I’ve been thinking a lot lately about stopping Twitter and Facebook. I’ve been wondering about a few different things, and facing some internal tensions. So, I thought I’d process some of those things here…honestly and openly.
For starters, I always feel weird tweeting about things I’m doing ministry wise. If I’m doing a radio show, a book releases, I post a new blog, I’m traveling and speaking somewhere….whatever, sometimes I just feel weird telling the world about it. The bottom line is I don’t know how it’s perceived and I’m not even sure everyone needs to know. Maybe it’s insecurity, maybe it’s authentic humility, maybe it’s a people pleasing aspect in me, maybe it’s a twisting of arrogance, or maybe I just over think it, but I often wonder: Do people think I’m just trying to promote myself? That thought haunts me. I know most people follow others SO THAT they know what’s going on, what’s out there, etc. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have tension in it.
The tension is very real. On one hand I think it’s good to let people know what’s available resource wise. I even get emails and DM’s from people thanking me for letting them know something is available. Sometimes people just comment about how it’s kind of cool keeping up on what’s going on in my life even though we hardly see each other. I know that’s the case for me with some people I follow. Nevertheless the tension exists.
Another tension I have is with people in my church reading about the things I do around the country. I want them to be aware of some of the things I’m doing – so they can be a part of it with me – but the truth is if they knew everything I do they might think I’m disconnected from what’s happening in our church. And that couldn’t be further from the truth! My ministry at Colossae and leading the people here is number one priority for me, without a doubt. That’s not a question in my or our elder’s minds…but sometimes I wonder what the people in my church think. I wonder too if they think I’m too busy for them.
That’s a haunting thought too.
I try to balance between 4 things in tweets: things about my family, random or funny stuff (at least things I think are funny), things happening in my church, and then those things with my ministry outside our church. But I wonder if it’s worth facing the tensions.
I’m going to continue for now, but I’m processing. Now I’m going to tweet this so people read it…
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Chuck Bomar is pastor of Colossae Church in Portland, Oregon and founder of CollegeLeader (
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Dude! You are a good pastor and friend. I have never felt like you have abandoned the church. It’s like what we were talking about with the husband’s and their role in the family. Sometimes the family needs to see that their father’s role is bigger than just his family; that his role is missional and based on eternal things. Needless to say, I really only share major things on Twitter or Facebook because A.) Who cares? and B.) It is most definitely not everyone’s business. Great food for thought Chuck!
I TOTALLY understand the tension… but I currently see the benefits out-weighing the disadvantages, for me personally, so I think I’ll hang on to both.
–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
Terrace, glad you’ve settled on it for yourself.
oops, finished too quickly. i’m still wrestling and i meant to say i’m glad you’ve landed on a position that’s comfortable for you.
I completely understand your tension Chuck, I feel the same way. I see some guys posting what they’re doing ministry-wise and appreciate their work, but feel that if I did the same thing it would likely be for the wrong reason. If my ministry-related Tweets aren’t clearly and directly glorifying God, I’ve decided to keep them to myself.
On the flip side of these is taking advantage to comment on other people’s statuses. I think everyone loves to have people comment on their status, so I try to use it as an opportunity to encourage others and have some small impact on their day.
I fully appreciate all the insights you offer, whether it’s ministry, a show of your “everyday man” with family, or the resources! As someone who has been frustrated for a few years about not knowing what’s going on or available for college ministry, it’s refreshing to have you, Benson Hines and others (some of which I have found through your postings). Whether you stop or continue, thank you for your faithfulness to your family, your calling at Colossae, and towards College students and leaders!
Chuck, if you’re worried about what people in your congregation are thinking then ask a sampling of people that you respect and trust. You’ll either find that it is or isn’t a problem. And if it is, address it. Ask for feedback and creative ideas to solve their concerns. The solution might not be to quit cold turkey. Just a thought.