Twittering clergy

[Vic VDB]

I've been approached by a few people regarding Twitter recently.

I enjoy writing the blog and engaging in the forum but I'm not sure about this new trend of posting where you are, what you're doing, what you feel in a live commentary.

Anyone here twittering and what's the benefits and why do some tell me I need to do it to be (even) more accessible to those I pastor?

[3 Gen Rev]

tried it for about three days, found it to monumentally tedious and not enormously enlightening!
And compared to other sites like Facebook it was sooooo complicated to get more than just words on screen, and I couldn't afford the time to work it all out!
I am now Happily not a devoted twit

[paul]

Not that I feel its my job to 'defend' Twitter - but as the current Number 7 in the Top 20 of Twittering Clergy and Bishops.... 

The thing to remember is that Twitter isn't meant to 'replace' Facebook or Forums, it's something else entirely. It's not for everyone, and nobodsy should feel in the least bit bothered about being on Twitter if they don't fancy it

However, I find it useful - subject to the following caveats and 'tips'

1. It's a bit pointless until you get a decent group of followers / following - by which I mean genuine people who share your interests. I'd say that it only starts to get interesting once you get 50 followers or more

2. You need a 'follower list' that is credible. I only follow people who are pastors, ministers, Christian leaders, Christian authors etc - and actively 'block' anyone else. As a result my follower list is very closely attuned to my interests. I haven't got time to waste on people who don't interest me!

3. It's almost essential, and certainly once you get a lot of followers, to use a Twitter cleint such as Tweetdeck, Seismic or similar. This enables you to quickly group people into 'lists' and makes following people feasible. Don't ever base your Twittering on the Twitter website - its hopeless!

4. The idea that Twitter is about telling people you are just about to clean your teeth or go to the bathroom is a bit of a false stereotype - frankly, anyone who tweets that stuff should be 'unfollowed'! There are plenty of interesting people around to follow, woh will share links, useful sites, ideas, ministry tips etc.

5. Tip : as a first step go to http://www.twurchofengland.org.uk/ - the gathering site for CofE clergy who are on Twitter. Follow everyone on here! Most will follow you back, and you'll start to make friends and get value from Twitter

In short, if it is leveraged quickly, then it is a really useful ministry resource. But it takes a bit of time to set up and get working properly (once set up, it runs itself) and ,as I said, its not for everyone

BTW, if anyone wants to follow me, Im here http://twitter.com/paulwalker71

[Vic VDB]

On with http://twitter.com/VictheVicar/cavedwellers

And as Vic the Vicar

I have to see what's what and watch it run now!

what's the best way of using it Paul?

[Vic VDB]

Who else is on - I assume the thing only works when you have a full list and have much in common.

[WV]

to be honest, i don't think any of our parishioners will be tweeting - so the idea of using it to be more accessible is  a non-starter.

[Simon Heron]

Lots of good stuff on Twitter following #synod

[Vic VDB]

O.K. - so do I just search on #synod and follow that?

V

[Simon Heron]

Basically, yes. Or click on it from a tweet from another person on twitter. Either way you'll end up going to the page that has the most recent tweets containing that tag.

Live opinion from the event whilst listening to the audio feed from Premier radio.

[paul]

Yes, follow any hashtags that take your interest

Or go onto my profile page at twitter.com/paulwalker71, click on my follower list and 'fill your boots'. Virtually all of my follower list are Christian leaders, ministers or Christian websites