As communities become more online oriented how do you include the outliers?
More and more stuff is happening on online. Virtual meetings, group video chats, yahoo groups, Facebook forums, etc. are becoming more important to who groups are and how they work. But there are still people who aren't part of that. Some people don't like social networking or feel overwhelmed by it or don't know how to use it. Among youths, some lack parental pernission or have very limited access because internet is not available at home and many sites are blocked at school. How do we include these people in our ministy and community?
Well, we write, we phone, we meet. But as a ministry or groups idenity becomes more online oriented, how can we ensure that we are intentional about this and some people don't get left behind?
Would love your thoughts on this.
Have a blessed day!
More and more stuff is happening on online. Virtual meetings, group video chats, yahoo groups, Facebook forums, etc. are becoming more important to who groups are and how they work. But there are still people who aren't part of that. Some people don't like social networking or feel overwhelmed by it or don't know how to use it. Among youths, some lack parental pernission or have very limited access because internet is not available at home and many sites are blocked at school. How do we include these people in our ministy and community?
Well, we write, we phone, we meet. But as a ministry or groups idenity becomes more online oriented, how can we ensure that we are intentional about this and some people don't get left behind?
Would love your thoughts on this.
Have a blessed day!
Very thought provoking, Melinda. Personally, I feel that despite the ease and popularity of ministering online, it can never and should never face to face ministry. We MUST have workers available to reach out on a local and more personal level. The internet is an important tool in ministry, but should not replace the interpersonal relationships of ministering face to face. God bless.
ReplyDeleteOh, I agree! I know I conducted long distance ministry over FB with one young person and so often just wanted to hug him! The personal level is absolutely needed for effective ministry.
ReplyDeleteBut I am also thinking of event planning, logistical meetings, etc. So much is happening online. Who are we excluding? Is it inevitable to some extent?
Not everyone has to be part of everything. I am leading a Bible read-through via Facebook and decided not to worry about the fact that some people would not be able to join in the related discussion. But I wouldn't want to make that a normal practice.
Dual efforts need to occur for the social media folk and the anti-social media folk. Sometimes the repeat efforts can get exhausting!
ReplyDeleteYes it can!
ReplyDeleteI suppose where you place the blame ... on the proliferation of social media or on the holdouts... is a matter of perspective and preference.