Your presence online matters whether you feel like a novice or veteran of social media.
2020 changed the narrative of social media in churches. I saw people from Browncroft, the church I serve, take an incredible leap into social media to stay connected to the church. They connected with the church, and they invited others to feel a part of the conversation.
As a pastor, I often receive questions like, how can I share about faith? What’s the best way to invite someone to church?
Social media provides you a platform to talk about what matters to you. This environment can become a starting point for in-person conversations. When you engage the church you attend on digital environments, your family, friends, coworkers, and classmates will see it.
Philippians 1:27 says, “…Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…”
When I see that verse, I think of the digital implications. In a time of so much bad news, you have the opportunity to share the good news. We could talk about social media metrics and the importance of engagement. In view of Philippians 1:27, we have an invitation to live out the gospel online so that others might start to experience Jesus.
I want to offer you a few suggestions on how you can champion the social media of the church you attend:
Follow the Channels.
Like the church Facebook page, follow the Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. Without taking this step, you most likely will miss the updates on your newsfeed.
Like posts.
It sounds simple to like a post on social media. Yet, when you like a post, it begins to pop up on the newsfeeds of the people you follow. It also helps the leadership of the church recognize what you value.
Comment on posts.
You can view social media like the foyer of the church. Lots of fantastic introductory conversations happen. When you feel comfortable, answer the question about your favorite food. Let people know you like the worship song. You give courage to others to comment. It brings connection. Again, the people who follow you will see your interactions.
Retweet and Reshare posts.
When you reshare or retweet, you let people know what you celebrate about what God has done through the church you attend. Taking this step also can fuel in-person conversations about faith.
Let me remind you, your presence on social media matters. You have an opportunity to start conversations about faith in-person through the way you interact online.
How else can you champion the social media of the church you attend? Share in the comment section below.