If you live in or near a big city, you’ve probably witnessed a scene just like this…
A street preacher stands aggressively on the sidewalk, with a bible in one hand, shouting holy scriptures at passerbyers. People rush past him trying not to make eye contact so they can continue on their busy way. Oblivious to the lack of response or perhaps passionate about his message, he continues to preach…and preach…and preach.
There may have been a time, a long time ago when this method of evangelism would result in crowds of curious onlookers, but today it’s seen by the majority as invasive and belligerent.
Now switch gears for a second and think about how it makes all the difference when you go to church to seek out the preacher. He’s quoting the same psalms as the street preacher, but now you listen…willingly. Why? Because you opted in to the message.
And that is a critical lesson in social media. Many people join a social media site to connect with friends, listen to thought-leaders or dialogue with like-minded people. Nary a person joins a social media site so they can be sold to. If you go there to preach, you’ll be ignored. Don’t be a social media street preacher.
Image via Flickr
Lara McCulloch-Carter
Author of the Special Event blog ready2spark
Director of Marketing – Regal Tent Productions
Past-President – ISES Toronto
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