A Different Perspective on Social Media for Your Writing Ministry

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all that’s involved in being a writer today. Beyond what we’re called to do in the physical realm, we’re now required to build a community in the digital world. 

Things Writers Have Been Told They Must Do:

• Have a platform
• Keep the numbers growing
• Build valuable connections
• Schedule webinars
• Share memes
• Start podcasts
• Blog
• Speak
• Oh yes, and publish

The list goes on, and we get buried deeper under the weight of all our responsibilities.

Before we give in to weariness and discouragement we need to stop, and think about why we’re here. Why do we do what we do? 

We do this because we heard God speak…maybe not in an audible voice…but we heard him in our souls and we answered His call. 

Now with the avalanche of expectations, many are in danger of missing His voice. We want to honor His call, His willingness to issue an invitation to join Him in His work, yet we find ourselves in a miserable no-mans-land between ministry and marketing.

Maybe we’re not as far from God’s call as we think we are.

I challenge you to take a look at social media from a different perspective. 

I propose that we might have been looking at things upside down. 

I’ve come to believe social media IS the call… or at least a solid part of the call. What if this isn’t all about us, but about opening ourselves up, putting ourselves out there, taking chances, and building bridges BECAUSE GOD HAS A PLAN?

If we began changing our focus to align with ministry, writing, and service, instead of chasing numbers, everything else would change too. Our goals would change from focusing on the number of people we reach to the individuals we impact. And that small shift could bring back the joy and release us from stress.

One of the biggest complaints I hear about social media involves numbers—how to grow them and how to turn them into a solid community.

I propose that there is only one number we need to focus on when it comes to evaluating our online ministry. Of course, I’m referring to the number one. We know we need to concentrate on serving God and walking closely with Him. 

But I think we also need to look at the number one when we consider those God sent us to serve. God knows each person He sends to us. He is concerned with them—one at a time. Can we do any less? We must quit looking at our online interactions in great lumps of numbers and instead see them as God sees them.

Being visible online as a writer isn’t easy. God’s word is clear that we are called to be a light in the dark. There’s no place darker than social media. We know that, we’ve seen the devastation through the past few years. 

Yet God told us to go out into the world. Folks, that includes the World Wide Web.

He warned us that the world hated Him and it would hate us too. Is there any wonder that social media is hard? 

We must remain focused on the mission and on the fact that for the first time ever, we can reach the world without leaving home. No wonder the enemy wants to convince us it’s too hard, too meaningless, and too much work. He’s confused us with false goals and empty expectations. He’s scared of what God can do with a few committed believers willing to make a difference as they serve through the tools God has provided.

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A Different Perspective on Social Media for Your Writing Journey from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.