As you may know, I am kinda' into Twitter. A few of us at LifeWay have jumped in (including the big boss, Thom Rainer) and we find it to be a helpful (and enjoyable) tool.

But, I know that some of you blog readers have been hesitant to jump in. There are some obvious pros and cons in social networking (and I have opined on that subject here.) But, let me encourage you to start a Twitter account and get going.

In order to help you make the leap into social networking, I am giving away some signed copies of my new book (written with Richie Stanley and Jason Hayes), Lost and Found: The Younger Unchurched and Churches that Reach Them.

Here's a quick look into what it's all about:

Who are the young unchurched, and how can they be reached with the good news of Jesus Christ?

In a poll result highlighted by CNN Headline News and USA Today, nearly half of nonchurchgoers between the ages of twenty and twenty-nine agreed with the statement, "Christians get on my nerves." Now, researchers behind the larger study present Lost and Found, a blend of dynamic hard data and modern day parable that tells the real story of an unchurched generation that is actually quite spiritual and yet circumspect, open to Jesus but not the church.

And, here is a video the fine folks at B&H made. It made me chuckle.

Now, here are the giveaway rules:

Once my Twitter "followers" reach 6000, I will give away a free book to every tenth person that follows. That should be 6000, 6010, 6020, etc. up until 6100. However, the count is based on my notifications. (Each time someone follows you get an email notice.) So, I will simply mark when I get the 6000th follower and then count every 10 after that until 10 books are given away.

If someone "unfollows" during that time, it could mean that the count you see and the number of follows I receive do not line up. My count is final. And, since more than one person might "follow" at 6000, my notification will be the signal for a free book.

And, these are for new followers I am encouraging to connect with via Twitter. If you are brand new Twitter, that will be great, but if we are just new "Twitter friends," that is OK, too. (And, I follow back all who follow me.) Now, for the 26 of you who "unfollowed" after I announced the contest on Twitter for "new" followers, I will let your conscience be your guide. ;-)

Everyone will be notified via Twitter direct message within 24 hours.

I hope to see you on Twitter.

When I started using Twitter I wasn't sure that I would like it, or continue to do it. But I have really taken to this social networking service. It is an easy way to share parts of my life, thoughts, or links that do not warrant a blog post. Since I tend to write LONG blog posts, this is a refreshing change.

Others have shared their thoughts on why Twitter is worth it. Michael Hyatt gave 12 reasons to jump on the bandwagon, and also wrote a helpful beginner's guide. Now that I'm comfortable with Twitter I thought I'd share a few pieces of advice for those getting started.

1. "Tweet" the angles (Twitter is the service, "tweet" refers to the update/post).
It's not worth tweeting that you had lunch. But the fact that your boss stole fries off your plate while he thought you weren't looking is. Avoid the obvious and find the angle of an experience. People want you to share your life, so give them the good stuff.

2. Use your cell phone.
Part of what makes Twitter so great is the easy of updating via your phone. If you have a Blackberry be sure and get TwitterBerry. It is easier than texting all the time. You can also send email if you use Twittermail.

3. Use your cameraphone.
If your cell phone doesn't have a camera, it's time to throw out that Nokia 6110 and upgrade to a phone released in the 21st century. The ability to share an image of where you are, or what you're doing can let people in on fun, exciting, or even deeply meaningful moments.

4. Do not respond to all comments.
People won't expect you to. Most are rhetorical. And, if you respond to most, people will expect you to respond to all. Just respond to those you want think others might find interesting. Remember, that when someone asks you a question like, "Why are you reading The Shack?," only people who read their Twitter see it... so people who read your response won't know to what you refer. However, if you respond, everyone who follows you sees your response. So, try to restate the question in your response if you choose to respond. All of your responses are public unless you use direct messaging.

5. Pace yourself.
Don't tweet multiple times in a row. If you have that much to say write a blog post.

6. Think before you tweet.
Keep in mind that anyone can see your Twitter, not just your subscribers, so don't say anything you wouldn't say on a blog.

One word of caution. If you want to get people upset on Twitter, just point out that you don't use a Mac, and that a Mac is for people who are not technologically savvy (like when I mentioned that my mother recently bought a Mac).

You can follow me on Twitter here.