Welcome to Christ Episcopal Church

Dear Friends in Christ, for many of us, “evangelism” is attached to strains of Christianity that we’re reluctant to associate ourselves with or brings up visions of door-to-door missionaries. The idea of evangelism can also make us uncomfortable if we feel like we don’t have all the answers – or if we’re struggling with what it means to label ourselves as “Christian”. That’s too bad. Because as Christians we have an amazing story to tell.

So I was glad to run across some materials from the Episcopal Church on digital evangelism – “Exploring Evangelism through Social Media”. Because the reality is that by harnessing our social media networks, we can massively extend our church’s reach. Here are five suggestions we can try out: (1) Start where you’re comfortable. You don’t have to open accounts with every social media provider to be an effective digital evangelist. Your best opportunity to build genuine community is by being in your community. (2) Follow your church and diocesan accounts. You’ll be able to engage in conversations about things happening in your church.

(3) And speaking of events … share! When you share your church or diocesan events on your accounts, you help spread the reach of the church’s social media efforts. By simply clicking the share button or even going further and inviting your friends individually, you let those in your social media circles know that something worthwhile is happening, and that they’re welcome, too. (4) Check in when you’re at a church service or parish event. Another easy way to let those in your circles know that you’re involved with your church is to “check in” on Facebook or other social media when you’re attending a service or even at the location. Be sure to add a short note to your post to let others know why you’re there, and remember to let folks know that they’re invited, too! (5) Let your friends see your perspective. It’s great to share pictures and videos and quotes from others in your parish and diocese, but you can share yours, too! If you captured a really cool picture of an event on your phone, or if a particular line from a sermon really impacted you, post it to your account. This is an easy way to share your experience with your friends, and it helps the parish capture the event. Don’t forget to tag them!

As always, my prayers are with each of you for peace, an abundance of faith, and the inner calm that comes from knowing that you are loved by God.

In Christ, Pastor Aaron Twait