Posts in category: Top Stories

In this digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for churches to reach and engage with their congregations, as well as spread the message of faith to a wider audience. Effective church social media administration is crucial in creating and maintaining a strong online presence, fostering community, and promoting the church’s mission and values. This involves managing various social media platforms, creating and curating content, engaging with followers, and monitoring analytics to ensure a successful media ministry. By leveraging social media, churches can enhance their outreach, build relationships, and share the Gospel with a global audience. This article explores the importance of church social media administration, its benefits, and best practices for creating a thriving online community that glorifies God and serves His people.

Managing a church’s social media presence requires careful consideration and attention to detail. It’s not a responsibility to be taken lightly or left in the hands of just anyone. A church’s social media presence reflects the church as a whole, representing its values, mission, and message. Whatever is shared on a church’s social media page is a direct reflection of what happens in the physical church setting. One cannot and should not post anything on the page that contradicts what the church believes and teaches. Any content shared on a church’s social media page can have a significant impact—either positively or negatively—on the church’s reputation and ministry. When choosing someone to manage a church’s social media page, that person must understand the church’s mission, values, and teachings. They must be able to craft engaging, clear, and respectful content that can draw people closer to God. By recognizing the significance of church social media administration and appointing a qualified and dedicated individual or team, churches can effectively harness the power of social media to further their ministry and share the Gospel with a wider audience.

Individuals managing church online platforms are often overlooked, yet they play a vital role in shepherding the digital flock. In reality, church social media administrators are not just tech-savvy individuals but modern-day pastors, guiding and nurturing their online congregation with the same care and dedication as their traditional counterparts. These are some of the roles church social media administrators play: they respond to personal messages, offering prayer and guidance in times of need. They also share scripture, sermons, and inspirational content to spread God’s word. Since they are directly in contact with the online audience, whenever they receive any message from a follower seeking prayer or counseling, they don’t need to call their pastor or any other church elder to perform this task. They do it without requiring the consent of their pastor, whose focus may be solely on the traditional church. Church media administrators offer wisdom, advice, and support to online followers. In essence, church social media administrators are not just managers of online platforms but shepherds of the digital flock, requiring the same dedication, compassion, and spiritual maturity as traditional pastors. By recognizing their vital role, we can better support and empower them to continue spreading the Gospel and nurturing their online congregation.

“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had an understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do . . . and all their brethren were at their commandment” (1 Chronicles 12:32, KJV). The men of the tribe of Issachar had a deep understanding of their times. According to 1 Chronicles 12:32, understanding their times meant they knew precisely what Israel ought to do. They were divinely endowed with the wisdom to comprehend what God was doing and what they needed to do to align themselves with Him. A church’s social media administrators must be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit to discern what to post, when to post, and how to navigate the online landscape. Knowing when to share a specific message, Bible verse, or inspirational content to meet the needs of the online congregation is critical. There are times when certain content should not be posted.

In a situation where there is an ongoing national uproar, one must avoid posting sensitive comments that could trigger tempers or make others uncomfortable. In social media management, this is termed “reading the room.” With the help of the Holy Spirit, one can easily discern how to address sensitive or controversial issues, avoiding unnecessary conflict or division. Additionally, one can recognize and combat online attacks, misinformation, or false teachings. In essence, managing a church’s social media page is not just a technical task, but a spiritual calling. By seeking the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, administrators can discern what to post, when to post, and how to navigate the online landscape, ultimately furthering the church’s ministry and advancing the Gospel.

THE GREAT COMMISSION IN THE DIGITAL SPACE

Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) extends to the online world. Church social media administrators are ambassadors of Christ, tasked with:

1. Sharing the Gospel: Presenting the message of salvation and hope to a global audience.
2. Discipling and Teaching: Providing spiritual guidance, resources, and support to online followers.
3. Showing Compassion and Love: Demonstrating Christ-like kindness, empathy, and understanding in online interactions.

Therefore, a church social media administrator must avoid the following:

1. Seeking Validation: Measuring success by likes, comments, and followers rather than spiritual impact. Followers, likes, and comments can be deceptive. Those who benefit from online content often don’t boldly confess it. It’s wrong to track impact solely by such metrics. Spread the word and allow the Spirit of God to touch lives.

• Self-Promotion: Using the church’s platform to advance personal interests rather than God’s kingdom. In John 9:4, the Bible commands, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” We are neither working for man nor ourselves but are unworthy servants performing our duties. All glory belongs to God, not to ourselves.

• Comparison and Competition: Comparing oneself to others rather than focusing on God’s unique calling and purpose. We are all uniquely called to serve God’s purpose. For some, that calling is in media ministry, utilizing digital platforms to spread the Good News. Administrators must understand that it is a privilege to represent the church in the digital space, and their goal should be to win people online for Christ, not for personal gains or attention. By maintaining this focus, administrators can harness the power of social media to further God’s kingdom, transform lives, and bring glory to His name.

