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Salina Trinity reaches out through Facebook

Written: 4/28/2009

By Patrick Broz
Special contributor
SALINA—The leadership at Trinity United Methodist Church in Salina recently created a presence on the popular Internet site Facebook because many church members were using it to stay connected or reconnect with friends and share information and opinions.

An online group was formed to help them connect to the pastoral needs within the congregation. Many younger members use Facebook as a way of expressing things. Often, young people are reluctant to talk to a pastor directly but are more than willing to talk “wall-to-wall” as a way of handling life’s issues.

“Social networking sites like Facebook are quickly becoming part of the fabric of our society,” said Senior Pastor Rev. Barry Dundas. “They can become a powerful tool for ministry if we learn how to communicate through them.”

In January, links were added to the topics of the sermon series, which was based on Jim Wallis’ “The Great Awakening,” so congregants could independently look at the source of the topics and become more educated on the vision of the series. Facebook also was used for a Lenten series.

Discussion boards for each sermon were added in February. After worship on Sunday, a question is posted within 24 hours that probes the sermon’s theme or takes the sermon topic into a new direction. The response has been great. Currently, there are 44 people in the group. Discussion questions have multiple responses each week, and members are encouraged to start their own dialogue about the church, its mission, its vision, its doctrine and polity.

Using Facebook is a way to “rethink church,” and the possibilities for new ways to reach out are ever-present. This outreach tool does not cost any money and is the communication tool of choice for many young people.

Patrick Broz is the associate pastor at Trinity UMC in Salina.