A Guide to Church Social Media in 2024

As a church, social media provides an opportunity to connect both in width and depth. It transcends far beyond the walls of your church, and used strategically, can also reach the heart of people.

So, as a church leader, what do you need to know about strategizing and utilizing social media in 2024?

Read on for both strategies to be aware of and practical tips on how to put those strategies into play at your church this year.

1. Authenticity Matters

With more and more user-generated content, emphasis on trends, and a demand to produce content fast, it may be tempting to hop on board and in some ways, put up a front.

However, what we’ve seen and will continue to see in 2024 is that authenticity matters.

Don’t stray from who you are as a church. Ask yourself: does this post/reel/story/etc. look like our church? If not, as catchy as it may be, it might not be the right play.

Try This:

• Keep consistent with branding: stick with your church’s colors, fonts, and feel.
• Include your logo on each post.
• Include relevant hashtags and geotags (and be consistent).

2. Quality over Quantity isn’t Always the Case

Hear us out. Yes, what you post on social media should be thought out and done well, but more and more we are seeing a desire for transparency over perfection on social media.

This means you don’t always have to wait for the absolute best content to publish. Instead, it’s okay to put something out there that’s a little more raw if it’s something people are asking for or are proven to engage with.

Try This:

• Consider allowing each ministry in your church to “take over” your social media for a day (ex. Kids ministry, women’s ministry, senior adults, etc.). Don’t over-create this content, instead let it be fun, fluid, and real.
• Show more “behind the scenes” and “day in the life of” content.
• Personalize staff members by doing off-the-cuff interviews.

3. Video isn’t Going Anywhere

Whether you love or hate video, forecasts say it’s here to stay. The good news is it doesn’t have to be overly polished or long. Start adding small snippets of services, sermons, events, and more into your content reservoir now.

Try This:

• Share short, engaging videos explaining biblical stories, recapping the sermon, and/or answering spiritual questions.
• Tease events with set-up and behind-the-scenes videos.
• Turn already existing content into new reels.

4. Social Media Works Two-Ways

This may seem obvious, but social media should be social. This is an opportunity for you to engage with people outside the walls of your church.

Ask questions, respond to comments, repost stories, and do your best to utilize user-generated content. Keep in mind, this may be the first place someone engages with your church. Online is a mission field, too.

Try This:

• Host an online Bible study and incorporate a live Q&A session.
• Encourage people to share their experiences or stories about your church.
• Facilitate a virtual prayer meeting.

5. Livestream is Still Important

Livestream is not new, but it is (and will continue to be) important for your church. Livestream makes it possible for people to tune in and stay connected even when life happens (i.e. sickness, travel, unforeseen circumstances, etc.).

However, because people have seen the benefit, this year it’s time to include more than just your services.

Try This:

• Livestream other elements of your church like Bible studies, events, small groups, etc.
• Don’t stop at the live stream. Create additional content from the recording once the live stream is over (ex. Quotes, Q&A sessions, snippets, etc.).

6. Don’t Be Afraid of Storytelling

Remember how we said people want transparency over perfection? Storytelling is a huge component of this. Use social media to share what God is doing in the lives of people at your church.

Try This:

• Share testimonials as “stories” on Facebook and Instagram. This keeps them simple and raw. Then, save these stories as a highlight.
• Post stories via different formats (written, audio-only, video, etc.). Switch it up and keep it creative.
• Make storytelling a standard part of your post-event strategy. Make it a point to share what happened at the event and any steps people are taking forward as a result.

7. Prioritize Ministry

Lastly, it’s important to remember that social media is a tool for ministry. Because of this, social media shouldn’t be separate from your church, instead, it should be intertwined with the ministries of your church. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what God is doing.

Try This:

• Share your “why”. Why are you doing this event? Why do you want people to attend the service? Why do you believe what you believe? Share these things on social media.
• Include “More information” links in all of your posts. Make it easy for someone to take the next step.

This list is far from exhaustive, but these 7 things will help to set you up for success on social media in 2024. Keep in mind, to do this well it’s a good idea to:

• Have a Plan
• Utilize a Content Calendar
• Be Creative
• Measure Your Success (and Failure)

Next Steps

The good news is you don’t have to be a “social media expert” to make an impact online. Ask the Lord for wisdom and start somewhere. Have more questions? Just need some support? Our team is here and willing to help.

And, if you’re looking to simplify all of your online processes, Ministry Brands has software built specifically for churches. Schedule your free demo of Ministry Brands Amplify here.