Twitterstop

#1 Twitter Resource for Churches (and the whole universe)

Posted on 18. Feb, 2009 by admin in Books / Resources, Non-Profit, TwitterNews, TwitterStuff

At first glance of this new Twitter based eBook’s website, I fell in love. The site was so clean and well designed, with an overall packaging and branding that simply made me go “wow, this is tight”. After being awed by the design, I couldn’t help but want to find out more. A day later I found myself purchasing the book, and because I’m a slow reader (well, not that slow, just takes me time to read a book due to all 90 other projects I have going on at one time), here I am almost a week later, writing this review.

The new eBook is titled “The Reason Your Church Should Twitter” by Anthony D. Coppedge out of Dallas,Tx. If you’re a pastor, student minister, or involved with some type of ministry, your first reaction to such a resource title is probably something along the lines of “Awesome, I need to read this”. Others who don’t follow the “faith” probably see such a book as one more tool to promote evangelism through a social network. I understand both possible reactions, but what’s unique about this book is though it was written “for” churches, it’s not your typical “church” resource. This book would easily serve as a tool for any individual or business who would like to know more about Twitter and learn how to get started.

TWITTER MADE ME DO IT

It’s no secret that Twitter has become one of the hottest social networking tools in the world. The idea is so simple, yet so powerful. It’s bringing people together through simple 140 character communication every second. It’s the reason this book exists, and through Twitter, Anthony connected with several other people who made this thing happen. Ever got in trouble as a kid by doing something that your friend dared you to do? Well, this book won’t get Anthony in trouble, but he can definitely blame Twitter for making him write this book.

THEY THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING

Simply reading the table of contents, you see how well thought out this book is. They cover just about everything necessary to convince anyone to use Twitter. Someone who doesn’t even own a computer could read the forward and table of contents and begin to fiend for Twitter the way a fat kid does cake.

One of the creative chapters is “Twitter as a Megaphone” which covers the topic of Twitter being used as a quick messaging device. Because of the immediate, and almost instant messaging that Twitter provides, it would be foolish not to use it to inform members of your church of just about anything and everything. For example, you’re a parent taking your son to a student event, but some details about the event have changed. BAM! Through Twitter the church can update you instantly on the new event time or location,etc.

One of my favorite chapters is “Using Twitter as a Conversation”. Anthony does a great job of breaking down the variety of users that twit and explains how best to use this tool to converse and “get to know” people, suggesting that this be the primary purpose for using Twitter.

A MESSAGE TO PASTORS / LEADERS

Leadership is important to Anthony. I don’t know that personally, but it’s clear within the book how much he values good and effective leadership, as well as the role of the church pastor. The book devotes an entire chapter to pastors and leaders and explains how effective Twitter could make them with not only their congregation, but with their staff and volunteers.

TWITTER FOR DUMMIES AND MORE ADVANCED DUMMIES

I’m using the word “dummies” here because the way Anthony lays out the step by step details on everything from setting up a twitter account to linking to web pages, to adding photos, almost makes this book a “Twitter for Dummies” manual. It’s that thorough and that easy to follow. He states that a Twitter account could be set up in “one minute or less” and he’s correct. I just tested it and was able to set up an account in under 60 seconds.

Here are just a few of the details that the book covers:

- Setting up a Twitter account

- Syncing Twitter with your cell phone

- Changing backgrounds and page colors

- How to Tweet

- ReTweeting

- Adding a photo or website link

- Browser tweeting / Non-Browser tweeting

- Tiny URL’s

- Tweetdeck / Twhirl (Twitter clients)

- Following, Not Following, and tips on when not to follow, etc.

- Provides a great list of useful Twitter tools and Applications to make your Twitter life easier

- Tips on how to best use Twitter for the church

- Strategy Tips

FINAL THOUGHTS

As I bring this review to a close, I have to be honest. Upon first hearing about this book, I feared that it would be a book full of “tips and tricks” on how to “minister” or “evangelize” to other Twitter users. One could get that first impression by the book being “church specific”. Because this book never even comes close to that, it serves as one of the most valuable Twitter resources out there for churches, individuals, and yes, even businesses. I know I’m repeating myself, but the material in this book easily translates to any community, whether ministry or business.

But if you’re a church and you want to take advantage of a tool that could completely change the way you do ministry and communicate with your members, Twitter is what you’ve been looking for (or praying for in this case). The $5 price tag for this ebook is worth every penny and more. In fact, add a $5 tip to Anthony for doing such a great job, or purchase more than one license for the eBook. Pastors, invest in your entire church and buy hundreds of licenses or even thousands! Anthony would love that, but the happy one in the end will be you. . . because Twitter will change your life. (wow, that’s a pretty dramatic statemtent ey? Good ending though, right?)

To purchase the book “Why Your Church should use Twitter”, visit www.twitterforchurches.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts about this book. Post a comment below. Thanks.

Review by: Hector Garcia | Dunamis Media & MakeAShift.org |Twitter: @hectorgarcia & @twittstop

2 Total TweetBacks: (Tweet this post)