The In Trust Center recently presented a webinar on social media to an audience of theological seminaries across the United States and Canada.
The Center's vice president for communication, Jay Blossom, shared the webinar hosting duties with Leanne Van Dyk, president of Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Together they provided guidance on cultivating an authentic, trusted voice on social media platforms in “normal” times — and then employing this voice to communicate during crises. Van Dyk relayed her experiences in developing a social media strategy during her first year at Columbia Seminary.
Social Media Resources
Seminary examples
Facebook and Twitter accounts have almost a daily presence, with a wide variety of posts. A video campaign called “Student Spotlight” is usually liked and shared frequently. They also post videos on other sites like Vimeo and Ustream.
A daily presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with a wide variety of posts and consistency among the three platforms. They also spotlight their president, Dale Meyer, whose “Meyer Minutes” discusses current topics.
A daily presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with a wide variety of topics and campaigns like Throw Back Thursdays and Wisdom Wednesdays. Also a strong presence on YouTube, with new videos every couple of months.
A daily presence on Facebook and Twitter, with a wide variety of topics. They are also one of the only schools to have their LinkedIn page present on their website’s homepage.
Resources
- Elizabeth Drescher: Tweet if you heart Jesus, Click 2 save, and The Narthex blog.
- Article: “K-State University president on why and how he used Twitter to defuse basketball coach crisis”
Books
- #Follow the leader: Lessons in social media success from #HigherEd CEOs by Daniel A. Zaiontz
Seminary communication plan
CASE’s management checklist for communications and marketing
Communication tips for presidents
Need help cultivating your own “voice”? See MailChimp’s style guide.
For your social media manager
Social media/marketing blogs:
Tips, articles, information:
- Veritasium video: “Facebook fraud”
