I started a Myspace page a few months back, and updated it about once a month. My only Friends were my pastor and a couple of seminarians. But when I got my student appointment, I found three youth affiliated with the church who wanted to know if I had one. We Friended each other, and they seem delighted to relate with me in this medium. So now I'm going to start listing my Myspace URL with the rest of my contact information on the back of the Sunday bulletin and start using it as a regular point of contact with the handful of youth who are affiliated with my church.
What have been your experiences using MySpace in youth ministry?
Further thoughts from Gavin Richardson.
Friday, August 31, 2007
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8 comments:
I created a myspace page within the past 6 months or so. I don't update it that often, but it is an ok way to keep in touch with friends.
My biggest complaint is the amount of what I consider adult advertisements targeted at teens.
That being said, I think it has potential to reach people and communicate with people that would not otherwise be possible.
I've been around enough youth to not be shocked by what I saw on their pages, but still...
Before myspace hit it big, all my youth had xangas. I signed up and was instantly bombarded with what the kids really thought. They were really excited that I would leave them comments and that I took the time to read about their (lame) lives.
On the other hand, what John said was true. Some of them were leading such extreme double lives, and they didn't seem to know or care that anyone could read what they were writing...
All in all, it was a good look into their real lives.
My experience is that they ask me to be their friend, and then I am surprised that they either forget I am one of their people, or they just don't care, because they post "surveys" that contain information their parents probably wouldn't want to know.
Social networking is a vital link for engaging emerging cultures. MySpace is for more than merely Youth ministry. Facebook and Ning are also useful for networking with people.
I use MySpace for Awaken. The bulletin function is an easy way to send out an occasional announcement.
I should read before I post. The first paragraph (poorly written) was attempting to say that persons of all ages use social networking sites.
john, will you be my friend? &:~)
Only with a lower case 'f', Gavo.
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