social church

Since people look for answers on YouTube, it makes sense to post and name church YouTube videos in a way that helps them find the answer they need.

Social media has become a more prominent communication tool for churches during the pandemic. When you haven’t been able to see people in-person, you’ve probably shared sermon videos and offered encouragement with those connected to the church’s social media channels.

As we approach the Lenten season, you might wonder what to give up in this time of reflection. Popular items include caffeine, meat, sugar, television, and alcohol, among others.

When you think of church, you probably think of freshly brewed coffee, the laughter of friends, welcoming hugs, your favorite hymns, and the preaching of God's word. It's a place to belong, be enriched, and build up spiritual strength for the week ahead. Why would we ever want to give all this up for church on a screen? Well, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a number of individuals unable to meet in-person, and for a time online meeting in person as a church has become and might still be a mandate out of our control, depending on where you live.

Church communicators are being constantly challenged to meet the needs of their staff and congregations to present information effectively and appropriately. This is no small task. Communication tools and techniques rarely stay the same; tactics continually change.

As the church embraces digital solutions for connection, leaders are looking for the platforms and tools that will give them the most for their money. In the realm of social media, Facebook and YouTube reign supreme. However, many leaders have expressed growing frustration with the reach and engagement of Facebook and the difficulty of creating content for YouTube. The best-kept secret of the social media world is Instagram, and church leaders and communicators are starting to wise-up to the power the platform offers.

Facebook has provided a great way to stream live at no extra cost. Before smartphones and Facebook were born, churches had to use a TV or a radio station to stream their program live.

This time of the year is busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas events to arrange that there’s little time left to spend on elaborate advertising campaigns. “And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.'”