Your church’s online presence is just as important as its physical one. Social media and websites are no longer optional—they’re essential abilities for connecting with your congregation and reaching new people. But here’s the problem: most churches are either inconsistent with their content or post things that don’t resonate.
If you want to boost engagement, grow your community, and make a real impact online, you need a strategy. And that strategy starts with posting the right types of content consistently.
1. Inspirational Content: Share Hope and Faith
Let’s face it: people are scrolling through their feeds looking for something that speaks to their hearts. Inspirational content is your chance to meet them where they are and offer hope, encouragement, and faith.
This type of content should remind your audience why they follow your church in the first place. It’s not about promoting events or asking for donations—it’s about giving value.
Examples of Inspirational Content:
- Bible Verses with Context: Don’t just post a verse. Add a short caption explaining its relevance to everyday life. For example, “Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can face any challenge with God’s strength. What’s one challenge you’re trusting Him with this week?”
- Testimonies: Share real stories of how God is working in people’s lives. These can be short videos, written posts, or even quotes from members of your congregation.
- Quotes from Sermons: Pull a powerful one-liner from Sunday’s message and pair it with a visually appealing graphic.
Why It Works:
Inspirational content builds trust and connection. It reminds people of your church’s mission and keeps them coming back for more. Plus, it’s highly shareable, which means your message can reach beyond your immediate audience.
2. Community-Focused Content: Build Relationships
Church isn’t just about Sunday services—it’s about community. Your social media and website should reflect that. Community-focused content is all about showing the human side of your church and fostering relationships.
This type of content helps people feel like they belong, even if they’ve never stepped foot in your building. It’s also a great way to highlight the people who make your church special.
Examples of Community-Focused Content:
- Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Share photos or videos of your worship team rehearsing, volunteers setting up for an event, or staff members working on a project.
- Member Spotlights: Feature a different member of your congregation each week. Share a bit about their story, their role in the church, and what they love about being part of the community.
- Interactive Posts: Ask questions like, “What’s your favorite worship song right now?” or “What’s one thing you’re grateful for this week?” Encourage people to comment and engage.
Why It Works:
People engage with people, not organisations. Community-focused content makes your church feel approachable and relatable. It also encourages interaction, which boosts your visibility on social media algorithms.
3. Actionable Content: Provide Value and Solutions
If you want to keep your audience engaged, you need to give them something they can use. Actionable content is all about providing practical tips, advice, and resources that help people in their daily lives.
This type of content positions your church as a source of wisdom and support, not just a place to attend on Sundays. It’s also a great way to attract new followers who are searching for answers online.
Examples of Actionable Content:
- Devotional Guides: Post a short devotional with a clear takeaway. For example, “This week, focus on gratitude. Write down three things you’re thankful for each day and see how it changes your perspective.”
- Parenting or Marriage Tips: Share advice that aligns with biblical principles. For instance, “Struggling with communication in your marriage? Try praying together every night this week and see how it strengthens your bond.”
- Event Invitations with a Purpose: Instead of just saying, “Join us for our midweek service,” explain why it’s valuable. For example, “This Wednesday, we’re diving into practical ways to overcome anxiety. Don’t miss it!”
Why It Works:
Actionable content keeps your audience coming back because it solves problems and adds value to their lives. It also positions your church as a trusted resource, which builds credibility and loyalty.
How to Stay Consistent
Now that you know what to post, the next challenge is consistency. Posting once in a while won’t cut it. You need to show up every week with fresh, engaging content. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Create a Content Calendar: Plan your posts in advance so you’re not scrambling for ideas at the last minute.
- Use Scheduling Abilities: Platforms like Buffer, Hootsuite, or even Facebook’s built-in scheduler can save you time and keep your content consistent.
- Repurpose Content: Don’t reinvent the wheel every week. Turn a sermon into multiple posts, or use the same Bible verse across different formats (e.g., a graphic, a video, and a story).
- Delegate: If you have a team, assign specific tasks to different people. For example, one person can handle graphics while another writes captions.
Engage with Your Audience
Posting content is only half the battle. To truly boost engagement, you need to interact with your audience. Respond to comments, answer questions, and thank people for sharing your posts.
Social media is a two-way street. The more you engage with your followers, the more they’ll engage with you.
Your church’s online presence is an extension of its mission. By posting inspirational, community-focused, and actionable content every week, you can connect with your congregation, reach new people, and make a lasting impact.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about being consistent and intentional. Start small, stay committed, and watch your engagement grow.