If there’s one thing we’ve learned in Youth Ministry, it’s that students are constantly online, and like it or not, if we want to reach them, we have to meet them where they are. But digital ministry isn’t just about posting cool graphics or short videos. It’s about creating spaces where faith feels alive and well on platforms that often seem to lack a sense of faith altogether. Here are a few ways to engage students through their screens.
- Lead with Authenticity
Know how smart your students really are. They can spot a fake faster than anyone. They’re flooded with content that’s polished but shallow, so what catches their attention isn’t perfection, but honesty. Be real about your own walk with God. Be open about your struggles and your questions in appropriate ways. When you share something online, let your tone match who you are as a person. A shaky video of you talking about what God’s teaching you this week will often connect more deeply than a fully produced clip with perfect lighting. Authenticity builds trust, and trust opens the door for ministry. This is where it all should begin.
- Create for Connection, Not Consumption
Digital ministry is not about views; it’s about relationships. The goal isn’t to get teens to watch, but rather to get them to engage. Remember to ask questions and get creative. Try using things like polls or comment prompts to invite interaction. When a student comments, reply personally. But remember to only do so through the church account on the video itself. Maintain everything above reproach and in the public domain for the sake of accountability. When they share a prayer request, follow up on it. Think of every post as an invitation to connection, not a performance you are putting on for them.
- Make Jesus Central and Practical
Teens are looking for meaning. Every post should help them see how Jesus fits into their real lives, schools, stress, friendships, identity, anxiety, etc. Always keep your messages short, relatable, deep, and rooted in Scripture. That last part is very important. Try to avoid lengthy devotionals. Instead, try 30-second truths: “Here’s one verse that changed my attitude today.” Know that consistency matters more than volume, and when you regularly point students toward Jesus in simple ways, you may find that they will start to look for Him on their own day-to-day.
Reinforcing, Not Replacing
Digital ministry isn’t a replacement for in-person connection, but an extension of it. The same God who shows up in your youth room can show up on social media, believe it or not. When we do all of these things, we turn screens into sacred spaces because the Gospel is stronger than any algorithm. There just needs to be a willing messenger to lead with integrity and a heart directed toward students gaining a relationship with the Lord daily.
Josh Reigard
Director of Programming and Design