Creating community – 4 reasons why social networks work better than you think

Think about the places you have felt the deepest belonging.

As an online pastor, I hear the statement: “You can’t build real community online” often. I understand. Online Community is not for everyone. But for millions, social networks are more than a place to post pictures and opinions. Social networks have become the place people gather.

Have you heard of the term: “Sense of Community”?

The theory of “Sense of Community” (McMillian & Chavis, 1976) gives us four factors for creating healthy community – membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection.

These four factors help us understand why online communities work better than we think.

MEMBERSHIP

Everyone wants to know they belong. Church leaders can get everything else right – beautiful buildings, inspirational sermons and fun kids programs, but if we get “membership” wrong, we may as well not move forward.

When I was in middle school, I was nicknamed the, “Fat Bible-Thumper”. I was clearly on the outside of belonging.

The church has been known for creating negative boundaries that keep “certain people” out. The drug addicted, the homosexual, the single parent, the homeless, the disabled, the person with the colored hair and nose ring…

We justify this behavior based on our need for emotional safety; giving into fear based excuses.

The backlash – We exclude people who are different than us from knowing the love of Christ. But worse is the unspoken rule, silently screaming to our members that they will not be welcomed if they have sin or circumstances that prevent them from putting on their “Sunday best”.

Exclusivity undermines the body of Christ. It breaks trust and eliminates the vulnerability needed for life change. In the end, no one, not even those who call themselves members, feels they belong.

INFLUENCE

People need to know their needs, values, and opinions matter. This may seem obvious but it is an outcome that is hard to achieve. People who influence others are listeners; accepting people’s needs, values, and opinions without judgement.

“People who acknowledge that others’ needs, values, and opinions matter to them are often the most influential group members, while those who always push to influence, try to dominate others, and ignore the wishes and opinions of others are often the least powerful members.” (McMillan, 1976)¹

INTEGRATION & FULFILLMENT OF NEEDS

Getting to know people, their needs, and dreams for contribution and then inviting them to serve is imperative to healthy community.

SHARED EMOTIONAL CONNECTION

Healthy communities share a common story and purpose.

In summary, here are 4 reasons why social networks work to build community better than we think:

1. Social networks break through the negative boundaries of membership. They give us the opportunity to reach to the ends of the earth and invite all people in and learn from people who are different than us.
2. All people want to know his or her life matters. Social networks were created for everyone to contribute and have influence.
3. Statistics show, people worldwide are engaging in social networks more than any other social activity. An Online Community can address specific needs, answer questions about faith and be a place of daily discipleship and encouragement.
4. “Less than 20 percent of Americans regularly attend church” (ChurchLeader, 2018)², Online Community gives the church the opportunity to help people find their place in God’s story every day of the week.

Notes Cited:

¹ http://www.drdavidmcmillan.com/category/community/

² https://churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/139575-7-startling-facts-an-up-close-look-at-church-attendance-in-america.html

Other Resources: The Community Manager http://thecommunitymanager.com/2013/11/19/the-psychology-of-communities-4-factors-that-create-a-sense-of-community/