Social Media Evangelists

Today, the New York Time reports on area churches that are using social media and contemporary/alternative tunes to reach the masses in “seeker services”.

The article also states that among those born after 1984, about 33 percent attend church on a typical weekend, according to a 2006 survey by the Barna Research Group, which tracks religion trends. By comparison, 49 percent of baby boomers are likely to go to church on weekends.

It also goes on to report on how churches are finding new ways to attract younger worshipers. Some have created profiles or groups on Facebook or MySpace, as well as on specifically Christian networking Web sites, like MyChurch.org, to encourage young people to stay connected. Larger, wealthier churches build and maintain their own sites, offering video clips and podcasts of sermons, blogs, church ads and the ability to donate electronically.

MyChurch.org was developed by Joe Suh, 29, a former Intel engineer who wanted to provide churches a way to build communities online as well as a social networking site that ministers would feel comfortable promoting.“People who are more shy, who aren’t more active on Sunday, are the most prolific posters and content writers,” he said.