When was the last time your church’s social media sparked a meaningful conversation? In a world where social media is now the digital town square, it’s easy for churches to feel overwhelmed or disheartened by the noise. Yet, the real question is: are we truly tapping into its potential to spread the message of Christ and build our communities?
For many churches across the UK, social media is still underutilised or treated as an afterthought. A Facebook page, a few Instagram posts, perhaps a video sermon—while these are great starts, they often fail to engage. How, then, can churches move beyond mere posting and instead use social media as an extension of their ministry? Here are fresh ideas to inspire your church’s social media presence.
1. Host Q&A Sessions on Instagram Stories or Facebook Live
People have questions about faith, church activities, or even societal issues and how they intersect with the church. Create an open space for them by hosting regular Q&A sessions on your church’s Instagram or Facebook. You can address common theological questions, current events, or church-related queries, and encourage people to ask anonymously if they’re uncomfortable doing so publicly.
To make it interactive, use Instagram Stories’ “Ask Me Anything” feature, or conduct a live Q&A on Facebook Live. Not only does this provide an excellent opportunity for engagement, but it also shows that the church is accessible, transparent, and eager to meet people where they are.
2. Create ‘A Day in the Life’ of Church Leaders
In the UK, many people see their church leaders only on Sunday or during scheduled events. Social media provides a wonderful opportunity to let your congregation—and potential visitors—see the life behind the pulpit. Consider creating a series called “A Day in the Life of…” where you document a typical day of your vicar, worship leader, or youth pastor.
Use Instagram Stories, TikTok, or short videos on Facebook to show what goes into preparing for Sunday services, visiting members of the congregation, or even how they balance their spiritual life with family. This personal touch can strengthen relationships and break down barriers, helping people feel more connected to church leadership.
3. Create and Share Testimony Videos
There is something undeniably powerful about personal testimonies—stories of transformation, healing, and hope resonate deeply. But often, these moving stories remain within the walls of the church.
Take advantage of social media’s storytelling potential by creating short, engaging testimony videos. Encourage members of your congregation to share their faith journeys and experiences with the church. You could post these on Instagram, Facebook, or even start a YouTube series.
Remember to keep these videos brief, around 2-3 minutes long, and ensure they are edited with good sound quality. A testimony video with heartfelt, authentic storytelling can spread hope far beyond the church doors, reaching people who might never have considered attending a service.
4. Engage Through Polls and Surveys
People like to be involved in decision-making, even in small ways. Use Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to create fun and thought-provoking polls and surveys. This can be as light-hearted as asking for opinions on the next worship song or sermon series, or as deep as asking for input on how the church can support mental health or community issues.
Polls and surveys invite participation, foster conversation, and give you insight into the needs and interests of your congregation. Plus, the more people engage with your posts, the more visible your church’s social media will become in others’ feeds, thanks to the algorithms.
5. Launch a Weekly ‘Prayer Challenge’
What if prayer became more than something people do quietly on their own? Launch a weekly ‘Prayer Challenge’ on your church’s social media platforms. Invite your followers to pray for specific topics—whether it’s for local communities, global issues, or individual needs—and ask them to share their own prayer requests in the comments or messages.
Encourage them to pray for others who have shared their requests too. This creates a sense of unity and shared purpose, extending the church’s reach into people’s everyday lives. Plus, it helps to foster an online community that mirrors the support and care found within the church walls.
6. Incorporate Local Community Events
Is your church running or involved in local community events? Social media is an excellent platform to not only promote these events but to share live updates or after-event highlights.
Whether it’s a community clean-up day, a food bank collection, or a Christmas market, show your church actively participating in the community. You can post before and after photos, live-stream parts of the event, or create follow-up posts to thank everyone involved.
Involving the community and promoting local causes shows that your church is invested in the well-being of its area, not just in its own congregation.
7. Start a Social Media Prayer Group
While many churches have prayer groups, these can sometimes feel limited by physical location or timing. Why not create a social media prayer group that allows people to participate wherever they are?
Create a Facebook group or a WhatsApp community where people can share prayer requests, offer support, and participate in prayer together. Designate leaders who can facilitate discussions or post prayer prompts each day. This also offers a space for those who may not feel comfortable attending an in-person group but still want to be part of the prayer ministry.
8. Share Thoughtful, Reflective Content
Sometimes social media is so fast-paced that it feels like there’s no time for quiet reflection. Break through the noise by sharing thoughtful, reflective content designed to make people pause and think.
Consider creating weekly posts featuring a Bible verse and a brief reflection or prayer, accompanied by calming images of nature or peaceful settings. Encourage followers to take a moment to reflect on the scripture and share their own thoughts in the comments. This kind of content can help foster a spiritual connection online and encourage deeper engagement.
9. Host an Online Bible Study
Many people struggle to attend regular Bible study sessions due to work, family, or other commitments. Hosting an online Bible study via Facebook Live, Zoom, or YouTube can be a game-changer for those who want to participate but can’t make it to church midweek.
Each week, you can dive into a passage or theme and invite participants to join the conversation in the chat or by submitting questions ahead of time. After the live session, keep the conversation going by encouraging discussions in the comments or by creating a dedicated space (like a Facebook group) for further dialogue.
10. Run Social Media-Exclusive Events
One fresh idea to consider is offering exclusive events or content just for your social media followers. This could be a virtual prayer meeting, a behind-the-scenes tour of the church, or a special sermon designed for online engagement.
By offering something unique to your online audience, you create a sense of community that’s tailored to the digital space. This can also attract new followers and give them a reason to stay engaged with your church’s social media.
Final Thoughts
Social media can be a powerful tool for churches, but only if it’s used with intention and creativity. Rather than treating your social platforms as an afterthought, see them as an extension of your ministry—a space to build community, foster engagement, and spread the message of Christ.
With these fresh ideas, your church’s social media can become a thriving hub of interaction, reflection, and growth. What step will you take next to create a meaningful impact on your church’s digital presence?