How To Connect With Your Online Community
Why do you follow the people you follow on social media? Is it their content? Their style? Their massive giveaways? No matter your reasons, chances are you follow them because you’ve formed some sort of a connection with them.
As humans, we crave connection. We desire to be seen, known and loved … even if it’s when we scroll through social media. Today, connecting with your audience online isn’t just something nice to do; it’s a necessity if we are to faithfully share the words God has called us to write.
Here are a few lessons we can learn from Jesus and the woman at the well about how to connect with people:
- Be present.
In John 4, we read how Jesus was sitting at a well when a Samaritan woman came to draw water. Even though He was a Jew and she was a Samaritan (people groups who traditionally wouldn’t engage with each other), He asked her for a drink of water. (John 4:6-9) His presence changed everything for her.
When it comes to engaging with our audience online, we also must choose to be present. This looks like posting regularly, responding to comments, and making sure that we address those who come online to connect with us.
- Speak the Truth in love.
Next, Jesus was honest with the woman. He spoke plainly about her past and then shared how God the Father is looking for people who will worship Him in spirit and truth. (John 4:16-24)
As followers of Jesus, we are also called to lovingly share the Truth and speak about what we know to be true of God. If you want to engage with your social media followers well, let this be your model. Ensure your posts are true, loving and focused on eternity.
- Point them to the gospel.
Lastly, Jesus concluded His interaction with the woman by sharing that He was indeed the Messiah she had been waiting for. His heart was for her salvation.
If you want to connect with your audience, take a look at your heart. Is your desire for each and every person you engage with on social media to place their faith in Jesus? Make sure your online presence is a reflection of the gospel.
It’s easy to get in a habit of posting on social media simply to post or just to “make the algorithm happy,” but as faithful followers of Jesus, we have a greater opportunity to truly connect with people online. Jesus sees, knows and loves, and He calls us to do the same.
In Christ,
Samantha Decker
What are other ways Jesus connected with people in Scripture? How can we improve our online presence by following His example and applying what He did?
Samantha Decker
Samantha Decker is a coffee connoisseur, wife, mom of boys, writer, and above all a follower of Jesus. She and her husband, Dustin, live in Oklahoma and serve at Quail Springs Baptist Church. You can connect with Samantha on Instagram, Facebook, or through her newsletter at samanthadeckerwrites.com.
Recommended Posts
What Social Media Platform Should I Choose?
April 2, 2024
Staying on Top of Social Media Trends To Grow Your Audience
February 20, 2024
How Can I Create a Social Media Post That Points Readers to God?
January 9, 2024
I love this, Samantha! So many times, I’ve let the dreaded algorithm get in the way of His message. Thank you for this reminder.