Tag Archives: Twitter

01.28.13
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The Top Dont’s of Social Media

TOP DONTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA BLOG POST

Here are some quick dont’s about social media:

  1. Don’t Post when you are angry- This is obvious, but so many people do this. When a teenager is upset with another, you can tell on facebook or twitter. It is the same way with adults. When a parent is upset at one of their kids’ teachers, you can tell via facebook. Come on, when you are angry, you will more than likely post things that you will later regret
  2. Don’t post before reading through it again- Have you ever posted something, and then realized you forgot to proofread your post? Proofread it for grammatical issues if nothing else.
  3. Don’t post without thinking of the consequences Ask yourself, will this upset someone? Can I get in trouble for what I am about to post? How will people take this post? These are questions that must be answered in your mind before you send the post. These questions may save you much discipline and hassle from others.
  4. Don’t post if you know it is not glorifying to God- We are commanded in I Corinthians 10:31 to do everything for God’s glory. Make sure that post glories God. By the way, this goes for RT’s as well on twitter. Everything that we post should bring glory to God, and not the other way around.
  5. Don’t post every moment of your day- This is a personal pet peeve, but seriously be careful about posting every single thing that you do at every single point of your day. I post a lot (a whole lot), but try to be careful that you do not post too much for your followers to just get annoyed.
12.03.12
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What to do when your kid wants facebook

what to do when your kid wants facebook blog postAs I log onto facebook, I see more and more younger teenagers getting facebook. I still remember the day when facebook was limited too college students only with an active college email address. Then, when facebook was opened to high school students, it was near impossible for any student to switch over to facebook instead of their current myspace. Now, facebook is the thing. Phrases such as “facebook me” or “hit me up on facebook” are common for students these days. Today, I want to give you a few thoughts on what to do when your child wants a social media page. Now, these questions normally come for middle schoolers just getting into social media, because most high schoolers are already there, but how do you handle this situation. Here are a few thoughts:

  • Set boundaries for their account. If your 13-year-old comes up to you, and says that they want a facebook, do not be afraid to set boundaries. You say, what kind of boundaries? That is totally up to you as the parent, but I would always suggest having the password and user email of your student’s social account. I would also suggest that the parent can monitor and check on what friends are added or what friends the student is messaging. Set boundaries up front for your student. 
  • Set consequences for broken boundaries. Students need to hear consequences first, and it saves you the trouble of hearing, “You didn’t tell me this up front.” If you set boundaries, and clear consequences up front, there is no excuse. By the way, follow through with your consequences.
  • Limit the use of social media- I personally may be old school on this, but I still do not think it is healthy for a teenager to sit in front of the computer at all different hours of the night on facebook! Facebook is very addicting, and if we are not careful, our students will become educated in communicating using only social media whereas we want our students to learn to communicate face to face as well.
  • Teach them to think before they post- I deal with teenagers all of the time that do not think before they post or tweet, and then they get upset about the consequences for a bad tweet or post. Parents, we are giving reigns to young kids, and it is your responsibility to teach and train them on how to use this if you are going to allow them to have an account.
11.14.12
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Book Suggestion: #Going Social

Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase the book, “Going Social” by Terrace Crawford. Terrace is a good friend of mine in student ministry, and you should totally connect with him. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to social media. He is a regular on facebook, twitter, and google+. He also is a great blogger, and shares some of the best stuff out there. Here is a little about the book from Terrace:

“If ever there was a time to leverage media to reach people with the gospel of Christ it is now! The message of this book is about doing just that – using the platforms that we’ve been given – to connect with people who are already talking. I believe today’s church leaders need to hear this important message and I believe this resource will help them!” – Terrace Crawford

Here are some popular reviews and what others are saying about the book: 

“Digest this book and engage your digital world!” - Ed Stetzer, President, Lifeway Research

“Simply Genius!” – Tim Stevens, Executive Pastor @ Granger Community Church

“Terrace Crawford’s book, Going Social, is a great resource to help you develop a social media

strategy for yourself or your church!” - Josh Griffin, High School Pastor, Saddleback Church

This is a great book for church leaders in a digital and social environment.

