In today’s digital world, connecting with others and sharing your beliefs has never been easier. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, using online platforms to share goodness is a powerful way to positively impact lives. Elder Bednar said, “I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth with a flood.”
As members of the Church, we’ve been invited to share goodness online. And there are SO many ways to do that. All it takes is the tap of a screen (and a little creativity) and you can share your light with hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people. If you’re feeling stuck on where to even begin, maybe these tips and tricks will help get you started.
Just Start
My number one tip is to just start. We can argue with ourselves all day long about if we should or shouldn’t post something, or if something looks or sounds just right. Guess what? It will never be perfect. So, just post something.
Know Your Audience
Before you start sharing LDS content online, take some time to identify your target audience. Are you reaching out to fellow believers, individuals interested in learning about the LDS faith, or a diverse group of people? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your content and approach to meet their needs and expectations.
Be Authentic
Authenticity is key to making a genuine connection online. When sharing goodness, be true to your beliefs and experiences. Share personal stories, testimonies, and reflections that resonate with you. This authenticity will help you build trust with and relate to your audience.
Choose the Right Platforms
Different online platforms cater to different audiences. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Threads are great for reaching a wide audience, while platforms like YouTube and TikTok allow for more in-depth discussions and creative expression. Choose platforms that align with your content style and where your target audience is most active.
Create Engaging Content
Visual content like images and videos tend to capture more attention than text alone. Create engaging graphics, videos, or slides that visually convey Church teachings, principles, and quotes. These visuals can be easily shared and reposted, increasing the reach of your message.
Focus on Positivity
Use your online presence to spread positivity and light. Share uplifting quotes, scriptures, and messages of hope. Avoid engaging in negative debates or arguments that may detract from your intended message of goodness. After all, Elder Bednar encourages us to “declare, not defend.” And Elder Stevenson tells us to be “sharers, not sheriffs.” The gospel can stand on its own.
Share Personal Experiences
Personal experiences can be incredibly powerful tools for sharing goodness. Share how your faith has positively impacted your life, how you’ve overcome challenges, or how you’ve found comfort in times of need. These stories can resonate with others and inspire them to explore gospel teachings.
Stay Informed
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a living church, with ongoing developments and changes. Stay informed about official announcements, updates, and news from reliable sources within the Church. This will help you provide accurate information to your online audience.
Share Truth
It can be easy to share our own opinions of doctrine or truth. Many times it can be totally subconscious! That’s why it’s important to be aware of what information you are sharing. If you do want to share your opinion, be sure to label it as such. Don’t share any beliefs that aren’t in line with official teachings of the Church as gospel truth.
Sharing goodness online is such a rewarding experience. You never know how many people you may be impacting by sharing a simple post, video, or quote. Just remember that your online presence can be a beacon of light and inspiration for those seeking goodness and connection in their lives.
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