You’ve probably seen the videos — regular people doing regular things, finishing with the token quote, “and I’m a Mormon.”
The fact is, as Mormons, we appreciate tools like Facebook because it allows us to share with the world who we really are.
In a recent post by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (also known as the Mormons), that desire to share who we are was made evident, sharing that out of the 2,970 Facebook pages in AllFacebook’s rankings of the category “Church and Religious Organization,” five of those are ranked in the top 100, two in the top 25, and one in the top 10.
The fact is, the church loves social media and has Facebook pages with hundreds of thousands of likes. The most popular ones include:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (over 464,000 fans)
- Mormon.org (over 244,000+ fans)
- Mormon Messages (over 150,000 fans)
- Mormon Channel (over 111,000 fans)
- LDS Newsroom (over 46,000 fans)
You might be asking why a church might be interested in social media. The fact is, as Mormons, relationships are important to us. Mormons have a strong belief in helping their fellow man and focusing on relationships in the process.
Social media has played a critical role in helping the welfare of our fellow man — from efforts in Africa , to helping those in Japan, New Zealand and the tornado ravaged Alabama.
There’s no worry of any unfamiliar missionaries knocking on your door trying to convince you to join the church until you want it to happen through these means. Because of social media, you get to learn about the church, on your own terms, from people you know. And as members, you don’t have to take the church’s word for it — you can hear what the church is about straight from your closest friends and family who are Mormon.
With stats like these, if you’re on Facebook, there’s a good chance you’re a friend with a Mormon. If not, you can visit any of the owned properties of the church and ask questions there. The advantage of that is you can ask real Mormons about their beliefs — the people you know, and the people you care about and trust. Now you can see why social media is so useful for the LDS Church.
Jesse Stay is manager of social strategy and solutions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, writes regularly at StayNAlive.com, and just finished the book, Facebook Application Development For Dummies. His thoughts here are his opinions and do not reflect the official words or doctrines of the Church.
I think this is a terrific example of adapting to our increasingly "on-demand" society. The rising generation pushes back on anything that comes to them (missionaries knocking on doors included), and instead are doing their own research online before doing anything, whether it's joining a religion or buying socks.
Further, it's allowing church members to act as advocates… the same thing a lot of brands are trying to do, but in this case with a more motivated user base. Some people may be resistant to talking to missionaries, but talking to their friends who happen to be Mormon is a different story.
Comment by Roger Pimentel — May 16, 2011 @ 2:10 pm
Religion aside, this is a really spammy guest post. It is unbelievable bias and it lowers the quality of this site as a social media resource.
Comment by Doug A — May 16, 2011 @ 3:02 pm
Part of this is that the Mormon church has Jesse Stay helping on social. You could put Jesse to promote Dreyer's Ice Cream to Eskimos and it would be a top page on Facebook.
Comment by Dennis Yu — May 16, 2011 @ 3:03 pm
Thanks Dennis! That means so much. You are too kind.
Comment by @Jesse — May 16, 2011 @ 3:18 pm
Definitely! This article is reads as written Like a propaganda sheet for Mormonism! Soo..to be fair I suggest you allow ads for all other "Religious" Ism's to run as News Items lol.
Comment by Ellie Bryan — May 16, 2011 @ 3:25 pm
Love the Mormon Messages series. The latest one, with all of the adults singing I Am A Child of God is downright heart warming.
Comment by @AGoodHusband — May 16, 2011 @ 5:02 pm
I haven't seen a lot of religions really embracing social media, but maybe that's just because I happen to be a Mormon and notice it more when it is my own. I like using facebook as a tool to inform my friends about my beliefs, and I've been known to share my favorite Mormon Messages. My non-member friends like it, too, because like Jesse said, it's low pressure and informative.
My interest has been piqued, though, about other religions and their use of social networking, based on some of the above comments. I'm going to look around a little more!
Comment by lbhansen — May 16, 2011 @ 7:20 pm
you will be getting warmer, and warming as the true Christ makes you sweat. Too bad you have fooled people for so long.
Comment by Thomas C — May 16, 2011 @ 10:21 pm
Hey jesse, want to go one on one with a fundamentalist who knows his BIBLE, not some strange book?
Comment by Thomas C Carman — May 16, 2011 @ 10:25 pm
One thing I've noticed about Mormon online behavior is that members of that church *love* to downvote critical comments.
