NSN Part 3: Words are Heavy

Navigating social networking is a key part of today's culture. How do parents lead their families to use social networking in a healthy way? How do we use social networking as a tool for ministry? Words are heavy. We have all seen it happen as cyber bullying or an emotional outburst on Facebook or twitter. As followers of Christ, we have the power of the Holy Spirit. In one minute words can bring encouragement and life to others. In another minute our words can hurt deeply.

Words reveal our heart.

“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34

You see, the words that come out of our mouth originate from the heart.

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2

Just because we have freedom of speech does not mean it gives us a right to publicly hurt others. But what if we are just being honest? We always need to be transparent but use words that display love and kindness. Social networking gives us an opportunity. Use it to encourage others or tear others down.

 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29.

Tips to remember when updating your status:

- Is what I am about to write consistent with what God says about me or others? -Do I need to stop, pray and ask the question, "is this the wise thing to do?" - If I post this, do I know it is entirely true? - Will what I say be used to build others up or tear others down? - What I write is permanently sealed online if captured at the moment I post.

What would you add? What are your thoughts about the power of words?

NSN Part 2: Use it for Ministry

I remember the days before I had a cell phone. When I turned 18 I was able to buy my first Nokia cell phone! It was a great moment! I could play the game "snake" and call my friends wherever I went. The technology was amazing but as I look back, that phone is no longer useful compared to current technology. We live in a fast-paced, ever-changing culture.

We have a choice. Do we embrace technology or run away from it?

The church has responded. Some using it as a tool and others pushing it away. Using social networking/technology as a vital tool in ministry.

Why is it important? Simply communication. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about being "all things...." We have an opportunity to creativity communicate the gospel to a broken world.

Social networking is not a replacement to face-to-face interaction. It is simply a tool. 

Tips on using social networking for ministry? 

- Twitter: Sign up and begin one personally. Use it as a way to share your life experiences and thoughts that God lays on your heart. Use it to share scripture, blog posts, quotes and encouragements to others. I think in the next few years, twitter will overtake Facebook and email. I think it will be a primary communication tool in the future (unless something else overtakes it). Sign up and being one for your ministry. Make it simple for people to remember and make sure it is updated at least twice per week. If you do not update it, it has lost its purpose and you will lose any following and chance to impact others. Upload your ministry logo and explain in the description

- Facebook: Everyone seems to have an account these days, even grandparents! Facebook is the primary tool to communicate to all ages. I would have a page for your ministry to update and keep current. Group pages are useful but are more exclusive because it takes more time to add new people. I prefer a "page" that people can like on Facebook. It is easier to join and less cluttered. I am a part of a few youth pastor closed groups on Facebook that are helpful in sharing thoughts, encouragement and ideas. Click here for helpful tips to link accounts together to make it easier to update multiple accounts.

The most important aspect is making sure the updates are consistent and timely.

What else would you add? How do we do a better job of using social networking for ministry? 

NSN Part 1: Protect your Family

We live in a social networking world. We are bombarded constantly by apps and social networks! Immediate response presents opportunities and challenges. One of the challenges is learning how to help students and parents navigate how to use social networking wisely. Social networking is a great tool to use for God. But, many times it is an extension of our daily baggage. It can easily turn into expressing hurtful comments, anger, and filthy language. It also presents the question of modesty of what pictures should be posted for everyone to see?

Tips for Parents: 

• Do you protect and educate your family on how to use twitter/Facebook? If so, have conversations teach them to use social networking as a tool for the gospel! Ask, "how can you use twitter to grow in Jesus?" or "have you thought about posting verses you are reading or memorizing on twitter/Facebook? Think of focusing upon, "what is the wise thing to do?" If you are not using twitter or Facebook, I urge you to learn and stay current.
• Lead students to become peacemakers on social networking. If there is conflict, don't run to the phone or laptop! Teach them to follow God's plan for resolving conflict (See Become a peacemaker). Teach them to go and talk in private with whoever they have a conflict with in their life. Social networking is not the place to handle confrontation.
• Help stop Cyber-bullying. Students use Facebook/twitter to bully and put down others. Students will many times post hurtful comments to a person without using their name at the same time knowing that person will read it. It is a way to slander someone publicly and not even use the person's name, but know this, that person received the message. From there it gets worse and the madness worsens and the drama builds and builds.
• Talk to your student(s) about what is appropriate to post online. Be proactive and not reactive by having an ongoing conversation of the importance of healthy interaction online.

Encouragement to students:

• Social networking is a tool. Use it for God! Write out your testimony and post it as a Facebook note or blog post. Look at all areas of your life as an opportunity to spread the gospel.
• If you are angry, think and pray before you write. Are you mad at a certain person? Have you talked to them privately about what is wrong? Because let's be honest, when we tweet something to get back at someone, it never leads to conflict resolution.
• Share personal struggles to a friend, leader or parent. You might need prayer, encouragement and someone to talk too. Facebook/twitter is not a healthy place for us to work through struggles publicly. Find a person you can talk to in person.
• Connect with others and encourage them. Use social networking to encourage one another by sending a quick message, comment or tweet. Text a quick verse to your friends before heading to school in the morning.

What are other ways to protect your family? How can social networking be used wisely?