Cutting-Edge Social Media Tips for Churches & Ministries
By Mariel Villarreal
Read Time: 5 minutes
Social Media ministry and evangelism are taking the internet by storm. Is your church or ministry on top of the most recent trends?
With the ever-changing algorithms, it's important to stay in the know on the most effective ways to have a reach on different social platforms.
Let's take a look at cutting-edge social media platforms and strategies to get the gospel out to the nations.
Impact Not Influence
First things first, let's talk about the elephant in the room: "influencer Christianity."
In a time of megachurches and celebrity pastors, many have grown weary of influencer Christianity. Social media can often feel like a competition: who has the most likes, followers, and views?
These aspects may look like worldly success, but they do not equal God's anointing. Are you anointed and called? Your presence on social media matters, whether you have an audience of 5 or 50,000.
We know the issue with social media is that it causes competition, comparison, and performance. The comment sections can turn into endless back and forth arguments. While I understand many want to stay off of social media platforms to protect their peace and stay out of controversy, I think, in doing so, we miss out on an extraordinary opportunity to engage those who need to know Jesus.
How can we be salt and light if we are not in the places that need them - including social media?
I want to encourage you that if you've kept off social media, it may be time to re-evaluate that decision. What if God wants to use you in a new way to reach those who need to know Jesus?
With this in mind, let's talk about strategy next.
"What's the algorithm, and why should I care?"
To put it in simple terms, the algorithm is the system that decides what content gets pushed out to be seen on the platform. Believe it or not, you can follow best practices to help reach your audience - your church, your community, the lost.
I want to be clear: this is not about view counts, followers, or numbers of likes.
Here's your perspective shift: This is about getting the message God has given you out to those He wants you to reach. If you're not following best practices, your content may not be seen at all. Let's change that so that more people can come to know Christ through your ministry.
3 Booming Social Media Platforms to Watch
While there are several social media platforms we could discuss, I want to focus on three that are on the rise:
1. TikTok
TikTok is the fast-growing video-sharing app that allows users to create and share up to 1-minute videos. You'd be surprised at the impact you can make in short 15-second moments. You can preach the gospel, share a testimony, post a worship moment, pray for viewers, and so much more. The algorithm works in such a way that it's designed for content to go viral. That means there is excellent potential for you to reach a wide audience for the sake of the Kingdom.
If you're looking to impact Gen Z, open up your phone and download TikTok. They are at the reach of your phone keyboard - and this generation is desperate for Jesus, even if they don't realize it yet.
2. ClubHouse
ClubHouse is a social media app that has been making waves since it launched in March of 2020.
Here's how it works: You set up a call within the app called a room where others can listen to the conversation topic at hand.
Like Facebook in its early days, this app is currently invite-only, meaning you have to have someone who already has the app invite you to be able to join. However, as the app gains in popularity, this may change.
Clubhouse is great to hold more extended discussions, build community, and teach.
3. Instagram: Reels
Since Instagram has been around for a while, I want to focus on one particular feature today: reels.
Instagram took notes from TikTok and created a new function for creators to make short 15-30 second video clips. Right now, Instagram is focused on pushing the reels feature to the top of the algorithm.
This means that your reel is more likely to have reach than other functions (posts, stories, IG live videos, etc.) That's why it's a good idea to start making reels if you're not already. You can get creative and make video reels relevant to your Sunday messages, devotionals, and encouragement.
7 Best Practices for Instagram Reels and Tik Tok Videos:
1. Tell an exciting story
Whether it's a testimony or a sermon illustration, keep it interesting and to the point!
2. Use appropriate trending songs
Using trending songs will help get your message heard. Find the ones with appropriate music/lyrics and add them to your video!
3. Record in high-quality video
Tip: when recording from your phone, use the backside of the camera instead of your front-facing camera.
4. Get attention in the first 5 seconds
The first 5 seconds are critical to capturing your audience - make it enjoyable!
5. Use relevant hashtags
Do some research and find hashtags that will help reach those you need to impact
6. Share educational content
Adding value to your viewers by sharing short, educational content, whether from a Bible study or teaching, will help engage your audience.
7. Create interesting transitions between video clips
Take some time and watch reels to get inspired for creative transitions to switch between video clips!
The Potential for Impact
Jesus said before he returns, the Gospel would be preached to all nations. Now more than any other time in history, do we have the opportunity to see this happen. How? The internet.
With this powerful truth in mind, I want to ask you a question: are you on or off social media?
If not, I hope you were inspired by new strategies to get your church or ministry making an impact online.
Or, maybe God is calling you to join the ranks of those that have ministries and churches solely online. If so, we would love to help you get started, so you can protect what God has given you to lead. As we wrote about in a recent blog, even online ministries need to meet IRS compliance - and we'll be happy to help you with that.
To get started, give us a call at 877-494-4655 or click the link below to schedule a call with a specialist!
%schedule-a-call-cta%