Skip to main content

Proper communication on your church’s social media pages is important, but the things your ministry leaders are posting on their personal pages can be just as significant.

In the past, I’ve written on the do’s and don’ts for pastors on social media. I can’t recommend that post enough. But, when it comes to training the various leaders in your church, you’ll want some more specific instruction.

After researching what other ministries use for their social media policies, our church’s team put together the following guidelines for all of our leaders. This is a regular part of our training for staff, anyone leading our volunteers, and small group leaders.

This was largely adapted from a free resource provided by Life.Church, so feel free to use it in your ministry. I’ll provide some additional links below to check out.

Social Media Guidelines For Leaders

It’s exciting to see so many of our leaders communicating online! Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc. are an incredible way to share your faith journey, get to know other ministry leaders, chronicle your life, and generally connect with people you wouldn’t otherwise. As we work together to lead people to find new life in Christ, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you navigate the ins and outs of the online world:

1. You’re Amongst Friends—Sometimes

As much as your blog, Twitter feed, Facebook page, etc. might feel like your cozy home on the Internet where friends stop by to catch up, it’s really a public space. People can land on your page from a Google search and read just one post completely out of context. This content lives on forever, long after you’ve forgotten about it. So, think of your web space less like a family room and more like your front yard.

2. Spread News, Don’t Break It

It’s great when we can use our personal web spaces to share the great things God is doing at our church. But, it’s not a good idea to get the news out there before the time or in a different place than we’ve strategically planned. Make sure what you talk about is ready for public consumption. If we’ve talked about it from the stage or online, you’re safe.

3. Think And Pray First

A great rule is to take a few moments to really think about what you are going to post. Ask yourself these questions: Will this offend someone? Why am I posting this, is this for personal gain or acknowledgement (pride)? Could this cause division and distract from the mission of our church? Also consider this when you like someone’s post or something that they have shared. It’s a good idea to avoid politics and anything that can be considered racist.  Remember, we are a church for all people. That means all races and all political and social views are welcome at our church. Let our focus be on Jesus and life-change.

4. Disclaimers Or Not, You Represent

Yes, a disclaimer is a good idea. But even with that, what you say in your tweets, on your blog, and on your Facebook page is just as much of a reflection of the church as what you do in your personal life. Never speak on behalf of the church from a personal platform.

5. When In Doubt, Go Positive

Whether you’re responding to a snarky comment, frustrated with a vendor, or trying to decide if you should write about something that’s bothering you, you’ll never regret taking the high road. Sometimes that road is not saying anything at all. Remember, at our church, we see the best in people.

6. Ask Questions

If you aren’t sure whether or not you should post something, feel free to ask someone above you –your coordinator, coach, or their assistants. If you aren’t able to get in touch with someone, it would be better to err on the side of caution and don’t post.

What Do You Think?

Does your church have a social media policy for leaders?
Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Kendall Conner

What do you get when you combine production, design, and communications together with a passion for the Church? It turns out, this is the precise formula to make up Kendall Conner. For over 20 years, this Christ-led creative has been bridging the gap between media and ministry. In addition to serving as the creative pastor in his local church, he is the Chief of Operations for Church Motion Graphics, a ministry-focused design studio that serves thousands of houses of worship around the globe. Kendall specializes in equipping church media leaders and volunteers to utilize creativity in their services to share the hope of Jesus.

2 Comments

  • John says:

    With social media’s rise in popularity over recent years, it’s important to know the best practices when posting, especially if you’re representing a group (or a church, even more so). It generally helps to remain neutral on hot topics, and to stay within the ideals and image of your church. Even simply using the church’s social media accounts to publish newsletters and interact with church members would likely be a safe route. Thanks for sharing!

  • Ruth Mercado says:

    My biggest concern is about leaders that believe everything they read in social media, and immediately repost without checking if what they just posted is true or not. This became an even bigger deal during this election year.

Leave a Reply to John Cancel Reply