Comment by @ChinoBlanco — May 16, 2011 @ 11:23 pm
john 8.44 rom 3.9 1john3.8,10 act 10.13 r you child of god? r you a sinner?
Comment by larry — May 16, 2011 @ 11:56 pm
I'm glad someone said it
Comment by Steve S — May 17, 2011 @ 12:27 am
How about you NOT run any more proselytizing columns on this site? Or columns that APPEAR to be proselytizing? I read this site for information about facebook, not about how the LDS Church uses facebook. If I want to learn about Mormons I'll go to their website. Thank you for your understanding.
Comment by ozarknature — May 17, 2011 @ 1:43 am
Doug A and ozarknature are right. If there's going to be an article on AFB about the Mormons it should be a case study by an independent observer, not a piece of propaganda. I wonder if ozarknature's -74p reputation has any connection to displeasing the Mormons.
The Mormons are far from new to the internet; in the days before social networking, when Internet Relay Chat was popular, the largest teen chat channel on the largest network was Mormon-controlled. A strange place where young people were banned for mentioning coffee, but predatory pedophiles were welcomed as long as they didn't "break the rules". I hope for the sake of today's teens on Facebook that the Mormons have gained a little moral perspective in recent years.
Comment by largeCoffee — May 17, 2011 @ 3:28 am
True. As a culture, we [Mormons] aren't very *academic* when it comes to responding to how something makes us feel.
Comment by Bryan Tanner — May 17, 2011 @ 12:04 pm
I read this site for information about facebook too. I am not afraid to read about how organizations (whose beliefs I may personally disagree with) are leveraging social media. This is an inspiring post for all groups.
Comment by bryantanner — May 17, 2011 @ 12:10 pm
There is no question that this is a propaganda piece. However, it contains valuable information that has provided me with concrete examples for what is "working" for the Latter-Day Saint Church. Sure, I would have been more excited, had this been a case study by an independent observer, but I'll take what I can get.
Great work Jesse; Haters gonna hate. [Academics gonna scrutinize.]
Comment by bryantanner — May 17, 2011 @ 12:18 pm
Of course the downvote is appropriate when the comment is rude, uncivil, and un-Christianlike.
Comment by David — May 17, 2011 @ 1:42 pm
No thanks Thomas – I prefer to build up, not tear down. Going 'one-on-one' isn't something I like to do.
Comment by @Jesse — May 18, 2011 @ 11:04 am
There's a series of posts on lesswrong.com about the ways the Church uses principles like those outlines in Cialdini's book on influence to create strong communities. I happen to think that Mormons are deluded with respect to the reality of their supernatural claims, but there's no denying their success in building communities. Anyone who wants to build a community around some other shared belief would do well to study their tactics.
Comment by Mike — May 19, 2011 @ 11:35 am
Another take on why their prevalence in social media is so pervasive is so that they can better control people's perception of themselves. When you have an entire section on your website devoted to spinning any negative, critical or derogatory topics that hit the news across the web and across the world… you have a problem.
Who tries so damn hard to convince people you aren't as odd as everyone sees that you are? Yer odd… get over it. You are not "regular people" doing "regular things". You are blindly obedient sheep who believe you are not blindly obedient sheep. There in lies the problem. Lipstick on a pig doesn't change the fact that it is a pig… but if the pig with lipstick on never thinks so and puts out commercials about how it's now a donkey and doing "regular" donkey things like "regular" donkey's do what the HELL is one to do?
I for one roll my eyes and comment on this blog post. That's what I do. Cheers to the pig who thinks it's a donkey. Stay in your pig pen is all I ask.
Comment by guywithaclue — May 19, 2011 @ 5:46 pm
Who are you to judge?? Honestly have you ever gotten to know someone outside of your beliefs?? I am LDS and NEVER have once judged another for the beliefs NOR have I been blind in what I believe or what others believe! I suggest you get your facts straight before you speak… perhaps you should get out of your "comfort zone" actually get to know the people in the LDS church. And you talk about others being "blinded"? Don't judge… it's NOT your place or your job… it's GOD'S judgement.
Comment by Judgenot — May 21, 2011 @ 12:22 am
You seem to have it all figured out @guywithaclue – thanks for your deep insights into how all Mormon's seem to see things…
Main question I have for you is what do you believe? and why did you take 20 minutes to write such a heart-felt comment? I can tell you've been thinking about this for quite some time.
Comment by Nate — May 21, 2011 @ 5:05 am
Next time before you read the column, you should read the title too.
