I've always been a firm believer that just because one has the ability (read technology) to do something, it doesn't mean they should.

As a professional marketer by trade and a self-proclaimed tech head (and head tech for NHCC) I love all the new technology and implementations thereof . I would strongly recommend that local churches get on the bandwagon and begin using micro-blogging and social networking to stay in touch with members of their congregation and update people of the various goings-on of the church.

With that said, there's a certain balance that needs to be maintained between the "high-tech" world of Facebook, Twitter and the like and the "high-touch" ministry of building God's Kingdom.

Churches choosing to take advantage of these technologies need to keep the following in mind:

1. No matter how well-crafted the words of your blog, wall post or status update are, there is always an opportunity to lose something in translation.
   Things like joy, sorrow, sarcasm and the like, are picked up in face-to-face interactions but often missed while reading words on a screen.
2. If U have a limited # of words 2 use u may b forced 2 try & write n code.
   This can obscure the intent of your original message and may come across looking like gibberish to anyone who did not grow up with text messaging (SMS) technology.
3. Even in today's day and age, not everyone is online.
   While it's great to use technology to help keep in touch with your members, don't forsake traditional communication means like bulletin boards, newsletters, word-of-mouth and in-service announcements.
4. Keep personal communication just that: personal.
   It's one thing to tweet or post "Don't forget the after-church BBQ tomorrow!" for all to read but things such as "Jenny, Don't forget our counseling session tomorrow AM" are better left in an e-mail, private message, voice mail or, better yet, said directly to Jenny.
5. It always means more coming from the top.
   If something is really important to the church, it should be said from the pulpit by the Senior Pastor. Not by a volunteer during the announcements and certainly not by an impersonal wall post or tweet. Even if the Senior Pastor is the one doing the typing, reading a message will never be as impactful as hearing it from the horse's mouth.
6. Use it or lose it.
   If you make the decision to use a technology, you need to be consistent. If you only update your blog and/or status when you feel like it, your readers will lose interest and eventually stop checking for updates which defeats the purpose of using the technology in the first place.
7. Use implies endorsement.
   Consider the general feel of the online community before you create your page at any given social networking site. A social networking site themed around heavy drinking may not be an appropriate place for a church to launch a page. Likewise, the banner ads for singles dating that run on some sites may cause some of your congregation to stumble.
8. Beware cheap imitators.
   While social networking sites designed specifically for Christians may sound like a great idea, the masses (Remember them? They're the ones you are trying to reach.) are not already using them and will see them for knock-offs of already popular secular sites.

If you are a church that is sitting on the fence, keep in mind that technology itself is simply a tool. It is neither evil nor good. If you think a technology can help you be more effective in ministry, don't be afraid to use it. But remember, you do have a choice. Just because it exists, it doesn't mean you have to use it.