Blog Layout
6 Essential Tips for Church Photo Success on Social Media
July 17, 2023
Social media has become essential for churches to connect with their congregation and reach out to potential members. Digital marketing for churches has become a crucial part of their outreach efforts, and photos play a significant role in the success of those efforts.
High-quality photos can make a big difference in how your church is perceived on social media, and it can be a powerful tool to attract new members. Here are some tips to make your church photos shine on social media.
Choose the Right Equipment
Choosing the right equipment is the first step in capturing high-quality photos. While smartphones have improved significantly in recent years, it is still recommended to use a DSLR camera for professional-quality photos. A DSLR camera allows you to control the exposure, focus, and depth of field, giving you more control over the final result. Additionally, investing in a tripod can help stabilize the camera and reduce the risk of blurry photos.
Capture the Right Moments
The key to capturing great church photos is to focus on the right moments. You want to capture moments that will help tell the story of your church and its community.
Worship: Capture the congregation singing, praying, and participating in the service.
Fellowship: Take photos of people chatting and enjoying each other's company during coffee hour or other social events.
Events: Take photos of special events, such as baptisms, confirmations, and holiday celebrations.
Be Creative with Composition
Composition is the arrangement of elements in a photo. A well-composed photo can draw the viewer's attention and convey a message effectively. When taking church photos, consider the following composition techniques:
- Rule of Thirds: Imagine dividing the photo into thirds vertically and horizontally. Place the subject at the intersection points to create a balanced and visually pleasing composition.
- Leading Lines: Use lines in the photo, such as pews or aisles, to lead the viewer's eye toward the main subject.
- Symmetry: Use symmetry to create balance in the photo. For example, take a photo of the church interior with the altar centered.
Edit Your Photos
Editing your photos can help enhance their quality and make them more appealing to viewers. While there are many editing software options available, you don't need to be a professional to make basic edits. Here are some basic edits you can make to improve your church photos:
- Crop: Use the cropping tool to remove any distracting elements in the photo.
- Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Adjusting the brightness and contrast can help make the photo more vibrant and appealing.
- Sharpen: Use the sharpening tool to enhance the details in the photo.
Be Mindful of Privacy
When taking photos of your church and its community, it is crucial to be mindful of privacy. Always ask for permission before taking someone's photo, and respect their decision if they decline. Additionally, be mindful of the content of the photos. Avoid taking photos of sensitive or personal moments, and never share photos that could be embarrassing or inappropriate.
Share on Social Media
Once you have taken and edited your photos, it's time to share them on social media. Posting regularly on social media is a crucial part of digital marketing for churches. Here are some tips for sharing your church photos on social media:
- Use Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to make your photos discoverable to a wider audience.
- Tag People: Tag people in the photos to increase engagement and encourage sharing.
- Share Behind-The-Scenes: Share photos that show the behind-the-scenes of the church, such as setting up for an event or preparing for a service.
- Share Testimonials: Share photos and testimonials from members of your church to show the impact your church has on the community.
Conclusion
Digital marketing for churches has become an essential tool for outreach efforts, and high-quality photos can make a big difference in those efforts. By choosing the right equipment, capturing the right moments, being creative with composition, editing your photos, being mindful of privacy, and sharing on social media, you can make your church photos shine and attract new members to your community.
Don't let your church fall behind in the digital age. Contact Faithworks Marketing today to build and manage a website tailored specifically for your non-profit or church. Let us help you reach more people with our
social media management for churches.
Latest Posts
The mission of the church has always been to reach people with the gospel, but the methods of doing so have evolved. In the past, word-of-mouth, community events, and print media were the primary ways churches engaged with their communities. Today, however, people spend a significant portion of their lives online, making digital platforms the new mission field. Despite this shift, some pastors and church leaders resist the idea of marketing, believing it to be unspiritual or unnecessary. However, as Pastor George Ashford of Journey Church in Columbia, SC, explains in a recent episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast , evangelism has always been about meeting people where they are—and in 2025, that place is social media. This blog will explore why churches need to embrace digital marketing, how Journey Church successfully uses social media for outreach, and practical steps your church can take to expand its online presence. The Misconception About Church Marketing One of the biggest pushbacks against digital marketing in churches is the belief that "we don’t need marketing, we just need to preach the word." Many pastors see social media outreach as unnecessary, or worse, a distraction from traditional evangelism. However, as Pastor Ashford pointed out in the podcast, evangelism has always been about going where the people are . John Wesley, one of the founding figures of the Methodist movement, didn’t wait for people to come to a church building—he went into fields, coal mines, and public squares to preach. The same principle applies today: if people are spending hours on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, then churches must be there too. Critics of church marketing often don’t realize that many of the methods they already use—flyers, event invitations, and even a church website—are forms of marketing. Digital platforms simply allow churches to do the same thing more effectively and on a larger scale . How Journey Church Uses Digital Marketing Effectively Journey Church, under the leadership of Pastor George Ashford, has embraced digital marketing as an essential tool for reaching people. Their approach includes: ✅ Social Media Outreach – Journey Church actively shares sermon clips, event promotions, and ministry highlights on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok . This ensures their message reaches beyond just those who attend on Sundays. ✅ YouTube Testimonies – The church created a "Journey Responsible Church" YouTube page featuring real-life testimonies on topics like mental health, addiction, and domestic violence . These videos are not just about promoting the church but providing valuable content that helps people . ✅ Online Giving Strategy – By establishing a strong online giving system before the COVID-19 pandemic, Journey Church was able to sustain financial support even when in-person attendance was not possible. ✅ Quality Over Quantity – They prioritize good sound and video quality to make sure their messages are heard clearly and professionally. As Pastor Ashford said, “If people can’t hear you, then your message is lost.” These strategies have allowed Journey Church to grow in both reach and impact —all by leveraging the power of digital marketing. Key Strategies for Churches to Improve Their Online Presence If your church is new to digital marketing, here are five key steps to help you get started: 1. Embrace Social Media Your church doesn’t have to be on every platform, but it should at least have an active presence on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Each platform serves a different purpose: Facebook – Best for engaging with church members, sharing announcements, and live streaming. YouTube – Perfect for sermon uploads, Bible studies, and testimonials. Instagram/TikTok – Ideal for short, engaging clips that attract younger audiences. 