The ultimate purpose for a church using social media

What is your purpose as a church when it comes to using social media? Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat (if you call that “social”), and others are all ways a church can interact with its people. But why? Why does a church even participate in social media?

A Driving Purpose for Church Social Media

Lot’s of great companies give advice on how to use social media to be relevant and cutting edge as a church. Adapting to the new video tools from Instagram or a filter on Snapchat are good, sure. But if you don’t have a foundational driving purpose, then you could just be putting a band aid on a bad practice. And you most definitely won’t see church growth that is sustaining and spiritually deep.

Jesus gave the church its purpose clearly in what is known as the great commission found in Matthew 28:16-20, which says:

¹⁶But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. ¹⁷When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. ¹⁸And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ^19 [a]Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ²⁰teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you ^[b]always, even to the end of the age.” (NASB)
Jesus in Matthew 28:16-20 (whole chapter)

What does that mean for your church?

Since the above is true, everything your church does should point to that same purpose, Social Media included. The driving purpose for how you use social media as a church should reflect the purpose for Christ and his church, and uniquely express the values and mission God has given your specific church as a part of that. Here is the order for what we feel is the driving purpose behind why you should use social media as a church. And consequently this will shape what you post:

God’s purpose/ God’s Gospel: Make disciples who make disciples, redeeming humanity through Jesus, and him alone.
Your churches unique values and mission/vision: This is reflected in the stories of your people and the narrative of how God is using the people of your church in the neighborhoods, city, and surrounding area.
Your churches program and services: the ways your church accomplishes the “business” side of the church.

What thoughts do you have? Would you add to this list? Share your thoughts below.