There are plenty of opinions about Twitter’s value to the world, but I’m sold on the idea that it’s a valuable connection tool, a conversational tool, and a relationship-building tool. In a sense, Twitter (along with other social networks) is allowing people to do what people have always done (be social) over platforms that have never existed until our technologically-advanced age.
As my Pastor, Rick Warren, likes to put it, this technology is a gift from God for ministry. It’s up to each of us as to if and how we’ll use it.
At the time I began using Twitter, I was serving as Lead Pastor of a church in northwest Arkansas. My interest in the social web, communication design, and messaging grew and I found doors opening to conversations about spiritual things with people whom I might never have met otherwise.
It’s also been an incredible tool in the sense of professional connections and an expanding online influence. In January of 2010, I received an email from David Chrzan, Chief of Staff at Saddleback Church, who had found me on Twitter. Six months later, we re-located to sunny southern California where I’m now on staff at Saddleback Church as the Online Community Coordinator for Pastors.com, one of the world’s largest community of ministry leaders. It may sound funny, but Twitter changed my life… literally.
I’ve put together this 39 page mini-book about how to use Twitter to expand your online influence and grow your ministry’s reach. It includes principles of social media as well as practical advice. I talk about getting set up, using lists, joining conversations, forming relationships, and using Twitter to offer encouragement and affirmation.
If you’re interested in branching out on Twitter, grab your copy today! It’s just $7 (reduced from $10).
