YOUTUBE

BY: ANDY SCHULTZ

What is the definition of “old”? Nearly 40, I’ve never considered myself old. However, trying to preach the Gospel in online spaces like YouTube makes me realize that there’s a completely different language and culture amongst those younger than me. (Duh!) I’m thankful to get to work with digital natives, those who grew up or were raised online, as they keep me relevant and up-to-date on social trends (posting rhythms, acceptable hashtags, slang). As an Online Team, we have been working on creating & curating content for YouTube with the hope that it can meet any one of the 122 million daily users right where they are.

When we meet as a team, one of our exercises is sharing what type of content grabbed our attention that week. From video game reviews to quirky interviewers roasting celebrities to music videos, the common thread amongst the shared content in the meeting is that it has attracted the attention of many viewers. Then, we analyze why that might be the case. What techniques are being used for viewer retention? Why is this video so engaging to draw 20 million views?!

Since our focus is ministry, we’re not necessarily in the business of general entertainment, but there are elements to consider from successful YouTube content. Currently, our typical weekly episode features informative teaching as the centerpiece. To supplement that, our team is developing a podcast-look video series that is experiential and conversational called “More Than a Sunday,” scheduled to release in Winter 2024. Be sure to subscribe to our page YouTube.com/@WeAreFaithTV to check it out!

Not only are we creating content for the main YouTube page, but Faith has added YouTube accounts for each location to watch live services. By doing so, we’re able to spread the reach of the services that you already participate in each week. YouTube allows those services to air to a broader audience, increasing the footprint of Faith Church, and ultimately the Gospel, each week. After the initial launch, streaming traffic of Faith services has increased tremendously, nearly tripling for some locations.

I believe that lives are changed as a result of the ministries of Faith Church. Our Online Team strives to create tools that are shareable to make that a possibility for the people of the Region and beyond. We want online tools to point people to this place of life change: your Faith Church location. Subscribe to our pages and share content that might help those in your community, family, neighborhood, etc., to be encouraged, challenged or have questions answered about the Gospel.

Thank you for allowing the online presence of Faith Church to serve as a front door to a place of ministry in the name of Jesus! Let Him be praised in all we do.