“Share!”
How many times did we hear that growing up as our parents worked to instill the value of sharing with others? I don’t know about you, but I heard my “share” of instructions to do the right thing and share with my friends, especially when there was something that would be of benefit to both of us. (Actually, I never really thought sharing a candy bar was a good idea, and still don’t).
On to my main thought, and it concerns the value of sharing or liking the posts your church posts on the church Facebook page.
As we watch our News Feeds on Facebook “feeding” us, and our “ticker” ticking by with story after story, and like after like, and share after share, we can easily see our friends indeed “like” a lot of things!
Some of the most “liked” pictures are pictures of cats and dogs, as well as the ever present newborns and pictures of grandchildren. Lately there seems to be a plethora (lot of) pictures of delicious looking food…not such a good thing if you’re trying to lose some weight!
Share The Love!
Your church needs (and appreciates) your help in sharing the news of the church events, and I wanted to take a moment to “share” about 4 points as to why this is something you may want to formulate as a habit as you are “facebooking”!
1. Gets The News Out Concerning Church Events
Most churches do not have an endless advertising budget, and even if they did, there is nothing quite so powerful as “word of mouth” advertising. While “sharing” and “liking” on Facebook is hardly the same as sharing the news by “word of mouth”, and neither should it replace it, there is something powerful about your friend seeing that you think enough of the value and importance of your church to share the news with others.
Even churches with large advertising budgets would exchange all of that for a fired up and excited congregation who can’t wait to get out the door to “share” the news of the next great event at the church!
2. We Are Identified by What We “Like” on Facebook
A recent article written by Raphael Satter had this title: “What you “like” on Facebook might reveal more than you realize”. Well, I’m not going to take the time to share the details of the article with you here because you can easily click over and read it for yourself, however, if you’re like me, this was one of those “duh” moments! To me, it’s common sense that if I click “like” or “share” on a Facebook link, then that must mean that in fact I “like” it!
As I watch my News Feed go by, I see people who claim to have a relationship with Christ sharing pictures with words that are more fitting for the local bar than their Facebook wall, especially when the “about” portion of their profile lets others know that they are a full fledged member of the local _________________________ Church. (Insert church name).
Matthew 7:16-20 (NIV)
16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Wouldn’t you as a Christian rather be known as the person who shares the Good News of the Gospel than the one who shares the latest “Meme” of the day filled with innuendos and language that would never be spoken inside the doors of a church?
3. Helps Develop Courage For Witnessing
Have you ever gotten “in trouble” for being too “preachy” on your wall? Have you ever had someone “de-friend” you because you were too evangelistic in your efforts? Well, I don’t think any of us want to lose friends, nor is it our desire to “tick people off” when it comes to the things of the Gospel, yet we realize that the Gospel can cause offense! Remember when Jesus had to forcibly remove the money changers from the Temple?
Realize that in taking a stand for the truths of the Word of God, you are going to have doors open you never dreamed would be open. Share a scripture verse that your church posted on their Facebook page. “Like” one of the graphics the church posted, or even share… wait for it… a link to a sermon or worship service from your church! We are talking about having some courage! Your friend may click on to the church Facebook page, and check it out even further, and you haven’t even had to speak a word, but your “likes” and “shares” did the talking! (You can do the follow up!)
4. Requires Little Effort For Maximum Results!
Think about the amount of energy it takes to click “like” or “share” and yes, even type a few thoughts concerning how valuable you think the event is! When you click one of those links, as long as your friends allow your activity to be part of their News Feed, then of course, they are going to see that and you’ve shared the news with very little effort!
The reason I say maximum results is that we may never know how powerful that momentary click was. It may be just the thing that speaks volumes to the person that it’s time to get their life right with the Lord, and the friend you only see on a Facebook page just might walk in to church and sit down and hear the message of the Gospel that has the potential to change their life for eternity! (If they are willing to receive of course.)
So, start sharing and liking your church Facebook activity!
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