Theology of Social Media Practices Utilized in The Church

Doctrine of Social Media Practices Utilized in The ChurchThis proposal presents a proper theology of social media use that churches can implement throughout their congregation. With a proper foundation rooted in the Gospel, the cultural sway that social media has on a society and church culture can be avoided by intentionally using technology. When churches implement marketing strategies into their technology and social media they jeopardize the true vision of the church: to be one unified body. To avoid this I have provided principles that the church can consider using when it comes to technology and social media.

1. 1. First and foremost, Churches should recognize the ministry opportunities that come when utilizing social media platforms throughout their services. When these technologies are used intentionally, Christians are able to reach and preach to the masses through these platforms.(Matt. 28:16-20, Acts 5:20, Mark 16:15)
   2. Churches should train their communication teams to think intentionally and theologically about the techniques they are using on social media and during livestream to avoid business like practices.(For further information read: A Critical Examination of Business Practices in the American Church.)
   3. Churches should beware of the messages they are silently sending out through their social media posts. Without constant prayer and direction from the Holy Spirit, churches can promote and elevate the status of a “certain” image. This contrasts the idea of biblical community and diversity.(Rev. 7:9, Col. 1:16-17, 1 Cor. 12:15-19, Col. 3:11)
   4. Churches need to use their platforms to preach messages that explain what biblical community entails and looks like.(Acts 2:42-47, Eph. 2:11-22, 1 Peter 4:9)
   5. The church facebook page should be used to provide basic information such as: location, time and upcoming events. By providing basic information the viewer has the freedom to engage with the information while also keeping current members up to date. When churches use their facebook page to market to unbelievers and gain more popularity they risk operating the church as a business. This mentality communicates that it is all about numbers rather than fostering deep relationships with one another.(Matt. 28:19, Hebrews 10:24-25, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
   6. Churches should communicate the importance of gathering together to their online audiences that watch the live stream sermons weekly (Hebrews 10:25, Hebrews 12:1).  By building a foundation that is rooted in locality and community non believers and believers move away from a “stuck” placement. Proclaiming messages about meeting together communicates a call to action to the viewer. 
      1. In light of COVID 19 and for those in the congregation who are not able to meet physically, live streaming sermons should always provide an invitation to be involved by providing a way to submit comments and questions.
   7. Churches should not utilize the social media platform Instagram due to it directly emphasizing the importance of “self-image”. The effects that can result affect the social structure and culture of the congregation. Churches should consider that the glorification of self through Instagram posts jeopardizes the congregation falling to idolatry (Matt. 4:10, 1 Cor 10:7 &14). 
      1. Instead churches should communicate how to build healthy boundaries to their congregation. These healthy boundaries should start with filtering out content that could lead them astray (1 John 2:26, 2 Tim 2:15). 
   8. Churches should acknowledge the effects social media has on the mental health of a believer (Grima). With this in mind, leadership should consider preaching messages that highlight the importance of identity being found in Christ (2 Cor 10:12, Romans 12, Matt. 6:19-20, Matt 16:26-27).
   9. The worship team and AV teams should discuss the intentionality of lights being used during worship in regards to how it affects the congregation. While lights, screens and fog machines attract more people, churches need to shift away from a “numbers” mentality. All effects used throughout worship time should point back, or bring attention, back to Christ.
   10. Worship leaders should pray and intentionally seek out songs that emphasize and highlight the themes of the passage or current series. Because of this, Worship music sung during Sunday services should represent the theology of the church.