As Facebook Page owners or administrators, we come across from time to time situations that can put us in a tight spot. I'm referring to blocking some fans/followers from your church Facebook.

At this point, let us determine some reasons as to why you should block some people from your church Facebook fan page. Facebook Page admins or any Facebook account owner for example, mainly blocks people who are aggressive, obnoxious, arrogant or annoying. (Sometimes that could be half the Church!) Other more extreme factors are the ones who are considered to be as bullies and stalkers.

Often times, your page fans are actually the folks you know or have a certain attachment to. (like a fan's friend or a mutual friend) There is a big difference between blocking a person who is a stranger to you and having to block a person who is also a fellow member of your church, Am I correct on that? This is substantial because their is a specific amount of "personal connection" that may cause empathy to the person who is going to be blocked from the church fan page.

On a personal note, I maintain that a custom facebook page should have regulations. Its owners, admins, and members alike should be required to follow certain rules on etiquette, proper decorum, and good conduct to state the least. I should confess, I was unaware of this issue until I heard a fellow Page admin complaining about certain fans' ridiculous comments or posts that he had to manually delete every time. Noticing the hassle of constantly monitoring a Page looking for inappropriate comments, I personally suggested that we have to be conscientious as equally as possible on reminding followers to think before they post something and at the same time observe our rules in posting while hoping to discourage unruly fans from publishing unacceptable comments and posts.

What if these subtle simple guidelines do not succeed? I believe that after a number of attempts to call the attention of a person and yet he/she still exhibits no change in behavior at all, that signals a more drastic solution which is blocking him/her frem the church Facebook page. As the one in-charge, it is your accountability to create a like page on facebook. Just consider the would-be effects of such comments to the other followers (especially if there are members who are still minors) and how an individual's comment can completely ruin an interesting discussion. Your church page fans deserve to feel healthy, comfortable, and most importantly safe while in your page.

For all its intents and purposes, the "Blocking" feature of Facebook should only be applied as an ultimate solution, if you think you have already used up all possible means to correct the person involved. And if you unfortunately have to come to that level, don't feel bad about it. Though it is your Church's representation online, still it is a separate entity from the actual church. After all, blocking someone in your church facebook page does not in any way prevents him/her from attending your church physically and join in all of the church activities. Who knows, this might work as a heads-up for that person to change his ways.