Guide to Engaging Your Congregation through Social Media

Social media can be a powerful asset for your church’s outreach ministry and a great way to keep current members connected to your church throughout the week.  Unfortunately, social media often falls off the radar for many busy pastors and church leaders, becoming an afterthought. 

For others, social media platforms might seem daunting and challenging to navigate. If you’re looking to grow your church’s social presence but don’t know where to start, we will help make the process as simple as possible and inspire you to build a strategy for your church. This guide will help you engage with your congregation through social media. 

1. Using Social Media for Churches

There are numerous ways to access and use social media, but there are a few key reasons why churches should consider utilizing social media. First, social media provides a free and easy way to expand your church’s reach by allowing you to connect with potential members, volunteers, and donors. It can also be an effective way to communicate with media partners and promote your church’s online ministry. 

Social media can be an excellent tool for churches to connect with their congregants and allow them to become more involved in various ministries. Social media can also serve as a way for churches to reach out to a community. It’s a great way to find volunteers and participants for events, such as food drives or prayer services.

2. Helps Grow Your Multigenerational Community

A growing number of multigenerational churches have embraced social media to connect with multiple age groups. These churches use social media to engage with their current congregation and the wider community. This can be a great way to attract new members to your church.

Social media can also help churches to reach out to a larger audience. Many congregations can reach thousands of people through their social media channels. If your church has a website, you can easily include social media tools on your homepage to access your social media profiles easily. You can also post links to your social media sites from announcements or your church’s email newsletter.

3. Be There for Others in Times of Need

Social media can be an excellent channel for churches to help people in their communities. For example, during times of extreme weather or tragedy, churches can serve as a central location for people looking for information about the situation. If your church does not have a Twitter account, this may be an excellent opportunity to start one to help connect with people on a specific issue, such as a flood or tornado.

4. Instills Presence of a Community

Some churches are hesitant to use social media because they are concerned that it will distract from the worship experience. However, if used correctly, social media engagement can help to connect your congregation. For example, you can use social media to encourage people to RSVP for an upcoming event at your church and post other event updates.

Your church can use social media to connect with your community. Social media can be great for raising awareness of your church’s mission, encouraging people to become involved in your church’s ministries, or getting active as a volunteer, donor, or member.

5. Keeps Community Updated

Many churches post information about events, services, or upcoming sermons on their website or email. Still, these are often the only forums where church members or the wider community are informed about the church’s activities.

Social media, however, can be a great way to keep members of your church informed about what’s happening. People can be kept up to date through their Twitter or Facebook feeds.

Social media can also be an effective tool to keep your community informed about your church’s work in the community. For example, suppose your church is participating in a volunteer activity. In that case, you can post pictures on your Facebook page and encourage people to support your church’s efforts by donating.

Conclusion

Social media can be a powerful new tool for pastors and church leaders as they reach out to their community and help grow their outreach mission. Social media can provide instant access to your church's followers, allowing them to stay updated on information, events, and other news. It can also be a way to keep your community informed about your church's activities, service projects, and upcoming events and sermons.

Even a basic social media profile can be helpful for your church. If you’re looking for a place to start, a Facebook page can help you engage with your congregation and community. 

At Faithworks Marketing, we are well-versed in providing social media management for churches all across the United States. Contact us now to discuss your next marketing campaign, and we will gladly answer any questions you may have and give you a no-obligation free consultation.