Clark Campbell: Social Ecclesia: Spirit-Led Digital Presence

In the Summer of 2013, thirty-or-so social media geeks met for a small conference at Saddleback's Rancho Capistrano retreat center to discuss best practices and strategies for social media managers. Carrie Kintz, Haley Veturis, and I (Benjamin Clark) felt a kindred spirit during this time in Orange County. Out of this new found friendship we realized that God crossed our paths for a purpose. A few weeks after the gathering at Saddleback, the three of us wanted to collaborate in creating a resource for churches and faith community leaders. Something to help them understand that social media and digital communications, at their core, are nothing more than talking with other human beings through new technology mediums. We also wanted to establish a new community of leaders and learners who are seeking connections, confidence and practical steps in digital communications.

Social Ecclesia was birthed a short time later, a micro-conference designed to promote Spirit-led digital presence in churches and non-profits. We founded the conference on three principles. One, in order to minister, Jesus has to remain at the center of our forward progress. If we are not resting in Him and in His word, we cannot do His work effectively. If the content of our messaging is not faith, hope and love, then social platforms are merely social. Two, God uniquely calls churches to local communities Instead of encouraging churches to grow their social media following; we wanted to renew awareness about the communities where they are planted. Communities made up of broken, hurting people who need the Gospel and who spend more time on social media than in church. If we are called to go where people are, then we must remember that "real people" are now connected to us digitally seven days a week. They read our posts, our tweets and see our Instagram pics at the local coffee shop. Three, social media is not going away. It is a tool for interaction and connection, not merely a megaphone to announce the next church program and party. Social media opens doors and opportunities to engage with people who rarely, if ever, step foot in a church building. Keep reading