1. The Church and Social Media

2.  51% of churches said that at least one of their senior staff regularly blogs or updates social media.  In 2012, Facebook had 693 million active users, Google+ had 343 million active users, and Twitter had 288 million active users.  80% of social media users prefer to connect with brands through Facebook.  The Google +1 button is used 5 billion times per day.

3.  DON’T BE A BULLY.  Sticks and stones may hurt your bones, but words hurt your heart for a lifetime.  Ephesians 4:31-32 - 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

4.  DON’T USE PROFANITY.  If your mom won’t like it, no one else will like it either.  Psalm 64:2-3 - 2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers. 3 They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows.

5.  DON’T FOCUS ON YOURSELF.  The only thing likely at the center of you is lint in your belly button.  1 Corinthians 10:24 (NIV) Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

6.  DON’T G0SSIP.  Relationships and character are destroyed by rumors.  Proverbs 26:20 (NIV) - Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.

7.  DON’T GET TOO PERSONAL.  There is a reason people refer to this information as ‘private.’  Proverbs 13:3 (NIV) - He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.

8.  MAKE OTHERS A PRIORITY.  Great influence is given to those who lift others up.  Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

9.  STAY POSITIVE & AFFIRMING.  Words have power, so offer life & hope with your communication.  Proverbs 12:18 (NIV) - Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

10.  SHARE ITEMS USEFUL TO YOUR FRIENDS.  A true friend provides help in times of need.  Galatians 6:10 (NIV) - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

11.  USE SOCIAL MEDIA TO ENHANCE COMMUNITIES, NOT CREATE THEM.  ‘Like’ people you already know.  Romans 12:10 (NIV) - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

12.  REPRESENT CHRIST TO THE WORLD.  Make sure when you open the book of your life that people see Christ, not you.  1 John 2:6 (NIV) - Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.