Social Media Etiquette for Church and School Leaders

MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR

In the June 2023 edition of the Alberta Adventist News (AAN). I talked about Using Social Media for Effective Church Outreach. In this article I'd like to build on the idea of social media use and talk about social media etiquette for church and school leaders. Just as there are best practices for using social media effectively for church outreach, there are also several critical things to be aware of when using social media to avoid potential pitfalls and damage to the church/schools reputation or individual embarrassment. The Alberta Conference has had a clear social media policy in place since 2014 to provide guidance and expectations for employees and volunteers when using social media in both personal and professional capacities. The policy ensures that employees and volunteers maintain a positive online presence that reflects the Conference's core values, promotes unity, and protects the privacy and confidentiality of its members. I will refer to the Alberta Conference Social Media Policy several times throughout this article.

Be wise in our use of technology

We need to remember that as Christians, we are called to be wise in our use of technology. Colossians 4:5-6 says, "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

We need to be mindful of how we use social media and make sure that our online presence reflects the values and mission of the gospel. This means being intentional about what we post, who we follow, and how we interact with others online.

Be Mindful of Your Audience

The first thing to be aware of when posting to social media is to be mindful of your audience. When posting on social media, remember that your audience includes both your church or school and the wider online community. Avoid sharing content that may alienate or offend others, and always be considerate of the diversity of your followers' beliefs and backgrounds. Share messages of respect, hope, and understanding, rather than divisive or controversial topics.

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable— if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." The Alberta Conference's social media policy states that, "The Alberta Conference reserves the right to require that employees and volunteers edit or remove any communication or post that is not in accordance with Alberta Conference policies and/or applicable law." It is important to keep business social media accounts separate from personal accounts.

Respect Privacy and Confidentiality

The second thing to be aware of when posting to social media is to respect privacy and confidentiality. Be aware of what you share in your roles as church and school leaders. Always respect the privacy and confidentiality of others and the organization. Never share sensitive matters, personal details or prayer requests without explicit permission, and ensure that any interactions in private messaging remain confidential. If there are questions about what is considered confidential, employees/volunteers should check with their local church pastor or school principal. Only authorized church, school or conference representatives may make official statements on behalf of the organization. When discussing church/school matters, employees/volunteers should identify themselves and make it clear that their views do not necessarily represent the organization's official position. Remember, once it's posted online it can never be taken back. The Alberta Conference's social media policy states that, "Only specifically designated employees are authorized to serve as administrators/ hosts on social media sites for the Alberta Conference. Therefore, employees or volunteers engaged in social networking may not represent or appear to represent the Alberta Conference.

Use Positive and Uplifting Language

The third thing to be aware of when posting to social media is to use positive and uplifting language. We all know that social media is a platform where words carry significant weight. Church and school leaders should always be mindful of their language and the messages they convey. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV) says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Use social media to spread positivity, hope, and encouragement. Engage in constructive discussions, avoiding negative or hurtful comments. Use respectful language and tone when engaging with others on social media and never engage in personal attacks, offensive language, or cyberbullying. If an employee or volunteer encounters a situation where their social media activity conflicts with their role at the church or school, they are encouraged to discuss the matter with their local church pastor, school principal or the Alberta Conference leadership team.

Social media offers church and school leaders an incredible opportunity to expand their reach and connect with their communities. However, this privilege must be wielded with care, following a set of social media guidelines rooted in the principles of faith, respect, and unity. By being mindful of your audience, respecting privacy and confidentiality, and using positive and uplifting language, church and school leaders can continue to be beacons of light in the digital world, fostering stronger bonds within their communities and spreading the message of faith to a broader audience.