I've been privy to a lot of Twitter bashing.

When I've asked people if they're on Twitter, I've heard more than once - "Why would I want to know what people ate for breakfast?". 

I agree - if this was what everyone was using Twitter for, it would be intolerable! Thankfully, the scope of social media is much broader than the banal details of everyday life. I always encourage people to give it a go, and then, once seeing its full potential, to make a decision. 

Ray Ortlund is an author, pastor and former seminary professor explains how and why he uses social media:

"I don't use it for my own pastoral connectivity here at Immanuel Church, primarily. It's mostly for reaching out to others, far and wide. What I love about pastoral ministry is the eye-to-eye, intense interactions with actual people. Virtual relationships don't exist. But electronics can broadcast gospel concepts, which is worth a lot.

I suppose one benefit for me as a pastor here in Nashville is that the media help me guide and flavor the conversation at Immanuel. In every church, there is a 24/7 conversation going on – phone calls, tweets, emails, chance meetings at the grocery store, and so forth. What are we talking about? It is easy for the devil to change the subject with his wretched negativity. So the more chances I and others in the church have to keep the conversation lifted up in a positive, Jesus-focused way, the better."

Take a look at Ray's Twitter stream, and get a sense of how he's using Twitter to this end. Likewise, John Piper has shared how he uses Twitter.

I've considered how churches can use Twitter more effectively - here's just 15 ideas, along with 5 benefits of this particular platform of communication. If you're new to Twitter, they've provided a handy introduction.

How are you using Twitter? How have you seen it used well to love and serve others?

Feature photo: Faux Photography by Andyofne