Transcript from 9/13/11 church social media chat on Twitter. Focus on social policies.

1. Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Note Data and transcript from HashTracking.com.
#CHSOCM HashTracking.com Report
466 tweets generated 1,774,965 impressions, reaching an audience of 83,629 followers within the past
24 hours| Generated Tue Sep 13 2011 22:16:13 GMT-0400 (Eastern Daylight Time)
Top 10 by number of impressions Top 10 by number of tweets
1. paulsteinbrueck: 1,156,703 1. meredithgould: 55
2. drothamel: 220,266 2. asacredrebel: 42
3. meredithgould: 208,670 3. chsocm: 37
4. denise205: 28,056 4. sm4faith: 34
5. youravgpastor: 25,494 5. paulsteinbrueck: 31
6. rampracer: 24,717 6. mgoins: 31
7. mgoins: 15,252 7. drothamel: 27
8. chsocm: 12,210 8. denise205: 24
9. tsudo: 10,851 9. klamach: 18
10. rev_david: 7,290 10. revweb: 16
1

2. Chsocm:
Good evening everyone & welcome to our weekly church & social media (#chsocm) chat, especially those
joining for the first time.
If you're new, try using the Tweetchat platform, which automagically adds the hashtag.
asacredrebel:
Welcome!
Chsocm:
If this is your first tweetchat ever, please do not get discouraged by the pace!
A transcript will be available in 2 forms by tomorrow morning here: http://bit.ly/pTDoAb
RevWeb:
@bfelice Glad you're here. Hope you find it helpful, fun and a community builder for you.
Chsocm:
We’ll get started in a minute with self-introductions, but as ever, we start with prayer. Or maybe we'll just
use @edkay77's "Yay!"
rampracer:
RT @ A transcript will be available in 2 forms by tomorrow morning here: http://bit.ly/pTDoAb
Chsocm:
Let us pray:
Almighty & merciful God, we rejoice in your abiding presence everywhere & your mercy at all times.
We give thanks for this & every opportunity to share experience & inquiry anchored in faith.
edkay77:
Amen!
bfelice:
@revweb @mgoins @sm4faith ty ty
Chsocm:
We ask your Holy Spirit to inspire tonight’s conversation & guide us as we move forward in love & service.
Amen.
RevWeb:
Amen!
drothamel:
Amen.
2

3. Chsocm:
Next up: self-introductions. In addition to your church affiliation, please let everyone how you currently use
social media
youravgpastor:
Amen!
theologybird:
Hello! Episcopalian, Twitter, FB, some other dabbling...
cephasmedia:
Laura Toepfer, Episcopal priest and social media consultant.
klamach:
amen! Chris Lawrence, St Peters Salem, blogger/tweeter/fb-ER
Chsocm:
moderating this chat @meredithgould, sociologist, author, keen on using social media to build community,
also active in #hcsm
RevWeb:
#Episcopal priest in Baltimore using SM for #evangelism, networking, community building & wedding
plans. #3xCharm
Chsocm:
We will assume tweets during this chat yours & do not represent your church or organization
mgoins:
Meredith Goins, librarian, volunteer at New Providence Presbyterian in Maryville, TN
bfelice:
episcopalian. wearer of many hats including communications cap.
klamach:
and Episcopalian (Anglo-catholic)
Chsocm:
Kindly remember that we’re here to share with & support one another. Please use DM or email to pitch
products/services
mgoins:
Use sm for collection development (ie books to buy, links to use!) and to share news and updates.
mgoins:
@meredithgould Right back attcha Mere!
mnplatypus:
I'm Angela, communication secretary in a large ELCA congregation in west metro Minneapolis, Minnesota
3

