How Sharing the Stories of Your Community Can Carry Further Than the History of Your Ministry
Most church websites have an “About Us” page that proudly tells the story of the ministry’s origins: when it started, who planted it, and how far it has come. As much as this history matters, it usually isn’t what compels someone new to walk through your doors. What does? The stories of the people sitting in the seats with them.
Testimonies are one of the most powerful evangelical tools churches have in their arsenal. You let God take center stage by allowing your community to share the good that God has done for them through your church. These stories help others feel inspired and remind them that they are not alone (because they aren’t).
Here are 4 different platforms you can use to share the stories of your church community with others:
Weave Them into Your Services
Before you ask: no, we’re not talking about designating a “testimony time” in your service. What we are suggesting is more of a highlight. And there’s more than one right way to accomplish this. We’ve seen churches utilize video-recorded testimonies at relevant points during the service. Our personal favorite is second-hand stories shared within your announcements or sermons. As long as you make sure it’s naturally and seamlessly implemented into your order of service, it has the potential to impact guests and regulars alike!
Share Them on Social Media
Why keep the encouragement within the 4 walls? If you get permission from the originators, it would be in your best interest to make sure those church stories are told far and wide! The Great Commission compels us to share the good news with others. While a big part of that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the word of our testimonies makes it all the more real to your audience. While social media is still video-driven, intentionally capture and display these stories on your chosen social media platform(s).
Feature Them on Your Website
A large portion of people looking for a new church to attend visit the website before ever walking through the doors. This makes for an excellent opportunity to showcase your people and tell your story. And here’s the best part: stories can fit anywhere and EVERYWHERE on your site. Sprinkle some testimonials to highlight baptisms, prayer requests, small groups, serving, and more! Each story helps to communicate the value of your church’s offerings. Present them well, and they’ll become the most natural invitation into something meaningful and potentially impactful.
Celebrate Them with Your Team
The most underrated spaces to share testimonies are internally with your staff and volunteer teams. When the work gets hard and laborious, it’s easy for team members (including volunteer teams) to forget the why. Positive reports and community stories are wins meant to be shared with everyone responsible for making them happen. They will easily encourage them to stay the course and boost team morale. As they say, “joy shared is joy doubled”!
Your leadership journey and the church’s history are an important part of your story. However, they’re just one part of your story. The stories of how God transformed members of your church community define the impact of your church. These are not just encouraging moments; testimonies are evidence of God’s active work in our lives. Let’s build up the body and ensure these stories are told.
Want help sharing your church story through your website and visuals? Hit the Let’s Talk button!