Jill R. Waltz - Why Your Ministry Facebook Page Isnt Working: Lets Fix It!

To fulfill our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the nations, we need to go to where the people are. And peoplemore than two billion of themare on Facebook. How can we engage outsiders in a natural, winsome, and loving manner, so that we might build bridges to Christ and the Church? Jill Waltz shares the why, the what, and the how behind using social media for effective ministry. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who cares about reaching people for Jesus in the modern world.

Rev. Albert Hung, District Superintendent Northern California Church of the Nazarene

Why Your Ministry Facebook Page Isnt Working: Lets Fix It!, should be a must-read for everyone in ministryespecially those who are tasked with communication/outreach for their local congregation. The information Jill presents is clear and thorough. Her ability to explain technology in simple terms makes this book best-in-class among those I have read on the subject. I would recommend all of our pastors read Jills book.

Dr. Ron Blake, District Superintendent Indianapolis District Church of the Nazarene

Jill Waltz has provided a valuable resource for those of us who are needing two questions answered: Would using Facebook benefit my church's ministry?" and How do I set up and run a successful Facebook page for my church?" In this book, Jill employs her decades of experience of pastoral ministry as well as her successful venture establishing and running a lively Facebook page for ministers. You don't have to be a computer geek to read and use this book, as she clearly explains everything along the way and takes you through the steps to get your page up and running and keep it relevant and lively.

I recommend this book to all who seek to use social media to enhance the ministry of their congregation.

Dr. Ron Dalton, School of Theology and Christian Ministry, Olivet Nazarene University

Every pastor and church feels pressured to use social media. The problem is that social media can be a blessing or a curse. Simply using social media without a definitive plan will only create more problems and issues for a ministry. Waltz has crafted an excellent roadmap for those wanting to use social media effectively. This book is a must-read for those who want to remain relevant while engaging the world for Christ.

Carla Sunberg, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene

WHY YOUR

MINISTRY FACEBOOK PAGE

ISNT WORKING

LETS FIX IT!

JILL R. WALTZ

Why Your Ministry Facebook Page Isnt Working: Lets Fix It! 2018 Jill Waltz

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10. Cutting Down on Content Chaos (Leveraging Tools to Master Content Management)

11. Three Tips to Gain Momentum

12. Using Video in Posts

13. Measuring Success

14. Building a Social Media Dream Team

15. Campaigns

16. 101 Conversation Starters

17. Fun Holidays/Events

18. Days of the Week Themes

In 2015, I was serving as a childrens pastor in Anderson, Indiana. As any ministry leader does, I was constantly looking for ways to reach untapped markets of people. I took note of the fact that we didnt even have a Facebook page. I began to ask questions. Then, as if I needed one more thing to do in ministry, I blindly assumed the role of developing a social media ministry. You know how that goes in the church world, right? You say something as innocent as, Hey, I think we need a social media presence. We seem to be missing a huge opportunity here. Next thing you know, youve got yourself a new ministry baby. And just as most parents feel overwhelmed and under-resourced when theyre handed a new baby, I did, too. And yet, I was also naive enough to think I could turn my new baby into something beautiful and useful.

I knew we were missing the boat and I desperately wanted to catch up. I quickly discovered one of the most frustrating truths about working with social media: it is always evolving. Because of its organic nature, it is always growing. As with my other babies, as soon as Id master one area of parenting, my kids had learned and conquered something new, requiring me to change my approach and game plan. Unlike other areas of ministry in which I spend time studying and mastering, social media is ever-changing. The organic nature of the medium is truly one of the hardest parts for me to embrace. I am a doer by nature. I like to make things happen, cross them off my list, then move on to the next item. Ive had to learn to adjust my expectations when it comes to social media, ministry, and its usefulness within the church.

As I think back over now two decades of ministry, I can clearly see that the most rewarding seasons of ministry often came as the result of years of painstaking labor. Ministry with social media is no different. It moves fast, so you might expect fast results. If youre hoping for that sort of instant gratification, Im afraid youll quit in frustration six months from now. Plan to do the hard work, stay the course, and learn something new. I believe youll see new ministry doors open if you do.

Learning to use social media wont instantly cause your church or ministry to explode overnight. What it will do, how- ever, is provide you with opportunities to touch the lives of unchurched people in ways you never dreamed possible.

In many ways, social media ministry is being pioneered. Most of us really have no clue what to do or how to tame this out of control beast. I want to remind you that the pioneer life is difficult. It often isnt glamorous. But youll have a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. To know weve spread the message of Christ to people weve never had access to will motivate us to get up tomorrow and do the same thing. Im challenged to put my eyes on the fact that lost people matter to Jesus. Im motivated to use unconventional means to reach them. If youre up for an adventure, I invite you to hitch your wagon to mine as we pioneer a new land full of exciting promise together.