Click here to purchase Terrace’s new book!

10.25.12
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Parent Tips for handling their student’s social media accounts

Social media has become the top way students interact and communicate with each other and to the world! It is the easiest place to share exactly the way that they are feeling within seconds. I bet if you were to poll the average youth group, over 60% (probably higher) would say that they use facebook regularly. Twitter is the big thing in our student ministry so many have that. Skype, google+, and even instagram are all avenues that students are connecting with others. It is very difficult for parents to keep up, but regardless of how fast and advanced our students may be with social media, the parent’s responsibility does not change. Here a few tips for parents in dealing with their students’ social media accounts:

  1. Create your own account- My philosophy for parents is that if your kid has facebook, then you should have facebook. The same goes with instagram, twitter, and anything else. Now, you may be a parent who will never use this. That is fine, but it gives you direct access to check up on how your teenager is doing.
  2. Have access to your kid’s log in information- Kids hate this, but honestly if they have nothing to hide, they will be fine. It is the kids who want to hide something that usually buck this system. They just hate their privacy to be tampered with. This gives you direct access to incoming and outgoing private messages.
  3. Friend and follow their friends- Now, you probably think after the first 2 tips that I am saying “stalk your child.” Well sort of. I am not saying that totally, but I am saying get involved in their lives through social networking. One wise thing as parents that you can do is know your kid’s friends and their families. It will give you a good idea of how they will be influenced.
  4. Use discipline when needed- If your student is using profanity, being disrespectful  or connecting with people who you do not approve of as the parents, use discipline! Do not be afraid to insert discipline when your kid’s social media account is in violation of what you think it is appropriate in your home.
  5. Become educated on youth culture and lingo- Parents of teens are naturally going to be disconnected in many ways of youth culture, because of the generational difference. Parents, get educated in this area. My friend Austin McCann wrote a short post about youth culture and places to get educated. You can read it here. I would also suggest connect with “The Youth Culture Report” as well. They have a website and regularly post articles pertaining to trends in teenagers.

Now, your kid will buck at this, but these are preventative measures to try to protect your kids as well as teach them discipline. Also, this is for their good even if they do not see nor understand it right now.

10.17.12
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Top 10 Student Ministry Organizations you should follow on Twitter

Recently, I did a blog post on the top 10 student pastors that you should be following on twitter, but this time, I wanted to do a post on the top student ministry organizations that you should follow on twitter. The twitter accounts mentioned below are student ministry resource organizations that are not necessarily student pastors, but provide insight and resources relating to student ministry!

  1. Youth Ministry 360- “A youth ministry resource provider that exists to see teenagers transformed through knowing Christ, and to equip and serve youth workers.” This is personally one of my favorite youth ministry sites out there. These guys are always coming out with legit resources for student ministry leaders to use.
  2. YouthMin.org- “Every day Youth Pastors being every day Extraordinary.” This site has launched a store recently that you NEED to subscribe to. It is filled with new and fresh resources all of the time.
  3. Seventy 8 Productions- “Seventy8 Productions was inspired from Psalm 78 to utilize technology in hopes to reach the next generation of youth with the Gospel.” I love these guys, and look to them for website advice, and social media advice. They are always ready to connect with you through social media so go follow them!
  4. Youth Ministry- “YouthMinistry.com | One Place, Infinite Ideas. | Is powered by SimplyYouthMinistry.com” Need I say more? This twitter account and their website has helped numerous student pastors with resources and encouragement. They are constantly sharing helpful blog posts as well resources for student pastors so we can effectively minister to students.
  5. Stuff You Can Use- “Where youth workers and orange thinkers SHARE and DISCOVER FREE ministry resources. 1 downloadable resource + 1 video interview in every post.” All youth pastors love free stuff, and these guys provide some of the best free content for us out there.
  6. Dare to Share- mobilizing teenagers to relationally and relentlessly reach their generation for Christ! All of us want our students to be more intentional about reaching other students with the Gospel. Dare to Share focuses on teaching students to do so.
  7. Leader Treks- “We believe #discipleship, #evangelism, #missions, and more are all a part of #youthministry. We just think they’re better when led by students.” I started following these guys a few months ago, and they have been a huge resource for me. They give away freebies regularly, and have great resources for cheap as well.
  8. SYM Soul Care- “an oasis of hope for youth workers, by youth workers *we provide free & confidential pastoral care for a youth worker’s heart & soul.” All youth pastors must follow this account! They will pray and encourage you regularly. 
  9. Simply Insider- “The official Twitter Account of Simply Youth Ministry. We resource In-The_Trench youth workers like you!” They provide great resources for youth pastors. Also, they share great blog posts, and information about the Simply Youth Ministry conference and website.
  10. Youth Culture Report- “Daily Reporting on Youth Culture, Teen trends and current information relating to Adolescents. Youth Ministry.” I love this site! They provide the latest trends in students and what they are into. They also share great and insightful resources regarding youth and their culture.