Finally, a church social media administrator must embrace adaptability. The social media landscape is constantly evolving, with new trends, updates, and features emerging daily. To effectively reach and engage with their online congregation, administrators must be willing to adapt and pivot in response to these changes. Psalm 119:89 tells us, “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” While the Word of God remains constant, the methods for sharing it on social media are continually evolving. A single approach cannot effectively reach every follower, as each has unique needs and preferences. Administrators must remain adaptable and innovative in their outreach, leveraging the latest tools and trends to share the Gospel and connect meaningfully with their audience. It’s the responsibility of the administrator to try new approaches and features to further the church’s mission and ministry.In conclusion, church social media administration is a vital ministry that requires dedication, discernment, and adaptability. As the online landscape continues to evolve, church leaders and administrators must prioritize effective social media management to reach and engage their congregations, share the Gospel, and build community. By recognizing the significance of this role, empowering administrators with training and resources, and embracing the ever-changing nature of social media, churches can harness the power of digital platforms to further their mission, spread the message of hope and salvation, and glorify God in the online space. Ultimately, church social media administration is not just about managing accounts but about shepherding people, sharing the love of Christ, and advancing the kingdom of God in the digital age.

Written by Augustus Nii Oblie Adu-Aryee

MAIN TEXT: 2 Kings 4:8-17, 2 Kings 8:1-6

The story of the Shunammite woman is based on the Old Testament scriptures 2 Kings 4:8-37 and 2 Kings 8:1-6. She is described as a great woman who shows hospitality to the prophet Elisha and his servant Gehazi as they pass through her village of Shunem on their way to Mt. Carmel. The Bible reveals that her husband is old, and they have no children. When Elisha wants to reward her for her kindness, she asks for nothing in return, simply saying, “I dwell among mine own people.” Gehazi reveals to Elisha that her husband is old and she has no child, and Elisha tells her she will have a son. The biblical account covers the birth of a son at the appointed time, and later, the son dies, apparently from a sunstroke. Elisha then raises him from the dead.

LESSONS FROM THE SHUNAMMITE WOMAN

• Share Generously

1 Kings 4:8 says: “One day Elisha went to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So, whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food.”

After regularly providing meals for Elisha, she asks her husband if they can do something more: “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”

The Shunammite woman was not stingy with her God-given wealth. She didn’t stop at providing occasional meals but generously offered a room for Elisha, complete with comfortable furnishings. “Going above and beyond” could be seen as the definition of generosity when it comes to giving. She gave sacrificially from her heart.

• Offer Hospitality Insistently and Graciously

I love the detail of the word “urged” in the passage above. It’s similar to the word Paul used to describe Lydia’s hospitality in Acts 16:15: “She urged us, saying, ‘If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.’”

The Shunammite woman understood the deference we often show when something generous is offered. Instead of being swayed by Elisha’s hesitance to accept her gift, she graciously insisted he take it.

She was intentional in offering hospitality, reassuring the recipient of her sincerity. As believers, we should not only offer hospitality but also make it easy for others to accept.

• Cheer On and Support Those Doing God’s Work

By referring to Elisha as “a holy man of God,” the Shunammite woman revealed her esteem for both God and the prophet He had called to ministry. She decided that her ministry would be to support this man of God.

How did she do that? She lifted his burdens, made his work easier, and provided sustenance, comfort, rest, and fellowship. In all of this, she affirmed the importance of Elisha’s calling and sought to help him fulfill it as best she could. As believers, we should recognize God’s calling in others and respond with encouragement and support.

• Seek to Serve Even in Suffering

When Elisha wanted to reward her hospitality, he promised her a child. Her response, “No, my lord, O man of God; do not lie to your servant,” (v.16) reveals her deep desire for motherhood and the pain of her infertility.

The fact that Elisha was unaware of her barrenness shows that her personal suffering had not stifled her willingness to serve others. Despite her personal pain, she did not focus inwardly but turned outward to serve others sacrificially.

The Shunammite woman teaches us that we can either be victims or servants in the midst of our own suffering. While some victims of suffering may be unable to serve others, we should aspire to be selfless, even in times of pain.

• Cultivate Gratitude to God First and Foremost

In an astounding turn of events, the Shunammite woman gave birth to the promised child, but several years later, he died. In great distress, she went straight to Elisha for help without even telling her husband. Elisha eventually revived the child.

What was her first response? “She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground.” Her second response? “Then she picked up her son and went out” (v.37). Gratitude to God (via the man of God) came first. Only then did she pick up her son, who had been dead moments before.

I don’t know about you, but my initial reaction might have been the opposite. I might have even forgotten to thank Elisha (and, therefore, God) at all. But I’m learning from her example to forsake entitlement and cultivate a heart of gratitude to the Giver of all things.

• Speak Eagerly and Readily About God’s Work

Because of their friendship, Elisha warned the Shunammite woman of an impending famine, allowing her to relocate for seven years. Upon returning, she found herself before the king, making a request for her previous home and land. At that moment, it was revealed to the king that Elisha had once restored her dead son to life. 2 Kings 8:6 says, “And when the king asked the woman, she told him.”

While I may never have the opportunity to speak before a king, I want to remember the gifts of God in my life and be ready and eager to share them whenever the opportunity arises.

The account from Luke 22 about the Upper Room made me think of the Shunammite woman. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus offered hospitality to His disciples, encouraged them in their ministry, served them despite His suffering, gave thanks to God, and ultimately offered something more generous than any of them could repay: His very life for theirs.

Written by Elder Felix Wayo (Abesim District, Sunyani Area)