The Twitter Effect (In Ministry)

Stats from Hubspot (Techcrunch.com)
Today the average Twitter account has 300 followers; in July 2009, it had 70
- The average account now follows 173 accounts; in July 2009 it was only following 47
- The average account today has posted 420 updates; in July 2009 that number was 119


So, I've been Twittering almost 3 years now-long enough to have some perspective on this and where it has and hasn't gone in the time span.

I began Twittering in 2008, just after a conference in Tennessee.  This was just about the time of the launch of Twitter after it's introduction in 2007.  I would have to say that it had us all captured with it's novelty in 2008 and the stats certainly show that this was Twitter's grand introduction to the Social Media scene.

Since then, for me, I have settled into more of a blend of social media formats (some twitter, more facebook, and a dabble here and there with LinkedIn and others)   I guess not having to be specifically on Twitter in order to post (through third party formats like FourSquare and such) have kind of dulled my Twitter obsession (my number certainly show that with almost a flat line of new followers and me following)

I haven't seen broad acceptance of Twitter as a ministry format in my realm.  However, those who have put both feet into in have seen great results (ie: Crosspoint Church in Nashville had their finest hours of harnessing the manpower to help during the floods with help from Twitter)  Some churches are using it for feedback and conversation during worship.

I have seen it used effectively for communication at large events. National Worship Leader Conference uses it to post the comments of those attending it's meeting using Visible Tweets.  It's a way to connect large group of people in one venue and also those wanting to know more about what's happening at the event (online community feeling like they are part of the event too)



Top Ten Reasons For Churches To Twitter

US Churches Use Twitter

2 comments:

Jeremy A Walker said...

I like the video...Catastrophic failure aside, why not use every possible mode of communication (no mater how vague and sublime) to connect to as many people as possible? If church became about connection, would we see a difference being made in people?

Sharon Sarles said...

Know anybody using Twitter (or any other social media) effectively in parachurch/broadcasting ministry?

I know about Ron Hutchcraft who uses website based blogs coupled with kids tweeting to be "rescuers" (i.e. share the message of salvation.)

I see Matt Sorger keeping in touch with followers.

Otherwise, I see lots of folks just using it, like holding up signs in the dark, but no clear "use" like getting results.

Ideas? Directions? Models? Thanks very much.