I’ve been looking at Social Networking for a while now, and I think there is definitely a need for this among the Coptic Orthodox community.
There is a lot of benefits too, such as:
- Youth get to enjoy each others company under the umbrella of the church
- A church directory can be built up easily
- Youth groups can be formed and a youth database achieved through this
- Central place for all copts
- Library of resources eg. sermons, photos, events can be shared amongst all chuches world wide
An example of this vision is seen in MyChurch.org where they are implementing a social network for all churches world wide. This article “A private social network for your church” shows there vision.
Another point I would like to mention:
- Social networking sites such as Bebo/My Space tend to have a negative impact on young adolescent youth since they are put into a social environment where there are no adults and they can do what they want. Hence swearing, sexual images, worldly music are “normal”.
My Dream
Here is some brainstorming I did on an ideal Coptic Social Network Site that I would love to be implemented.
- Events
- RSVP
- Photos of events afterwards
- Friends
- Monasteries
- Diocese
- Bishop
- Churches
- Fathers
- Sunday School Class of XX
- Other Groups
- Choir
- Deacons
- Youth Groups
- Servants
- Photos
- Events
- Photos
- Events
- Organisations
- Events
- Profile
- Avatar
- Pictures
- Family Tree
- Messages
- News
- Saints
- Resources
- Audio
- Sermons
- Hymns
- Books
- Presentations
- Audio
Due to the hard nature of building something like this, I think MyChurch.org is the best one that fits this criteria so far. Ning.com has been up there too, but it serves more of a general social networking site rather than church specific.
Let me know your opinions.
God Bless