Beyond the Sunday Selfie: Social Media Best Practices for Churches
I bought a car online this year. Never walked the lot. Never shook a salesman’s hand. I did the research, crunched the numbers, secured the financing, and only stepped foot on the lot once the deal was done.
That is the world we live in now.
For better or worse, online is the new front door. If someone is curious about your church, they are probably not starting with a visit—they are probably starting with a scroll. What they find online will shape whether they take the next step. Social media may not be your mission, but it can either help or hurt it.
Let’s talk about how to use it well.
1. Make Sure It’s Set Up Right
Before anything else, check your page setup. If your church is still using a personal profile on Facebook instead of an actual page, it is time to make the switch. Not only does that violate Facebook’s terms, but it also limits how people can find, follow, and interact with you.
Your profile should have:
Your service times
Address
Phone number
A working website link
If someone finds your church online, they should immediately know where you are, when you meet, and how to connect. No scavenger hunts.
2. Post with a Purpose
Random posts do not build trust. Purposeful ones do.
Think about why each post exists: Are you encouraging someone? Inviting them? Celebrating something? Teaching them? Point them to next steps or deeper connection—not just the next event.
You might build a weekly rhythm like this:
Monday: A quick sermon reflection or quote
Wednesday: Scripture or prayer prompt
Friday: Weekend preview or invite
Sunday: A photo or clip from the service
That rhythm helps your feed stay focused and mission-driven.
3. Be Consistent, Not Constant
You do not need to post every day. But you do need to post consistently.
Aim for three to five posts per week. Batch them and schedule ahead using tools like Meta’s Planner or Buffer. It is better to be steady and thoughtful than chaotic and noisy.
4. Show Faces, Not Just Flyers
Graphics have their place, but real photos of real people always win. Post pictures of people worshiping, serving, laughing—just being who they are. Let your church’s personality shine through.
Even short phone videos—pastor updates, behind-the-scenes moments, quick devotionals—help people feel connected. Think personal, not polished.
5. Engage, Don’t Just Announce
If your feed sounds like a bulletin board, people will scroll right past it. Social media is meant to be social. Ask questions. Start conversations. Celebrate volunteers and community partners. Tag others. Reply to comments.
Let it feel like an ongoing conversation, not a one-way announcement channel.
6. Watch Your Tone
You are not writing for a press release—you are writing for people. Keep your tone clear, kind, and hopeful. Use the same voice your church uses when you welcome people in person. That tone is what sticks.
Final Thought
Social media will not replace relationships, but it can open the door to them.
Set up your page right. Share your story with purpose. Be real, be reachable, and be regular. Most importantly—be intentional.
And if you ever feel stuck—if the creative well runs dry—ask for help. Tools like AI can help you brainstorm content that fits your mission and tone. Just say something like, “I work at a small church trying to reach young families. What are some encouraging post ideas for this week?” It will not replace your voice, but it can spark ideas when you need a push.
You do not have to be famous. You just have to be faithful—and find ways to be visible where people are already looking.