Twitter and Facebook: The New Face of Christian Evangelism

Christians Use Social Networking Sites to Advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Mission of Crosswalk.com

Richmond, VA (Vocus) August 5, 2009

With social media users sharing everything from what they’re reading to where they’re eating and when they’re going to sleep, it’s no surprise that social sites such as Twitter and Facebook have become a place to voice ones beliefs and faith. Crosswalk.com, the largest online destination for Christians, has seen how valuable these sites can be for ministry and the sharing of Christian Faith. In the past two weeks alone, Crosswalk.com's Facebook page has experienced a 190% growth in fans.

“Facebook and Twitter have created an open forum for people to share their faith beyond what traditional forms of communication provide,” said Chad Nykamp, Vice President of Operations for Salem Web Network. “Social media has become a new medium for evangelism and the spread of Christianity, and we're excited to see our content and resources being used for that purpose.”

Tweets and Facebook statuses such as ‘With all the garbage that's on the internet, Crosswalk is a refreshing oasis!’, ‘Great resource. I feel the folks behind the scenes at Crosswalk have their finger on the pulse of today's Christian community.’ And ‘How Awesome is our God providing us with this website. Crosswalk.com, I'm looking forward to learning & sharing the gospel.’ - have helped Crosswalk.com fulfill their mission of equipping and encouraging others in their Christian walk.

“We at Crosswalk.com are always looking for opportunities to encourage Christians to apply their faith to the many difficult issues they will face in this life,” said Stephen McGarvey, Executive Editor of Crosswalk.com. “Christianity means so much more than simply going to church on Sunday. Websites like Twitter and Facebook provide a tremendous opportunity for Christians to share the many ways our Christian worldview helps us answer the questions of life that come up during the rest of the week.”

Visit Crosswalk.com on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/crosswalkcom

Follow Crosswalk.com on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/crosswalk_com

About Crosswalk.com:
Crosswalk.com was acquired by Salem Web Network on October 4, 2002 and has expanded to be the largest Christian destination online. The website slogan 'The Intersection of Faith and Life' portrays the site's mission of 'offering the freshest and most compelling biblically-based content to Christians who take seriously their relationship with Christ.' Crosswalk.com is built around four primary content areas – Faith, Family, Fun and Community. Each category is further subdivided into areas of significance to many Christians, including Bible Study, Devotionals, Marriage and Parenting, Music and Movies, News, and more.

About Salem Web Network:
Salem Web Network, the online division of Salem Communications, began in 1999 with a single website - OnePlace.com. Today, SWN consists of 12 national sites, including the most well known brands in the faith marketplace, such as Crosswalk.com, OnePlace.com, BibleStudyTools.com, and Christianity.com. Additionally, more than 50 radio station websites are part of SWN's platform, which now reaches more than 7 million users every month. Visit: http://www.salemwebnetwork.com]

About Salem Communications:
Communications (NASDAQ: SALM) is a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns Salem Radio Network(R), which syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliates; Salem Radio Representatives(TM), a national radio advertising sales force; Salem Web Network(TM), an Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing(TM), a publisher of Christian-themed magazines. Upon the close of all announced transactions, the company will own 93 radio stations, including 59 stations in 23 of the top 25 markets. Additional information about Salem may be accessed at the company's website, http://www.salem.cc].

Contact:
Kristie Rutzel
(804) 205-9674
kristie.rutzel (at) salemwebnetwork (dot) com

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