Did you catch the recent Facebook parenting scandal?  Let’s just say that it was a little bit over the top. While this is a terrible example of using social media to parent, it does indicate how social media allows us to know what’s going on in each other’s lives. If used correctly, social media can be an incredible tool for shepherding your membership.

Facebook and Twitter provide incredible insight into the day-to-day lives of your members. All you have to do is invest a little time in the space to see what’s happening. Here’s what’s happened in my social media stream alone in the past day along with thoughts on how to use this information to care for these people:

1. A high school friend is in hospice care waiting on God to call her home
Message her brother and tell him that I am praying for his sister and family

2. Neighbor is on his way to NYC for a few days for work
Have his wife and kids over one night this week to relieve the stress on the mom

3. Sunday School leader’s birthday is today
Message a Happy Birthday
Call and wish Happy Birthday and thank her for her commitment to class and church

4. Sunday School leader has been downsized and looking for a job
Message him to ask for his resume
Get busy helping him find employment

I am amazed by how openly people live their lives in the social sphere. AMAZED. All you have to do is take a little time to listen and respond.

Here’s an idea. Quit working so hard to get people to your church on Sunday so that you can minister to them. Love on them in their context and on their terms. My guess is that if you do that, you won’t be able to keep them out of your church parking lot on Sunday.