Looking for a way to create a community online? \u00a0Need a new format to connect with people instead of another meeting at church? Try creating a Facebook \u201cGroup\u201d.<\/p>\n
The best way to explain Facebook Groups\u2014and how to use them\u2014is by comparing them to a church building.\u00a0 A Facebook Page is like the worship center where everyone gathers as a whole.\u00a0 A Facebook Group is like a classroom where clusters of people meet for conversation and community.\u00a0 It’s in a Facebook Group that people will really engage and connect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few things to consider when setting up a Facebook Group:<\/span><\/p>\n Size<\/b>– Facebook Groups can hold up to 500 people but function best when limited to around 100.\u00a0 I have found that groups of 20-40 are ideal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Privacy<\/b>– Facebook Groups fall in one of three privacy categories:<\/span><\/p>\n 1) Secret\u00a0<\/em>– no one even knows it exists unless they are in the group.<\/p>\n 2) Closed\u00a0<\/em>– people can see that the group exists, but cannot see the conversation unless they join the group.<\/p>\n 3) Open\u00a0<\/em>– they are open for anyone to join and see the conversation that is going on.<\/p>\n Content<\/b>– You can post pictures, videos, images, and text posts just like you can on a Facebook Page, as well as upload documents or files.<\/span><\/p>\n So how do you actually use Facebook Groups for your church or ministry?\u00a0 Consider these options:<\/span><\/p>\n Bible Studies\/Sunday School Classes\u00a0<\/b>– Leaders can post announcements and lesson notes; participants can share prayer requests and life updates.\u00a0 Your Sunday school class is no longer just for Sundays, the community is happening 24\/7 on the class Facebook Group.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Leadership Teams\u00a0<\/b>– Share important news and training materials through documents and posts.\u00a0 Post a video of encouragement or leadership training right in the Group.\u00a0 Allow the leadership team participants to share their feedback and learn and grow from each other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Prayer Groups\u00a0<\/b>– This is a great opportunity for people to share prayer requests and updates around the requests that have been shared.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Parents\u00a0<\/b>– Not only is a Facebook Group a good place for ministry leaders to connect with parents, but a great place for parents to connect with each other.\u00a0 Consider creating a Group for your preschool parents, elementary parents, and youth ministry parents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n