5 DM and Text Messaging Tips for Ministers

In case you missed it, a few weeks ago, Adam Levine has been caught sliding into different women’s DMs, flirting with them. Considering that none of these women are his wife, he has been publicly called out. While he has taken responsibility for it and has apologized, he faced a lot of criticism for his actions.

“Sliding into” someone’s DM is what a person does on social media. The term DM is short for Direct Messaging. People direct messages someone on their social media profile because they don’t have their cell number and it is an easy way to connect with someone initially. Usually someone will DM someone else and then it can move on to text messaging at some point. Adam Levine was rightfully called out for inappropriately and discreetly DMing other women.

While many people were shocked by this, the sad thing about this is that, unfortunately, this is not the first time someone has used DMs to inappropriately and discreetly message others and be called out for it. And ministers can be susceptible to this as well, just like any other profession. That is why they need to be above reproach in regards to text messaging and DMing others.

So here are some ways that Ministers can DM and Text Message appropriately:

1. Check in and Encourage. The tendency to use text messaging to remind people of events or things that are coming up. While you can use it for that, occasionally, use it more to see how people are doing or how you can pray for them. People do not want to feel like the only reason why you are texting or DMing them is to tell them about what is happening. They want to know that you care about them. Make sure you check in and encourage them.
2. Use it to Disciple Others. As you encourage others, use it to encourage them spiritually. In addition to asking for prayer requests, try sending them scripture references, devotionals, and tools for how they can grow in their faith. It could be a great and unique way to disciple and encourage others spiritually.
3. Connect People Together. When people come to an event or Church service and share their information via a connection card or a form, follow up with them a day or so later. When you do that, connect them with next steps or people that can help them connect more to a group or the Church. The more people they get to know the more likely they will stay connected with your Church.
4. DM and Text Message People of the Same Sex Only. When you DM or text message people, it can be very dangerous as anyone can accuse anyone else of inappropriate messaging. This is especially true when people can take screen shots of conversations. Nothing is secret anymore. In addition, a woman is more likely to connect with another woman and a man connect with a man. Ultimately, it’s always best to be above reproach in all situations. That is why connecting with people of the same sex is best when you are DMing or text message people.
5. Limit How Much You Text. While texting is great, sometimes you can text too much. You don’t want to be the person that texts and DMs too much. So, limited how much you text with people on a regular basis. The more you text them the more likely they are going to tune you out and not respond.

Conclusion

We live in a digital and online world. That is why DMing and text messaging people is important. It is part of ministry today. As important as it is to connect with other people, it can also be very dangerous. Learn from the mistakes of people like Adam Levine and other ministers. Put some boundaries in place and protect yourself so this will help people connect with you and your ministry, rather than bring it down.

What do you think? What other DM and text messaging tips you can suggest or recommend for ministers? Share your ideas below or on social media.

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