I JUST learned about Twestival, an event organized by volunteers who are using Twitter as a way to bring people together for a night of fellowship, with all proceeds benefiting a charity organization.

In addition to joining the efforts of Twestival and helping support their 2009 charity choice, Charity:Water, I wondered how churches could organize community-wide (not merely church-wide) events that benefited non-profits in our own areas such as food banks, shelters, Christian counseling services, domestic outreach and the like.

By leveraging the large network of people’s social connections via services like Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and others, the reach far exceeds the influence of the local church. Clearly, this is being demonstrated today by the organizers of Twestival, all VOLUNTEERS without a staff to help coordinate and support the effort.

UPDATE: It turns out that the organizers of Twestival have compiled some stats as to the HUGE impact this simple event has had. Over $250k raised and over 17,000 people served. To see what they’ve accomplished thus far, take a look at this post.

The value of Twitter – and, really, social networks – continues to have further and wider impact on our culture. It’s simply not a matter of “IF” your church should be using them, it’s HOW STRATEGICALLY will you use them!