Written by Rick Rust - BCPM
Facebook gives you the option of creating a Facebook page or a group. Both are unique in what they have to offer. You need to know the difference because it is hard to switch later if you so desire.
I. Facebook Page
A Facebook page is like a public profile. This page allows the church to communicate with everyone. Well, everyone that you can get to follow or like your page. This method will enable you to communicate with the entire world. This page is considered a public page.
Facebook Page highlights
• People can search for your page and see the content without liking it.
• When people interact with your page, it can show up in the feed of their friends.
• On your website, you can have a link to your page so people can see what you have posted in the past and get a better idea of your church. That is why you must be serious about what you post.
• Only those you allow can post on your page.
• You can pay to promote a post. This is helpful at Easter. You can even direct the ad to a specific age group.
• Facebook gives you analytics that will tell you when your audience is most active.
• Analytics will let you know how much engagement you are getting.
• They also have a tool for scheduling your posts and advertising tools.
• A negative to this choice is that anyone can reply to a post. This means they can respond; however, they would like to, including with profanity. This is why it is essential to keep a close eye on your page.
• Another negative is that not everyone will see your posts. Facebook uses algorithms to determine who sees your posts. Therefore, not even all of your members could see them.
II. Facebook Groups
Groups allow you to communicate with everyone who is a member of your group. Groups are often used in churches to communicate with those regularly connected to your church.
Groups Highlights
• Everyone in the group will get the posts.
• You can control if everyone in the group can post something or just you. So members can post prayer requests or share blessings, and you can post ministry opportunities.
• You can create several groups such as regular attender, prayer, choir, the list is endless.
• Your members can share a group post on their feed, which would be seen by all of their friends. Therefore, you can do a post and ask the members of the group to share it.
III. Which One Should I Use?
A Facebook page is like a window display at a store. People can get a quick view of what you are all about as they browse your page. They can scan to see your updates, events, sermon series, or anything else you promote.
Groups promote a more intimate level of communication. You can use Facebook Live to communicate with everyone in your group. Share some behind the scenes preparation, prayer needs, and so much more can be shared.
My recommendation is that you do both.
1. As a church planter, you can start with a launch team group to share all the info needed for preparing for the church plant.
2. Then as you get closer, start the use of your Facebook page. Through this page and pushing some ads, you can let the community know what is happening. Also, this will let them know what you are all about as a church. Share pictures of your family, meeting locations, materials you have for the launch. This will all build excitement. After you have launched, keep this as a general page for the community. Just use it to promote the critical events of the church.
3. After you get going, encourage people to be more connected by joining the group. This will become your primary source of communication with those who are connected to your church.
4. Down the road, you can create special groups such as choir or teen ministries.
Facebook gives you the option of creating a Facebook page or a group. Both are unique in what they have to offer. You need to know the difference because it is hard to switch later if you so desire.
I. Facebook Page
A Facebook page is like a public profile. This page allows the church to communicate with everyone. Well, everyone that you can get to follow or like your page. This method will enable you to communicate with the entire world. This page is considered a public page.
Facebook Page highlights
• People can search for your page and see the content without liking it.
• When people interact with your page, it can show up in the feed of their friends.
• On your website, you can have a link to your page so people can see what you have posted in the past and get a better idea of your church. That is why you must be serious about what you post.
• Only those you allow can post on your page.
• You can pay to promote a post. This is helpful at Easter. You can even direct the ad to a specific age group.
• Facebook gives you analytics that will tell you when your audience is most active.
• Analytics will let you know how much engagement you are getting.
• They also have a tool for scheduling your posts and advertising tools.
• A negative to this choice is that anyone can reply to a post. This means they can respond; however, they would like to, including with profanity. This is why it is essential to keep a close eye on your page.
• Another negative is that not everyone will see your posts. Facebook uses algorithms to determine who sees your posts. Therefore, not even all of your members could see them.
II. Facebook Groups
Groups allow you to communicate with everyone who is a member of your group. Groups are often used in churches to communicate with those regularly connected to your church.
Groups Highlights
• Everyone in the group will get the posts.
• You can control if everyone in the group can post something or just you. So members can post prayer requests or share blessings, and you can post ministry opportunities.
• You can create several groups such as regular attender, prayer, choir, the list is endless.
• Your members can share a group post on their feed, which would be seen by all of their friends. Therefore, you can do a post and ask the members of the group to share it.
III. Which One Should I Use?
A Facebook page is like a window display at a store. People can get a quick view of what you are all about as they browse your page. They can scan to see your updates, events, sermon series, or anything else you promote.
Groups promote a more intimate level of communication. You can use Facebook Live to communicate with everyone in your group. Share some behind the scenes preparation, prayer needs, and so much more can be shared.
My recommendation is that you do both.
1. As a church planter, you can start with a launch team group to share all the info needed for preparing for the church plant.
2. Then as you get closer, start the use of your Facebook page. Through this page and pushing some ads, you can let the community know what is happening. Also, this will let them know what you are all about as a church. Share pictures of your family, meeting locations, materials you have for the launch. This will all build excitement. After you have launched, keep this as a general page for the community. Just use it to promote the critical events of the church.
3. After you get going, encourage people to be more connected by joining the group. This will become your primary source of communication with those who are connected to your church.
4. Down the road, you can create special groups such as choir or teen ministries.