4. Denise205:
I work in Catholic publishing on Web content. Live near Chicago.
rev_david:
David. #ELCA pastor breathing smoke in Texas. Lurking while in a meeting in the synod office.
klamach:
Perfect! RT @ We will assume tweets during this chat yours & do not represent your church or
organization
mgoins:
@rev_david Glad you can join us!
@meredithgould:
@rev_david Read your blog post about the heat in TX & the pic of the ground was parching #ELCA
drothamel:
@rev_david Good use of meeting time. ;-)
Chsocm:
Great to see regulars and some new folks!
paulsteinbrueck:
@drothamel @rev_david LOL!
Chsocm:
Tonight we’re chatting about social media policies. Some issues & examples available on our blog:
http://tinyurl.com/3v5u2r9
youravgpastor:
Why wouldn't the ELCA want to have their views represented by Joe Smith???
mgoins:
Oops, child up. Back in a few.
asacredrebel:
Jerry ELCA pastor just getting out of Bible study...
Denise205:
I didn't do my pre-reading, but will jump in as makes sense. I hope you do too!
Denise205:
@asacredrebel Welcome!
Chsocm:
T1 What's your current experience with developing & establishing a social media policy for your
church/faith-based organization?
rev_david:
@youravgpastor I have a hard enough time just speaking for myself :-)
4

5. @meredithgould:
RT T1 What's your current experience with developing & establishing a social media policy for yr
church/faith-based organization?
Denise205:
@sm4faith Well, it was available for those who wanted to read it ahead of time. Beauty is it's referenced for
later reading too!
@meredithgould:
@sm4faith Not to worry, you don't need to have read up on this in advance!
sm4faith:
t1 varied - policy at one church - find good people and trust their judgement
drothamel:
T1: As of right now, my church doesn't have an official SM policy. I'm using the @mnplatypus strategy for
now.
edkay77:
T1 I haven't had experience doing one, but would be looking to develop something as a model for other
churches
asacredrebel:
T1 - it is like beating my head against a brick wall as social media is not needed
klamach:
@csalafia you should follow the chat and contribute!
youravgpastor:
I have nothing as of yet. #shame #guilt
@meredithgould:
@sm4faith Yipes! Every post? Who reviewed and approved? How long did THAT take??
theologybird:
MT @edkay77: T1 I havent had experience doing one, but would be looking to develop something //me too
paulsteinbrueck:
T1: I don't believe a social media policy is needed 4 my church or company. :)
sm4faith:
@youravgpastor No shame - its another way of talking - you have a talking policy?
mgoins:
T1: No policy yet - introducing church admin to sm on Friday (yikes!)
theologybird:
RT @asacredrebel: T1 - it is like beating my head against a brick wall as social media is not needed //and
or 'evil'
5

6. asacredrebel:
@meredithgould @sm4faith Sounds like a full time position....
drothamel:
T1 also begs the question, "do you have a 'evangelism policy' or a 'marketing policy,' or 'stewardship
policy?'"
sm4faith:
@meredithgould @sm4faith The every post situation is new - will loosen as they grow accustomed
@meredithgould:
@sm4faith Or exhausted!
@meredithgould:
RT @drothamel: T1 also begs the question, "do you have a 'evangelism policy' or a 'marketing policy,' or
'stewardship policy?'"
paulsteinbrueck:
RT @ T1 Whats ur current experience with developing & establishing a social media policy for your
church/faith-based org?
drothamel:
T1: Having a "policy" is FAR less important than having a plan/strategy.
paulsteinbrueck:
RT @drothamel: T1 also begs the question, "do you have a evangelism policy or a marketing policy, or
stewardship policy?"
sm4faith:
MT @drothamel: T1: Having a "policy" is FAR less important than having a plan/strategy.
youravgpastor:
RT @drothamel: T1: Having a "policy" is FAR less important than having a plan/strategy.
Chsocm:
T1a: What’s your greatest concern about such policies?
mgoins:
@drothamel Policy leads to plan?
sm4faith:
@mgoins Say more, because I don't see where you're coming from yet.
drothamel:
@mgoins I think those things are more appropriately classified as plan/strategy, rather than policy.
rev_david:
T1ish - A SocMed strategy should be less about "policing" and more about empowering
6

