For the past several years I have worked professionally in marketing with an emphasis on social media. My specialty is both crafting a message and choosing the right tool to disseminate. In other words, I figure out how to say something and where to say it. It isn’t uncommon for someone to send me a link/song/video/joke/picture and ask me to “make it go viral.” People want “everyone” to hear their message, but aren’t willing to take the time to figure out how and where to say it. That’s where I come in.
Sharing the gospel or our testimonies is easier now than ever before thanks to the power of social media. The Church has even encouraged us to use social media. “Social media can be a powerful influence in the lives of those who use it. It can provide ways to express our faith in Jesus Christ and strengthen relationships. The Church encourages the use of social media so long as it supports the mission of the Church, improves relationships, and facilitates revelation among children of our Heavenly Father. Church members are encouraged to be examples of their faith at all times and in all places, including when participating in the global conversations available through social media.” (Lds.org June 2010)
President Uchtdorf personally said in the April 2011 General Conference, “With so many social media resources and a multitude of more or less useful gadgets at our disposal, sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. … My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to ‘open [your] mouths’ might today include ‘use your hands’ to blog and text message the gospel to all the world!”
So how do you use these tools to spread the good word? Are you effectively sharing your message, or just preaching to the choir? Here are a few pointers for you to help you get you started!
How to Say It
First and foremost, say it with love, and say it sincerely. Arguing or getting angry won’t get you anywhere. Have you ever had your mind changed by someone’s angry online rant?
I connected on Facebook with a friend I have known for most of my life. He isn’t someone I am likely to “unfriend” because of our long-running friendship. We support different political candidates, but it isn’t a stretch to think we have similar points of view. However, his consistent angry posts, pointing out the failures of others, or how everyone is wrong but his guy, will never win over anyone. All he really gathers are arguments from other friends, instead of converts. I still don’t know one good thing about his guy, I just know how much he doesn’t like the other candidates. Be careful with how much disgust and vile you show!
Second, know your audience! Are you trying to talk to teenagers? Mothers? Business men? You need to custom tailor your message depending on the demographic. Mothers and fathers are more likely to enjoy messages about families. Teenagers are less likely to enjoy a message telling them they are stuck with their parents for eternity. Instead, they may respond better to messages about self-confidence and love.
“A picture is worth a thousand words!” No place is this truer than on social media. A picture, photo, or video goes much farther, and is recalled more accurately, than a quote or scripture.
Where to Say It
Should you share your message on Facebook, Twitter, blogs, or YouTube? Well, the answer is up to you! You should pick your medium based on which one you prefer to use the most, and where you have the best relationships. The most important thing to know about all social media and communication is also something that is taught in the Missionary Training Center (MTC)- Build Relationships of Trust. If you don’t have a relationship of trust with your audience, they are never going to care about your message. Don’t go joining a website just to share your testimony. Instead, use the website where you have built relationships of trust, and that you understand how to use. Once you have determined if that is with your blog readers, friends on Facebook, followers on Twitter, or viewers on YouTube, craft your message for that audience. Post your message on the website you are comfortable using.
And don’t forget the most important rule of social media- ENGAGE with your audience! This means don’t just post and run. It means responding to comments and interacting with your followers. Leave comments on their posts or videos. Build relationships with them! Don’t just make it all about you.
Ideas for Sharing Your Testimony Online
Are you looking for ideas on how to share your testimony? Not everyone is a long-winded writer who enjoys sharing her uncensored thoughts on a blog. And nor should everyone attempt to be so! Instead, here are a few ideas to consider-
- Make a (good quality) video of your family singing a Christmas carol in front of the tree, post it on YouTube and share it online.
- Create a “I’m a Mormon” profile on mormon.org and share it on Facebook or in an email
- Share invitations to ward activities, church-wide broadcasts, etc., on Facebook.
- Not all blogs have to be personal stories, instead consider a topic oriented blog where you discuss clean music or movies, LDS artwork, the Young Women values, or the Scouting program. Consider keeping the topic open so that it invites a non-LDS audience. (And remember to engage with your audience- don’t just preach to them!)
The Gospel finds its way into our hearts in many different ways and forms. Do what feels natural to you. If it comes from your heart and is sincere it will be more likely to be accepted by others. If it is forced or fake the audience can tell. Be yourself and remember who’s work you are about.
Erin Ann McBride is a writer, dreamer, blogger, and social media addict. Equal parts Mary Poppins, Carrie Bradshaw, and Mother Theresa, she goes where the wind blows, writes about relationships and dating, and is devoted to serving others. You can learn more about her at the Story of a Nice Mormon Girl.
Share the Gospel by example by “liking” Meridian Magazine on Facebook.
