Tuesday, April 26, 2011
"He meant Fair Well...."
Life church is one of those rare gold minds that is too good not to share. In fact I found it appropriate to quickly share one of their Social media Guidelines. Yeah, this church actually has a document that states their social media guidelines. I think that social media is a great outlet to reach the lost and defend the Christian faith. I think that it is a great way to connect. I think blogging is great! However, we need to be even more careful, as leaders, to be extra vigilant and cautious in everything that we post. I appreciated this little gem from the document:”
“When in doubt, go positive. Whether you’re responding to a snarky comment, frustrated with a
vendor, or trying to decide if you should write about something that’s bothering you, you’ll never regret taking the high road.”
So often in today’s fast paced world we post pictures, comments, and tweet amidst being stalled at a red light. I can actually take a picture of a guy giving me the finger and text it to everyone I know before I get home on my daily commute. The ability to multi task and never actually concentrate on one thing at any time dominates our social media lifestyles. I am reminded of a situation that Rob Bell recently faced with comments such as, “Farewell Rob Bell.” Would the pastor who sent this tweet have been so quick in pressing the send button if he had sat down and thought about the backlash (both for and against)? We as leaders are called to a higher standard. We are not able to just vomit our emotional opinion on line no matter how witty or clever. The consequences and stakes are too high. (Please note that my post is 256 words w/o quote-website http://open.lifechurch.tv/tools)
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dibbs.
ReplyDeleteJustin,
ReplyDeleteWe do indeed need to be mindful of what we put online. LifeChurch.tv’s principles are indeed helpful, but what I find lacking is the mention of what I call “online narcissism.” Leaders need to be especially mindful of what they say about themselves. You may be having a bad day, but that doesn’t warrant the need to let everyone know about it. Maybe the leader should take it to God instead of Facebook. I understand the need to be a genuine and authentic leader, but venting via Facebook or Twitter is not the way to go.
Even more, I’m surpised how many leaders are not mindful of their sense of humor via digital media. I’ve caught myself a few times before making what I think (and the person(s) it is directed to) will be funny comment, realizing that many do not understand either the context of the joke or my own sense of humor. For some reason humor does not translate well via written media.
Nevertheless, digital media is a necessary tool in reaching today’s culture. To avoid it completely is naïve, but to except it totally is likewise not healthy. Balance and stewardship are the keys to online health.