A question popped up in my mind this morning as I read an article on emarketer.com.

I wonder if churches are considered more as a “friend/relationship” or a “brand/company…or foe” in the social media world?  The article states, “Common wisdom over the past few years has been that people are interested in interacting with social network friends, not marketers.”  The stats (May 2009) in the article supports this.

Thinking of this from my own point of view, I would not want a bunch of marketers on my Facebook wall or in any of my personal space.  However, on any sites where I have joined a group, I don’t mind it so much.  Actually, it has lead me to some great products and services.  What I have noticed is that the best ones are the ones that are “opening a door” and allowing you to make your own decisions about their product or services, they aren’t shoving it in your face.

So where does church fall in the social media realm?  If the church is the people, is church a friend?  A relationship?  All of our jobs in the church is to bring people to God through our church.  To do that, we market.  So does that make us a marketer?  A business?  A brand?  Although we may not be in competition with other churches, do we sometimes come across that way?

After looking at church-based social media, our church and some other churches, here’s a few things I discovered:

• The churches using stories make the church feel more like a friend.  Captivate Church has done this really well.  They have linked to many stories.
• The “behind the scenes” conversations feel more like friends.  Jerod, also known as KidVid, posted a video of a funny moment from the worship planning meeting.  Lots of great feedback and people enjoyed a glimpse of our planning. (I hope the link works)
• Updates with questions or comments that spark conversation feel friendly.
• Humor feels friendly.
• Updates on events and ministries is good info to post so people know what’s going on.  As long as your updates aren’t pushing people to join something, but instead opening a door for a new opportunities, then you’re friendly.
• Conversations and updates that spark involvement are friendly.  We needed family photos for a video project and posted the need on Facebook.  It was awesome how many people responded and sent pics!  That shows relationship, not marketer.

What are your thoughts on this topic?  I would love to hear them!  :)