Social media has been a regular feature of digital life for 20 years. The world’s largest social platform, Facebook, has 2.4 billion users.[1] Involvement in social media connects you to about half of all the people in the world, and two-thirds of everyone who can access the Internet. Some think social media has tremendous value, while others believe it’s the beginning of the collapse of civilization. Whatever you believe about it, we know two things: it’s here to stay, and it has a tremendous audience.

As a faith-centered leader, you should consider how social media may allow you to be a personal and spiritual influence within your circle of family, friends and coworkers. We all have leadership roles in life—husband, father, grandfather, boss, supervisor, friend. Whatever your individual roles in leadership, the Bible instructs clearly to use the position wisely. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…” And in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are instructed, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

In your life-role, could social media be a channel for you to lead out to encourage, to meet friends and loved ones, to spur others toward good, and to build them up? The average person spends 2.5 hours a day using social media.[2] The very people that Scripture tells us to connect with daily are the ones we see on the sidewalk, heads down in their smartphones. Yes, you should certainly stop them from walking into oncoming traffic.[3] And here are five additional ways you can lead through the use of social media:

Say something meaningful. What you type online for others to read, or what you post via video, can be an encouragement and helpful to your connection. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Though the Bible was written long before social media existed, there’s a clear thread in the New Testament that we should use our platform to build up and to give grace.

So much social media content has no use whatsoever. And an additional and large segment is filled with complaint, offense and disagreement. Still, more than 90% of people in the US use social media to connect to family and friends.[4] This is an opening for you to say something good, godly and worthwhile to those you know. When you post online, before hitting enter, consider, “Will the person reading this be better off for doing it?” If you don’t have something specific to voice, consider posting Scripture, a prayer, or other spiritual content.

Support those in need. You never know someone’s fully story in the moment, or what they might be going through. Social media is a common connection point for people experiencing challenges in their lives. They’re looking for people to care and to offer them useful advice. A recent study of teens on social media found 68% feel that they have people online who can support them in tough times.[5] Often friends share difficulties online that they would hesitate to voice in person. The Internet gives a certain sense of anonymity that can be useful in hearing the heart of an individual.

Consider how you might respond to someone who is having trouble. You might share empathy—“I went through something similar. I know how you feel right now.” Or you might support them spiritually—“I am praying for you today. Can I bring by a meal or a treat?” Remember Jesus’ words in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” How might you speak peace into other lives through social media?

Post something regularly. The difference between someone who is leading through social media and someone who can take it or leave it is how often they participate. Set aside a few minutes each day to check in on social media. You don’t have to respond to everything and everyone—create a time limit and connect during those minutes. Treat online connections as actual relationships. Be sure to check in from time to time and don’t go days or weeks without posting. That entirely defeats the benefit of social media for a leader to guide and counsel.

1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Always being prepared might be interpreted as a regular, even daily exercise in speaking of faith to the people around you. As a leader, look at each day as a new opportunity to share godly wisdom and guidance with those in your sphere.

Pray about your impact and influence. God can and does use His leaders to accomplish His mission on earth. Your words over social media channels can move others toward faith and to action. Because social media is one of the easiest, fastest and most explosive ways to transmit and share information, it has become tremendously influential. Consider a recent survey that found 38% of people were likely to seek advice via social media, and 62% of Millennials found social media to be “a critical source of information.”[6]

1 Timothy 4:12 reminds us to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Take time, then, to pray about your time on social media, and ask God to help you use it in a way that honors and glorifies Him. Be careful of self-promotion and prideful posting, as Scripture warns us, “boasting is not good” (1 Corinthians 5:6). Let God guide your online words and actions for maximum impact and influence.

Encourage other Christ-followers. Philippians 4:8 instructs, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Social media is often a place of complaints. Think about ways you can instead inspire and motivate others. Beyond Scripture and inspirational postings, you might share charities and causes that are worthwhile, or stores of other people doing good work, or celebrations of significant family or spiritual moments.[7]

Faith-centered leaders on social media should be honest and open. Encourage others to share their experiences and challenges with you, in private if they want. Be ready to offer prayer and emotional support. High-five great things that happen in others’ lives—and be genuinely happy for them. Avoid comparison thinking. Instead, adopt an leading attitude that wants to share the good that people are experiencing, and to offer opportunities to do good and speak encouragement to others.

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