A new internet-based social networking website is taking the world by storm and Sydney Anglicans are jumping on board.
The Rev Andrew Lim, pastor of the Asian Bible Church at St Andrew's Cathedral is one of the 30 million people worldwide who is using Facebook to connect with new friends and reacquaint themselves with old ones.
Mr Lim, who has been a member of Facebook for only one month, already has over 400 friends listed on his profile page and says this is a great way to build relationships with people.
"After being invited to join Facebook I spent two days searching through other people's friends lists and was able to catch up with old church friends who I hadn't seen for ages," Mr Lim says.
Facebook also allows people to form networking groups and Mr Lim has already created groups for Cathedral Bible Study, Asian Bible Church and young adults coaching ministry, CrossTraining.
"Anyone can start a group or invite people to join one and it's a very effective way to keep in touch with generation y and some generation xers too. I haven't seen many baby boomers though," he says.
As well has helping to keep people in touch, Mr Lim says Facebook is a great "social lubricator'.
"I was at an MTS fundraising event and I saw a guy whose face was familiar. I soon realised I had seen him on Facebook in someone else's friends list, so we were able to make the connection and have a great conversation."
Mr Lim says the technology practically helps the various ministries he is involved in.
"It has streamlined the process of inviting people to church events by posting notices in a particular group," Mr Lim says.
He also says Facebook has a large scope evangelistically.
"There are people who have wanted to bring someone to Cathedral Bible Study so we have invited them on to be our friends on Facebook, which is a good way to start friendships," Mr Lim says.
"Having an online introduction to people before getting to know them offline can seem less threatening. It can be easier to say you'll chat to a person on Facebook then asking for their phone number or email address."
Facebook allows people to type in "status updates' indicating what they are doing at that very moment.
"It's one of the neat aspects of the technology that helps people feel connected to one another. You can even give virtual hugs, kisses, pokes or start food fights," Mr Lim says.
"You can also get like-minded people together for projects. For example, if I get enough posts for my "Give an Asian guy a break' group, I could get a book going," Andrew laughs, regarding his group about the dumb things non-Asians say to Asians.
Mr Lim is one of the more than 200 members in the Sydney Anglicans Facebook group.
