In 2020 we learned a lot about taking our in-person practices to the internet. Our professional life turned digital, our education, seeing friends and family, and so did our Holy lives. For some churches, this was the first time their services were streamed or they connected with parishioners remotely. The evolution of web-based interaction has shown the impact that technology has had on our community reach. If you’re truly passionate about spreading your church’s word, consider taking your discipleship online. Use these channels to invite others to join your spiritual world and start an online ministry.

1. Blog

Start simple. Sharing written messages is an easy way to start a conversation with any online community. Consider your blogging platform an ongoing newsletter. As attention spans shorten, keep the messages you are called to share short and inviting. Establish your church’s website with our easy guide (link) and post your blogs to a delegated page so your audience knows where to find weekly messages from the parish. 

1. Live Sermon

As many churches experienced smaller capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, church services were streamed to their online audience. Why make this temporary? Putting your sermons on the internet can reach billions of people and further spread the Word of your church. Consider live streaming the services long term to build a kingdom online.

1. Podcast

If your church doesn’t have the resources to live stream from the place of worship, use your voice through a podcast to start a religious dialogue. Podcasts are becoming increasingly more popular and can reach the audience that prefers to listen, rather than read. Address anything from weekly news from your church to Bible studies. 

1. YouTube

So, if readers will turn to the blog, listeners will enjoy a podcast, serve one more audience with a visual platform. YouTube videos offer another element of invitation through visuals. Similarly to the podcast, use video as a tool to connect with people through a screen. Here, post anything from a filmed service to your band performing worship music. 

1. Social Media

If you’re looking for a place to create a community, look no further than social media. The easiest place to establish a group and invite others is to create a group on Facebook. Use Facebook as a tool to post links to your blog, podcasts, and any other digital content. You’d be surprised at how much time the average person spends on social media a day. Grab their attention with a post and direct them to your digital church space. 

As we move forward into the 21st century, technology can be used for good or bad. While many can’t attend a mission trip in person, risk their health during a pandemic, or find their way to church on a vacation, many people do have the internet to turn to. If you are called to spread His Word in a way bigger than your physical community, build your online ministry with these tools for good. Be consistent and authentic to find your target audience that enjoys the shared content. What else can you do to invite others into discipleship?