'One Day in Melbourne—Evangelicals Online' was held on Saturday as a one-day gathering for editors, writers, designers, social media mavens, authors, bloggers, self-publishers—anyone in Christian media whose aim is to maximise the Gospel was on Saturday.
After a welcome by Reverend Bob Thomas the editor of New Life - Australia's Evangelical Newspaper' and a devotional by Dr Mark Tronson a daily columnist for Christian Today and the retired Australian cricket team chaplain featuring "resurrection moments" - the morning sessions got under way.
Sophia Sinclair – Social Media
Editor Press Service International
Sophia grounded her presentation as a biblical responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus. Sophia noted that the 'Crossroads' is the convergence of different media. Old and new platforms (Traditional news papers vs Online news sites) along with a convergence of generations. Sophia noted young people today are making serious careers through online endeavours.)
Sophia observed that 4 out of 5 church attenders made their commitment for Christ before the age of 20, nine out of 10 before the age 30. Sophia noted social media is mainly used by younger generations while Facebook and twitter primary places where they access news (as opposed to newspapers and TV news).
Sophia Sinclair highlighted an understanding of the culture's underlying attitudes is essential – and the more we know, the better we can meet these needs, frame the gospel to meet these deficiencies. Sophia had the gathering in small groups list benefits of social media: increase trust (legitimacy), an ability to influence (really connect with supporters, connect with leaders in their field, participate in global discussions), building community and global opportunities to influence.
Sophia explained planning your social media is now important. She made the point that the fast pace of social media can sometimes make it difficult to speak clearly to your audience. Sophia listed these attributes as crucial.
Know your audience, Know your voice, Know how you will respond, Know your limits and be aware of privacy and security of mission organisations. Sophia went through many of the existing social media platforms speaking to each of them, and throughout the session - the gathering broke into small groups to discuss specifics. A thoroughly professional and greatly appreciated presentation.
Sophia Sinclair could have spoken for another hour with the small group interactions, the gathering was overwhelmed in the joy of the Lord.
Sophia concluded that God is in control of social media. He is not intimidated by social media! Sophia noted we are really starting to experience what it is like to become the 'exile church' and cited 1 Peter chapter 3 verse 13: "And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?"
Captain Peter Brookshaw—Marketing
Salvation Army Melbourne
Peter Brookshaw gave a definition of marketing from the American Marketing Association, that marketing is actually focused on behavioural change. Peter stressed that God is always fresh, innovative, creative – citing many biblical examples such as the ark, splitting the red sea, talked through a donkey, water from a rock, Jesus' healings', His resurrection – all new and different.
In other words, marketing is doing something new, creative and innovative - which is the Nature of God.
He cited - APEPT - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers. Peter Brookshaw saw that pastors and teachers create "safety, caring and comfort". The apostle tries something new, which is not always safe.
Peter challenged the gathering that pastors and teachers rule – whereas the APEs (apostles, prophets, evangelists) have been pushed aside, they are risky and innovative. The Church needs to help empower the APEs to do what they have been called to do. He quoted Alan Hurst in "The Forgotten Ways" that APES disturb the equilibrium in status.
As a society we are pretty tough on the 'creatives' and asked the question whether we in the church suppresses 'creatives'? The church needs to legitimise and encourage the innovators.
Peter drew on the whiteboard a sketch of a hairball – illustrating the legalities of church institutionalism and self protection whereas APES 'must' orbit the hairball as this represents serious barriers to good marketing. Those within the hairball are frightened by anything innovative - as it's always been done this way ... an inability to think outside the box
Marketing, Peter Brooksaw throughout emphaised, is about "imagination" – and marketing in essence is about behavioural change and our role as APE's is to focus that imaginative process towards the good news of Jesus. Peter's session was very well received after which the gathering broke for lunch provided by Holy Trinity, Doncaster.
Tomorrow – 'One Day in Melbourne' – Platforms and Design "presentations".
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/mark-tronson.html