Build a Better Facebook?

Christian author Margaret Feinberg likes Google+, the latest entry in the social networking world. She thinks the new social media platform could be especially useful for church leaders:

“You’ll find a profile page where you can add photos, a bio, links and videos. And you can share your whims and thoughts just like you do on Facebook. But the most unique aspect of Google+ is its Circles, which enable you to review updates from different groups, such as ‘Work,’ ‘Friends,’ ‘Family,’ ‘Foodies,’ ‘Fans of America’s Got Talent,’ or whatever categories you’d like to create for the people you know.

“The amazing thing is that you develop Circles like ‘Loves Rob Bell’ or ‘Would Vote for Palin in 2012’ and keep those people as close or as far away from you depending on your preferences. But the whole concept of Circles becomes more helpful (and less tongue-in-cheek) when you think about the natural circles of involvement in your life, whether it’s ‘Church Staff,’ ‘Small Group,’ or ‘Outreach Event.’

“Another plus of Google+ is the Hangout. This allows both chat and video features that give you instant access to up to 10 people who also want to Hangout with you. I expect the Hangout to catch on among youth leaders as they build relationships with kids. In contrast to Skype, Hangout provides the opportunity to allow a congregation to hear from up to 10 different missionaries around the world during a service. Or a person can still be at work but pop in during the lunch hour virtually for a Bible study. The possibilities are endless.”

Feinberg urges caution as well, however. Besides technical drawbacks (such as difficulty interfacing with other social media, and annoying repeated content), Google+ has its minuses. “Circles have the potential to streamline conversations among like-minded people. That has tremendous potential to organize people around a common idea or cause. But it also has the potential to filter out the people who are different from us—those who might challenge us to be better than we could become on our own.”

—from ManagingYourChurch.com