At a recent YOU Lead a panel of women’s leaders was asked, “How do you use technology to reach the younger generation? Is anyone using Facebook successfully.” Regarding the second question, the answer is YES!
One of the big issues in the church today is connecting older and young women. Technology is one of the easiest ways to do that. Older women sometimes need help developing web sites, Twitter and Facebook accounts and pages. Younger women eat and breathe this stuff.
Often I feel like I am bothering others by asking how to change a link name, get an automatic twitter sent when a blog post is added to our blog, and other “simple” things I just don’t know how to do. I have found out here at Lifeway that our young techie folks are more than happy to help me learn the tricks of technology. In fact, one said to me one day when I apologized for having to take her time to come to my office to show me something, “I am just so glad you want to learn!” It helped me and made her feel good at the same time.
Facebook pages are a quick and inexpensive way to keep your women updated on current groups, events, prayers (with discretion), and needs. Mention the need for warm coats for a family online and more than likely you will have more than enough provided. Don’t know how to create a Facebook page? Ask a young woman in your church to show you and perhaps even maintain it for you.
Using web sites for providing information and even for online registration is such an easy way to help women know what is going on. I’d rather register online than stand in line to buy a ticket!
What about online Bible study discussions? One young lady is leading a group through a reading of the entire Bible. Each day they read the same chapters and she posts comments. Others then give input as well. Or what about sending an online devotional thought to your women once a week…something to encourage and inspire them to stay in the Word and to walk in faith day by day. Again, it’s connecting women with women and women with God.
If you want to know what your young women are doing, create not only a Facebook account but also a Twitter account. I keep up with lots of folks in a short period of time just by scrolling through Twitter updates. In fact, right now my husband is in Haiti and our phones do not work there. But the team leader is providing Twitter updates and even photos to keep families at home up with what is happening…like 27 lost bags for 3 days that just arrived. Bags filled not only with clothes, but food and school supplies to stuff in back packs for the children! We have been praying faithfully since they got lost once they reached the country. Seeing photos of the children they are ministering too has kept us a part of the team even though we are home!
The possibilities are endless for using technology to get the word out about your ministry and to connect many women with each other to accomplish big tasks for Christ. Pray about who you can connect with to help you accomplish an online presence for your women, and who you can develop an intergenerational relationship with that will help you both live out Titus 2:3-5.
How are you using technology creatively?