EP05: What Kind of Social Media Posts Actually Work for the Local Church? | Connected Faith Podcast

Many churches use social media like a digital bulletin board—posting service times, events, and announcements. Helpful? Yes. Fully effective? Not always.

In Episode 5, Bill Snider and Dr. Layne McDonald answer a practical question: What kinds of social media posts actually build connection, community, and discipleship for a local church?

This episode goes beyond theory and offers actionable ideas for shifting from promotion to relationship, from announcements to life-giving presence, and from passive posting to meaningful engagement. The goal isn’t more content—it’s more connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Social media works best when it shows real people and real moments

• Photos and short videos outperform text-only posts

• Holidays, birthdays, and life milestones create natural connection points

• Testimonies remove shame and build faith

• Stewarding the 167 hours beyond Sunday is essential

• Video storytelling dramatically increases engagement

• Social media is for salt and light, not conflict

• Every post should make it easy for people to respond

“The media is never the point—the relationship always is.”

Practical Ideas & Tools:

• Smartphones – powerful enough for ministry today

• Photos + short videos – authentic storytelling

• Calendar reminders – birthdays, anniversaries, life events

• Video snippets – 2–5 minute message highlights

• Comment monitoring – engagement is conversation

• Text or prayer lines – simple, personal response paths