Churches have changed a lot over the years. No longer are we meeting exclusively in stone cathedrals and singing hymnals. Rather, churches are in meeting in school, barns, coffee shops and even bars today. In addition, technology has opened up new possibilities for Churches. Technology allows Churches to connect with regular attendees and reach new people every day of the week, not just on Sundays.
Here are some ideas on how churches can leverage digital tools to build community and share the hope of Christ beyond Sunday morning.
- Rebroadcast Sunday Morning Services. When you take the Sunday morning worship services and share them throughout the week, enables people to participate in worship and be encouraged by the message. This is especially helpful for those unable to attend on Sunday morning. Services can be broadcasted through platforms like Church Online, Altar Live, Facebook and YouTube. You can encourage the online attendees to engage by commenting or reacting during the service. You can also invite them to an Online Bible Study or Group
- Social media. Maintaining an active social media presence allows a church to share announcements, sermons, event information, photos, scripture encouragement, devotionals and more. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X all give ways to interact with people, build community and grow in their faith.
- Email newsletters. Sending out regular email with Bible verses, devotionals (blog, video or audio), prayer requests, and other information connects people with what is happening and spiritual growth opportunities. Email services like MailChimp have tons of great templates that you can use to create and send beautiful, engaging newsletters.
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Text messages. Just like email, sending a text message can really encourage someone in their faith and connect with them. Over 90% of text messages are opened so you can know that someone is reading them and being encouraged.
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Podcasts. A lot of Churches share their sermons via podcasts and that is very good. A lot of people can use them to connect and be encouraged when they are on their way to work or doing errands throughout the week. In addition to this, doing another devotional or two throughtout the week as podcasts that can be listened to on-demand can encourage people in their faith. .
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Website. Your Church's website acts as a homebase that brings all your Church's information and resources together. Make sure your site is attractive, easy to navigate, optimized for mobile, and frequently updated to represent all your church has to offer.
Conclusion
Digital presents immense opportunities for churches to connect with more people throughout the week. Through technology like live streaming, social media, email newsletters, text messaging, podcasts, and an effective website, churches can build community and share their message like never before.
What do you think? What are other ways your Church can digitally connect with people throughout the week? Share your ideas below or on social media.
Through the Digital Church Network 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. Joining the DCN is free and be encouraged!
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