This presentation discusses how social networking is not new, as the oldest and largest social network is religion and Christianity. However, something new - the Internet and related technologies - are changing how people communicate and their expectations around communication. The next generation of parishioners are growing up online and the church must adapt to these new communication styles and online spaces in order to remain relevant and engage parishioners. The presentation provides examples of how churches can use online tools and services to better connect with members and foster engagement in their faith community.

1. Social Networking and the Church Michael A. Stone Internet Product Manager Liturgical Publications Inc

2. About This Presentation This presentation isn’t about building a Facebook Fan Page This presentation isn’t about whether you should have a social network This presentation is about why every church needs an Online Ministry This presentation is about increasing mass participation, stewardship and ultimately…survival

3. What is the oldest and largest Social Network? Social Networking is not new.

4. Is one of these the oldest social network? Social Networking is not new.

5. Social Networking is not new. The oldest is religion. The largest is Christianity.

6. What is a Social Network? Connects people together Fosters relationships Promotes common, shared values Sounds like the Catholic Church to me

7. Social Networking is not new, but something new is changing the way we communicate.

8. That something is the Internet and related technology.

9. If You Don’t Believe Me… “The new technologies are not only changing the way we communicate, but communication itself” “This means of spreading information and knowledge is giving birth to a new way of learning and thinking, with unprecedented opportunities for establishing relationships and building fellowship.” MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVIFOR THE 45th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age

11. Radio

12. Printed word

13. Our collective voicesThe internet is neither good nor bad What’s good or bad is how people use it

14. The Internet is Changing Expectationsabout communication Howpeople communicate Wherepeople communicate When people communicate

15. The Next Generation of Parishioners are Growing Up Online The Internet has replaced paper and pen They text, not talk E-mail is even old school—Facebook is current.

16. The Next Generation of Parishioners are Growing Up Online Adapting and embracing this change is the challenge the church is facing. The church must adapt to the new communication styles or be left behind.

17. The Internet is Now Leading the Way

18. Service Attendance

19. Expectationsabout communicationHowpeople communicate The Information Super Highway is now a two-way street Its about: Engagement Dialog Active Participation

20. Expectationsabout communicationHowpeople communicate Today’s local church doesn’t have communication models built for today’s reality. Information overload, pressure to keep up, global neighborhoods, mass distrust of big business (and organized religion). We moved past the industrial age, through the information age, to the interconnected age. Social media is now a significant piece of two-way communication in today’s society.

21. Expectationsabout communicationHowpeople communicate Ground Rules for Communication: Not interruption, but permission Not chaos, but clarity Not corporate copy, but peer reviews Not user privacy, but user control Not inform, but inspire Not integrate, but elevate

22. Expectationsabout communicationWherepeople communicate “Wherever/Whenever On their…” On their computer, phone, iPad, tablet, etc. Via broadband, Skype, cellular, wi-fi

23. Expectationsabout communicationWhenpeople communicate “Whenever they want” There has been a lot of complaints about the end of the ‘work week’ in this 24X7,always on, world. But think of the possibilities if parishioners were always connected to their faith and their church 24X7

24. A closer look at wherepeople communicate online Open (“Public”) Social Networking Sites Closed (“Your”) Social Networking Sites Marketing & promotion focus Engagement second Two-way communication but typically directed Open by default, should be able to shut the doors at least partially Search engine accessible Engagement True two-way communication Secured by default, you decide how far to open the doors Typically search engine inaccessible

25. A closer look at wherepeople communicate online Open Services Facebook Twitter YouTube Slideshare.net Many, many others Ning, Eventbrite, Issuu Closed (“Your”) Services WeGather Church Community Builder CircleBuilder The City MyChurch

26. . Mom’s Group (anyone can join) Invite members to join (give them the key) Festival Planning Group (ask to join) They receive access to your “lobby” and general membership group. Finance Group (by invitation Only)

27. The Challenge is Engagementnot the technology or even resources You have people with the required skills It does necessarily mean more work. You can afford the cost You need to communicate with you parishioners where they are and how they now expect. This will keep them parishioners!

28. LPi can help You face the challenge Marketing & Promotion Seek And Find Online directory of churches and the advertisers who support them WeConnect Website builder Pre-built templates to choose from Easy to use, yet completely expandable Grows with you Parishioner Engagement WeGather Where you church connects online: a secure, closed network WeShare Online donations via ACH and Credit card, donation management, pledging, one time or regular donations

29. Thank You! For more information, please go to www.4lpi.com http://www.4lpi.com Michael A. Stone mstone@4lpi.com 262-207-2519