Comment by Dustin — May 22, 2011 @ 7:36 am
too bad you have no proof to back up your theories.
Comment by Dustin — May 22, 2011 @ 7:41 am
This is a great article, but facebook or no facebook, internet or no internet, this is the way the church has always done things. "Because of social media, you get to learn about the church, on your own terms, from people you know. And as members, you don’t have to take the church’s word for it — you can hear what the church is about straight from your closest friends and family who are Mormon." I'm glad people are starting to catch this about the church, but it isn't new, it's how the church has always operated, from the beginning of it's foundation.
Comment by Sharlyn — May 22, 2011 @ 8:22 am
Well, it's less out proselytizing and more about having the freedom we enjoy in our country to talk about things of our own choosing, and if another don't agree, they choose to pass by and not enter the conversation. That's what is so great about our country. We can live very peacefully beside many people who are extremely different than ourselves and still be friends. We accept people the way that Heavenly Father made them and know our lives are blessed because of it, not plagued by it.. Its why this country has stayed on the list of top countries around the world for so long. It's what makes us great.
Comment by Sharlyn — May 22, 2011 @ 8:29 am
Thank you Jesse for the article…the more people who get Jesus' message out the better Christians we all will be…and for those who dis-like or think we are sheep…well so be it..Christ is our shepherd, God is our Father…thats that the important thing, we are to do as Christ taught, read your Bible!
Comment by I am LDS — May 22, 2011 @ 9:30 am
I laugh as I read this because a less lamb like group have I ever met. I am a convert, I will state that up front, but I did not come to my faith lightly. I did not take anyone's word on anything and required explanations for anything I deemed odd. Is it wrong to follow a set of rules determined my a religion? Only if you believe the rules, and group, to be ethically questionable. Otherwise, every faith is full of blind followers… and if you are an atheist, I suggest that you follow a set of rules as well. Even if they are of your own making, derived from "logic", or pulled from the ether, you did not get them without a strong influence of someone. So, in a way, you too follow blindly… you may be blindly following "logic" but it is logic as determined by someone. Further, this article was not an attempt to promote the LDS church, merely am observation that we tend to be heavily active on Facebook, our media resources are well marketed and the reason is that it is a less in your face way of sharing information. What's amazing is that in all the articles on the site people are offended because its about religion… but any faith would be based by someone. Can I tell you negative posters one thing? Just because its written doesnt mean you must read it. I manage, for example, to easily avoid porn, and it is far more agressive, offensive and widespread.
Comment by Amber — May 22, 2011 @ 10:26 am
great comment Roger
Comment by Shannon — May 22, 2011 @ 10:46 am
The LDS church spends millions of dollars helping people. Other religions, countries, and states when they need it. Why do other religions spend millions trying to disprove the LDS church instead of helping other people?
Bishops and his Counselors do not get paid for what they do. We encourage high school children to go to other church's to study and find out about their religions. This is for extra credit. Other religions are told and discouraged to stay away from us and our Book of Mormon. Are you afraid of the truth? Why is it so terrible to post anything on Facebook? If you don't like it don't read it.
Comment by Vicky — May 22, 2011 @ 11:45 am
I am a non-mormon. If you have any questions about the validity of the church's teaching or practices. You shouldn't spend so much time fighting over the small stuff. If you are a christian, then the solution is simple. Just Pray about it and let the holy spirit guide your decision. The spirit of Christ is of peace, not dissention. So reflect upon what you have said and ask yourself "Is this uplifting or degrading?" With so many religions in this country we shouldn't be fighting over the "little" differences that exist.
Comment by Tracy R. — May 22, 2011 @ 11:45 am
So many judgements based on what, I wonder? Do you actually personally know any mormons? To assume we are being blindly led around and can't think or make conclusions for ourselves is ridicoulous. It saddens me when I read posts like yours that is just plain ugly and not based on any facts. I converted to the church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints almost 6 years ago. I came from a non denominational background. I found in this church people who are highly educated, sincere, kind, God loving people, who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Comment by Colleen — May 22, 2011 @ 2:01 pm
Mormons love to crank up the Ward Calling Tree to bare their testimonies online whenever they have a chance to.
Personally knowing Mormon mendacity first hand, it wouldn't surprise me to find out that Elder Stay has a room filled with a thousand "volunteers" who do nothing but create Facebook accounts just to then "like" Mormon pages.
(And take my word for it: the screen name I used would have incited a lot of Mormons to attack me personally with comments like "Sure you were a bishop!" instead of addressing the way that the Mormon church has tried to surreptitiously use its power to affect legislation against gays.)
