Here are a few of our favorite ideas for how churches can use social media to boost reach and engagement.

Show

Share photos and videos from church events and services, such as baptisms, Sunday services, and community gatherings. This helps people feel connected to the church even if they can't physically be there. Additionally, sharing behind-the-scenes content, like setting up for an event or preparing for a service, can provide a more personal and inclusive look at the church's activities.

Inspire

Share inspirational quotes, Bible verses, and other spiritual content that resonates with your audience. This can be a great way to engage with people and encourage them in their faith journey. Consider providing context or personal reflections on the quotes and verses to create deeper connections with the audience.

Promote

Use social media to promote upcoming events and services, such as guest speakers, retreats, and mission trips. In addition to building anticipation and increasing attendance, consider creating interactive content like polls or Q&A sessions to involve the audience in shaping these events.

Share

Share stories of how the church is making a positive impact in the community, such as through volunteering, charitable giving, and outreach programs. Highlighting individual stories and testimonials can help people see the tangible value of being a part of the church and encourage them to get involved. Consider creating before-and-after posts to showcase the impact of the church's initiatives.

Engage

Use social media to start conversations and ask questions that encourage people to share their thoughts and experiences. This can help build a sense of community and foster meaningful connections with others. Consider hosting live Q&A sessions, discussion forums, or virtual prayer groups to facilitate deeper engagement.

Still confused about exactly what to post? When to post? The words to post? The images to post? No problem!

Check out our friends at Social Bucket. They create monthly social media packs that include images and pre-written copy designed to boost reach and engagement with your audience. Additionally, consider leveraging user-generated content by encouraging the congregation to share their own experiences and perspectives, further strengthening the sense of community and connection.

Social Bucket even offers on-demand training videos so you can really start using your church's social media channels as an extension of your church's ministries. Consider utilizing these resources to train church staff, volunteers, and congregation members on best practices for social media engagement, ensuring a unified and effective online presence for the church.

The bottom line is, social media was never meant to become a "bulletin board" for your upcoming events and announcements. It's an engagement tool. A community. So, start looking at your church's social media channels as outreach and ministry tools - not simply another place to make announcements.