While most churches are using Facebook to interact with the congregation and to reach outsiders, only few are comfortable using Twitter, according to a new study by LifeWay Research.
This study, published 9 January, found out that only 16 percent of Churches have ventured on Twitter, and 13 percent use Instagram – and that small churches do not allow online giving through their website.
The findings are quite relatable with Uganda,where many Churches have resorted to Facebook live for their weekly and Sunday services.
“Not long ago churches’ use of technology was often limited to a website that functioned like the Yellow Pages or a bulletin board,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. “Now they see technology as a way to interact with people. Wi-fi is just one more way to do that.”
The use of Facebook by churches has emerged rapidly, considering the fact that the same Christian research firm in 2010 reported that less than half (47 percent) had Facebook pages.
“Among those who use social media in 2017, 97 percent use it to inform people about coming events. Eighty-seven percent use it to interact with the congregation, while 86 percent use social media to interact with outsiders. Eighty-four percent use social media to capture memories of church activities, while 68 percent use social media to help church members interact,” this study published 9 January revealed in part.
Among those with a website, 99 percent use their site to provide information to visitors, while 94 percent use it to inform the congregation, the study, conducted by phone from Aug. 30 to Sept. 18, 2017 among 1000 Churches in USA revealed.
The study said 59 percent of Pentecostals are most likely to say their church website offers online giving. “Baptists (32 percent), Lutherans (33 percent), Methodists (38 percent), and Presbyterian/Reformed churches (26 percent) are less likely.”
According to the study, bigger churches, those with 250 or more attenders, seem to love online giving, as 74 percent of them offer it on their websites.
Each interview was conducted with the senior pastor, minister or priest of the church called. LifeWay Research is a Nashville-based, evangelical research firm that specializes in surveys about faith in culture and matters that affect churches.
male@ugchristiannews.com
