Len Wilson is listening. But he's also tweeting tidbits about the morning service at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church in Flower Mound. Len Wilson says, "People look to social networks to find community. Our point is for the church to be the ultimate social network, the place to find community."
It's part of a 3 week sermon series called the Theology of Twitter. It's designed to get congregation members to better connect with family, friends, the community and church.
Pastor John Allen says, "Our world doesn't operate one hour a week or one day like it used to. The world is 24-7. We've got to use whatever means as a church to be 24-7 for each other."
Today, week 2, was about love. Pastor Allen asked every one to get out their phones and text someone. "Let them know you care about them and want to connect with them."
Several members told us the gratification was as immediate as the message sent. Church member Pam Taylor says, "I just kind of really got on twitter a few weeks ago, so it was new to me. But it was fun."
Youth Minister Kris Melvin was new to Facebook. Some of his teens helped him set up an account. Now he returns the favor readings theirs. Kris Melvin says, "A lot of times they share what's going on in their daily lives and what happens is if they're struggling with something, I call them I text them."
Other members told us this use of social networking sites feels natural. After all, we use our phones and computers for everything else. Kristi Webb says, "We need to use today's technology to do more to help others." Pastor Allen realizes this might be difficult for some people, especially older members of the congregation, but he's encouraging everyone to try. He says it's not really about Facebook or Twitter or whatever, but all about the message.
It's part of a 3 week sermon series called the Theology of Twitter. It's designed to get congregation members to better connect with family, friends, the community and church.
Pastor John Allen says, "Our world doesn't operate one hour a week or one day like it used to. The world is 24-7. We've got to use whatever means as a church to be 24-7 for each other."
Today, week 2, was about love. Pastor Allen asked every one to get out their phones and text someone. "Let them know you care about them and want to connect with them."
Several members told us the gratification was as immediate as the message sent. Church member Pam Taylor says, "I just kind of really got on twitter a few weeks ago, so it was new to me. But it was fun."
Youth Minister Kris Melvin was new to Facebook. Some of his teens helped him set up an account. Now he returns the favor readings theirs. Kris Melvin says, "A lot of times they share what's going on in their daily lives and what happens is if they're struggling with something, I call them I text them."
Other members told us this use of social networking sites feels natural. After all, we use our phones and computers for everything else. Kristi Webb says, "We need to use today's technology to do more to help others." Pastor Allen realizes this might be difficult for some people, especially older members of the congregation, but he's encouraging everyone to try. He says it's not really about Facebook or Twitter or whatever, but all about the message.
