As a social media manager who’s worked with churches and Christian organizations for years, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful online platforms can be for sharing the Gospel. My name’s Jube, and I’m passionate about helping ministries connect with people in meaningful ways. But here’s the challenge we’re facing: too many churches are stuck in a social media rut, posting the same old content—clips of Sunday sermons, flowery Bible verses in pretty fonts, and words like “fellowship” or “sanctuary” that feel like insider code. These posts are great for the congregation, but they often miss the mark with the people we’re called to reach: the unchurched.
Let’s face it: Traditional church social media often looks like a highlight reel from Sunday service. You’ve got clips of the pastor preaching, or graphics of pretty things overlaid with positive Bible quotes in elegant fonts, and maybe some worship song snippets filled with Christian jargon like “sanctification” or “redemption.” Don’t get me wrong—those elements have their place for the faithful flock.
But here’s the reality check: Most people scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook aren’t part of that inner circle. In fact, a huge chunk of the population is unchurched. They’ve never stepped foot in a sanctuary, or if they have, it was ages ago. Many are straight-up intimidated by the idea of walking through those church doors. What if they don’t know the lingo? What if they feel judged? What if it all seems too… *churchy*?
That’s where the shift needs to happen. As a social media strategist, I believe churches and Christian organizations must evolve their content to meet people where they are—outside the pews. It’s time to swap the polished service clips for raw, relatable stories that showcase the human side of faith. Think about it: Social media thrives on authenticity, vulnerability, and community. By focusing on “non-church” events and everyday acts of kindness, you can demystify what it means to be part of a faith community and invite the curious in without overwhelming them.
Imagine scrolling past a post showing a group of volunteers at a food distribution event, laughing as they hand out groceries to families in need. Or a video of your church’s singles group on a hiking trip, sharing stories around a campfire. How about photos from a pancake breakfast where kids are flipping flapjacks and parents are chatting over coffee? These aren’t just feel-good moments—they’re windows into a welcoming world that says, “Hey, we’re normal people doing good things together.
Take it further: Capture a Bible study group gathered in a cozy living room, debating life’s big questions with snacks and open hearts. Show the worship band practicing in the fellowship hall, messing up chords and cracking jokes—proving it’s not about perfection, but passion. Highlight counseling sessions (with privacy in mind, of course) where people are praying together, offering support during tough times. These glimpses of real life humanize your church, making it approachable for someone who’s hesitant or even skeptical.
Why does this matter? Because authenticity is the key to being “salt and light” in a world that’s increasingly disconnected. Jesus didn’t just preach from the mountaintop; He met people in their mess, shared meals, and built relationships. In the same way, your social media can bridge the gap to the unchurched by speaking their language—fun, community, service—without the barriers of jargon or formality. When you post content like this, engagement skyrockets: Likes turn into comments, comments into DMs, and DMs into first-time visitors who feel seen and invited.
Of course, making this pivot isn’t always easy. It requires strategy, creativity, and a bit of know-how to ensure your posts align with algorithms while staying true to your mission. That’s where we come in.
Ready to transform your church’s social media into a beacon for the unchurched? Contact Net Media today for a free consultation. From there, our team of experts can teach your staff how to capture these authentic moments, craft compelling captions, and grow your online community in ways that truly make an impact. Let’s chat—drop us a line at info@netmedia.com or visit our site to get started. Your next viral post could be the one that changes someone’s life!
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