Comment by FormerMormonBishop — May 22, 2011 @ 5:51 pm
Your never-mormon friends are most likely blocking updates from you. I think you should travel around to other forums and read how they most likely feel. By the way they hate the term non-mormon, it makes them feel like you are only using them to further the church goals.
Apostate_ Buddy
Comment by Guest — May 22, 2011 @ 6:20 pm
You haven't once judged another for their beliefs? Really? Are you sure? Did you go on a mission, or do you support the missions of the church? That right there is a judgmental practice. Spreading your "truth" means that you judge that others do not have the truth. I do know LDS people. I was a convert to the church at 18. For you to say that you don't judge is just completely unbelievable.
Mormons judge. They don't like to say it so loudly so much but they judge. Thats ok, all humans do it. I do it. Please don't try and make believe that you or the Mormons don't judge because it's just not true.
Comment by Jay Burris — May 23, 2011 @ 12:55 am
Well said. The truth is the truth. We all share a common bond in the teachings of our Saviour Jesus Christ. May we all emulate our Saviours love as the Spirit directs.
Comment by Harold — May 23, 2011 @ 1:34 am
Facebook censorship of conservative Christians is continuing please spread the word
See http://www.facebookcensorship.com for details about how Facebook is censoring and destroying conservative Christian groups and how they are preventing me from advertising the new page at http://www.facebook.com/PentecostalChristians after destroying/censoring our Bible study group with over 1800 members.
Be sure and "LIKE" our new page if you have not yet done so.
Regards,
Bro. Winter
Comment by Bro. Steve Winter — June 1, 2011 @ 10:48 am
[...] friend told me she found God through Facebook. Here’s my rendition of her story, told in the first [...]
Pingback by TRUE STORY: ‘I Found God Through Facebook!’ — June 15, 2011 @ 12:49 pm
You're lying again, Steve.
Steve Winter, my challenge to you to come to the Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry forums to discuss/debate Christian theology remains open.
The URL is: http://forums.carm.org/vbb/forum.php
I await your arrival.
See the Steve Winter FAQ at: http://adamsemail.net/winter/winfaq.html and also see http://www.altupc.com/altupc/swinter.htm for even more details of Steve Winter’s abusive and evil nature.
Comment by Carl — June 23, 2011 @ 9:05 pm
Beukeboom is an AKA of the sick stalker Carl Mccaskey of Florida. He finds threads where I have contributed content and then vandalizes them.
Satan's punk, Carl Mccaskey, is a sick, obsessed false-christian stalker who was exposed as a fake by by Bible teaching and has been obsessed with me for many years. He often posts a link to a site run by another false-christian deceiver Stephen Adams who found malicious libel to be his only defense against the truth that showed him to be a fake.
Carl Mccaskey is one sick little stalker and has been for many years. I have filed several criminal complaints against him over the years. Some of his harassment and stalking and some of the criminal complaints I filed are documented at http://www.carlmccaskey.com since he repeatedly lies and denies his activities. He is not the first to get away with computer crime. Just because he got away with what he did hardly makes him innocent.
The false-christian scum running CARM are some of the vilest Satanic scum on the planet. Carl is very frustrated because I won't answer a fool according to his folly and I won't cast pearls before the swine at CARM.
I don't come to debate scum like Carl Mccaskey, I come to expose such scum for the trash that they are. What I teach is not hidden in a corner and I could not care less what some Satanic filth believe.
Since I have http://www.prime.org why would I need to bother with the false-christian trash at CARM?
Bro. Steve Winter
Comment by Bro. Steve Winter — June 23, 2011 @ 11:00 pm
Greetings to you blessed one!.As you read through my message,I do not want you to feel pity or sorry for me,for I believe someday, somehow,we will all surely die, this is about mine, and a last wish.
My name is Mrs.Mrs. Susan Gold , a Citizen of the united kingdom,I am a 63 years old woman,I am diagnosed of Cancer of the Larynx and it is terminal,medical science can not do anything for me at this stage. Please reply as soon possible in my private email ( susan.gold67@yahoo.co.uk )
Comment by Mrs. Susan Gold — October 3, 2011 @ 7:57 am
I am glad that Mormon Church tops Facebook and not Muslim Brotherhood, but I won’t be surprised if they do soon.
Comment by Botox Northridge — November 2, 2011 @ 1:17 am