Trying define social media is a challenge, as this post from Web Worker Daily explains.

Trying to keep abreast of the latest developments and possibilities of social media is also a challenge (but subscribing to Mashable’s social media channel can help with this).

However, for many churches, getting a grasp of the basics of social media is the first step that they haven’t taken. And ‘The Social Media Marketing Book‘ is the perfect introduction if this describes your situation (or perhaps you’d like to pass it on to your pastor!).

In an easy to read format with lots of screenshots, you’ll feel like you’re making great progress through the book (when in reality, every second page has a screenshot!) The book explores the different categories of social media – blogging, micro-blogging, social networking, media sharing, social news, social bookmarking, ratings and reviews, forums and virtual worlds.

For each category an entry-level description is provided, along with a history of the category, and some tips to engaging in the particular channel (e.g. how to use Twitter – which is perhaps not as easy as it might appear to someone who is new to Twitter).

Chapter 10 includes details on strategy – how to harness social media for marketing, and chapter 11 gives tips on measuring your success.

Don’t be put off by the use of the term marketing in the previous sentence, or in the title of the book. Social media has some very exciting possibilities for churches and ministries to engage with our communities, to promote discussion and get people thinking and talking about Jesus. This book lays the foundation that will help your church or ministry brainstorm how you might use social media for the glory of God.

And speaking of social media, here’s an interesting article from Tim Challies on ‘Christians and Social Media‘.