Leveraging online platforms to share faith
Digital evangelism is the practice of using online platforms to share the message of Christ, encourage believers, and reach those who may never step into a physical church. In today’s digital world, social media has transformed how we communicate, connect, and share ideas. For Christians, this presents a unique opportunity to spread the gospel and engage with people worldwide.
With billions of people using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, social media allows for a global reach unlike any other evangelism method.
So, why social media for evangelism? You might ask. The following are some of the reasons why social media is an essential tool for evangelism:
- Unlimited Reach: The internet has no geographical limits; a single post can be seen by millions worldwide.
- Instant Access: People can engage with Christian content anytime, anywhere, even in places where the gospel is restricted.
- Personal Connection: Social media allows believers to interact directly with those seeking faith or struggling with doubts.
- Creative Expression: Evangelism is no longer limited to sermons, now there are videos, graphics, blogs, and podcasts to make the gospel more engaging.
But how can we use these tools effectively? Here are some ways we can use social media for evangelism
- Share Inspirational and Biblical Content: People consume content quickly on social media, so sharing short, engaging messages can be impactful. For example:
- Post Daily Scriptures: Share Bible verses with eye-catching graphics using apps like Canva. For instance, posting an image with Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, with a motivational caption works and we can also reshare/repost these from other people’s stories or feeds.
- Create Short Devotionals: Write a brief reflection on a Bible passage or verse and encourage followers to share their thoughts in the comments. This can be posted on instagram or even on whatsapp status.
- Use Stories & Reels: Short form contents are popular on On Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, recording a 60-second video explaining a verse or a Christian principle. For example, explain the meaning of John 3:16 in a way that resonates with young people.
- Share Testimonies: Record or write about how God changed your life (Your personal testimony or those of others). Authentic stories of transformation draw people in and encourage those struggling with faith. You can also share a testimony of divine encounters gotten in church and then tag the church.
2. Engage in Meaningful Conversations:Evangelism is not just about posting, it’s about interacting and building relationships. Many people have questions about faith, and social media provides a safe space to discuss them. You can:
- Respond to Comments & DMs: If someone asks a question that seems triggering such as “Why does God allow suffering?” reply with kindness, a Bible verse, or a resource. Personal engagement makes a difference.
- Host a Q&A Session: Go live on Facebook or Instagram and answer common faith-related questions such as How can I grow closer to God, What does the Bible say about forgiveness? And a whole conversation can be built around this.
- Join Faith-Based Groups: Be active in Christian groups or forums where people discuss spiritual matters. You can also volunteer in a bible believing church or a Christian group. Offer encouragement, prayer, and scriptural guidance when appropriate.
3. Use Digital Tools Effectively: Social media thrives on visual content, trends, and algorithms. Using the right tools can increase engagement and reach more people. Digital tools can be used in the following ways:
- Use Hashtags: On Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, include hashtags like #BibleVerse, #FaithOverFear #Evangelism #Gospel to help people discover your content.
- Create Polls & Interactive Posts: Polls, questions and answers sessions can lead to deeper conversations. Asking questions like what is your favourite bible verse? Invites discussions.
- Start a Christian Podcast or Blog: If you enjoy speaking or writing, create a podcast or blog about faith topics that resonates with you or you feel will resonate with people. Platforms like Spotify (for podcasts) and Medium or WordPress (for blogs) are great places to start.
- Use Video Sermons & Teachings: You can record short sermons or bible teachings and upload them on YouTube, Instagram Reels, or TikTok, A 3-minute video explaining How to Pray Effectively using Matthew 6:9–13 (The Lord’s Prayer).
4. Lead with Love and Authenticity: The gospel should always be shared with kindness, humility, and patience. Many people have doubts or have been hurt by religion so, approach them with compassion rather than judgment. You can do this by:
- Avoiding Arguments: If someone comments negatively on your post, don’t engage in debates, just respond graciously or ignore it. A gentle answer turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1).
- Pray for Your Online Audience: Before posting, pray that God will use your content to touch hearts.
- Be Consistent but Genuine: Share real-life struggles and how God has helped you. People connect more with honest testimonies than perfect, scripted messages.
- Encourage Action: End posts with a call to action, like:
- Tag a friend who needs to hear this message
- Share this if you believe God is good!
CONCLUSION
Digital evangelism is a powerful and accessible way to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) in the modern world. By sharing biblical content, engaging in meaningful conversations, using digital tools effectively, and leading with love, believers can reach millions, strengthen faith, and offer hope to those in need.
No matter your experience level, you can start today. A simple bible verse, an encouraging post, or a kind response could be the light someone needs to find Christ. Use your social media as a platform for faith because every post, comment, or video could change a life.
