In just a decade, social media has completely changed what it looks like for local churches to fulfill its mission. Such a revolution in outreach has provided new opportunities for churches to enrich their own church family while also engaging new audiences. However, with opportunity comes some challenges worth considering; primarily the need to prioritize in-person connection and tight knit community. How can the Body of Christ utilize social media without diminishing the depth of relationship that it is called to cultivate?
This week on The Weight, we welcome Justin Posey of Jesus Culture, a church community and worship collective based out of Sacramento, California. Justin serves as the Social Media Manager for Jesus Culture after having worked with Bethel Church in content development. With a passion for faithfulness and integrity in digital outreach efforts, Justin talks to us about what it means to use social media with a “Kingdom mindset” and as a catalyst for a more personal connection.
Chris, Cody, and Eddie talk to Justin about the journey that brought him from north Mississippi to his current position and the lessons learned about the role that digital outreach plays in the Church’s mission. Specifically, they discuss what the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and resulting pauses of in-person gathering has revealed about how digital mediums can be used for community connection and the importance of people remaining plugged in to their local church in a time where many are fleeing to more technologically-savvy congregations. This episode can help us dig deeper into a conversation of what churches will need to keep in mind as we discern the place of social media both during this season of life and in the future.
Resources:
Jesus Culture is “a global movement awakening hearts to worship and serve God.” Learn more about them on their website: https://jesusculture.com/
Get to know Justin and check out his portfolio at his website: https://justinposey.com/
Follow Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveinjustin/