In this thought-provoking podcast episode, host John Bailey and guest Matt Brown dive into the complexities of using social media for Christian ministry. They explore the potential pitfalls leaders face, such as the temptation to focus on likes and followers rather than faithfulness to God's calling. Matt shares personal stories and practical tips for maintaining the right heart posture, dealing with online opposition, and creating content that moves beyond surface-level engagement to genuine discipleship. The discussion emphasizes the importance of speaking biblical truth with courage and aiming for lifelong impact rather than temporary fame. Listeners will come away inspired to use social media strategically as a tool for spreading the gospel and making disciples in the digital age.
Key Points from the Podcast
· Leaders should guard their hearts against the temptation to focus on likes, followers, and competing with others.
· Christian leaders must be willing to address cultural issues and speak the truth in love, even when it’s unpopular or leads to rejection.
· It's crucial to focus on faithfulness to God and reaching people with the gospel rather than seeking personal fame or influence.
· While short, engaging posts have their place, leaders should also strive to create deeper content that points people to scripture and spiritual growth.
· When faced with criticism or rejection online, leaders must remain committed to speaking the truth and trust in God's plan.
· The goal should be to make a lasting impact for the Kingdom, not just temporary viral moments or popularity.
· Leaders should maintain a hunger for God's work and celebrate revivals and moves of God, even if they aren't personally involved.
· Practical social media tips include using advertising to reach more people, providing links to deeper resources, and adapting to platform changes.
· Recognize that God is shaping leaders through both challenges and opportunities, and that His plan may look different than expected.
· Use social media platforms to reach people with the gospel and make a lasting impact, just as David Wilkerson did through other means in his time.
Bible Verses Referenced in the Podcast
Numbers, Colossians 3:23, Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:19-20, John 6
Helpful Resources
· Subscribe to World Challenge resources
About Matt Brown
Matt Brown is an evangelist based in Minnesota. He is the founder of Think Eternity, a ministry that uses social media to share the gospel. He is a prolific speaker and author, and his work has reached millions of people around the world. Brown is passionate about reaching people who are far from God, and he believes that social media is a powerful tool for evangelism. He is committed to speaking the truth in love, and he encourages other Christians to use their platforms to share the gospel with the world.
Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok
About John Bailey
Pastor John Bailey is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at World Challenge. After giving his life to Christ in the Tampa City jail, John felt that the Lord placed in him a great hunger to know Christ and study God’s Word. John spent 12 years discipling young leaders and was then called to pastor and evangelize in Western Europe for 10 years.
In 2011, John, his wife, Crista, and two children returned to Jacksonville, Florida to plant The Springs Church. After over a decade of ministry in Jacksonville, John was invited by Gary Wilkerson to come and serve at World Challenge. Today, John gives vision and direction to World Challenge as well as serving as a keynote speaker, author and conference speaker. His life’s purpose is to seek a genuine awakening of God’s Spirit in America and around the world.