by: Caroline Eaton

Today we’re going to discuss how Facebook groups can streamline communication with your church or ministry staff. If you haven’t already, make sure to read the previous posts about using Facebook:

Facebook groups are a little different from a Facebook page, which we’ve discussed extensively. Think of it like the difference between a private meeting and an open forum. Anyone can come to an open forum, but you need to be invited to the meeting. Similarly, anyone on Facebook can see the content that you post on your Facebook Page, but members must be invited to the Facebook Group.

How to set up your group:

4320487_origOn your Facebook homepage, go to the left-hand sidebar where you will see a few different tabs. Scroll down about halfway until you get to groups, and click on “create group.” Facebook will walk you through it from there, so you simply need to input the correct group information and begin inviting members.

Navigating the group is fairly simple if you are already an avid Facebook user. Just like on your personal Facebook account, you can post statuses and photos, as well as share links to the group.

1015978_origThree types of Facebook Groups:

  1. Public Group: Even though you have to ask to be a member, anyone on Facebook can see the group and what is posted, as well as its members.
  2. Closed Group: Anyone can see the group and members, but they cannot see what is posted in the group unless they are members themselves.
  3. Secret Group: Only members can see the group and what is posted inside.

How to use groups for your ministry:

Groups are great communication tools for your various ministry teams. When someone posts inside the group, every member receives a notification. You can make a Facebook group for your worship team, and the worship leader could post about upcoming band practices, set lists or new songs to begin practicing.

The same concept applies for other ministry teams. For instance, a home group could have their own Facebook group and post weekly encouragement to each other, or the host could let everyone know of a location change, etc. The possibilities are far reaching with Facebook groups, but the basic purpose is to communicate with a number of people at once.

Other group ideas:

  1. Pastoral team
  2. Intercessory team
  3. Ushers
  4. Sunday school teachers
  5. Home-group leaders
  6. Outreach team leaders
  7. Outreach projects

The possibilities are endless, so begin playing around with groups and use them to aid communication within your ministry.

Feel free to send us questions, and as always we’d love to know how you decide to use Facebook groups to help your ministry.