We live in a digital age, with much of the information we receive coming to us through our mobile phones and computers with a lot of this information reaching us through social media. The Communications Team are here to help answer your questions and queries on your church’s social media.
Social media applies to all sorts of other platforms where individuals can easily and widely share their thoughts, news and stories, including Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, Snapchat, various blog sites (such as a simple one-page WordPress website),and numerous others. These are all more informal tools for talking and sharing things online, that churches and companies often use to complement a traditional website.
Social media provides a great opportunity for churches to engage with our communities and show the church is relevant to their lives, but always remember, there are also risks involved.
Join us on our social media feeds
Keep up with the latest news, share our content and tag us in the exciting things you’re posting. Click the icons below to follow us:
Some Simple Rules Before Posting
- Consider Before Posting
- Remember It’s Permanent
- Remember You’re an Ambassador
- Separate Public and Private Life
- Always Remain Visible
- Keep Safeguarding in Mind
- Remain Confidential
- Ask for Help If Needed
Policies and Procedures
If your church is on social media, it would be good to discuss and adopt a social media policy and a response strategy at your next PCC meeting.
Permissions
Don’t forget to ensure you have the correct permissions for any photos or videos you’re sharing on social media or using on your website, in newsletters etc. Read more about permission here.
Safeguarding
The informality that social media encourages can mean that it could be harder to maintain the professional distance required when working with children, young people and the vulnerable.
Communicating directly online with someone, for example with private messaging, is akin to meeting them in private. It is generally wiser to send messages to larger groups, (rather than individuals), or to share news you have publicly.
If you have any safeguarding concerns at all, contact your Safeguarding Adviser.
Guidelines and digital charter
The Church of England has published social media guidelines aimed at tackling online abuse, misleading content and encouraging a positive atmosphere for online conversations.
The guidelines encourage positive engagement across all national social media accounts run by the Church of England, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York.
At the same time the Church is urging Christians and others to sign up to a voluntary digital charter aimed at fostering a more positive atmosphere online.
The Church of England Digital Lab
The Church of England Digital Lab is a fantastic place to find resources and advice on design, photography, social media strategy and more. Aimed specifically at those running social and web projects in churches.
Interested in learning more about digital in an interactive webinar? You can also view free webinars on a huge variety of subjects.
Social Media Content Resources
A Church Near You Resource Hub
The AChurchNearYou.com Resource Hub gives churches access to a wide range of free materials to use across their websites, social media, print and services.
- Create custom videos
- Create custom social media graphics
- Digital downloads
- Music downloads
- Free Stock Photography
- Your free church website
You’ll need to register for an account on AChurchNearYou.com
Canva
Canva is an online design tool that can be used to design a range of publicity materials from graphics for social media to fliers and videos.
As a charity, PCCs may register for a free Canva Pro account.
Apply for your free account here ->
You should find out in a few days whether your application was successful.
