Jessica Coblentz shares some insight into the place of social media in ministry:
Q: The Pope has warned that social media for “the one-sidedness of the interaction, the tendency to communicate only some parts of one’s interior world, the risk of constructing a false image of oneself, which can become a form of self-indulgence.” Am I endorsing these negative uses of technology by utilizing social media in my ministry?
A: Benedict XVI is right to acknowledge the limitations of technology and social media. However, he also names its many benefits, such as “dialogue, exchange, solidarity and the creation of positive relations.” Still, if you question the ethical implications of available promotional tools, take the opportunity to engage your parish community — especially young adults — in a conversation about ethics and social media. How is social media used in ethical and unethical ways? How should we, as a parish or ministry, be using it? How should we, as Christians, engage it? Such conversations could not only affect your ministry, but also the everyday lives of community members.
Read more about using social media tools in the marketing and promotion of your young adult ministry in the Essentials section of Young Adult Ministry in a Box.