Fostering a supportive atmosphere on your Facebook page
MEDIA BYTES
By Rev. Marty Levesque
MOST CHURCHES have a Facebook profile, whether a FanPage or a private group. Often churches use these platforms to promote upcoming events, either in the parish, deanery or the diocese.
Using Facebook as a broadcast medium is not wrong, but it is only half the power of a page or group. Celebrating parishioners and your community can go a long way in making individuals feel connected.
Here are some tips to foster a positive and supportive atmosphere in your private Facebook group or page:
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Recognize Achievements and milestones. Celebrate members' birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or career advancements. The church is a family and families celebrate together. Also, you may wish to highlight members' successes, whether it's a personal achievement or a contribution to the church they recently made such as, “Thanks to Mrs. Smith for her leadership in organizing the Fall Food Drive.”
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Encourage Interaction rather than simply disseminating information. Ask open-ended questions and prompt members to share their thoughts and experiences. You may want to create polls or quizzes as these encourage participation and engagement.
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Show Appreciation and express gratitude. Thank members for their contributions and support to the church and its many ministries and events. Let members know how much you appreciate their presence in the group.
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Create a Sense of Community and don’t be afraid to share personal stories: Open up about your experiences to build connections. Your humanity will be a comfort to others and will encourage members to share as well. But remember, it is also necessary to create a safe space for members to share their thoughts and feelings.
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Maintain a Positive Tone and be respectful: Avoid negativity or conflicts and enforce group rules. Ensure that members adhere to the group's guidelines and if necessary, address concerns privately. If there are issues, address them directly with the individual.
By following these tips, you can create a welcoming and supportive environment for your group members and Fans that reflects the beautiful mosaic that is the Body of Christ.
Rev. Marty Levesque is the rector of All Saints’ in Waterloo. He served as diocesan social media officer.