Social media is yet another opportunity where we, the church, can reach out and connect with the world around us in a positive way.
I sincerely believe WE at Bethany could do some intentional work to focus on ways we can express the love of Christ through social media.
BUT we have to do it well. And we can do this in so many creative ways.
Before you/we consider this, WE need to do some sincere personal reflection on how WE express the love, mercy, hope, and forgiveness offered to all through Jesus Christ.
I have personally seen numerous Christians on social media (facebook) post messages and memes that are snarky, insulting, flippant, or arrogant comments about non-Christians or even about just Christians who don’t think like them, or about the United Methodist Church. And, sadly, they thought there were making a positive statement about Christianity, by insulting people. Or they thought what they posted was funny, but not thinking about ways they actually were disregarding the harm inflicted on others.
As we look at new ways of loving our neighbors, let’s consider being a POSITIVE influence on social media too, maybe even working on this with some intentionality in how we do this, focusing on LOVING the community around us, focusing on how we are SERVING the community around us, focusing on HUMBLY showing MERCY, HOPE, FORGIVENESS and NOT condemnation and judgement of others. Let’s LOVE LIKE JESUS in all that we do!
In connecting with the world of today, we MUST think differently and DO differently.
That line by Jesus in “The Chosen” was so relevant: “Get used to different.”
Speaking of DIFFERENT, check these out:
NunTok: How religion is booming on TikTok and Instagram
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-59513177
Welcome to Nun TikTok
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yasUkIHgKw
More Resources for Churches Using Social Media
Don’t Ignore These 5 Major Benefits Of Social Media For Your Church
https://www.churchfluence.com/learn/4-reasons-why-your-church-should-embrace-social-media-now
Thirty Churches To Follow For Social Media Inspiration
https://www.thecreativepastor.com/thirty-churches-to-follow-for-social-media-inspiration/
Empowering Churches: A Guide to Social Media Success
https://get.tithe.ly/blog/empowering-churches-a-guide-to-social-media-success