The internet is a tool that builds social networks. In a new report from Pew Internet they explore “The Strength of Internet Ties“. With the emergence of Web 2.0 web applications it has become much easier to build personal social networks. Some of these include MySpace, FaceBook and Flickr. You can find an extensive list here.
Below are possible uses of these applications for ministry. Please leave some of your ideas as a comment.
Squidoo
Squidoo is a service where anyone can build “lenses” on various topics. It is a place to share ideas and knowledge about a certain topic. Squidoo can be used to send people to other websites and blogs. At the same time you can earn a royalty. Though this part of the service is currently “turned off” in the beta stage, eventually it will be a way to earn money for a charity of your choice.
You could use Squidoo to build a lens about a certain topic and “bridge” it with an evangelistic message or point them to another evangelistic website that relates to the topic.
Facebook
“Facebook is an online directory that connects people through social networks at schools.”
It is said that around 85% of college students use Facebook. You can get an account with Facebook if you have an .edu e-mail address. Many universities provide alumni with .edu e-mail addresses to stay connected with them.
You could encourage students that you know to share their faith on their page and create a group page for a Christian organization on their campus. You can purchase a Facebook Announcement and target the message to a particular campus to advertise an event or if you are trying to sell something. This has a lot of potential.
Flickr
An online photo management and sharing application.
You could post and tag your photos to tell a redemptive story.
I realize that this post was written in 2006, but I think it is even more important now (2008) to revisit this topic. Web 2.0 has advanced much further than the 3 tools listed above. For example as described above facebook requires an educational e-mail, not anymore facebook is open to anyone with an email address. As well there are numerous applications that you can fill your facebook profile with. To name a few of the newer Web 2.0 tools that can be implemented into a church environment(it is not limited to this list): Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, Friendfeed, blogger, Tumblr, Flickr, Youtube. All of these tools can be aggregated and integrated, so that the congregation stays connected. Support for all of todays media, media devices, etc. is either supported or soon to be supported. Koinonia Solutions is a consulting firm that helps churches and other organizations integrate and use Web 2.0 tools. With this new era of media and communication the possibilities are endless.
Justin
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http://koinoniasolutions.com/