Every year, as December comes to an end and January 1st approaches, people always take time to reflect on the past year and dream of all that is possible for the year ahead. As you reflect on what God has done, how have you seen him work in your online ministry?
Online ministry continues to be a controversial subject matter in the Church. Even though many people connected with others and Churches during the height of the pandemic, since that time many churches have pulled back on their online ministry offerings. The reality is that online ministry is effective ministry and it is a great tool for Churches to use.
That is why, just in case some Churches have forgotten, here are some online ministry reminders of what you can do with online ministry in this new year.
Keep Moving Forward.
You have made a lot of progress with online ministry. Don’t go back to pre-covid ministry. Technology is always changing and always improving. Keep using online tools to more effectively minister to people daily. Don’t get sucked into the mentality of thinking the way things used to be without online tools is better than today. Embrace it and keep moving forward, improving upon what you are already doing.
Try Something New.
You can keep moving forward in your online ministry without trying something new in your online ministry. In this new year, try something new. Depending on what your online ministry looks like currently, it could mean many different things. However, it could mean starting online small groups, utilizing text messaging to minister to people, doing more with video (especially short form videos like TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts) or something else entirely. As technology changes and evolves there will be more new opportunities for Churches to minister to people online.
As we enter a new year, it is important to remember all the progress you've made in online ministry and keep moving forward, one step at a time. Click To Tweet
Anyone can be a Digital Missionary.
When you bring on a children’s ministry volunteer, that volunteer really needs to have a heart for children. The same with youth leaders. They need to have a heart for teenagers. As you know, everyone from the young to the old are on social media. They share pictures and updates on their families and what they are doing as well as connecting with other friends and family members.
Social media presents great opportunities for people of all ages to interact and encourage others, especially with the love of Jesus. After all, social media can be a great opportunity to do ministry. It is a place where people can pray for each other, encourage each others and share the hope of Christ with others. With some training and encouragement from an Online minister or key staffer, anyone can be a digital missionary and help proclaim Christ to others on social media.
DISCOVER WHY TWITTER IS THE BEST PLACE FOR DIGITAL MISSIONARIES
Support Your Online Ministry Team.
What they do is different than in person ministry, but it is just as valuable. They are either connecting with people online and encouraging them in their faith or they are making it possible for people to connect online. It is an extremely important ministry. Make sure they are supported with encouragement, necessary tech supplies and equipment so that they can have the biggest possible impact they can have.
Short Form Video.
Short form video platforms like TikTok grew exponentially during the pandemic. That caused Instagram to introduce Reels and YouTube to release Shorts. All of these short form video platforms have become very popular and are reach a lot of people online. Churches can utilize these platforms to share encouragement, devotionals and participate in fun trends to minister to people online.
Conclusion
As you process where you will go in the new year, continue to work on and develop your online ministry. Refine what you are currently doing and look to add something new to what you are currently doing. Of all the online ministry reminders for a new year, remember, online ministry is NOT in competition with in person ministry. Online ministry is a tool to help enhance your overall ministry at your Church. Embrace and improve on our online ministry this year and see what God does.
What are some other online ministry reminders you can encourage others with in the new year? Share your thoughts and insights below or on social media.
Interested in being a Digital Missionary or want to learn digital tools to expand your reach in ministry this year, join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group!