Photo by Magnus Mueller for Pexels
Since its invention, social media has entered into countless aspects of life, from keeping in touch with friends to finding a job to picking up a new hobby. As social media’s influence becomes increasingly involved, more people use it not only for entertainment but also to seek out spiritual growth and community.
With about 62% of the world’s population using social media, according to Statista, it can serve as an excellent tool for reaching people with the Gospel. Here are four ways to use social media for discipleship, along with potential pitfalls.
Reaching the Unreached
Jesus commands believers to preach the Gospel to all nations in Matthew 28:19. Nowadays, a person who may never otherwise enter a church likely has access to social media, making this an avenue worth exploring for reaching people with the Gospel.
By utilizing social media, it is easier for Christians to welcome unreached people into local churches and walk beside them on their faith journey. But the Gospel does not only belong in church services — we can also use our platforms to bring the Gospel to people directly.
Photo by Brook Cagle for Unsplash
Forming Relationships
An important part of turning converts into disciples is forming personal relationships, which Jesus demonstrated by dining with others, washing the feet of His disciples and visiting people in their homes. While social media can have a reputation for hindering deep connections, Christians, who want to disciple others, may use social media differently than the way of the world.
Instead of posting to gain views and make online spectacles of ourselves, which gives way to one-sided, parasocial relationships, social media allows believers to seek out fellowship with others and aspire to be true family.
“Friendship is often foundational for healthy discipleship,” according to Barna.
Whether it is through church Facebook groups or consistent video calls, checking in on one another, holding each other accountable and knowing one another deeply in an impersonal, digital culture is essential to discipleship.
Social media is not the final destination of relationships but the starting point. Actively pursuing relationships with others off-screen as well as on-screen is key to discipleship.
“An effective disciple maker sees his/her people as family, not just a group of students because in reality, we’re brothers and sisters with the same Father,” according to Lifeway Research.
Teaching the Bible
The Internet is a treasure trove of information, and for many people, social media is often their first source — 34.3% of users aged 16-64 use social media to read the news, and another 30% use it to find content, such as articles and videos, according to GWI. If so many people are looking to social media for knowledge, Christians can utilize this existing platform for teaching the Bible.
Providing notes from sermons, asking social media followers Biblical questions and engaging in theological discussions are great ways to share the Bible through social media. Many churches, ministries and Christians on social media create podcasts or videos to delve deeper into Biblical topics.
Having access to countless differing perspectives can be overwhelming for a new disciple who is trying to solidify their beliefs. Teaching new believers to individually explore the Bible is an excellent way to encourage them to seek out answers and spend time in God’s word.
Photo by Soundtrap for Unsplash
Being a Light
Part of using social media as a tool for discipleship is recognizing the current climate of the digital world — 9% of Internet users have experienced cyberbullying, and 17% have experienced online harassment, according to Statista. While these statistics are unfortunate, it lends Christians the opportunity to demonstrate how followers of Christ live differently.
When Jesus was ministering on earth, He drew people to Him not only through His teachings but through His exemplary life of grace. Similarly, Christians can make disciples through social media by contrasting this culture of negativity and being a light on the earth.
These examples demonstrate how we can use social media for discipleship and sowing seeds of faith. However, it is important to remember social media is a tool, not a crutch — people cannot have a virtual relationship with Christ, and Christians cannot substitute Internet content with studying the Word.
Our work does not stop at sharing online, nor does posting about our faith on social media exempt Christians from reaching out to their neighbors. Whether online or offline, a spirit of diligence and obedience to the Lord are necessary for raising up new followers of Christ.
Isabella Collette graduated from Southeastern University in 2023 with a BA in English. She is a writer and aspiring author who enjoys reading books and making art. Whether by exploring real-world topics or through the metaphors of her fiction and poetry, she writes to help believers, non-believers, and herself better understand God's true character.
