My generation experienced the election of the first African-American President, the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, Desert Storm, Iraq War, historic government bailouts, the passing of healthcare reform, and the greatest economic downturn since The Great Depression. However, in my opinion, the greatest shifts we will experience in our lifetime are happening now!
According to next generation thought leader Blake Mallen, “most new online technologies have one root intention: to make it simpler for people to communicate and collaborate.” Of all the tools and websites created to connect people, Facebook seems to be the most popular starting place for many. With more than 500 million users (that’s right – 500 MILLION AND GROWING), we all have at our fingertips the tools to find, friend, and engage with people. Imagine how churches can use this platform to expand the Kingdom of God!
Consider this:
To reach 50 million users, it took:
- Radio – 38 years
- TV – 13 years
- Internet – 4 years
- iPod – 3 years
FACEBOOK ADDED 100 MILLION USERS IN LESS THAN 9 MONTHS
Source: United Nations Cyber School Bus Document/Mashable
Additionally, according to a Grunwald Associates National Study, “at the end of 2010 Generation Y will outnumber baby boomers…96% of them have joined a social network.”
QUESTIONS:
Considering this social trend, how will the church respond and leverage social media to help expand the Kingdom of God?
How will business owners leverage social media to market their goods and services?
How are you leveraging social media?
We briefly talked about this in the past ironically through social media. It is fascinating how this latest version of communication is booming. I don’t see how it could get much better but when they went from horse drawn wagons to snail mail, then to overnite I am sure people had the same thoughts then. But now at the touch of a button to those who are in possession of the technology each person can receive a Word in their own language through translation, sound familiar? Instantaneously you can be speaking or reading something on the other side of town or the globe. I believe this technology or an even more advanced version is the means by which the Gospel will reach the “ends of the world”.
Hey Lowell,
Thanks for your thoughtful response!
Like you, I too am fascinated with how global communication and interaction rests in our fingertips. Although we are witnessing cultural shifts, nothing replaces human interaction. I believe the two can be synthesized with more emphasis placed on human interaction while using social media as the means to an end. I imagine the church using Facebook & other social media to inform, instruct, inspire, & extend the reach of the gospel to the uttermost parts of the world. I’d love to hear your ideas man!
Pastor I am getting in gear to start my business and this is the first thing I heard when I attended a business seminar. The experts encorage business owners to utilize social media. This is a great tool to use when connecting to customers and it is a MUST for small business owners. The experts also encourage business owners to utilize facebook to gain awareness of your brand. Social media is excellent in regards to job search, I have found that LinkedIn is another MUST for people that are searching for jobs.
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your comments. I’m super excited that you’re starting your own business. Small businesses are the pathway to a more prosperous life. I applaud you for doing it the right way! Social media is here to stay so you might as well leverage it to grow your business. Please keep me informed about your business and I will continue to pray that God will prosper it! Remember: Keep your cash flow strong, expenses down, and overhead low.