1.
Purpose Before Platform
- Know why you’re doing digital ministry. Is it to reach new people? Disciple existing members? Provide worship to the housebound? Your purpose will shape the tools and tone you use.
2.
Know Your Audience
- Understand who you’re trying to connect with—age, digital literacy, spiritual needs, location. Different demographics will respond differently to email, YouTube, Instagram, or Zoom.
3.
Be Present, Not Just Posted
- Digital ministry isn’t just about uploading content—it’s about connection. Respond to comments, ask questions, join conversations. Build digital community, not just a content library.
4.
Prioritise Accessibility
- Ensure your content is accessible to people with disabilities. Use captions, readable fonts, alt text for images, and consider audio versions of written content.
5.
Use Storytelling
- People connect with stories. Share testimonies, real-life experiences, and journeys of faith. This helps make abstract theology tangible and relatable.
6.
Consistency Builds Trust
- Post regularly and reliably. It doesn’t need to be daily, but people should know when to expect your content—whether that’s a weekly devotional, a Sunday stream, or a monthly podcast.
7.
Invest in Quality (Within Reason)
- Clear sound matters more than fancy visuals. A £50 microphone can make your content ten times more engaging. But don’t let perfect become the enemy of good—authenticity beats polish.
8.
Embrace a Two-Way Conversation
- Encourage interaction—polls, prayer requests, Q&A sessions. Digital ministry should be participatory. Use tools that allow dialogue, not just broadcast.
9.
Stay Rooted in Theology and Mission
- Let your content reflect who you are as a church and what you believe. Don’t just follow trends—use digital spaces to reflect the love, justice, hope, and grace of the Gospel.
10.
Measure and Reflect
- Use analytics (email open rates, video watch time, post engagement) to see what’s working. Reflect regularly: Are you achieving your purpose? What needs tweaking?