Now, these are only 10! Now, I was dwelling over which ones to put in there, and there were several more that I wanted too, but had to choose 10. There are many great ones out there, and feel free to share them below in the comment box. You can follow me, and we can connect via twitter as well (@grovepjosh)!

10.08.12
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Top 10 Student Pastors You Should Be Following On Twitter

Twitter has been an excellent tool to resource and connect with other student pastors! I have enjoyed the relationships and resources that I have built and found through twitter. Today, I want to share with you the top 10 student pastors that you should be following on twitter. Now, these are pastors, not resource organizations, youth speakers, or evangelists. We will share in a post later in the week about the top 10 youth ministry organizations that you should be following on twitter.

  1. Josh Griffin- High School Pastor- Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California.
  2. Matt Lawson- High School Pastor- First Baptist in Woodstock, GA
  3. Paul Woods- Youth Pastor- Trinity Baptist in Jacksonville, FL
  4. Jason Gaston- Student Pastor- Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, NC
  5. Mitch Miller- Student Pastor- Mars Hill Church in Seattle, Washington
  6. Kevin Crozier- Youth Pastor- Global Vision Bible Church in Nashville, TN
  7. Rick Young- Middle School Pastor- First Baptist in Woodstock, GA
  8. Blake Appleby- Youth Pastor- First Baptist Church in Umatille, FL
  9. Austin McCann- Student Ministries Pastor- Christ Community Chapel in Stow, OH
  10. C.J. Fouraker- Student Pastor of Impact Youth

Go follow these guys! They are changing the world through the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Did I not mention you on the list? Are you a student pastor? If so, comment below with your twitter name and where you are a student pastor at, and I will follow you! Remember you can always follow me as well at @grovepjosh.

09.19.12
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Enter for a chance to win #Going Social by Terrace Crawford

Terrace Crawford is a good friend of mine. We have connected through social networking, and have built a relationship that way. Terrace is one of the best bloggers and profiles to follow on twitter. He knows what is going on and what is working with social media, and what is not working. He recently wrote a book entitled, “#Going Social.” The book released yesterday, and I encourage you to order it. I actually am still waiting on my copy to come in the mail, but I am convinced that he will not disappoint with this read. You can enter for a chance to win a free copy by going here! Also, you can visit the #going social website by clicking here.

Enter for a chance to win “#Going Social” by Terrace Crawford!

08.14.12
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Parents and Social Media Awareness

I sat around a table this morning with some youth pastor friends of mine, and the discussion came up (as it usually does) of social media, and its effect on our students. One guy gave an illustration of a girl who posted a provocative picture on instagram. Another pastor discussed how disappointed he is that he has students who cuss regularly on their social media pages.

