Posted on: 21st February 2024

If I may, in this post, let me speak directly to church community leaders about your  church's YouTube account. This isn’t a post for just the young person you’ve put in  charge of your social media because they’re “young” and they “get it”.

Firstly, well done for using YouTube. It’s a gift to the church to spread the Good  News worldwide in the blink of an eye! 

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been  given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the  name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:18-19 

Secondly, I assume you’re focusing on content quality, consistency, and all that  good stuff. You’re not just randomly putting out poorly recorded videos of your  Sunday meeting where the worship sound mix sounds great in the room but not so  good online. You’re also not recording the speaker from the back of the hall, barely above the heads of the congregation? Right? 

No, you’re doing a great job getting decent stuff online. This is brilliant, and I applaud you for it. 

But did you know that there is more you can do? As you read this post, you’ll see why I want to encourage church leaders to get involved in the YouTube and social media business. You might be missing out on a secret weapon – YouTube’s Community tab! 

The Community tab isn’t just a fancy add-on; it’s a potentially fantastic digital outreach tool accessible to all Youtube-verified users. You're likely already verified if you upload long sermons or worship services to YouTube. 

Here are six reasons why you should be taking advantage of this powerful tool for connection: 

• Think about YouTube as a massive ocean of content. You want your congregation and potential new members to not just float around but dive into content that matters. The Community tab is your beacon. Light it up with your most impactful sermons, events, or those “Aha!” moments  that you know will strike a chord. 
• Let’s face it, people are generally nosy – but in a good way. They love to see what’s cooking behind the scenes. Is the pastor a coffee or tea person? What’s the choir’s warm-up routine? These glimpses behind the curtain aren’t just entertaining; they build a connection beyond the Sunday service.
• In a world where everything’s Instagram-perfect, there’s a craving for authenticity. Share those real moments – maybe a blooper from your last recording or a casual chat about faith and daily struggles. These unpolished, candid snippets make your channel more relatable and, frankly, more human. 
• You’re not just a content creator but a community leader. The Community tab allows you to share prayer requests, offer encouragement, and even share Scripture passages that resonate with current events. It’s these personal touches that turn viewers into a true community. 
• Use this space to break down barriers. Show that your church isn’t just about Sunday services but is an active, caring community throughout the week. Share updates about your community work, outreach programs, or uplifting messages that give people a reason to smile. 
• Everyone loves a good story. Use the Community tab to tell your community members' stories, journeys of faith, struggles, and triumphs. These stories don’t just inspire; they create a tapestry of shared experiences that everyone can relate to. 

In essence, the Community tab isn’t just a passive feature; it’s a dynamic tool in your digital evangelism toolkit. It’s not about throwing content into the void and hoping for the best. It’s about building relationships, understanding your audience, and being an honest, approachable presence online. Use this tool wisely, and watch your channel grow and thrive with a community that feels seen, heard, and connected.  

Remember, in this digital age, it’s not just about spreading the Word; it’s about building up the Church.

By Mark Kelly, Christians in Media