LEADERSHIP | ETHICS
Using Social Media Redemptively Ask three questions before you post online By JOHN WOOTTON
F
or years, companies have been harnessing the power of social media to sell their products and build their brands. It has taken a while, but more and more churches and ministers are realizing the potential of these tools to share the message of the gospel with a world that desperately needs to hear about the hope Jesus offers. Unfortunately, not every Christian on social media is helping the cause of Christ. Some are stirring up division, spreading misinformation, and shirking
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their responsibility to be witnesses of Jesus. Instead of making disciples, they are making enemies, skeptics, and echo chambers. It is not only concerning, but it also has far-reaching ethical implications. For ministers especially, social media use should be about more than getting “likes” and “clicks.” Every communication platform, and every conversation, is an opportunity to represent Jesus to the world, and we must take that seriously. Here are three questions to consider as you reflect on how you and your church use social media: 1. Who is your audience? The apostles adapted the unchanging message of the gospel to reach people in different contexts. Paul said, “I have become all things to all people
