Home Worship & Creative Leaders Articles for Worship & Creative Why Your Church Should Be on Social Media Right Now

Why Your Church Should Be on Social Media Right Now

My mother-in-law is on Facebook, which can be, well, fun. The same is true for my teenage daughter.

Actually, about three-fourths of online adults are on some form of social networking.

This means that for the sake of the gospel and the mission, your church needs to have a voice there as well.

Social Media Is the New Town Square

Throughout history, people of all generations have gathered in town squares—public spaces where the local community gathers for social and commercial purposes. In the old days, it used to be a literal “town square,” and it still is in some places. Until social media came around, town squares were shopping malls and other social areas. Social media is the 21st century town square.

The Apostle Paul preached in open squares where the people gathered. In Acts 13, it was to the Jews at Antioch in Pisidia. In Acts 17, it was to the literal town square of conversation—Mars Hill.

People today aren’t sitting around in debate clubs. They aren’t going to the town squares in the middle of cities. Instead, they’re having discussions on social media. It’s where people are gathering, debating, discussing ideas and connecting with others. Why wouldn’t you want to be there?

If churches truly want to see the Gospel impact and influence a community, they should go to the place where the most significant conversation is actually taking place right now. Today, that’s on social media.

Strategically Utilize Your Social Media Demographic

Let’s take a look at some stats from Pew Research for three major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which are going to be the most important for your church to engage. Pinterest is an important one, but really only among women. If you are able, you would be wise to set up a sort of women’s ministry Pinterest account, but you probably don’t need a church-wide account on that platform.

First, Facebook.

Facebook

In short, everyone uses Facebook. There is no one demographic that is significantly more attracted to Facebook than others, though women of all backgrounds are more likely than men to be on Facebook.

  • 71 percent of all online adults use Facebook.
  • 58 percent of the entire adult population use Facebook.
  • 66 percent of all online men use Facebook versus 77 percent of all online women.