7. Denise205:
@mgoins Good luck!
paulsteinbrueck:
RT @rev_david: T1ish - A SocMed strategy should be less about "policing" and more about empowering //
Yes!
sm4faith:
t1a depends on what kind of church organisation and purpose of using SM
mgoins:
@paulsteinbrueck Policy allows committees to implement plan. Policy is first step!
asacredrebel:
T1ish - A SocMed strategy should be less about "policing" and more about empowering @rev_david
//AMEN
mgoins:
@Denise205 Thank you. You have all made this possible, while allowing me to grow too!
mirgray:
@sm4faith We don't have a speaking policy but some training in healthy evangelism isn't a bad thing.
drothamel:
RT @rev_david: T1ish - A SocMed strategy should be less about "policing" and more about empowering
rampracer:
RT @rev_david: T1ish - A SocMed strategy should be less about "policing" and more about empowering
youravgpastor:
RT @drothamel: RT @rev_david: T1ish - A SocMed strategy should be less about "policing" and more about
empowering
Denise205:
@mgoins Be sure to let us know how Friday goes!
mgoins:
@paulsteinbrueck Actually, both.
asacredrebel:
T1 - Policy could get in the way of ministry that needs to be done. Did Jesus have a policy for the way the
disciples acted?
sm4faith:
if use of sm represents key officials in the church, policy more important - a different role
7

8. bfelice:
In MO, interesting back and forth over SM (facebook) policy for teachers between legislature and courts.
http://is.gd/pVEHul
mnplatypus:
I guess what I mean is not worry that someone will come in and spam everyone (on church acct) and undo
my hard work
mirgray:
Does "guidelines" work better than "policy"?T @ Generally speaking, "policies" are used to restrict, rather
than enable...
edwardjensen:
Looking forward to following the feed tonight. Good questions and exchange being had.
sm4faith:
Also where you have a team of say 11 people using one sm handle, guidelines can give confidence that
you're doing it right
drothamel:
@asacredrebel I think Jesus' policies were pretty good: Love God. Love your neighbor. Those work for SM,
too. :-)
asacredrebel:
@sm4faith would not this be handled differently by the people. I do not tweet everything I want to because
of the role I fill
mgoins:
@sm4faith Agree completely. Helps define tone.
sm4faith:
working with public policy in schools, there are thou shalt and thou shalt not policies 1/2
asacredrebel:
@drothamel AMEN that is true, but were those policies or a way of life?
rev_david:
The risk we run is micro-managing / over-managing, which is the best way to kill any ministry
sm4faith:
"shalt not" policies can enable more - if not on list its ok - your call! 2/2
@meredithgould:
RT @rev_david: The risk we run is micro-managing / over-managing, which is the best way to kill any
ministry
mirgray:
Is it Sojourners that explains their guidelines with biblical text and plain language explanation?
8

9. mnplatypus:
SM is a moving target - subject to change / innovation
theologybird:
@rev_david The other edge of the risk is neglect and equally dangerous.
drothamel:
@asacredrebel those are a way of life, no doubt. But managers need policies to justify existence, so I'm
willing to concede those.
edkay77:
MT @asacredrebel T1 - Policy could get in the way // Could also save an org/ch from a gaffe from ppl who
mean well but don't do well
Chsocm:
T1b What's your best hope for these policies or guidelines?
asacredrebel:
@drothamel I can agree with that.
sm4faith:
a lot of our church social media ventures are about as autonymous as a cell group - do they have policies?
tsudo:
If a team is given adequate education & vision then policies aren't often needed. As @rev_david said trust
the who
paulsteinbrueck:
@asacredrebel There's a huge diff b/w what ppl do thru a church's official sm profiles & their own personal
profiles.
mirgray:
Does multiple voices on one account work or better to have main account rt so people know whose talking?
asacredrebel:
@edkay77 absolutely! It is a double edged sword. One that should be handled delicately, but not played
with!
RevWeb:
T1b That guidelines will help protect & model good SM use for young people.
edkay77:
RT @sm4faith where you have a team of say 11 people using one sm handle, guidelines can give confidence
that you're doing it right
sm4faith:
@mirgray Depends on ministry concerned.
asacredrebel:
T1b - that they do not hinder, but empower. They do not get in the way, but support
9

