As a pastor, your purpose in the church is to bring God’s people to him. To teach as many people as you can about the love, compassion, and goodwill of Christ. However, as times and people change, getting your word out to the masses can become increasingly difficult. Physical disabilities, busy schedules, complicated lifestyles, and more can prevent those who wish to learn about God from being able to sit in the congregation every Sunday. Fortunately, there are modern solutions that can help bridge the gap, bring more members to the congregation, and more importantly spread the word of God further.
- Church Websites
A church website can be very instrumental in providing information to the outside world and potentially bringing in new members and followers of Christ. When designed properly, a church website will do more than just provide contact information. It will essentially be an introduction to the church and Christianity. Welcome videos, Christian literature, church resources like counselors and housing assistance, community outreach programs, and church activities can all be listed online for visitors to view.
- Audio Sermons
The pastor’s sermons are a combination of messages, stories, and scripture designed to teach the congregation about the bible and how it translates to present day. Sermon audio provides a solution not only for those who can’t be at church, but for those who are in church every week. Audio sermons can be listened to at a time that is most convenient for the listener. It can be turned up or down and rewound several times to accommodate the listener allowing them to hear the message clearly, study the word repeatedly, and perhaps hear something they didn’t hear at Sunday service.
- Podcasts
Podcasts can prove instrumental in getting the message out to those who need it. They are digital audio files that are uploaded online. They can be downloaded on various platforms for listeners to hear. Podcasts can be used to speak on topics beyond the sermon. Churches can provide tips, teach bible study, have weekly interviews with influential Christians, and more. Podcasts can be uploaded to church websites, blogs, social media pages, and more to be shared and viewed.
- Church Blogs
Blogs are not only great for building credibility and driving traffic to your church website. They are also ideal for reaching out to online users across the globe. Church blogs can be designed to delve into a plethora of topics that many people face daily, providing advice, prayer, and messages on how to get through it with the help of God. Visitors will then have a platform from which to get advice on some of life’s most difficult circumstances and will be more reluctant to turn to your church and its resources for further guidance.
- Social Media
Social media is a must for churches in the digital age. It is often one of the first things online users will search for and research to learn about the church, its mission, and its credibility. Social media is another platform that is used by millions across the globe and it can be a great place for touching the lives of many on a group and personal letter. Churches can share blog posts, audio sermons, podcasts, photos, and even upcoming event information on social media for followers to share. They can also answer questions, provide group prayer, and even inbox individuals and help on a more personal level.
The idea of being a church or a representative of the church is to spread the word of God. While people may have changed and time may have evolved things, there are ways to reach them with your message. Each of the above-mentioned platforms are great for several reasons. They accommodate all lifestyles and schedules, they allow you to reach millions instantly, they allow others to share and spread the word, and they help to develop a positive relationship between the church and its people. If you haven’t done so already, consider using some of these modern conveniences in your ministry and see how far your message is received.