“How we think of the people we work with and for. Our willingness—or lack of willingness—to consider their well-being, not simply focusing on how they can benefit us. Of meeting them at their point of need rather than our own. Of treating people like Jesus treats people.” – Lead Like Jesus, Humility
The pressure of having a social media platform and being a “voice” or what some call an “expert” puts me as a Christian in an awkward position. Digital ministry needs more humility, not more experts.
Since COVID19, several “experts” online have divided the world. In some ways, each of us with a social media platform are suddenly experts in everything and we are leaders. When I received the Lead Like Jesus devotional in my email this week, I was struck by the above quote. To put into social media speak, here’s how I would re-write it:
- We must admit there is more to leadership than we think, and to ask for wise accountability in our lives as we serve on social media. Ask a couple of people to hold you accountable to how you act online. My pastor is one of those people as is my husband and a mentor.
- Consider the well-being of those in your social media list who follow your posts. What do they need to hear? How can you serve them? Don’t focus on how they can benefit you. Listen to their voices. How is God calling you to serve them?
- As you gain knowledge and experience online, help others who may struggle with technology use their social media in the most beneficial ways possible to transform their communities.
Just today, I was reading a report put out by Visual Story Network. In it, I was struck by how people in digital ministry need a help center as they experiment in digital discipleship. Another part of the report shared how their supervisor directed them to the training and how only 15% implemented a media strategy immediately following the training. What struck me about the report is how we need to help each other. There are no experts, but you do have some people with more experience than others, especially in social media and marketing.
Asking for help, getting quality input from those you’ve set as accountability partners in your life, and learning how to listen online are important steps in digital discipleship. A drive fueled by a deep desire to share the Gospel with people and see them transformed through Christ should motivate you to serve. Everyone seems like an expert in something on social media. How many are humble on social media?
Suggestions for Serving:
- Lead your efforts with prayer.
- Accept correction and understand your strengths and weaknesses.
- Study your social media follows and friend list. Pray for them.
- Help your church by serving with them online.
- Study both secular and Christian marketing sources, but ask yourself, “How will this help me make disciples and share the Gospel?” Adapt what you learn to your context.