When I hear the term ‘social network’, I immediately think about Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. In reality, these websites are just modern day expressions of real life networks of interconnected relationships between individuals. These networks of relationships are usually centered around a common interest, belief, or activity. Social networks go as far back as the first family—Adam, Eve, Cain and Abel. However, I believe the most sanctified example of a social network, this side of Heaven, is clearly described in Acts 2:42-46.

⁴² And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.^[1]

Luke describes the first church as, “all who believed were together and had all things in common.” Wow! I don’t know about you, but this sounds like the perfect social network. Can you imagine the deep interconnected community of this first church…to the extent of voluntarily selling their possessions to ensure that everyone was without need? Do you think the 21^st century church could once again experience this type of interconnectedness? I do and I think technology will be a key accelerant in making this a reality.

Acts 2 is a product road map for social media and technology in the church. As we seek to extend the functions of the church online, I believe a holistic approach would encompass the following:

• Spiritual Formation (Learning God’s Word) (v. 42)
• Community (v. 42, 46)
• Prayer and Care (v. 43, 45)]
• Worship (v. 46)
• Evangelism (v. 47)

Though many internet campuses incorporate one or more of these elements, most only do one of them really well. I agree with Greg Atkinson’s assessment, that if you are going online with these functions of your church, don’t do it unless the technology fits within the vision, mission, and church growth model of your church. Don’t do it for the sake of doing something really cool.

Several churches and organizations are already making great strides using technology to extend and facilitate these ecclesiastical functions online. Here are a few that I believe are doing it well:

Learning God’s Word (Spiritual Formation)

Movee

Shadetree

YouVersion

Worship

Church Online at LifeChurch.tv

Northland, A Church Distributed

Community

The City at Mars Hill

I know there are others, so feel free to add comments below to add the list of those who are using technology and social media to fulfill these ecclesiastical functions with excellence.

As for sharing and evangelism, these are indeed the fruits of many of the technologies listed above (in addition to others), but I have not seen any applications designed with these specific functions for the use in the local church. If you do, please educate me!

If your church is pursuing a holistic approach, drop a comment below. I would love to hear both your strategy and the technologies you are using.

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^[1]The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (Ac 2:42-47). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.