Is Facebook killing your church? In this episode of Now Is The Time I talk about how social networks can damage the church and I give you 4 tips how to protect your church from the dangers of Facebook!

Announcements

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• We’re coming soon!
  

We will fly to the US on October 15th and we appreciate your prayers! We will be visiting and reporting to our supporters while we are in the States.

Check out our schedule here if you want to see us.

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• Two ways to support us
  

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Donate through our mission agency ABWE 

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Technology can’t replace real relationships

We are more connected by technology today than ever and we are also more alone. The problem is we often think that what we do on social networks can replace real relationships.

But it can’t!

Koinonia, the Greek word in the New Testament that describes the fellowship of the early church means the following;

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• To have something in common
  
• To work together on a task
  
• To live in a society or family
  

These are things that at some point require real interaction without the aid of a computer.

Check out what that fellowship looked like in Acts 2:41-47

Tips on how to keep Facebook from killing your church

1. Approach Facebook as a tool for the in-between times

Facebook and other social networks are great tools for continuing relationships that we have in our church. The problem is that sometimes our virtual relationships can get in the way of our real life relationships. We need to think of Facebook as tool for the in-between times and not a replacement for real relationships.

2. Use social networks intentionally to bring people closer to Jesus

What do people think when they see your profile, read your status updates our view your photos.  Does your Facebook profile bring people closer to Jesus or does it impress them with what you had for dinner last night?

3. Invite people over to your home

For some of you this is difficult to do because you want everything to be perfect. At some point you have to put down your pride and just invite someone over. The quality of fellowship that you have in your home doesn’t depend on how delicious your food is or how spectacular the decor but rather on the sincerity of your heart!

Check out Acts 2:46

 4. Come to church early and stay late

You know who I’m talking about here! Those of you who slip in just after the service has started and dart out as the Pastor says, “Amen”.  You’re not going to build relationships and enjoy fellowship that way.  Why not come 20 mins early next Sunday and find someone new to talk with? Why not stay 20 mins after the service is over and see if there is someone you can pray for?

Question: What other tips do you have on how to keep social networks from destroying real fellowship in the church?