If Jesus were preaching today, would He only be in a church building—or would He be where people gather online?

If Jesus were preaching today, would He only be in a church building—or would He be where people gather online?

The Digital Pulpit—Why Social Media is the New Mission Field

Have you ever wondered where the next generation is gathering? It’s not in the pews. It’s not even in coffee shops or community centers. It’s online.

For many churches, social media is still treated as an afterthought—something extra, something optional. But here’s the truth: if we want to reach the next generation, we need to meet them where they are. And where they are is scrolling, engaging, and building communities on digital platforms.

The question isn’t whether social media should be part of the church’s mission. The question is: can the church afford to ignore it?

A Shift in Where People Listen

Think back to when Jesus walked the earth. He didn’t just teach in synagogues—He went to where people gathered. He met fishermen by the shore, spoke with the woman at the well, dined with tax collectors, and preached to crowds on hillsides. He met people in their daily lives.

Now, imagine if Jesus were preaching today. Would He limit His message to a physical building once a week? Or would He be showing up in newsfeeds, responding to comments, and sharing parables in 60-second Reels?

The next generation isn’t flipping through hymnals—they’re scrolling TikTok for inspiration, turning to YouTube for answers, and engaging in faith-based conversations on Instagram. If we don’t show up in their digital world, we risk becoming invisible to them.

The Myth That Social Media is ‘Less Sacred’

Some church leaders hesitate to embrace social media because it feels too commercial, too fleeting, too…unholy. But the medium doesn’t define the message—the messenger does.

The Apostle Paul used letters to spread the gospel far beyond his physical reach. Martin Luther used the printing press to spark the Reformation. Billy Graham used radio and television to bring revival to millions. Today, social media is just another tool—one that allows the church to reach farther and faster than ever before.

Yes, the online world is noisy. Yes, it’s imperfect. But so were the marketplaces and street corners where Jesus ministered. Our job isn’t to find a ‘perfect’ place to share the gospel—it’s to be a light in the places where people already are.

So, Where Do We Go From Here?

The next generation is already listening. The real question is: are we speaking their language?

If churches want to engage young people, social media isn’t optional—it’s a mission field. It’s time to:

✅ Stop treating social media like a bulletin board and start using it to build relationships.

✅ See the digital space as an opportunity, not a threat.

✅ Show up authentically, offering wisdom, encouragement, and real conversations.

This isn’t about going viral. It’s about being present, intentional, and impactful.

So, before you scroll away, take a moment to reflect: What’s one small step your church can take today to start embracing social media as ministry, not just marketing?

Drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s start the conversation. 🚀

#DigitalEvangelism #GenZChurch #MillennialMinistry