Let me open this up and say that using Windows as an example is me neither endorsing or praising the product; it’s just an example.

Although, I do like PC’s (ducks for cover from the flaming arrows of mac-lunatics).

Microsoft has made advances technologically that have (let’s admit it) been formative for pretty much everyone on the technological planet. Sure, some of their software has been, with reasonable justification, slandered heavily, but no one could ever not call them “progressive.”  We owe Mr. Gates his due.

In terms of Social Media engagement, though, they haven’t always been stellar. But they are learning. And that’s a good thing.

Their recent foray into the blogosphere with the specific intent of using it as a communication medium for their product roadmap was risky. They didn’t handle it perfectly well at first, but they made it up.

When critics pointed out that the UAC (User Account Control) feature has security issues they initially reacted poorly, defending their inclusion of this “security breach” as part of the original intent.

WRONG.

But, they recovered, and took to heart (and the roadmap) the bloggers and critics thoughts. The result? A better Windows application.

And here’s what the Church (and individual ministries) needs to learn from this: Engaging in the world of social media is one thing; understanding it is another, and handling yourself well and correctly is an entirely different thing.

Just because you have a blog doesn’t mean you’re awesome or that you’re doing it “right.” It’s just like a guy holding up the Bible and saying “I’m a Christian.” Having a Bible doesn’t prove anything. Knowing about it, it’s purpose, and how to use it well is what it’s all about.

So take a second and ponder where you ministry (or mind) is at. Could you learn something from Windows?