Church events are more than just gatherings—they’re opportunities to connect, inspire, and grow your community. But here’s the thing: if your events aren’t making waves on social media, you’re leaving a massive opportunity on the table. Social media isn’t just a tool for promotion; it’s a platform to amplify your message, engage your audience, and attract new members.
You don’t need a massive budget or a full-time social media team to make it happen. You just need a strategy.
1. Start with the End in Mind: Define Your Goals
Before you post a single photo or write a caption, ask yourself: What’s the purpose of this event on social media? Are you trying to:
- Increase attendance?
- Build awareness for your church?
- Engage your current members?
- Attract new visitors?
Your goals will shape your entire strategy. For example, if your goal is to increase attendance, focus on creating buzz before the event. If it’s about engagement, prioritise live content and interactive posts during the event. Clarity on your goals ensures every post has a purpose.
2. Create a Content Plan (Don’t Wing It)
Social media success doesn’t happen by accident. You need a plan. Here’s how to create one:
Pre-Event Content
- Teasers: Share sneak peeks of what’s coming. Use short videos, countdowns, or behind-the-scenes photos to build anticipation.
- Event Details: Make it easy for people to attend. Post clear graphics with the date, time, location, and a link to RSVP or learn more.
- Stories: Use Instagram or Facebook Stories to show your team preparing for the event. This humanises your church and builds excitement.
During the Event
- Live Streams: Stream key moments like worship, guest speakers, or performances. Platforms like Facebook Live or Instagram Live are perfect for this.
- Real-Time Updates: Post photos, quotes, or short videos as the event unfolds. Use hashtags to make your content discoverable.
- Engage Your Audience: Encourage attendees to tag your church, use your event hashtag, and share their own photos.
Post-Event Content
- Highlights Reel: Create a short video or carousel post showcasing the best moments.
- Testimonials: Share quotes or stories from attendees about their experience.
- Thank You Posts: Show gratitude to your volunteers, speakers, and attendees. This builds goodwill and encourages future participation.
3. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)
Here’s a secret: your attendees are your best content creators. Encourage them to share their own photos, videos, and stories from the event. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Create a Hashtag: Make it short, memorable, and unique to your event. For example, #GraceChurchEaster2025.
- Offer Incentives: Run a contest for the best photo or video. Offer a small prize like a gift card or church merch.
- Engage with Their Posts: Like, comment, and share attendee content on your church’s social media. This not only builds community but also increases your reach.
4. Invest in High-Quality Visuals
Let’s be real: blurry photos and poorly lit videos won’t cut it. Social media is a visual platform, and quality matters. Here’s how to level up your visuals:
- Hire a Photographer or Videographer: If your budget allows, bring in a professional to capture the event.
- Use a Smartphone Wisely: If you’re DIY-ing it, invest in a tripod, good lighting, and learn basic editing skills.
- Focus on People: Photos of smiling faces, candid moments, and group shots perform better than generic stage photos.
Pro Tip: Use free tools like Canva to create polished graphics for your posts. It’s user-friendly and perfect for non-designers.
5. Engage Before, During, and After
Social media isn’t a one-way street. It’s about building relationships. Here’s how to engage your audience at every stage:
Before the Event
- Reply to comments and DMs about the event.
- Create polls or quizzes related to the event theme to spark interest.
During the Event
- Respond to live comments during streams.
- Share attendee posts in real-time to show appreciation.
After the Event
- Ask for feedback through polls or comments.
- Continue the conversation by sharing follow-up content, like sermon highlights or upcoming events.
6. Use Paid Ads to Amplify Your Reach
Organic reach is great, but if you want to maximise your impact, consider running paid ads. Even a small budget can go a long way. Here’s how to do it:
- Target the Right Audience: Use Facebook and Instagram’s targeting tools to reach people in your local area or those interested in similar events.
- Promote Key Content: Boost posts that are performing well organically, like your event teaser or highlight reel.
- Track Your Results: Use analytics to see what’s working and adjust your strategy accordingly.
7. Analyse and Optimise
After the event, take time to review your social media performance. Look at metrics like:
- Engagement (likes, comments, shares)
- Reach (how many people saw your posts)
- Clicks (on links to RSVP or learn more)
Ask yourself:
- What worked well?
- What could be improved?
- How can we do better next time?
Use these insights to refine your strategy for future events.
8. Make It Easy for People to Share
The easier you make it for people to share your event, the more they will. Here’s how:
- Create Shareable Graphics: Provide attendees with pre-made graphics or captions they can use to invite their friends.
- Add Social Sharing Buttons: If you’re promoting the event on your website, include buttons to share directly to Facebook, Twitter, or WhatsApp.
- Encourage Word of Mouth: Remind your congregation to invite their friends and family, both online and offline.
9. Tell Stories, Not Just Facts
People connect with stories, not schedules. Instead of just posting “Join us for our Christmas service at 6 PM,” share the why. For example:
- Highlight a volunteer’s story about why they love serving at Christmas events.
- Share a short video of last year’s service and the impact it had on attendees.
Stories create an emotional connection, which leads to higher engagement.
10. Stay Consistent
Finally, remember that social media success doesn’t happen overnight. Consistency is key. Post regularly, engage with your audience, and keep refining your strategy. Over time, you’ll build a strong online presence that amplifies your church’s mission.
Your church events are already powerful. They bring people together, inspire change, and create lasting memories. By leveraging social media, you can extend that impact far beyond the walls of your church. The strategies above aren’t just about getting more likes or followers—they’re about using social media as a tool to grow your community and share your message with the world.
Social media isn’t just a platform. It’s a ministry.