I was just thinking about how social media has changed the perspectives of believers across the world. Certainly, in dealing with the COVID pandemic, online worship has taken its toll on in-person attendance. Many seats in houses of worship are empty!
Still, that’s not the only way social media has affected us. Let me say that every aspect of this phenomenon is not bad, but it is often misused and abused. The good thing is that people can have almost immediate contact with friends, families and church families via Twitter, Instagram and especially Facebook. For churches, our task, our commission, is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, to tell people how to be saved to disciples believers and to send out missionaries into the community, states and other countries. But in daily living, we need to access every means by which to lift up, encourage and show compassion.
Churches have the ability to reach out to their communities, inviting people to regular services, revival efforts, missions rallies, Bible conferences, Vacation Bible Schools and other events. All that is good.
Through online videos, those who are not regular attendees can see and hear the gospel message through pastors’ messages, Bible classes, missions presentations, as well as revival and evangelistic services. Again, all that is good!
So, how are social media platforms not so good? They have caused so many to take a shortcut approach to people’s requests — especially regarding prayer. When prayer for a church member, coworker or family member is requested, what do we so often see? Many inform the requester that he or she will pray for the person or family in need.
However, others take the shortcut approach. Emojis — thumbs up, praying hands, or some other symbol — are quickly posted. These are not necessarily bad, but they are not really personal responses to personal requests.
Now, I admit that I have been guilty of taking the shortcut approach. But I feel that I have missed opportunities to adequately respond to the requests. So, as we are now in this new year of 2022, I encourage each of us to properly use, and not abuse, social media. It can certainly be a ministry tool — but fewer emojis, please!