If you are in student ministry, you have probably had similar conversations come up. I want to give you a brief history of social media (from myspace to twitter) in students’ lives, and how parents have responded to the new social media sites that have come onto the scene:

Myspace

This was HUGE when it was out. Students felt this incredible love for creating a myspace account and designing it the way that they wanted it to be. They could follow big bands and see what celebrities were doing. How have the parents responded? Parents were against myspace. Many parents had a perception of myspace as the sexual predators site, or the stalker site, because of what they have seen on the news. In my experience, most parents downed myspace and even set up extra parameters for their students who were on myspace. Preachers preached against myspace. It was awful. Personally, I never really saw many parents at all get on myspace. They just downed it, but allowed their students to have it anyway.

Facebook

When facebook came out, students were already on myspace, and thought that facebook was stupid. I remember begging students to transition over to facebook, because it seemed safer, but the students were against it. They could not imagine deleting their myspace and moving over. Now, everyone has facebook! I mean the majority of students have facebook and use it regularly.
How have the parents responded? The parents response has changed a bit. When facebook first came available to students, parents felt that it would slowly become like myspace in a sense of the danger and vulgarity that its reputation got it. Parents became upset with the pictures and friends that students were having on facebook. So, the parents solution was to get on facebook to keep a tab of how their students were doing. Now, most parents that I face are on facebook, and one of the reasons is to hold accountable their students.

Twitter

Twitter was launched in July of 2006 by Jack Dorsey. I personally felt twitter was stupid when it started. I have noticed students now transitioning over from facebook to twitter, and posting/retweeting different stuff than on facebook. Why? Parents and teachers are on facebook now, but not on twitter. So, to a student, they can now post anything that they want on twitter, because no one can see it, right? Chad Watson, a youth pastor friend of mine in our area, said, “You get the most honest picture of a teen by looking at what they tweet.”
How have the parents responded? They are a bit slow so far in my experience with parents and twitter. As far as I am aware, less than 5% of my students’ parents are on twitter. 60% of my students’ parents are on facebook though.

So, what is all of this saying? Basically, I am saying this: Students are joining something new, and parents are always several steps behind. I hate to say that, but it is true and evident. Parent, this should challenge you to be educated about youth culture, and stay up to par with what our students are into. If you want to know where your student is at in their journey with Christ, check their twitter account. It will not take long, because from our experience twitter is revealing who a student is more than any other social media site out there. Parents, get with it, and follow your students on twitter!

07.04.12
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Top 5 ways to communicate to students

Communicating to students is very difficult! It can oftentimes be challenging. Sometimes for me, it can be humiliating when I struggle with communicating. I want to give you a few quick ways that I have found to be the best and most effective ways to communicate to students:

  1. Face to Face- You probably thought that I was going to use a digital way first, because we live in such a digital world. I still believe that a student desires face to face communication as much as anything. If all you do is text and Facebook your kids, the relationship is not as healthy as you may think.
  2. Texting- this receives the quickest response of any communication method. I send mass texts regularly & encouraging texts such as praying for you, etc. Make sure you have all of your students’ numbers & text them regularly, but not too much or you become annoying :)
  3. Facebook- most students are on Facebook so this works well. I know google+ came out & tried to overtake Facebook but it will take a very long time to overtake something as popular as Facebook. Facebook your kids regularly as well as their parents.
  4. Twitter- honestly my students are majorly into twitter & it is growing. About 60% of my students have a twitter account & use it regularly. I am not sure if your students use it but I have found it extremely useful in communicating to our students.
  5. Skype- i have not gotten big into this, but it works. My students love skype and use it all of the time.

[Question]: What is the most effective way that you communicate to your students?

06.19.12
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Enter for a chance to win “Viral” by Leonard Sweet

My friend Jonathan Pearson is giving away the book, “Viral” on his blog. You can enter to win this book by just checking out the blog, leaving a comment, liking his facebook page, etc. This book is about social media, and how it relates to ministry. The book shows how social media can help ignite revival. I encourage you to head over to his blog today, and enter for your chance to win, “Viral.”

Click here to enter for your chance to win!