Facebook Internet Policy

[matt326]

So I have a bit of a situation on my hands. In the last month we have had to let 3 people go from volunteering (2 from worship team, one from tech team) because of inappropriate pictures or things found on there facebook page. One of the things that the Worship Director and I (Director of New Media) have always held high on our list is that if you are volunteering in either of our ministries, you are not only representing yourself, but also us as leaders and the church as well. My question is has anyone ever sat down and written out a facebook police before? I guess I’m just looking around for ideas on this.

Thanks!

[tedanderson]

Unfortunately, most industries were not prepared for the millennium technologies. The body of Christ is one of them that is still behind the curve when it comes to policies, procedures, guidelines, etc.

But I think that most church policies and bylaws cover the usage of Facebook and other social networking sites indirectly. Because you are still publicly representing the church regardless of whether you are at a wild spring break party or if you have a website.

Not too long ago, we had to make an announcement regarding our logo and the prohibited uses. This policy was originally in place to prevent outside T-Shirt vendors from making paraphernalia and selling it to our members. But we realized that this same policy applies for using the logos, trademarks, etc. on the web.

[rbcyouthdude]

I am a Paramedic and we got the ambulance stuck the other day. I put a picture of it on my face book because I thought it was funny. This morning my boss told me it would be best to take it off. I took all reference to my employer off my facebook. I know we had an issue of people posting wrecks and showing patients but I would never do that. Guess that's the way things are going.
As a youth minister when I see things on kids pages I say something to them in person. I think we do need to be careful. A policy would be great.
Michael

[rbcyouthdude]

dang, posting this made me realize I need to make a new avatar.

[Paris MkVI]

Check Psalm 101. An excellent resource for beginning this policy journey. Notice that it not only covers my behavior, but speaks about those who would serve under me.

Then of course there's 1 Timothy 3:2. Although this is directed at elders, it is certainly a biblical goal to shoot for!

[Esoteric]

Yeah, it is a fine line to walk. There needs to be discipline in church, but some people will always of course take it too far. Inappropriate things need to be addressed, but different people will always have different ideas of appropriate. For example would a picture of a person dancing (not naked or lewd dancing, just dancing) be enough to remove them from a ministry? I know some pastors who would say yes (I do not agree with them) while I know others who would say no! That is why a clear BIBLICAL policy is necessary. Also church discipline should always be used to bring a person back to repentance and not to beat them over the head or punish them unnecessarily.

Mike

[jksbc]

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 (KJV)

My pastor just relieved our volunteer usher/greeter team leader of his duties because he posted a picture of himself in several instances at bars drinking, smoking, and partying in general.

Whether you think it's a sin to drink or not this behavior takes on the appearance of evil or sin.

We are a very contemporary church who doesn't pass judgment on anyone. We love people just like Jesus. Just where they are. But, we do not condone bad behavior. We don't beat people over the head with our bibles but we don't let them lead if they're no further along in their walk than to post themselves on FB partying down.

[cmchamp]

It's not just Facebook, MySpace and the like. Some of the language choice, slang, inuendo etc in this community should cause some to think of how they are representing our Lord and His church. Ephesians 4:26 I think says let nothing unprofitable come from your mouth accept that which is edifying for the correction and instruction of the believers.
There is a spiritual battle happening in the world and our enimees are gaining numbers. I don't remember the scripture off hand, but what comes from the mouth is in the heart.

[[Admin] danroth]

Following what Cory says...
I'd ask that anyone concerned about something they see posted here please bring it to our attention.

Thanks!

[Pastor Tim]

I guess this is an unexpected advantage of the fact that almost all of our church is middle-aged and up. Most of the problems with inappropriate things on FB etc. seem to come from younger folks. So far I think the only ones in the church who have FB are some of the teens, my wife and I and maybe one or two others who use it for business contacts.

The idea of a policy hadn't occurred to me, but as we are in the process of re-working our by-laws and policies & procedures I think I'll raise this along the way.

Pastor Tim

[cmchamp]

Tim
You'd better keep a close eye on usage of FB. I will be having a discussion with my boss tomorrow about inappropriate (not slanderous, just not positive) comments made about our working environment. I don't wish to get anyone in trouble, however, we are attempting to break the established opinions of our community with a refreshing image which fellow colleagues are crippling with their FG and MySpace comments.
Not that it shouldn't happen in church environments, and I'd not be looking for transgressions, but inevitably they'll show up.

[Esoteric]

Originally Posted by jksbc

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 (KJV)

My pastor just relieved our volunteer usher/greeter team leader of his duties because he posted a picture of himself in several instances at bars drinking, smoking, and partying in general.

Whether you think it's a sin to drink or not this behavior takes on the appearance of evil or sin.

We are a very contemporary church who doesn't pass judgment on anyone. We love people just like Jesus. Just where they are. But, we do not condone bad behavior. We don't beat people over the head with our bibles but we don't let them lead if they're no further along in their walk than to post themselves on FB partying down.

But if he is over 21 and not getting drunk how is this the appearance of sin? What sin is he appearing to commit? This is the issue you get into. This is why you must be very careful and very specific about what is/is not acceptable in your policy. For example I have some humorous pics from our honeymoon on my Facebook. Some might consider them inappropriate (since I have an off color sense of humor at times), but I (and our pastors) simply find them humorous.

Mike