10. @meredithgould:
@mirgray If it's an org's account, the voice should be unified even if one person is repping the org
paulsteinbrueck:
T1b: my best hope for sm policies is that they go away. :P
klamach:
RT @meredithgould: @mirgray If it's an org's account, the voice should be unified even if one person is
repping the org
@meredithgould:
RT @paulsteinbrueck: T1b: my best hope for sm policies is that they go away. :P LOLOL
drothamel:
RT @asacredrebel: T1b - that they do not hinder, but empower. They do not get in the way, but support.
rampracer:
RT @ T1b What's your best hope for these policies or guidelines?
sm4faith:
RT @paulsteinbrueck: T1b: my best hope for sm policies is that they go away. :P < LOL! Love it :)
tsudo:
T1b To create mindfulness & process that doesn't rely on a single person
theologybird:
RT @tsudo: T1b To create mindfulness & process that doesnt rely on a single person
@meredithgould:
I advocate a social anarchist theory of orgs: keep structure when it works, ditch it when it stops working.
Policies, too.
asacredrebel:
RT @tsudo: T1b To create mindfulness & process that doesnt rely on a single person //relying on one
person could be a problem
sm4faith:
I don't actually like unified voices, I like a generous variety of viewpoints. Too much unity suggests cult.
asacredrebel:
@meredithgould Absolutely. That is the way to go and be and do!
mirgray:
T1b To show diversity & help seekers feel they could belong. To avoid burnout by empowering. To show
we love w/o being clones.
RevWeb:
RT @sm4faith: I dont actually like unified voices, I like a generous variety of viewpoints. Too much unity
suggests cult.
10

11. youravgpastor:
At this point I'm in such a redevelopment process that policies seem counterproductive.
asacredrebel:
@Denise205 which may not seem to be unified voices, in a blog setting.
paulsteinbrueck:
Just to clarify, an official sm strategy is hugely important. A policy for personal sm use not so much.
sm4faith:
MT @mirgray: T1b To show diversity & help seekers feel they could belong. ... To show we love w/o being
clones. < agree
mgoins:
Policies can be required by church's polity. Such is life. Not a bad thing, just a part of the process.
mirgray:
+ 1 RT @Denise205 Good point: remember that social media includes blogs as well as FB, Twitter,
YouTube
Chsocm:
Does the social media platform matter relative to "unified voices"?
Denise205:
@asacredrebel and I find no problem with that
rampracer:
RT @ Does the social media platform matter relative to "unified voices"?
ZemaIsAGal:
RT @DMAUB: "@drothamel: about to hop on the chat while listening to that new @DMAUB album.
#winning"
youravgpastor:
Hey quick aside folks, anyone satisfied w/ a twitter app on iPad that works well w/ these chats???
drothamel:
When I think "unified voice" I think more in terms of style than content.
RchrdBott:
Pastoral call... missed the first half. Hi, all!
asacredrebel:
@RchrdBott welcome!
Denise205:
@RchrdBott Hello!
@meredithgould:
For organizational/diocesan Twitter accts I like to see initials used to indicate who is tweeting.
11

12. asacredrebel:
yes. No. Maybe!
smshepherds:
Each SM platform requires its own nuance. It's clunky to cotag on FB. Easy to cite different authors on
blogs.
Denise205:
RT @paulsteinbrueck: Yes, unity in purpose is important. Unity in personality is not..
klamach:
No. I reject diversity for every context. I reject diversity of opinion if it runs against a church's mission
statement.
mgoins:
@meredithgould Agreed! This is common across the mktg spectrum.
rev_david:
Spirit works best among people empowered & trusted to use their gifts.
bfelice:
@meredithgould really depends on the message...some msgs from judicatories are from the org not the
person
drothamel:
@meredithgould I've used organizational accts. where we did that. such as," /dr or ^dr."
rampracer:
@youravgpastor really like Hootsuite app
sm4faith:
RT @rev_david: Spirit works best among people empowered & trusted to use their gifts.
scottagunn:
@meredithgould Why do you like initials? Shouldn't "corp" voice prevail over individual?
paulsteinbrueck:
@asacredrebel I'm not sure I follow. Can you clarify?
@meredithgould:
@scottagunn Depends on how acct is being used. Initials could show an active, vibrant staff.
RchrdBott:
@meredithgould I agree. Initials help us understand that our voice is made up of many voices - and real
people.
smshepherds:
12

