Christian Social Networking Sites

About Christian Social Networks

Those who have strong religious beliefs may not frequent online social networks that have lewd or sexual overtones, behavior or advertisements. Places such as MySpace, Facebook or Friendster all have networks devoted to religious groups, but because the tone of the entire Web site is not Christian in nature, individuals may want to frequent other social networks.

Parents may also prefer their teens to surf Christian sites to protect them from Internet predators, sexual misconduct and other immoral behavior that can occur on unmonitored social networks.

It's not hard to find a social networking site for Christians. A simple Internet search will turn up several thousand sites that in one way or another deal with the Christian faith. Site topics include:

• Dating
• A place for teens
• Singles
• Churches
• Blogs
• Traveling
• Business connections
• Moms
• Divorce
• Books
• Music
• Cooking and recipes
• Families
• Bible study
• Bargains and budgets
• Alternative lifestyles

Popular Christian Social Networking Sites

While there are many Christian social networking sites available, only several draw a large number of visitors.

Xianz

Dubbed the Christian alternative to MySpace, Xianz (pronounced zhəns) , created by Robbie Davidson, was originally an invitation-only social network that went public in 2006. Xianz means Christians with the X representing the word Christ and a "z" instead of an "s" at the end. It offers many of the same things as larger social networks, but without any of the adult or mature behavior or advertisements. Individuals who post vulgar, obscene or sexually explicit language or hateful remarks may be banished.

Most of the groups, messages and forums have Christ-based themes. As of January 2008, there were more than 17,000 fellowships created. Xianz is broken down into a variety of sections including:

• People
• Blogs
• Listings
• Forums
• Groups
• Photos
• Events
• Salvation

There is also a section where musicians, bands and record labels can promote their music to potential fans, advertise concerts, and sell CDs and merchandise. Members must be 13 years old to register at Xianz, and it is recommended that no one under 18 join a chat room without the consent of a parent or guardian.

MyChurch

MyChurch is a members-only site is for Christian churches that follow the Nicene Creed. It was launched in September 2006, and as of January 2008, there were more than 108,000 members from more than 16,100 churches. Through personal profiles as well as church profiles, members can express themselves as well as their faith. Registered users pay a $12 monthly membership fee. Churches can use MyChurch to post podcast sermons and post event calendars.

MyChurch is comprised of many facets including:

• Blogs
• Church media
• Private small groups
• Moderator controls
• Ability to network with other Christian churches
• Event listings

More Social Networking Sites for Christians

A few other online Christian social networks include:

• Christian Single Network
• Gay Christian Network
• Christian Directory
• Christian Mom
• Christian Vegan Cooking

A Final Note

Just because individuals choose to join a Christian network doesn't mean that places such as MySpace and Facebook won't have what they are looking for as well. Some people prefer to communicate in a non-threatening environment or in one that isn't overrun with mature adult behavior or advertisements.