It is important for ministers and Church Leaders to have some kind of presence on Social Media. Nevertheless there are major ways that leaders can actually undermine their ministry in the process. Read my article about this @Blogging Ministry: 

-Pastors and Social media: Five Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s a recent article from Christianity Today that brought this issue back to my mind for further consideration. The writer lists 3 additional things that ministers and church leaders need to avoid:

“3 Ways Pastors and Church Leaders Undermine Themselves on Social Media”

The 3 Things:

1. Trying to Become Famous

2. Causing Unnecessary Division

3. Sharing Fake News

Response: Fake news is a major issue right now. Christians unfortunately are becoming ‘famous’ for passing on false information, memes, and bogus made–up problems, issues and testimonies on social media.

Lots of times stuff coming your way from others may sound good and on the ‘right side’ and it is tempting just to pass it along. But ministers and church leaders (and really all Christians) should take the time to research and verify everything. Your credibility is at stake and your followers and flock are depending on you to stand up for the truth no matter what.

Many Christian leaders have been burned in the past by promoting false memes, fake news, and bogus issues and boycotts. Unfortunately this reflects upon on the whole Christian community and can give us a bad reputation as purveyors of fake news. It only takes a minute or two to find out the truth and if you don’t have the time right now it is better not to pass it along until you do.

Ministers and leaders who receive false stuff should also inform the senders so they don’t continue to pass it on. Unfortunately some may take it personally so be careful to present the truth with lots of grace.               *Top