13. Great point re: SM in ministry. RT @paulsteinbrueck: Yes, unity in purpose is important. Unity in
personality is not..
RockingReverend:
RT @rev_david: Spirit works best among people empowered & trusted to use their gifts.
asacredrebel:
@paulsteinbrueck if a group of bloggers write about the same topic but disagree are they not unified by the
blog they share?
drothamel:
@meredithgould initials also enable us to appropriately assign the spelling/grammatical errors. :-D
RevWeb:
@scottagunn @meredithgould I notice AP and NYT use initials when posting on corp acct. Different tho
than diocese w/a msg.
mgoins:
@RchrdBott @meredithgould Having edu staff, youth staff, pastoral care staff all on same feed can be
awesome!
@meredithgould:
@drothamel Indeed! Grammar Police: To Serve and Correct!!
mirgray:
Like bible studies I prefer to hear many viewpoints if tone remains respectful. So only some topics / issues
need policy.
smshepherds:
If pastoral staff and chuch communicators are allowed to disagree IRL, why not online?
@meredithgould:
@smshepherds They/we are allowed to disagree IRL?
asacredrebel:
@klamach how would you deal with someone saying that?
Chsocm:
T2 How might the church & faith-based organizations benefit from establishing social media policies?
mgoins:
@drothamel @meredithgould The way I'm typing tonight, I need your red pen!
Denise205:
@meredithgould @drothamel Do the grammar police really approve puns?
scottagunn:
@RevWeb @meredithgould Ok. Tricky to get indiv/corp balance right
paulsteinbrueck:
13

14. RT @ T2 How might the church & faith-based organizations benefit from establishing social media policies?
mgoins:
@meredithgould Measurement, purpose/mission, audience.
@meredithgould:
@scottagunn Very tricky, which is why it might have to be different for different platforms
sm4faith:
we give people ministry roles because we trust them and sometimes they stuff up - in real life and online -
no difference
drothamel:
@Denise205 @meredithgould puns are like donuts for the grammar police!
RevWeb:
T2 Guidelines give multiple posters framework. No flying blind. Helps those reading/ing comments.
asacredrebel:
T2 Clarity of Mission
Denise205:
@drothamel @meredithgould I'll have to keep that one in mind! :)
paulsteinbrueck:
If by smn policy, we're talking a/b official sm strategy, it provides unity, clarity of purpose.
drothamel:
T2: Guidelines can provide organization/structure for orgs. who have many voices to manage.
sm4faith:
t2 may help people new to the medium to get a feel for how they could best contribute
asacredrebel:
T2 are these policies things that are written? or is it an understanding with a gate keeper?
smshepherds:
If a church wouldn't neglect a policy on doctrine or background checks for nursery workers, they shouldn't
neglect a social policy.
theologybird:
RT @sm4faith: t2 may help people new to the medium to get a feel for how they could best contribute
RevWeb:
T2 Just a thought. Do policies stifle the Spirit?
klamach:
@asacredrebel :-) I am learning!
mnplatypus:
14

15. Must get home, will catch up via transcript in the AM
mgoins:
T2: Who, what, when, where, why and how you engage (WWWWH)
asacredrebel:
@smshepherds we're suppose to do background checks on nursery workers!!! ;)
skenow:
Just joining the chat - thanks for saving me a seat, !
@meredithgould:
@skenow And its in the front pew...you're the only one sitting there!
mgoins:
@RevWeb Only if they're so detailed that there is no room for discussion or revision.
@meredithgould:
it's...I meant it's not its
paulsteinbrueck:
@skenow Welcome Steve!
skenow:
@meredithgould Yes! The front is the best!
@meredithgould:
@EmilySO Welcome!
Denise205:
@RevWeb The Spirit can work through anything...policies or not
mgoins:
@meredithgould @skenow I'm a 3rd pew from front kinda gal (keeps me out of trouble) You an sit with me
;-)
Chsocm:
Topic 3...let's squeeze another in during our final 10 minutes...
asacredrebel:
@RevWeb the Spirit works in spite of us and will work in spite of a policy...
Chsocm:
T3 Rather than re-invent the wheel, any industries/sectors from which churches might adopt/adapt social
media guidelines?
@meredithgould:
15

