As a pastor, I was unprepared for the role social media plays during difficult times in the lives of church members. It took a short time to realize that many people are opting to connect about major life events via Facebook, text messages, emails, Twitter and Care pages. Holy conversations are no longer relegated the pastor’s office or around a friend’s kitchen table. Folks of every age are choosing to communicate about significant emotions and events through their cell phones, tablets, and computers.
Facebook and text messages are not the only ways people can connect about life’s weighty matters. There should always be a special place for direct, personal contact. These options aren’t mutually exclusive. The more we can encourage one another to use a range of support tools in healthy ways, the better.
This was excerpted from the article “Social media in times of grief” by Emily Carson in the March 2014 issue of Cafe. Do you enjoy these free Daily Grace messages? If so, donate now to further the ministry.
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