Case Study
In addition to serving as a parish priest and as a communications consultant for the Episcopal Church, I am pleased to be an Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) Fellow, focusing on digital ministry and evangelism. I’m passionate about helping others in the church share the Good News online. Through my work as an ECF fellow, I want to support and equip others to share the Gospel online because I believe our faith communities have a powerful message of hope and inclusion to share. I believe that a digital footprint is an essential way to accomplish that. An online presence can be a part of building an incarnate community, and I’m passionate about helping congregations explore the possibilities. In particular, I have partnered with the Diocese of Alaska to equip others and share my own story of digital evangelism. Twice in 2024, I visited the diocese to talk, share, teach, and learn from their communities.
Digital tools are already an important resource connecting people in Alaska. Social media offers a chance to tell stories and get a glimpse into unique communities. It allows connections to grow between far-flung congregations, and it offers a connection to the wider church. Social media is a tool that can be incredibly cost-effective, making it accessible to all. The Episcopal Church is full of stories of transformation that are going unshared. Throughout the church, communities big and small are doing extraordinary things in response to their baptismal calls. Social media helps us tell those stories, and that’s where we find the real power of digital tools. They are not just for advertising events and worship, but also for sharing experiences and witness. They provide a window into the life of the church, especially for those who have never experienced Christianity.
Share your sermons! Every week someone puts hard work into cultivating a message for reflection. If your congregation already records the sermon as part of the livestream, consider posting a clip (or the full sermon) on social media afterward. And if you aren’t yet recording your services, think about asking the preacher to make a short video afterward that recaps the “big idea” of their sermon.
Connect with your community. Use social media to follow local businesses and nonprofits. Whether it’s the school district, a local bookstore, or the restaurant around the corner, you’ll be surprised by the ways in which connecting with organizations can plant seeds for future relationships. Social media can help your congregation stay informed about community issues and activities and gives you a way to cheer on and support other local businesses. Liking, commenting, and supporting their digital efforts can go a long way in building community goodwill.
Stay connected with your congregants. Since many people in your pews already use social media as a part of their regular lives, connecting with them online gives you another way to stay present. You can learn about their family updates—who got into what college, who might be sick and in need of prayers—and be prompted to reach out offline. While a digital presence isn’t the only way a church needs to connect with folks, it can be a powerful tool to support pastoral relationships.
It has been wonderful to watch communities throughout the Diocese of Alaska begin to dip their toes into the digital waters and share their stories and their witness. I have certainly seen an increase in social media presence, not only from congregations but from the diocese as well. In addition to an increased excitement, curiosity, and bravery at trying new things online, folks are discovering a world of faith already active on these platforms, which brings its own renewal in spirit and hope as people realize just how broad and vast the church can be. Congregations on opposite coasts can connect. People can see a side of the Episcopal Church that maybe they’ve never seen before. We have an opportunity to bear witness to the living church and see and share the hope that God has for the world.
Connect with the Rev. Elizabeth Riley across multiple platforms!
https://linktr.ee/Therevriley