The Internet and social media are the Gutenberg Press of this century. The way we communicate with others is changing at a rapid pace. As church leaders — from pastors, associates in ministry, deaconesses and diaconal ministers to congregation council members, church committee chairs and committee members — we have the opportunity to use ever-changing social media tools to share the Good News in new ways.

“Do not be afraid!”

Join Meredith Gould, author of “The Social Media Gospel,” for a day of exploring social media and how it can be a helpful tool for ministry. Navigating the Unknown: Using Social Media for Ministry will be held on October 11, 2014, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Moyer Hall, Muhlenberg College. The event costs $30, and is partially underwritten by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s Prosser Pahse Mission Fund.

In three sessions, Meredith will address:

• Strategy and Tactics – and how they need to be crafted before choosing social media tools; the importance of integrating social media across platforms and with other digital communications (website and e-newsletters). Real time look at how to create strategy.

• Social Media Tools –  and the best ones for congregations; why and how to use some and not others; nitty gritty details for getting started with social media, monitoring them, and setting up a social media team – even if it’s only two people. Real time look at social media accounts.

• Making Sure Your Church Website Works – and how social media have almost completely changed what should and should not be on church (and judicatory) websites. Real time look at websites.