The Internet and social media offer new ways of communicating, ministering and building church community. But the easy accessibility of electronic media leaves us with many questions:
What type of information do we collect and store electronically?
Who has access to this information and why?
What is appropriate to post on our website?
How do we control digital photos and minimize the possibility of inappropriate photos (for example, youth group members in their pajamas or bathing suits!) to social media sites?
Who administers and monitors our social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc.)?
Here are some resources that may help your congregational leadership think through and develop an e-Safe Sanctuaries Policy:
See Readville United Methodist Church's e-Safe Sanctuary Policy.
The Discipleship Ministries offers Social Media Best Practices
Church Mag also offers 12 guidelines for consideration in creating an electronic media policy for your congregation.
Churchmag recommends Policy Tool for Social Media for quick development of a policy.
The Christian Century blog offers "Facebook Rules for Pastors"
NOTE: Posting photographs of minors under the age of 18 should only be done with the written permission of the child/children's parents or guardians. A photo release form is included on the Safe Sanctuaries forms page.