“As much as we do not want to admit it, social media platforms have revolutionized the way people communicate and interact. 

Churches, that are recognizing the power of these platforms, have eagerly embraced social media as a means to engage with their members, share updates, and amplify their message. Which is good but also carries with it some mistakes that we all need to be aware of.

Let’s talk about a few of the positives.

Engaging with Members

Social media can provide you with a unique opportunity to engage with your members in real-time. After all, statistics show that people are spending an average of 2 to 3 hours per day on social media.  So as church staffs we need to make sure we are communicating with our members and community where they are. 

Whether you embrace this or not the fact is platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow for instant communication, fostering a sense of community and connectivity. So, through consistent and meaningful content, you can create virtual spaces where members can interact, share their thoughts, ask questions, and receive pastoral guidance.

By actively participating in online conversations, you can establish a more personal and approachable image. Responding to comments, sharing stories of transformation, and seeking input from the congregation on important matters, can all contribute to building stronger relationships within your church community.

Sharing Updates

Gone are the days of bulletin boards as the sole means of disseminating church updates. With social media, you can efficiently communicate important information to your members in a timely manner. Whether it's upcoming events, changes to service timings, discipleship content, or special announcements, social media platforms enable instantaneous distribution of information to a vast audience, ensuring everyone is kept informed. 

Tools like Facebook Events and live streaming options also allow you to extend your reach beyond your physical church building. Members who may be unable to attend in person can still participate in events and services remotely, fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging.

Amplifying the Message

The ability to spread your message to a wider audience is one of the most powerful aspects of social media. Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and TikTok provide you with a means to share inspiring sermons, testimonies, and worship music beyond the confines of the local congregation. And best of all, that content will be there long after you are gone still impacting countless individuals looking for answers.  It’s this amplification that allows your message to reach people who may not have otherwise had the opportunity to hear it.

Furthermore, by encouraging members to share your content with their friends and followers, you can tap into the power of word-of-mouth and increase the impact of your message exponentially. Social media's viral nature has the potential to touch lives and bring people closer to your mission and a relationship with Christ.

But as I stated earlier there are some mistakes you want to avoid.

• Your social media plan and strategy is not well thought out

• Your social media plan has not considered staffing concerns.  For most this is a full-time job in itself

• Your posting but you engagement and follow up on comments lacks

• All your staff and key members are not onboard

• You are realizing this is much more work than you thought so now considering stopping it all together

• Your initial plan is not sustainable

These are just a few. 

Through active engagement, timely updates, and amplification of your message, you can utilize these platforms to strengthen relationships, foster community, and share the transformative power of the gospel with a wider audience. However, it is important for you to approach social media with authenticity, integrity, and a deep understanding of your audience, to ensure that your message is communicated effectively and in alignment with your core values.

If you are considering starting a more comprehensive social media campaign or need help now that you have already started and are realizing, you are making some or all these mistakes Church Messenger is here to help.

Schedule a 30 minute consultation call and we will explore where our staff can help you implement a successful social media plan that not only reaches more people but engages, equips and empowers.