Who Is Using Social Media to Generate Real-World Results?

January 28, 2011 in Social Media with 9 Comments

I posted a question on Twitter the other day:

I’m looking for real-world results from the impact of social media on churches. Any studies you could point me to? #helpless than a minute ago via HootSuiteJustin Wise
JustinWise

I felt this was a big enough ask to post it here on the blog. So I posit to you the same question as above:

How are churches and ministries using blogs, podcasts and networks like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and LinkedIn to generate real-world results?

Results like:

  • Increased church attendance
  • Increased participation in small groups or life groups
  • Increase in giving or donations
  • Increase in website traffic
  • Increase in missions participation and service opportunities
  • Et cetera

I’m looking for measurable results, so I’m trying to avoid terms like “feels”, “seems”, or “looks”, etc. I want something I can sink my teeth into. To borrow a term from LifeChurch.tv staffer, Tony Steward, I want to know what the “ultimate measurability” of social media efforts in churches is.

You’ve got your criteria. You know churches and ministries who are doing this well. Now… Share!

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9 Responses to “Who Is Using Social Media to Generate Real-World Results?”

  1. Vince January 28, 2011 at 8:27 am #

    I don’t know about studies, but here’s a story – http://churchcrunch.com/using-foursquare-for-social-media-evangelism/

    • Justin Wise January 28, 2011 at 9:06 am #

      Love it. That will work for my mounting arsenal! “Billy” is lucky to have a friend like you, Vince!

  2. Jackie McGinnis January 28, 2011 at 1:43 pm #

    Shoot me an email if you want details and I can put it together..

    My church has begun using Facebook, Twitter and blogs a lot more in the last few months. Facebook is the outlet that we can really see results from. We recently promoted a Fall Festival and our Christmas Eve Services via our business page and Facebook ads and saw an increase in church attendance and website traffic.

    When using Facebook ads we target friends of people in our group so that we are already (hopefully) recognizable and it’s one more invite that people are going to see. Personal invitations are still the number one way to get people to come, but our hope is that social media will work with that marketing aspect.

    We’re still experimenting and trying this in new ways, but feel free to ask me any questions! Like I said, I just have to get specific numbers and facts, but the above summarizes it.

  3. Kevin January 31, 2011 at 1:08 pm #

    Justin,

    Out church is currently in the middle of a series called “On The Line” inviting the participation of our church family to launch our first multi-site campus in Lynchburg, VA.

    We’ve been using Twitter & Facebook (they’re like two brothers with different personalities and communication styles constantly in sibling rivalry, right?) for some time. Recently we switched from an “announcement” philosophy to a “participation” philosophy.

    Currently, we’ve rented a hotel room for 30 days and decked it out as a 24 hour prayer room for our people. And, we’ve been encouraging our Brentwood family to share their On The Line stories with us via http://www.facebook.com/BrentwoodChurch and #OnTheLine (http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23ontheline).

    Now, regarding results: It’s difficult to isolate social media participate as the direct source of this spike in attendance, the giving increase, or the volunteer participation. But, T & F and our pastor’s blog (www.jondupin.com) are tangibly doing what we are using them to do. (1) people are sharing like never before, (2) we’re reinforcing that we’re listening in those environments and by sharing “wins” from stage, and (3) those sharing are exporting their love for the local church to their pods of influence.

    Social media has tangibly tightened our church and helped them look out as well. Can’t wait to hear more results from your findings!

    -Kevin

    • Justin Wise January 31, 2011 at 1:58 pm #

      Kevin …. Your findings are both exactly what I’m looking for and what I’m not hoping to find :)

      I like that you can pinpoint results. That’s good. What’s hard about the church world is that our “product” is sometimes very different from the marketplace. That makes it harder to measure.

      Thanks for the info, though. You are blessed to be a part of a church that “gets it”!

      Peace.

  4. Steve February 3, 2011 at 10:00 am #

    If you want numbers, you should see the article on “Are Church Mailers a Total Waste of Money” at Shrink the Church.

    (The much-smaller church I am part of has had less conclusive-experience with facebook.)

    http://www.shrinkthechurch.com/2010/09/30/are-church-mailers-a-total-waste-of-money/

  5. Christi February 4, 2011 at 9:41 pm #

    Justin,
    I found this article in the Fort Worth Star Telegram. I think this is along the same lines.

    http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/02/04/2824700/churches-using-web-to-connect.html#tvg

    • Justin Wise February 21, 2011 at 9:28 am #

      Thanks for the article link, Christi. I’ll make sure to check this out. I’m sure it’s super helpful!

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