites should not be static, they should be dynamic and link to social media.
• Use social media to start conversations.
• Key to Facebook is the number of people that are on it… the most vital dimensions of ministry are often on the edges.
• Courageous Church was pioneered via Facebook.
• Found an ad blast on Saturday is more effective than an ad a day.

Free & Paid Services

• File sharing is critical to new media.
• Flickr and YouTube are free, most people have accounts there.
• If your website is connected to YouTube or Facebook, there’s a high likelihood your website will be used as a “place” not just a “space.”
• Free spaces created interconnectivity.
• Ning is a great social media tool to use.
• Most churches pay per user for services like Unifyer, Cobblestone, etc which give churches a level of control and moderation. And they give a “safe zone” for members.
• Where you put your money is where your investment will be.
• Most churches see the web as being a vital part of their ministry, but don’t fund to staff and manage it.
• First-time visitors will come from your webpage first.
• If you opt for a private online community, connect it to Facebook, don’t abandon it.

Interactive Tools & Services

• Tokbox – video calls.
• Jarbyco – text messaging.
• Cover it Live & UStream – interactive chats.
• Usually the church is being seen as “slow” when it comes to these things. But, the Church seems to be blazing the way in thinking through how we can leverage these new social media platforms.

Churches to watch: LifeChurch.tv, Park Community Church (right on!)

• Each church has an opporutnity to innovate in their own way in accordnace with their own calling.
• That’s different than jumping in on other people’s  ideas.
• Salt loses its seasoning… it becomes like another instead of being it’s own unique flavor.
• Who do we want to reach? What do we want to accomplish? And how can technology help us get there?
• We need real life touch and connection but not miss the free connection points technology allows us.
• Go to where people are already at.

iCampuses

• Many churches are launching internet campuses.
• There’s not a “one size fits all” approach.
• Community is key.
• iCampuses to watch: LifeChurch.tv, New Hope, North Point, Flamingo Road

7 Deadly Sins of Social Media

• Lust – loving your audience is great, but take it slow. Don’t stalk or overwhelm your audience.  No one wants to be spammed by their church.
• Gluttony – don’t bite off more than you can chew.  Start slow with a few things instead of trying to do it all at once.
• Greed – it’s hard to shake hands while you’re reaching for someone’s wallet. Don’t pressure people to volunteer… don’t stalk people to do things they haven’t asked. Texting is permission based. Treat those relationships like gold.
• Sloth – avoid the temptation to “set it and forget it.” We need to be intentional!
• Wrath – there are a lot of people out there itching fora punch in the nose, but don’t be the one to give it to them. Be careful what gets posted in any social media channel.
• Envy – don’t be dissuaded by other people “doing it better than you.” Stay focused on the mission God has set before you.
• Pride – stay humble, rock star.

Questions to Consider When Diving into Social Media:

• What’s the goal?
• What is the best tool?
• How much does it cost?
• How will we create buy-in?
• When will we evaluate?
• How will we measure success?

It is worth it to experiment. The goal is to use the technology, not the technology using you. It’s a tool for enhanced communication. What works best for you might not work for someone else.

Key things to watch are GLOBAL and MOBILE.

Your congregation should be moving to paperless.

Churches should not have “turn your phone off” signs, they should have turn your phone on signs.”

Really looking forward to be hearing from a great line-up of speakers including: Phil Vischer, Ben Arment, Phil Cooke, Mark Steele, Dawn Nicole Baldwin, Cynthia Ware, Matt Knisely, Shawn Wood, Drew Goodmanson, Carlos Whittaker, Greg Atkinson, Richard Reising… and many more!

I’ll be blogging my notes and Tweeting away, so be sure to stay tuned!