16. @Denise205 LOL
mirgray:
Bad policies, probably yes. RT @ T2 Just a thought. Do policies stifle the Spirit?
@meredithgould:
Big shock: I was always a back row wiseacre type.
skenow:
RT @ Rather than re-invent the wheel, any industries/sectors from which churches might adopt/adapt
social media guidelines?
mgoins:
T3: non-profit sm has some great stuff out there. And believe it or not, fundraisers have some amazing sm
policies as well.
@meredithgould:
RT @ T3 Rather than re-invent the wheel, any industries/sectors from which churches might adopt/adapt
guidelines?
@meredithgould:
@paulsteinbrueck Official policies
asacredrebel:
@mgoins do you have any examples you can share?
sm4faith:
I think sm are very fluid, our understanding of how they can be missional is fluid, and policy must therefore
also be fluid
EmilySO:
Agreed - I'd like to see some too. RT @asacredrebel: @mgoins do you have any examples you can share?
bfelice:
edu npo SM policies worth a look see
skenow:
@EmilySO I would say Best Buy is an anomaly - most corporates policies fall into the "Thou shalt not"
category
mgoins:
@asacredrebel You just read my mind: http://bit.ly/benJoe
asacredrebel:
@sm4faith like the waters of baptism?!
EmilySO:
@skenow Very true. I was very fortunate to spend some time on the BBY team - so I am "spoiled"
mirgray:
16

17. +1 RT @ T3: non-profit sm has some great stuff out there. And believe it or not, fundraisers have some
amazing sm policies as well.
sm4faith:
If a church adopts a business sm policy, how can that work? Our goals are very different
@meredithgould:
@sm4faith Not if the organization/biz is mission-based (e.g., hospital)
bfelice:
maybe of interest: secular http://bit.ly/paee8P church/judicatory: http://bit.ly/rhiMoN
sm4faith:
@meredithgould depends on the hospital!
@meredithgould:
@sm4faith True!
paulsteinbrueck:
I would think we'd want to look to orgs that have a lot of volunteers & engage them in social media.
@meredithgould:
RT @paulsteinbrueck: I would think we'd want to look to orgs that have a lot of volunteers & engage them
in social media.
asacredrebel:
@sm4faith also depends on the congregation! Some of them are run like a business
mirgray:
I would disagree. Good ones focus "shalls". MT @skenow @EmilySO Most corporates policies fall into the
"Thou shalt not" category
naaho:
sorry I had to miss this week. Looking forward to transcript!
sm4faith:
Ok looking at one someone just shared, policy must not be illegal!
skenow:
Here's a database of social media policies http://ow.ly/6tGlJ
mgoins:
Another example of sm policies can be seen at: http://socialmediagovernance.com/policies.php
mgoins:
@asacredrebel Ah the joy of being a librarian... meeting info needs!
mattkinsi:
I'm the social media coordinator for @uuca - we've got one too. I'll work on making it public.
mgoins:
17

18. @skenow Excellent link! You and I are on the same wavelength my friend.
theologybird:
RT @skenow: Heres a database of social media policies http://ow.ly/6tGlJ
Chsocm:
T3a Any guideline that might cross (so to speak) all denominations?
mirgray:
@sm4faith Initial goal is same - engage more people. What happens after is different.
bfelice:
love all the links!
asacredrebel:
RT @ T3a Any guideline that might cross (so to speak) all denominations?
skenow:
@mgoins ;-)
paulsteinbrueck:
T3: Always be thinking... what would Jesus tweet?
Chsocm:
Yet another great chat. Would you believe we're coming up on the hour in a few minutes?
sm4faith:
One of the links suggested a personal and a church facebook account - that is against FBs Terms.
csalafia:
RT @paulsteinbrueck: T3: Always be thinking... what would Jesus tweet?
paulsteinbrueck:
@meredithgould Yes and "Get thee behind me Satan!"
mattkinsi:
T3 - Don't tweet/etc. anything you wouldn't want a first time visitor to see/hear when they walk through
the door.
drothamel:
T3: Love God. Love your neighbor. Do those, and you'll be just fine.
asacredrebel:
@paulsteinbrueck and I always thought that was What Would Judas Tweet...
Denise205:
18

19. RT @drothamel: T3: Love God. Love your neighbor. Do those, and youll be just fine.
RevWeb:
Amen to that! RT @drothamel: T3: Love God. Love your neighbor. Do those, and youll be just fine.
mgoins:
@meredithgould WWGT - I'm totally using that...
Chsocm:
Love God. Love your neighbor...and with that, we'll conclude with this prayer from Compline
skenow:
@mirgray @EmilySO That is true, my point is 'most' corporate social media policies are not good
Denise205:
Thanks for moderating another fast-moving chat!
Chscom:
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night & give your angels charge over
those who sleep.
19