Sometimes etiquette is lost online, in social media and through new media channels. While I am far from Emily Post and an expert, I have noticed some disturbing trends recently on different social media platforms.

So here are a couple of helpful tips (I hope) on how to foster community and practice good etiquette on the inter-webs for churches, their priest and others.

Profile Pics

1. Never use a logo personally. Sure, it can work for a company or institution, but for a person, not so much. It is not like I can shake hands with a church logo or the Nike swoosh.
2. South Park and other cartoon renditions are cute, but rather juvenile. Remember your picture will say much about how people see you. Now this doesn’t mean a little playfulness isn’t okay, just be aware if your profile picture is a cartoon character don’t be surprised if people don’t take you seriously.
3. A picture is worth a thousand words. Make sure your profile pic or your church’s says what you want, old and traditional, fun and interesting, modern and thoughtful…your decision.

Friending

1. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to friend someone if they send you a request. For instance, you don’t have to give your telephone number to just anyone. So why are you giving it or “friending” a long lost “friend” from grade 3. Are you seriously going to engage with them?
2. If you decide to unfriend someone, cool, but don’t announce it.
3. For churches, priest and pastors out there, it is okay to friend and follow each other…in fact, one could say that being social, friends and helping each other is building up the kingdom of God. So go for it! They are not competition.

Conversation

1. Always give credit where credit is due. Sure we want to look like the hippest person out there, but always tag back to where you saw something interesting. In academia this is sighting your sources. In social media, it is just polite to give a shout out to the person who found that great video, picture or quote. Don’t worry you will look cool by association. By not giving credit, you run the risk of angering the person and being unfriended, and losing your source for cool links to pass on.
2. If you are talking about someone, give him or her a shout out and link back to them, either to their Facebook or Blog (or both), so that others may find this wonderful person you are speaking about. Hence the whole social media thing.
3. Speaking of links…when possible, link back. This matters for other peoples Google juice and helps them out. Do for others and they will do for you.

I realize this is a short list of social media etiquette for churches, priest and pastors. And it is by no means exhaustive. In fact, I am sure I missed something obvious. But following these simple rules should help out on social media and help increase your scope and deepen your friendships online.