Media & Ministry | Episode 5 | Season Three
In this episode, Pastor John Carter and Dawn Baldwin, Lead Strategist and Founder of Mavericks, discuss the intersection between media and ministry that has so many pastors lost in translation. As shepherds, we live in an unavoidable world fueled by technology and social media. Learning how to navigate the demands and complications of that world with grace and truth is the key to ensuring that churches today are walking the talk, in person and online.
Key Highlights:
Authenticity in Ministry Communication: Dawn Baldwin emphasizes the importance of church leaders being intentional with their messaging, ensuring that their voice aligns with their values. This is especially important as people hold ministries to a higher standard than secular organizations.
Building a Consistent and Intentional Voice: Pastors must pause and consider if their online presence reflects the church’s mission and who they want to be known for. Social media is a powerful tool, but it requires thoughtful engagement.
Balancing Secular Marketing with Spiritual Growth: Dawn Baldwin addresses the common concern among pastors that terms like "marketing" seem too corporate. She reframes marketing as a tool for meeting people’s spiritual needs, removing barriers, and authentically sharing the gospel.
Social Media Strategies for Churches: Navigating social media can be tricky for churches, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok serving different demographics. Dawn Baldwin provides insight on which platforms are best for reaching specific audiences and how to use them effectively.
Managing the Stress of Social Media: Pastors often feel overwhelmed by the demands of social media, including direct messages from congregants. Dawn Baldwin offers advice on setting boundaries, managing responses, and even using tools like automated replies to protect mental and spiritual health.
Creating a Social Media Plan for Crisis Situations: Churches should be prepared to handle crises and public relations issues that may arise online. Dawn Baldwin stresses the importance of having a pre-established plan for how to communicate during difficult times.
Avoiding Information Overload in Church Communication: With so much competing for people’s attention, it's crucial for churches to be curators of content, communicating only what is necessary and focusing on the next steps for the congregation.
Evaluating the Church Experience Through Fresh Eyes: Dawn Baldwin advises pastors to periodically assess how their church is perceived by visitors and new congregants. This process helps identify areas where the church may be sending the wrong message or creating unnecessary barriers.
Additional Resources: