Why Church Content Matters

Imagine this: Someone in your community is scrolling through Facebook or Instagram late at night, searching for something—hope, encouragement, connection. They’re not necessarily looking for a church, but they come across a short, heartfelt video from your pastor talking about overcoming fear. That moment of connection could be the very thing that leads them to visit your church for the first time.

This is why what your church posts online matters.

Many churches fall into the trap of only posting sermon live streams or event announcements. While those are valuable, your online presence is an extension of your ministry—not just a digital bulletin board. The right content can help people connect with your church before they ever step foot inside the building.

But what should churches post? How do you keep your content engaging, faith-filled, and impactful? That’s exactly what we’re going to cover.

Sermon-Based Content: More Than Just a Replay

A lot of churches already post their full-length sermons online, and that’s great! But here’s the problem—most people won’t sit through an hour-long video unless they’re already invested in your church. If we want to reach new people, we need to meet them where they are and in a way that keeps their attention.

Instead of just uploading the entire sermon and calling it a day, think about how you can break it down into engaging, digestible pieces.

Think of your sermon as a well of content rather than a one-time event. Repurposing the message throughout the week keeps the conversation going and reaches different types of people in different ways. A short one-minute video clip with a powerful takeaway will often have a greater impact than an hour-long sermon replay. Social media thrives on quick, engaging content. Pull out a powerful quote, an encouraging word, or a relatable story and share it where people are most likely to engage.

Beyond video clips, consider sermon recaps in blog posts or email newsletters. Some people prefer to read instead of watch, and a written summary with reflection questions can encourage deeper engagement. Another great strategy is hosting a midweek Q&A session on Facebook or Instagram, allowing people to ask questions about the sermon and discuss it in a casual, interactive way.

By making your sermon content more accessible, your church can connect with both current members and those still exploring faith.

Engaging Stories & Testimonies: The Heart of Church Content

People connect with stories more than sermons, statistics, or announcements. That’s why sharing real-life testimonies and faith journeys should be a key part of your church’s online presence. A powerful testimony can do what no marketing strategy ever could—it inspires, encourages, and draws people closer to God.

Think about the last time you heard a moving story of transformation. Maybe it was someone overcoming addiction, a marriage restored, or a person finding faith after years of doubt. Those stories resonate. They remind people that they’re not alone and that God is still working in the lives of His people.

Testimonies can be shared through blog posts, short videos, or mini-documentary style stories. Including them in your broader church marketing plan strengthens your church’s ability to engage new audiences and provide real-life examples of faith in action.

Sermon Content That Lives Beyond Sunday

A Sunday sermon is more than just a message for the moment—it has the potential to make a lasting impact throughout the week. But too often, once the service is over, the sermon disappears into the archives, only revisited by the few who actively seek it out. That’s a missed opportunity.

People engage with content in different ways. Some prefer to read, some like quick video clips, and others want something they can listen to while driving. Repurposing your church’s live streams into engaging content ensures that the message continues to inspire and reach new people long after Sunday morning.

Engaging Social Media That Feels Like Community, Not Just Promotion

Too many churches treat social media like a digital bulletin board—posting service times, event reminders, and occasional announcements. While those updates are important, they don’t spark conversation or build relationships. Social media isn’t just about getting information out; it’s about creating a space where people feel connected to your church, even when they’re not inside the building.

Instead of just promoting events, use social media to start conversations. A strong church social media strategy includes interactive content, live Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into church life. When people feel like they are part of the conversation, they’re more likely to stay engaged and invite others into the community.

Local & Community-Focused Content

Your church isn’t just a building—it’s a vital part of the community. But if the only thing you post online is what’s happening inside your walls, you might be missing one of the biggest opportunities to connect with people outside your congregation.

Think about it: most people searching for a church aren’t just looking for a Sunday service; they’re looking for a place that feels like home. Ranking higher on Google often starts with demonstrating local involvement. Sharing updates about local events, highlighting partnerships with local organizations, and celebrating the work being done in the community helps position your church as an active and engaged part of the area.

Encouragement & Faith-Based Teaching Throughout the Week

For most people, faith isn’t just a Sunday thing—it’s something they wrestle with, rely on, and grow in every single day. That’s why one of the most impactful things a church can do online is offer consistent encouragement throughout the week. Having a blog filled with devotional content, faith-based reflections, and answers to common spiritual questions helps keep people engaged beyond Sunday morning.

Simple things like a short video clip of a pastor sharing a one-minute reflection on a Bible verse, a text post reminding people that their struggles aren’t unseen by God, or a testimony about how someone found peace through prayer can be exactly what someone needs at that moment.

Announcements & Calls to Action (But Keep It Balanced!)

Churches have a lot going on—services, Bible studies, volunteer opportunities, community events, and more. Naturally, you’ll want to use your online presence to let people know about them. But here’s the challenge: if every post is just an announcement, people will start tuning out.

Instead, announcements should feel like an invitation, not just information. Writing church marketing copy that connects means making announcements engaging and relatable rather than just transactional.

Posting With Purpose

At the heart of it all, the content your church posts online isn’t just about getting more likes, comments, or shares—it’s about building relationships, strengthening faith, and inviting people into a deeper connection with God and your church community.

Real impact comes when you post with purpose. Every sermon clip, testimony, encouraging message, or event invite should have a clear goal: to inspire, educate, engage, or connect with someone who needs it.

Ready to Take Your Church’s Digital Presence to the Next Level?

If you want to create a more intentional content strategy but aren’t sure where to begin, we can help. Download our free guide, “7 Church Marketing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them),” to get practical, faith-driven insights that will help your church grow online and reach more people.

👉 [Download the Free Guide Here] 👈

Have questions or want personalized guidance? Contact us today, and let’s start building a content strategy that truly reflects your church’s mission.