People have a love hate relationship with Facebook. It is the most popular social media platform in the world with over. 3.03 billion monthly active users. However, people have soured over it over the years because of privacy concerns. However, recently, Facebook has been starting to have a comeback. More and more people are using it and it continues to be a place where people enjoy sharing about their life.
So what works on Facebook these days? How can you maximize your digital ministry efforts? Here are three tips for doing that today?
Think Relationships First
Above most other platforms, Facebook is about relationships. At least that was the intent when started. The people who are your "friends" are your friends and family. It is more of an intimate group you know and interact with than a lot of the other platforms. So people know you on the platform. That is why, before diving into spiritual matters, spend time interacting with your people. Comment on their posts, like and interact with their updates, and message them to carry on conversations. Before you can share about your faith and all that God has for people, you have to build up trust and earn the right to be heard with them.
Share Faith Related Posts
If you are going to be a Digital Missionary, you need to create and share faith based content and encouragement that connects with people. You can post reflections, stories, videos, devotionals as well as suggestions and encouragement for integrating biblical principles into parenting, work stress, financial decisions and more. Ask thoughtful questions and invite different perspectives. Be vulnerable and real as you can share about doubts and difficulties you've had that may help people identify with what they are going though. By applying God’s truth to real needs, you can introduce lots of people to how a relationship with Jesus helps you throughout life.
Utilize Facebook Groups
Facebook Groups are great ways for people to connect for real discussion. You can use these groups to host community conversations about applying God's word to your life and growing in faith. For instance, you can start a very general online Bible Study Group and have people discuss what they are learning. Or, you can get more specific by staring a group for parents or for reading a book together about faith. There are lots of different options you can do, but make sure you set clear guidelines upfront to keep discussions respectful. As with everything on social media, consistency is they key. Give regular prompts, pose thoughtful questions, highlight insightful responses, and guide loving yet truthful dialogue. Groups allow both private and public spaces to support people seeking Jesus and to grow in their faith.
Follow-Up
Sharing content and encouragement only goes so far. Follow up one-on-one when someone who engaged with one of your posts. Offer to pray for them or have do a zoom call where you can encourage them more.. You can also provide customized resources to questions and needs that they have shared with you. As you interact with people, hopefully they will encounter the sincere care and wisdom that comes from Jesus.
Conclusion
There is still a tremendous opportunity for ministry on Facebook. These are just a few considerations to think through to help you maximize your digital ministry efforts. How are you going to use Facebook in your ministry?
What do you think? What are other ways you can Maximize Facebook as a Digital Missionary? Share your ideas below or on social media.
Through The Church Digital, we are helping physical and digital churches better understand the discipleship process, and helping churches and church planters understand this and other decentralized mindset shifts. By taking this quick survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.
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