6 Ways To Engage Your Congregation Online Beyond Sunday
Many of us pastors have a “Sunday to Sunday” mentality. We prepare all week for the one hour (approximately) in the week. The problem is, there are 167 more hours in the week and your congregation is engaging many of them online through social media. You can utilize the other days and hours in the week to connect and inspire your congregation. Here are 5 ways you can do that.
Two Minute Time Out
Take two minutes every day and share a brief devotional thought on Facebook live. Use this time to inspire and encourage them. Share a story of something good that has happened. Give some helpful tools to develop their relationship with Jesus.
Morning Coffee and Devotional
Invite people to get their coffee and join you for a brief devotional (10 min) on Facebook live. You can work through a bible reading plan together as well.
Zoom/Webex Small Groups
Get your congregation to engage in small groups via Zoom or Webex. A basic small group format would be “Share, Care, and Prayer”. A time of sharing what happened this week and a time of caring for each other and then praying for one another. If you want to add a “study component’ you can use notes from the previous sermon or scripture that you work through. Your whole congregation should be involved in small groups, especially during this time.
Worship Times
Have your worship leader(s) engage in a time of worship from their living room and invite your church to participate via Facebook or Instagram live. It doesn’t need to be complicated but it can be as encouraging and uplifting.
Coffee Chats
Invite members of your congregation to join you for Zoom/webex coffee chats or huddles. It’s a great opportunity to connect and care for them. If congregants don’t have a computer or smartphone, you can engage them in a conference call.
Using Facebook Groups
If you haven’t done so, establish a Facebook group for only your congregation. This way you can speak a little more openly and talk about topics that are more “insider” like giving or serving. Share stories and insights into what is happening in the church and community in a more detailed and intimate way to your congregation.
Remember to engage your congregation beyond the Sunday morning on-line service. Your “Sunday service” can last for 167 hours in different ways and on different days.
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.