Christian Ministry Training Blog

Online ministry has become a way of life these days. Some of it will continue on for years to come so it is important we remember key factors that relate to how God wants us to do ministry.

Tips That Serve as Reminders for Any Kind of Ministry Online

1) Remember that love “always protects” (1 Cor. 13:7).

Any kind of online ministry needs to be done safely, with cyber security in mind. In addition we must always guard people’s privacy, time, contact preferences, etc. so as to respect and protect. We need to build parameters into the kind of interactions allowed so as to minimize negative and destructive commenting, etc. which tends to happen more freely when hidden behind screens.

2) Remember that behind every screen is a live person.

• Meeting their needs matter. Sometimes it’s easier for people to mask what’s really happening in their lives through online platforms. How will you discern needs? If we rely on people to take the first step, many needs will undoubtedly go unmet.

• Relationships matter. We cannot rely solely on streaming a worship service to follow God’s design for Body life. That takes relationships. Even if you have a platform wherein people can interact, how much relationship building really happens? What are you doing to follow up with people who attend digitally? How are relationships fostered?

• Encouraging matters. We meet with the purpose of “encouraging one another” according to Hebrews 10:25. Is that happening through your online ministry? How do you know?

(Be aware that churches can fall short on the above even when meeting in person. We must always strategically work at meeting needs, building relationships, and encouraging one another but it becomes even more challenging with online ministry.)

3) Remember that it isn’t the same as meeting in person.

While meeting online might be considered connecting with other believers, the full intent of God’s command to meet together (Heb. 10:25) is that we physically gather. There are benefits of in-person that cannot happen as easily, as unencumbered, and sometimes never online. Ministry online can bridge some gaps and provide a temporary means of connecting but should not completely and permanently substitute for in-person meeting with one another.

Many churches and ministries rely on newsletters of some sort to communicate.

Tips for Ministry & Church Newsletters

While there are many suggestions that could be given about using newsletters, here are three tips to give some broad perspective. The MinTools.com newsletter will be used as an example.

1. Have a purpose for your newsletter.

Develop a newsletter for a good reason, not just because other churches or ministries do it. When you have an overall, broad objective you’ll have clearer direction for what content to include in it.

MinTools.com Example:

At the start of every new month at MinTools.com an e-mail newsletter is sent to those who sign up for it. I praise God for the many people from around the world who have subscribed to it. These newsletters have multiple purposes:

• They provide an update of new material on this site, as well as the sites devoted to training for Bible teachers and Church leaders.
• They address a spiritual issue or ministry need relevant to believers in the Church.
• They seek to encourage or challenge us to think about how well we are lining up with the character of God and principles from His Word, the Bible, in that area.

Please take time to read this month’s newsletter. You can subscribe to it on that same page. Please know that your e-mail address is used for no other purpose.

2. Strategically determine the newsletter’s format and means of distribution.

If you have a primarily online ministry, a digital format of some sort may be the way to go for you too. But, if a church or ministry is not primarily online or worldwide, postal mail may be more of the way to go. If you decide to hand them out in person (i.e., at the doors on their way out, in their church mailboxes, etc.) to save money, you’ll need to accept the reality that many newsletters may not actually make it home and get read. You’ll also need to be aware that very likely not everyone will have attended the meeting during which you distributed them.

Remember, budget alone should not be the determining factor for the format you use. Always consider your readers. What will the people you minister to/with be most likely to read? A combination of e-mail/online and hardcopy might be necessary if you want to increase the number of people who read it.

MinTools.com Example:

Since Ministry Tools Resource Center targets believers around the world, the best format to date has been to use e-mail as the medium. Not only would the cost be prohibitive to send a hardcopy newsletters through the postal service, but it also would not be as conducive to directing people to updates on the site, one of the key purposes for doing the newsletter. In an e-mail newsletter, people can easily click on links to new posts and/or new resources. The newsletter can also be found online as well. You can freely sign up to receive these e-mail newsletter updates generally sent once a month.

3. Don’t assume everyone will read it.

One thing you quickly learn in ministry is that no matter how purposeful and strategic you might be in using a newsletter update, not everyone will read it. And, while some may thoroughly read it, others will merely glance over the highlights.

If you’re using a newsletter to communicate something you don’t want people to miss, be sure to use other formats of communication. Also, figure out a way to highlight that information in the newsletter so it will less likely be missed.

MinTools.com Example:

In looking at the statistics about the MinTools.com newsletter, I realize that not everyone reads it — very common with e-mail newsletters. Sometimes the e-mail goes into people’s junk/spam folder. Sometimes the e-mail may not even get to people’s e-mail account at all. And, sometimes when it makes it, it still doesn’t get read, in large part because people are just so busy and/or they get so much e-mail they can’t look at it all. But, I also note that enough people do receive it and read it to make the newsletters worth the time and effort. At times people respond with positive feedback about how God used it to encourage and spur them on.

Of course, there are many other factors to consider (how often, who will develop it, layout, name, etc.). Rather than just do a newsletter the way you’ve always done it, seek God’s wisdom on how you can be more purposeful and strategic, increasing the potential of more people actually reading it.

As believers, we’re called to be salt and light in this world (Matt. 5:13-16), which should encompass the whole of our lives … even the kinds of posts and comments we make on social media platforms. The same holds true for churches and ministries. We need to consistently promote and model Christ-like attitudes and ways.

Tips for Strategic Use of Social Media by Churches and Ministries

Here are three tips churches and ministries, in particular, need to consider whether using X (Twitter), Facebook, or some other social media platforms.

1. Be purposeful in the use of social media.

As churches and ministries, we have too much to do to merely jump on the bandwagon of social media just because everybody else it doing it. Why should YOU use it?

Obviously the idea behind “social” media is that we connect or interact with people. But, even this goal needs to be better defined. What kinds of connections do you hope to establish? Will it be a platform for merely airing opinions and thoughts or will it be used for discipleship and fellowship purposes?

Social media can also be used to inform and update. But, even this goal needs to be narrowed down. What kinds of events or content merits a post?

In addition, social media can be a means of encouraging and challenging people. But, even this goal needs to be thought through. How personal should you get to people’s needs and circumstances in an open setting?

Determine your primary purpose in using social media for your church or ministry and it will help you determine the main types of posts you will make.

2. Build parameters into the use of social media.

Seriously think through the type of content you will post. Guard against that which is inappropriate, demeaning, or destructive. Also establish commenting policies that keep your church or ministry aligned with the parameters of true Body Life.

In addition, determine the amount of time you should put into social media. How easy it can be to get so consumed in it that other important responsibilities get neglected. We need to be wise in where we invest our time (Eph. 5:15; Col. 4:5) by setting some time parameters.

3. Don’t rely on social media alone to connect and communicate.

To use X (Twitter), Facebook, and/or other social media platforms as your sole means of connecting, informing, encouraging, etc. could be a problem.

Not everyone may utilize the platform you do. You may need to use multiple platforms to increase potential reach.

Some don’t get on social media at all. Be sure to connect, inform, update, and encourage through other means as well.

Posts may not always reach everyone’s feed. You may need to instruct people on what to do to be more likely to see your posts. You may need to set up special groups or lists within the different platforms for people to join.