Within a couple of days, our lives have been upended. Events that were supposed to be coming up have been canceled, many of us are working from home for the first time, and even churches have suspended in-person gatherings. It may feel pretty bleak, but a side effect of all this chaos is that people are looking for hope.
Social media challenges have become super popular these days. I’ve seen a lot of dancing, drawing, and other similar challenges. Here are a few ideas along those lines for you to help spread the Gospel through social media while socially distancing.
Bible Verse Challenge
Post your favorite Bible verse. Explain why it’s your favorite, and then tag five people to do the same! If you can post it with an image, that’s even better. When choosing five people to tag, try to include various groups of people—that way, you are moving the challenge further among your circles. This can be a good way to spread hope, get a bit personal, and bring others into a sense of community.
Request for Prayers
Ask your followers and friends to send you their prayer requests. This could be through comments, or you could invite them to message you directly. Write them a prayer back! One of my friends has asked for prayers for teachers learning to teach remotely. If I was doing this challenge, I would message or reply to her comment with this prayer:
Dear Lord, you are the greatest teacher of all. You taught in person during Your life on earth. You’ve kept teaching Your Church through all circumstances by Your Holy Spirit. Be with our teachers as they shape the minds of youth today in this new situation. Help them adapt to the challenge and comfort them as only You can. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Doxology Hand-washing Challenge
Film yourself washing your hands while singing the doxology. Promoting healthy habits and spiritual truths? Count us in!
Share Blogs that Resonate with You
Have you read a Christian blog post that spoke to you recently? Or one that you think could be helpful to others? Or maybe one that said something theologically fascinating? Share what you’re reading and learning with your followers. This is a way they can learn about Christ at their own pace and without feeling pressure.
Hymn-Drawing
Play your favorite hymn, and doodle while listening to it—or doodle the lyrics of your favorite stanza, take a picture of it, and upload your art to your preferred social media site. This not only gives you a way to pass your time while focusing on God, but it also shows others the beauty of our hymnody, which features essential truths about Jesus and reveals Scripture in ways that others may not be familiar with. This, like sharing your favorite Bible verses, can help spread hope and community.
I hope these ideas help you reach into your virtual community and beyond with the love of God!