13 Dec 2024, 15:39Blandine Damtse / SM CommunicationsGlasgow
Training in Glasgow Focuses on Using Social Media for the Gospel
This article highlights a seminar hosted by the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, focusing on the effective use of social media for evangelism. Led by Pastor David Neal, the seminar provided practical insights on how the church can harness digital platforms to share the Gospel and engage with diverse audiences.
On December 7th, Pastor David Neal, TED Communications and Media Director, led a dynamic seminar at Glasgow SDA Church focused on using social media for effective evangelism. His engaging presentation provided spiritual guidance and practical tips on how to enhance live streaming, reels, announcements, and more to increase impact.
During his morning presentation, 'You Have Heard It Said… But I Say to You,' he reflected on the Sermon on the Mount, urging the congregation to focus on the abundant life found in Jesus Christ, follow His example, and prioritise good works and spiritual growth.
The afternoon session focused on practical tips and advice. “Our primary mission is to share the gospel, and social media serves as an essential tool for accomplishing this in our time,” said Pastor Neal in his opening remarks. He emphasised the importance of identifying the audience and creating content that resonates with diverse cultures, regardless of individuals' spiritual backgrounds. Pastor Neal also highlighted the necessity of listening to the audience and fostering positive interactions on social media to enhance witnessing efforts and provided guidance on creating a follow-up plan for social media content to align with the gospel commission. He emphasised that all digital content—whether reels, announcements, or live-streamed programmes—should be engaging and focused on promoting spiritual growth and evangelism. "If the Gospel is not at the core of what you do, both internally and externally, close the door," he stated. He further recommended transforming live-streamed worship services into evangelistic opportunities to engage the "unchurched" and make it easier for non-believers to explore Christianity. Every service, he suggested, should feature a gospel-centred message with a call to serve Jesus. To achieve this, he advocated for a worship committee to thoughtfully design services under the Holy Spirit's guidance, ensuring they are inclusive and meaningful for all attendees.
The training event also included an improvised practical demonstration of personalised evangelism, where Pastors David Neal and Claudiu Popescu role-played interactions between a believer and non-believer, showing how to approach people respectfully and connect through everyday conversations. Pastor Neal encouraged the congregation to not shy away from popular culture but to engage with people where they are, just as Jesus sought to connect with everyone, treating individuals with value and respect. “You can't preach to others or share the Gospel until you understand where they are, what their needs are, and walk their journey with them,” he stated.
The event concluded with members expressing appreciation for the insights shared. Active youth member, Tiffany Mbiba, commented how the seminar enhanced her understanding of using church’s social media to cater for and connect with people at different stages of their spiritual journey and stressed the importance of engaging with the audience and following up on any likes or comments.
Samuel Matheus, a member of the Glasgow communications team and content creator, found the seminar insightful and inspiring, expressing hope that the skills shared would help Glasgow establish a more positive and engaging digital presence.
Reflecting on the event, Glasgow church pastor Claudiu Popescu commented: “Social media has become the dominant form of media today, serving as the primary platform where most people communicate and access news. It is a space that has the potential to significantly shape our beliefs, mental health, and values. Recognising the power of social media is essential, especially as a tool for sharing the message of the Gospel.”
Pastor Popescu concluded by explaining that the aim of the seminar was to raise awareness of the church’s potential to communicate the Gospel message to the local community through social media. He also highlighted the seminar’s goal of empowering the Glasgow Church communication team, providing them with practical insights to promote church activities. He noted that the afternoon session served as a valuable source of encouragement and a reference point for the communication team, which has already begun the rebranding process and is working diligently to establish a strong presence for Glasgow Church on social media platforms.
To stay updated on the activities of the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, feel free to follow their page on Facebook.
This article highlights a seminar hosted by the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, focusing on the effective use of social media for evangelism. Led by Pastor David Neal, the seminar provided practical insights on how the church can harness digital platforms to share the Gospel and engage with diverse audiences.
On December 7th, Pastor David Neal, TED Communications and Media Director, led a dynamic seminar at Glasgow SDA Church focused on using social media for effective evangelism. His engaging presentation provided spiritual guidance and practical tips on how to enhance live streaming, reels, announcements, and more to increase impact.
During his morning presentation, 'You Have Heard It Said… But I Say to You,' he reflected on the Sermon on the Mount, urging the congregation to focus on the abundant life found in Jesus Christ, follow His example, and prioritise good works and spiritual growth.
The afternoon session focused on practical tips and advice. “Our primary mission is to share the gospel, and social media serves as an essential tool for accomplishing this in our time,” said Pastor Neal in his opening remarks. He emphasised the importance of identifying the audience and creating content that resonates with diverse cultures, regardless of individuals' spiritual backgrounds. Pastor Neal also highlighted the necessity of listening to the audience and fostering positive interactions on social media to enhance witnessing efforts and provided guidance on creating a follow-up plan for social media content to align with the gospel commission. He emphasised that all digital content—whether reels, announcements, or live-streamed programmes—should be engaging and focused on promoting spiritual growth and evangelism. "If the Gospel is not at the core of what you do, both internally and externally, close the door," he stated. He further recommended transforming live-streamed worship services into evangelistic opportunities to engage the "unchurched" and make it easier for non-believers to explore Christianity. Every service, he suggested, should feature a gospel-centred message with a call to serve Jesus. To achieve this, he advocated for a worship committee to thoughtfully design services under the Holy Spirit's guidance, ensuring they are inclusive and meaningful for all attendees.
The training event also included an improvised practical demonstration of personalised evangelism, where Pastors David Neal and Claudiu Popescu role-played interactions between a believer and non-believer, showing how to approach people respectfully and connect through everyday conversations. Pastor Neal encouraged the congregation to not shy away from popular culture but to engage with people where they are, just as Jesus sought to connect with everyone, treating individuals with value and respect. “You can't preach to others or share the Gospel until you understand where they are, what their needs are, and walk their journey with them,” he stated.
The event concluded with members expressing appreciation for the insights shared. Active youth member, Tiffany Mbiba, commented how the seminar enhanced her understanding of using church’s social media to cater for and connect with people at different stages of their spiritual journey and stressed the importance of engaging with the audience and following up on any likes or comments.
Samuel Matheus, a member of the Glasgow communications team and content creator, found the seminar insightful and inspiring, expressing hope that the skills shared would help Glasgow establish a more positive and engaging digital presence.
Reflecting on the event, Glasgow church pastor Claudiu Popescu commented: “Social media has become the dominant form of media today, serving as the primary platform where most people communicate and access news. It is a space that has the potential to significantly shape our beliefs, mental health, and values. Recognising the power of social media is essential, especially as a tool for sharing the message of the Gospel.”
Pastor Popescu concluded by explaining that the aim of the seminar was to raise awareness of the church’s potential to communicate the Gospel message to the local community through social media. He also highlighted the seminar’s goal of empowering the Glasgow Church communication team, providing them with practical insights to promote church activities. He noted that the afternoon session served as a valuable source of encouragement and a reference point for the communication team, which has already begun the rebranding process and is working diligently to establish a strong presence for Glasgow Church on social media platforms.
To stay updated on the activities of the Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, feel free to follow their page on Facebook.
