If we are honest, most people would probably say that they don't like using Facebook these days. What started off as a way for friends and family members to share about what has been happening in life has become more about recommended posts and products. It has become increasingly harder for people to connect with friends and family members today. In fact, the percentage of teens in the United States who used Facebook had decreased from 71 percent in 2014/15 to 32 percent in 2022 (SocialPilot).
Using Facebook for Churches is even worse. Before 2016, Facebook Pages were prime connecting sites for businesses, clubs, Churches and ministries. However, after the 2016 US Presidential Election, Facebook started to limit the reach of Pages and increase the reach of Groups. So, Churches started using Groups. While that was effective for a period of time, even their organic reach potential is severely limited.
While it is frustrating, Facebook still has 2.96 billion monthly active users (an increase of 2% year-over-year) and 81% of all adults in the U.S. have a Facebook account (SocialPilot). This proves that there is still an opportunity for Digital Missionaries to reach people for Christ. So, how do you do that? Here are a few ways how:
Use Facebook Ads
Facebook has become a pay to play type platform. So, while reaching a lot of people organically has become increasingly difficult, Facebook Ads have become a great way to reach people with your Church's message or events that are coming up. You can do ads for upcoming events, groups or devotionals you have coming up.
Wish People Happy Birthday
Facebook highlights your friends birthdays every day. So, when someone has a birthday, make sure you wish them a happy birthday. This can be especially effective with people who used to go to Church or were in your ministry but have fallen away. Maybe, you wishing them a happy birthday can start up a conversation that will ultimately lead to spiritual conversations.
Celebrate What God is Doing
When good things happen, they like to share it. That is true for in person and online. So, when something good happens, they are likely to share it on Facebook. People will like it, heart it and give a thumbs up. Take time to comment on their post and congratulate them. You could even throw in a "Thank God for _____ (whatever it is they are celebrating)." It's a great way for you to share the goodness of God and maybe they will thank God for that blessing as well.
Pray for People
People are very honest on Facebook. After all, Facebook is the one social media platform that your "audience" are your friends and family. They are the people you know, at least a little bit. At least, that is how it is set up. So, people are more likely to share updates on their life there. Those updates can be great ones in which, like above, you celebrate it and rejoice. However, they can be sad and tough updates as well. This provides you, as a digital missionary, an opportunity to comment on their post that you are praying for them. And, it provides you an opportunity to follow up with them some more and minister to them.
Conclusion
While Facebook may seem like it hasn't been as popular lately, there are some really positive ways Digital Missionaries can use it today. As Digital Missionaries wish people happy birthday, pray for people, celebrate the good God is doing, and use Ads, you can still reach people for Christ and encourage them. Keep using it and see what God does.
What do you think? What are other ways Digital Missionaries can use Facebook? 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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