Facebook Pages vs. Groups

So you want to get your church into the Facebook social media world? But, alas, some well-meaning individual in the church has already created a Facebook page on behalf of the church.

Sigh. This can be really frustrating, when multiple Facebook Pages and Groups exist for one church. Plus, they may or may not accurately represent what the organization is about.

You can attempt to find out who “owns” a Page or Group and contact them directly. Problem solved. Right?

But wait…what’s the difference between a Facebook Page and a Group? Which one is right for your church? I am so glad you asked! Here is a quick rundown of the difference (from Facebook's perspective) between Pages and Groups.

So, which one should I create?

Depending on your needs, you can create a Page or select "Create Group" on the left side of your home page. We suggest, especially for whole church communication, to create a Page. If you just want to be in touch with a few select people (like a ministry team or council), a Group might be best for you.

And remember that well-meaning person from your church who created that rogue Facebook presence to start with? Don’t rule them out—they could be your next superstar volunteer!

Adam Johnson is a Communication Strategist at Fishhook in Indianapolis, Indiana where he helps churches and Christ-centered groups communicate clearly, creatively, and consistently. A graduate of Lincoln Christian University, Adam is married to a wonderful wife, Abbie, and has a history ministering in the local church. Follow him on twitter @adamadamjohnson or check out fishhook.us.

To learn more about social media, see the Gifted for Leadership downloadable resource Leveraging Social Media for Ministry.

The “Gender Ghetto” in the Church

In a recent article in the Huffington Post, Cathleen Falsani asks readers to list three of the top evangelical women leaders under sixty. Falsani contends it's hard to do and the title of her post suggests the reason why: "Jesus is Still Surrounded By Too Many Men." To lend readers a hand with the question, Falsani suggests that author and speaker, Margaret Feinberg (also a Gifted for Leadership blogger), should top the list. After all, Feinberg is a prolific writer who speaks at many large events throughout the country and was dubbed as an upcoming leader in American evangelicalism by Charisma Magazine. Even so, Falsani observes, Feinberg is, “probably the most influential young woman leader in evangelicalism you've never heard of.”

In a phone interview, Falsani asked Feinberg why she was one of the only women speaking at these large Christian events. Is there a "gender ghetto" in evangelical Christianity? Falsani wondered. Feinberg didn't think so; Fienberg believes that at the grass-roots level, the situation is changing for women—even if relatively few have places of national prominence. Yet at the end of her interview, Feinberg, who I deeply admire and respect, said something I’d like to explore a bit further. It was this:

"I wonder why we're even talking about this when there are so many needs around the world?…Now is not the time. When every starving person has food, when every homeless person has a place to live, when every well is dug, when AIDS has been eradicated in Africa, when all of our neighbors know Jesus, then we can sit and debate about titles and who should do what."

I understand Feinberg's sentiments. After all, the church has progressed far beyond where it was 20 years ago. However, I wonder whether gender inequity really is a peripheral issue that distracts us from what’s really important—spreading the gospel and from eradicating poverty and disease? I don’t think so. To somehow think that these aren’t related is to adopt a fundamentally disintegrated view of the world. Kingdom work is indeed hindered by not allowing women (and also minorities) a chance to have a place at the influential decision-making table.

Yet in some churches women are not. When this happens, there is no doubt that the gospel suffers. But how the gospel flourishes when we utilize both men and women’s gifts and input! Doing so is good stewardship.

Years ago, one of my girlfriends, who is skilled in outreach, started an adopt-a-block ministry in Springfield, Ohio. Soon her husband and others joined her. Her vision blossomed into a diverse church where men and women lovingly preached the gospel, fed and educated hungry children and adults, found jobs and homes for the homeless, ministered to prostitutes and felons, and walked with those full of doubt, especially college students who grew up in Christian homes. Earlier this year, the church decided to join another ministry that is doing similar work in order to better serve the city of Springfield. So because she was encouraged and not forbidden from using her gifts, Rebecca, in very meaningful and far reaching ways, spearheaded the spread of the gospel. Surely only God knows the eternal implications of Rebecca’s (and others’) faithfulness.

Wisdom demands that we eradicate gender segregation in the church. Every member of the body of Christ needs to be empowered to use their gifts. That entails giving women a place at the table of influence. When that happens, instead of debating minutiae and serving in a diminished capacity, we’ll all stand strong—together for the gospel.

Marlena Graves is a writer who received her Master of Divinity from Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York. She is married to her best friend, Shawn, a philosopher. Together, they have an energetic and fun-loving little girl, Iliana. Marlena regularly speaks to college students and congregations about spiritual formation. She blogs at His Path through the Wilderness and Her.meneutics.

Leading Absent

"The test of your leadership is not what happens when you're there, but what happens when you're NOT there." Ken Blanchard

Just reading that quote makes me a bit anxious. How about you? Have you ever found yourself creating exhaustive notes for your team or maybe even your family in preparation to be away for a few days? Have you ever feared what's waiting for you after an unexpected day out of the office?

As a leader, it's sometimes difficult to let go. There's a part of our psyches that feels a need to control—even when we're absent. But eventually our inability to let go will hold us back from continuing to grow as leaders. And not only will our growth be limited but the growth of our team will suffer as well. Leading others to succeed, especially when you are gone, is the mark of a growing leader.

So what do we need to do to pass this test of leadership that Blanchard talks about?

1. Communicate expectations. Too many times we as leaders have expectations that we think are understood when in reality they are not. Before you reprimand someone for something that has gone awry in your absence, be sure you have been clear about your expectations.
2. Praise what's working. Don’t withhold a compliment…ever! If someone did something well, tell them. Don't assume they know. They might, but it always feels great to be told and you'll be reinforcing the behavior you want from them even when you're not around.
3. Create a system for feedback. Invite your team to tell you the good and the bad. Whether it's a weekly report, regular meeting, or another method that's effective for you, develop a way for your team to communicate with you.
4. Spend intentional time with your key leaders. Make sure they feel like you are available and listening. Know them. Know their families.
5. Pray for your organization and your team daily. It's all still God's. Give it back to him.

What else do you do to lead your team well, especially when you're absent?

Jenni Catron serves as the Executive Director of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. She loves a fabulous cup of tea, great books, learning the game of tennis and hanging out with her husband and border collie. Jenni's passion is to lead well and to inspire, equip and encourage other women to do the same. That passion drove Jenni to start the women's leadership community, Cultivate Her. Jenni blogs there and at www.jennicatron.tv.