Chances are that if you know a high school or college aged young person, he or she has an online Facebook account.

www.Facebook.com was recently measured as the 7th most frequently visited web site in the United States. They have over 17 million members.

Of note to Campus Crusade is the fact that Facebook.com is the most popular and pervasive site for American college students. Recently the Global Technology Office conducted a day long Focus Group with some Christian students involved in the local chapter of Campus Crusade at the University of Central Florida. Our purpose was simply to learn from the “experts” – the most knowledgeable users of the site. To say the least, it was an informative time! Here’s a fraction of what we learned:

For many students actively involved in events on campus, Facebook is much more than just a playground for social networking. Christian groups and students in general are using Facebook.com for ministry, including . . .

• Communication access to a vast majority of the entire campus population
• Publicity for outreach events
• Organizing and managing Bible Studies
• Instant communication amongst various sets of friends and acquaintances
• Sharing prayer requests
• Voicing opinions with a Christian world view
• Displaying favorite Scriptures (see example on my profile)

All of that said, I’m on Facebook, how about you?.