Marina Shelton is no stranger to the intersection of church ministry and communication strategy.
Shelton, who serves as social media and website associate for the Kentucky Baptist Convention, discussed the new era of church communications with KBC Executive Director Todd Gray on the latest podcast episode of Leadership Lessons. See full video below.
“When you zoom out and think about the mission of the church as a whole, when you think about the Great Commission, we’re called to share the gospel and to make disciples,” Shelton said. “Whether we like it or not, using this variety of channels (like social media and a website) … those are the virtual front door people will use to discover who your church is and what it’s about.”
Don’t miss ‘crucial opportunity’
An online presence is a means by which churches can move people toward hearing the gospel, Shelton noted.
“If we’re not active on those online platforms, we’re going to miss this crucial opportunity to interact with 50–80% of our community with the truth and hope that comes through a personal relationship with Jesus,” she added.
Shelton encourages, and trains, KBC churches to create an accessible website.
“Keep it simple,” Shelton said. “The point is retention. We want them to take the next step, then the next step and eventually end up at the doors of our church.”
Prioritizing the right information
That means prioritizing elements like visitor information, church service times, upcoming events or previous sermons. And pictures are crucial — especially when it comes to social media like Facebook and Instagram.
“We all know social media can be used for good and evil,” Shelton said. “We often forget it’s this free, global place to proclaim the gospel.”
A few posts a week is a great goal, and churches can get creative. Deacon or volunteer highlights, church member testimonies and sermon or event recaps are all good options that help social media skimmers see themselves in the story of a local church.
To read full story, click here.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Tessa Redmond and originally published by Kentucky Today.
