Going "viral" was such a huge thing for social media managers and content creators. Actually, it may still be a goal that they strive for. After all, who doesn't want to hit thousands of views on content you create. However, despite the goal, going viral is not something that you can plan or predict. That is why, as Church Communicators and Digital Missionaries, the goal in sharing content should NOT be to go viral, but it is to speak the Truth that leads people down a path of discipleship.
Aaron Hall once said at a conference that there are 3 things to consider when posting on social media.
- Will it speak the truth?
- Will it encourage people?
- Spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Why is just speaking the Truth important? Why not try to go viral?
For starters, you are a Digital Missionary. That means your goal is to share the Truth of Christ, not to go viral for a funny dance. Yes, a funny dance could draw interest to your Church or ministry, but the reality is that people need to hear the Truth about God's love, forgiveness and grace more than they need to see a funny video that everyone else is doing.
Secondly, your focus becomes less on discipleship and more on going viral. Those are two very different things to strive for. And, as a digital missionary, if your focus is shifted from doing what draws people to Jesus and onto something differently, you will be spending a lot of wasted time and energy.
Lastly, the world needs to hear God's Truth today. They don't need another entertainer. There are plenty of those on social media already. They need to hear the word of God and His Truth to combat the many different truths that are out there talking to Gen Z and Alpha. Invest time and energy on sharing about God and discipling people online and see how God leads. Churches like New Life Christian Church create daily Bible Devotional Shorts on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram Reels. They have been doing this for over 2 years and have seen them reach and encourage thousands of people in their faith. They have even had a few of their daily devotionals go viral. There needs to be more Churches doing this to encourage people in their faith.
Conclusion
As Digital Missionaries, your focus should be less on going viral and more on speaking the TRUTH of Christ to others. The more you can do that, the more you will make an eternal difference in the life of others.
What do you think? What are other ways you can speak the TRUTH of Christ with others on social media? 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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