As summer arrives, many of us look forward to holidays, getting outdoors, and a generally slower pace from the rest of the year. While it’s tempting to take a break from your church’s social media and online presence during this season, it’s crucial to stay active and engaged. Here are five reasons why your church should keep its digital communication channels active and alive throughout the summer months.
1. Stay Connected with Your Congregation
Maintaining Community Bonds
Summer often means travel and varied schedules for many congregation members. By keeping your social media and online presence active, you provide a continuous point of connection. This helps maintain the sense of community and belonging that is central to church life.
Updates and Announcements
Regular updates ensure that your congregation stays informed about upcoming events, changes in service times, and other important announcements. Whether through Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Youtube or your church website, keeping your community in the loop is essential.
2. Reach Those Away
Access Anywhere, Anytime
Social media and online platforms allow your church to reach members wherever they are. Those on holiday can still participate in services via live streams, catch up on sermons, and stay engaged with church activities.
Spiritual Nourishment
Providing online devotionals, prayer prompts, and inspirational content ensures that your congregation continues to receive spiritual nourishment, even when they’re not onsite.
3. Engage with Potential New Members
Summer Visitors
Summer can often bring new visitors to your area who may be looking for a church to attend. A vibrant online presence can attract these potential new members. They can get a sense of your church’s community and values through your social media posts and website.
Outreach Opportunities
By staying active online, you create opportunities for outreach. Share stories, testimonies, and events that highlight your church’s mission and invite others to join. This can be particularly effective in reaching people who might not attend church regularly.
4. Promote Summer Events and Activities
Highlight Special Programs
Summer can be a time for special church events like more social/fellowship gatherings, summer camps, and community outreach programs (as seen in my epic foam tower I made one summer with TPT). Use your social media to promote these activities, ensuring maximum participation and engagement.
Share Stories and Highlights
Post updates, photos, and videos from your summer events. This not only keeps your current members informed but also showcases your church’s active and vibrant community to a broader audience.
5. Build Momentum for the New Term
Maintain Engagement
By keeping your online presence active during the summer, you avoid the “summer slump” and maintain engagement levels. This makes it easier to ramp up activities and attendance when the busy autumn season begins.
Previews and Teasers
Use the summer months to build excitement for upcoming autumn programs and initiatives. Share teasers and previews to generate anticipation and ensure that your congregation is ready and excited for the new season.
While summer is a time for relaxation and change of pace, it’s vital not to let your church’s social media and online presence go dormant. Staying active online helps maintain connections, engage with both current and potential members, promote events, and build momentum for the future. By keeping your digital communication channels vibrant, you ensure that your church remains a central and active part of your community, no matter the season. So, keep those posts coming, share those stories, and stay connected all summer long!