You may not like the way social media is changing the world. 

A lot of the change isn’t good. 

But the truth is social media has transformed the way people interact with each other.

It has also changed the way people engage with churches.

Remember this: just because your church invests in using social media as a tool, doesn't mean you condone the bad stuff that comes out of social media.

Let me be clear: I don’t want anyone just scrolling social media all day. 

But if they are already staring at their social media, I want them to find Jesus and find your church. 

Then after that they can get off social media.

Whether you like it or not, social media provides churches with an opportunity to connect with their community and reach out to new members. 

Make sure you don't ignore these 5 major benefits of social media for your church.

Table of Contents

1. Social Media Can Help Your Church Reach More People
2. Social Media Can Help Your Church Engage With Your Community
3. Social Media Can Help Your Church Build Relationships With Younger Generations
4. Social Media Can Help Your Church Expand Your Outreach Efforts

1. Social Media Can Help Your Church Reach More People

Social media is an incredibly powerful free tool for your church to reach more people. 

With over 4 billion active users, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram can help your church reach people who may never have heard of your church before. 

By sharing messages, education and inspiring people through your social media, you are providing a way for people to find your church.

Not only that, social media allows you to share your church's message with a larger audience. 

When your church has a presence online, there is more opportunity for anyone in the world to see your message which takes off the limits of who you can reach.

Nowadays people will check your social media accounts before coming to your church and while you don’t need to look perfect, fake the amount of people in the auditorium or even have professional video/photos, you need to look active on social media and authentic. 

When someone shows up to your social media page, they need to know your church still exists and is alive and well. 

If your church is active on social media your church can show up on the “suggested” section for people who are friends with people who go to your church.

2. Social Media Can Help Your Church Engage With Your Community

Social media provides another way for your church to engage with your community outside of regular services. 

By posting updates, sharing photos and videos, and responding to comments and messages, your church can build a stronger sense of community and foster a deeper connection between members.

As our world becomes more digital, churches must adapt to meet people where they are. 

You don’t need to force people onto social media who don’t want to be but instead think about reaching people who are already there.

This is why you should not keep all your “information” and “announcements” only on social media for people to find. They don’t need to be on social media if they don’t want to be.  

Be on social media for the people who are already there.

Social media is a great platform to provide resources and support for your community. This can include sharing inspirational messages, offering virtual prayer groups, and providing resources for people who may be struggling.

You can post sermons, inspirational quotes, educational carousels and updates on upcoming events, making it easier for people to stay connected and engaged with your community.

3. Social Media Can Help Your Church Build Relationships With Younger Generations 

Younger generations are increasingly turning to social media for information and connections. 

By embracing social media, your church can build relationships with younger generations and attract new members who may not have otherwise considered attending your church.

Younger generations are the most active on social media platforms, so you can reach them where they already are spending their time.

Social media will allow your church to showcase your values and beliefs in a more authentic and transparent way. This can help build trust and credibility with younger generations who value authenticity and transparency in their interactions with organizations.

Social media will also help your church connect with younger generations on a more personal level, allowing you to share your experiences, stories, and struggles in a way that can foster empathy, understanding, and community.

Overall, social media can be a powerful tool for your church to build relationships with younger generations by creating a more accessible, engaging, authentic, and connected presence online.

4. Social Media Can Help Your Church Expand Your Church’s Outreach Efforts

Although social media doesn’t replace traditional ways of reaching new people, it definitely can expand your outreach efforts.

By sharing inspirational messages, encouraging members to share their faith, and providing resources for people who may be struggling, your church can extend its reach beyond its physical walls.

Social media doesn’t replace traditional ways of outreach or ministry.

It adds to it.

Think of social media as an addition to your outreach efforts.

When you create one post it can live on for a long time and reach more people, or you can repost your posts that do really well every 3-6 months and just change them up a little bit. 

You are creating an online presence that will last beyond the amount of time you create the post and hit publish.

Conclusion

Social media is a powerful tool that your church can use to reach more people, engage with your community during the week, build relationships with younger generations, and expand your outreach efforts. 

If your church hasn't yet embraced social media, now is the time to start. 

With the right strategy, social media can help your church grow and thrive for years to come.