Picking up this week after a short break from this series, we have a couple more posts to wrap up the social media series. Today, we have a topic that is critically important for church social media accounts, but, as with previous posts, it is helpful to Christians using social media.
Let’s consider an important part of social media that we probably neglect: making your social media ‘outsider-friendly.’
We’ve talked about how we don’t fully grasp how many people see our posts because of the various connections to people who engage with our posts. We’ve also talked about the story we are telling with social media. Let’s connect these ideas and remember that our social media audience includes many outsiders.
Here are 4 ways to make your social media outsider-friendly:
1. Give hope for the hurting
People scroll social media looking for help, inspiration, and encouragement. Why not use your social media account to offer some true gospel hope? This applies to individual Christians, not just church accounts.
For church accounts
– post some encouraging quotes that outsiders will connect with
– post Bible verses that may catch their eye or be something they wouldn’t expect from the Bible
– post a quote from a sermon that would serve this purpose and draw them in
Not everyone viewing your social media is yet concerned about the finer points of Reformed theology (which we of course cherish). Some scrollers may be wondering if they can make it through a horrible marriage, or losing their job, or a terrible diagnosis. Offer them something of gospel hope to open the door for them to explore more of what you are about as a church
For individual Christians
-simply be aware of this and intentional about it; it’s easy to think of your account as something only your friends see and read
Pro tip: In doing this for outsiders, you will help the insiders who are struggling and need hope too!
2. Post about the Basics of Christianity
People have so many thoughts and stereotypes of Christianity; why not help set the record straight?
For church accounts
-engage with typical misunderstandings and provide helpful, accessible corrections: God helps those who help themselves, Christianity is about being good, doing the right things, Church is full of hypocrites, I’m spiritual, but not religious, and 30 others.
Note: Try to choose counters that are positive and open a door for a first-timer, skeptic, or inquirer. Example: ‘Church is full of hypocrites, why not add another’ is probably not the right tone here.
For individual Christians
-It’s easy to either avoid Christian topics on your social media or be in the weeds on a theological debate or topic. Maybe think about how you can intentionally add posts from time to time that touch on the basic fundamentals of Christianity to the degree you are comfortable doing it on social media.
On these first two topics, it’s worth noting that there may be a great opportunity for service to the church for someone to use the tool ‘Canva’ and create a stockpile of simple images and quotes with some nice backgrounds that could be kept in a folder on the desktop for use.
3. Explain Church Events a bit
This is particularly for church accounts. Most Reformed churches post about Bible Studies and other events, assuming only members will read them. Why not take the opportunity to explain them and even maybe be explicit about welcoming outsiders.
Example:
Typical post: Sunday Worship at 11 AM … here’s the bulletin. All are welcome.
Upgraded: Sunday Worship at 11 AM. If you are a regular, the bulletin is attached.
If you are not a regular, we’d welcome you to visit. First time at a church can be hard. We are a pretty friendly bunch. The bulletin below provides a sense of what we do, but feel free to come out and say hi, and we’ll help you get acclimated.
Typical post: This Thursday at 7PM Mom’s group. Park in the back. Diane will be leading.
Upgraded: This Thursday at 7PM Mom’s group. If you are not familiar it’s a time for mom’s to gather apart from the kids to talk and encourage one another and study the Bible. One of the ladies leads the group, but it’s pretty informal. First timers welcome, and we’ll look out for you!
4. Invite outsiders
We’ve already implicitly hit this above with the examples, but you’d be surprised at how many church accounts don’t invite visitors or newcomers to worship or events. Missed opportunity to show kindness and hospitality.
Pro tip: A sentence or so that is personal goes a lot further than ‘visitors are warmly welcomed.’
Use your own judgment and sensibilities, but a little intentionality in these areas will probably go a long way to help your use of social media–especially for church accounts, but also for individuals.