Old-Fashioned and High-Tech?
May 28, 2009
Hammond, IN (May 26, 2009)—Dr. Jack Schaap, the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana, is now on Twitter! First Baptist Church is the largest church in the state of Indiana, and according to Outreach Magazine, the 15th largest church in the nation. The average attendance in 2008 was just over 15,000 people. If you are interested in following, he will be connecting with you through Twitter via his username, Jack_Schaap.
In a church that is growing and currently running over 15,000 people, how does one man connect with everyone by more than just standing in the pulpit and delivering a sermon three times a week? Dr. Schaap has decided to try what 14.5 million Americans are already a part of, and that is online social networking.
Around the country Dr. Schaap is known as a traditional, old-fashioned preacher. One may ask, "How do old-fashioned preachers and technology mix?" Maybe this is what Paul was speaking of when he said, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (I Corinthians 9:22b). The younger generation has been affected by the technological era, and this is an attempt to connect with those who need a connection to their pastor and have a difficult time connecting with him by any other means. It should make him more approachable to his younger flock.
Top 5 reasons why microblogging is a good tool for church ministry:
- Connection with people. People make decisions based on a connection they have with someone or something. Daily we must connect.
- A glimpse into a world rarely seen. Most pastors are seen in one dimension. Microblogging gives the outside world a glimpse into the pastor's family life, walk with God, and daily work routines. It is ultimate transparency.
- Helpful news and updates. A recent survey showed that people under 35 years of age prefer short news clips as a replacement for long conversation and articles. It is a way to keep a group of people current to the happenings in your ministry.
- Taking a spiritual pulse. Based on what everyone else is writing, you see their focus, and you are able to see where they are in their walk of life. It's a great tool for observation.
- Approachability. Most people are not going to walk up to someone they hardly know and start a conversation. Microblogging allows you to watch the conversation and interject when it interests you, no matter who it is you are talking to.
