On The Record

Spreading the Gospel on Social Media

If proclaiming the Gospel is a priority, then we must use social media. It is essential for sharing both our journey with Jesus and the hope we have of His glorious return.

In Habakkuk 2:2, God instructs the prophet, saying, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Just as Habakkuk had a message to convey, we, too, have a proclamation to spread. If the Lord were instructing us today, perhaps He would say, “Write messages. Record videos. Then, post them as soon as possible. Use all available resources so those who listen will hurry to prepare for My coming.”

Admittedly, this may not be my natural talent or inclination, and I have not always prioritized it. Yet, as I reflect, I recognize the opportunity to inspire and empower young people and adults who excel at preparing and sharing messages. Together, we can rise to the challenge of this time and these circumstances to “go into all the world.”

In today’s reality, using social media is not merely an option; it’s an urgent need. Imagine if, during biblical times, those who received God’s messages had not transmitted them by every possible means, writing and copying them countless times. Their efforts gave us what we now treasure as the Holy Scriptures.

Current statistics reveal that by the end of 2024, there were approximately 5.2 billion social media users worldwide—63.8 percent of the world’s population—with an annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. How else could we reach so many people if not through the media platforms they frequent?

But we’re not doing that. A 2018 Barna Group report revealed that less than 30 percent of Christians had witnessed on social media, and a 2014 Pew Research Center study found that only 20 percent share their faith online in an average week.

But wait, those statistics are from before 2020. Certainly we’ve gotten better at sharing online in our post-pandemic world? Not so. A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 17 percent of American adults share religious content on social media—and only 2 percent do this daily.

Sharing our beliefs is not about gaining fame, influence or followers. It is about connecting with our contacts—family, friends, coworkers and classmates—through platforms we already enjoy. Through consistent sharing, the wave of influence expands exponentially, one person at a time.

Let us pray for wisdom so we can understand the needs of those around us and, following Jesus’ method, build bonds of friendship—even through technology. By doing so, we can share the Bread of Life and Living Water with those hungry and thirsty for acceptance, love, faith and hope.

Paraphrasing what God told Habakkuk, let us faithfully listen to and record God’s message. Then, let us clearly and creatively share what has been revealed to us, using every resource God has placed in our hands.

By Osvaldo Rigacci, Vice President for Multicultural Ministries