2. Be Consistent A social media page that only posts once every few months isn’t effective. Create a schedule for regular posts, whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly . 3. Prioritize Quality Good lighting, clear audio, and engaging visuals make a difference. Invest in a good microphone and camera or partner with a company like Faithworks to ensure high-quality content. 4. Encourage Online Giving Digital giving is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity. Services like Tithe.ly, Pushpay, and PayPal allow members to give from anywhere . As Pastor Ashford pointed out, 50% of Journey Church’s weekly giving now comes from online sources. 5. Track Your Progress Use analytics tools to track engagement. Facebook and YouTube provide insights on views, shares, and comments , helping you understand what type of content resonates most with your audience. Overcoming Fear and Resistance Many churches hesitate to embrace digital marketing because they fear change or feel overwhelmed by technology. However, as Pastor Ashford pointed out, resistance to social media often comes from fear of being left behind . He shared a humorous but profound analogy: "If someone tells me social media marketing isn’t necessary, I ask them—do you still have a big, old-school TV in your house? Probably not. Technology has changed, and so should the church." Churches that fail to adapt are missing out on reaching an entire generation that consumes content primarily through digital platforms. Instead of rejecting social media, churches should use it as a tool to expand their impact . Conclusion The message of the gospel is timeless, but the methods of sharing it must evolve. Social media is not a replacement for evangelism—it is a tool for evangelism. As Pastor Ashford passionately emphasized in the podcast: "Just do it!" Don’t wait until everything is perfect. Start small, stay consistent, and use every tool at your disposal to reach more people for Christ. By embracing digital marketing, your church can extend its reach, engage its community, and fulfill its mission in the modern world. If your church needs help with social media marketing, consider partnering with experts like Faithworks to ensure your content is professional, engaging, and effective. Also, check out Journey Church’s YouTube channel (search for Journey Responsible Church ) to see a great example of how a church can use digital platforms to make an impact. 🔹 What’s one step your church can take today to improve its online presence? Let us know in the comments!
Learn why a clear online presence is vital for your church's growth. Discover key elements and strategies to enhance your reach and engagement.
Discover how visual content can capture attention and boost engagement on church websites. Learn tips for choosing effective visuals and measuring success.
Learn how churches can tackle SEO challenges with local SEO, improved website performance, and engaging content strategies for better online presence.
Discover simple ways to boost church attendance using engaging social media content and strategies to connect with your community. Read more!
Learn how advertising for churches can move your audience from awareness to active participation. Explore strategies and tips for success. Read on!
The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
Discover fun online activities to connect your church community through virtual events, social media, and digital storytelling. Read on to know more!
Learn how to use Google Ad Grant for reaching more people. Set up campaigns, create ads, and measure success with simple tips. Read on to know more!
As churches navigate an ever-evolving cultural and technological landscape, reaching communities effectively requires innovation, intentionality, and an unwavering commitment to serving people where they are. In this episode of the Pro Church Marketing Podcast, host Jono Long sat down with Doug Garasic, pastor of Rust City Church in Ohio, to discuss what it means to truly impact communities in meaningful ways. Their conversation offered a wealth of insights for pastors and church leaders ready to embrace bold outreach strategies and sustainable growth. The Foundation: “Known Before Needed” One of the standout principles Doug shared is that churches must be “known before needed.” In times of personal crisis or pivotal life moments, people look to the church. Doug emphasized that making an impact requires consistent presence and visibility in the community. This visibility isn’t about flashy marketing or gimmicks—it’s about meeting tangible needs and building trust over time. For example, Rust City Church moved beyond traditional outreach methods like backpack giveaways, which were already saturated in their area. Instead, they asked local schools what they truly needed. The answer? Support for teachers. The church transformed a school library into a spa day for faculty and staff, complete with massages, gift cards, and supplies. This disruption of expectations created a memorable and meaningful experience, leaving a lasting impression of care and support. Building Outreach on Intentionality A key takeaway from Doug’s story is the importance of intentionality. Churches must resist the urge to replicate what others are doing and instead focus on real community needs. Before launching an outreach effort, Rust City Church asks, “What’s not being done that needs to be done?” This intentional approach not only avoids redundancy but ensures their actions resonate with the people they serve. One innovative example is their "Black Friday Survival Kit" initiative. Instead of focusing on shoppers, they provided lattes, snacks, and stress-relief items to mall employees working on the busiest day of the year. Simple yet impactful, this initiative highlighted the church’s creativity in identifying overlooked segments of the community. Sustaining Momentum: Less is More Doug highlighted the danger of burnout for both church leaders and members. To combat this, Rust City Church focuses on doing fewer events but executing them with greater impact. By choosing two to four key outreach initiatives annually and dedicating their full resources to them, they ensure each event is impactful, memorable, and sustainable. Doug also shared an essential leadership principle: every successful initiative needs a “champion” within the congregation and an external “coach” for guidance. This dual structure helps churches maintain energy, focus, and excellence without overwhelming their teams. Learning from Failures Not every effort yields the desired results, as Doug candidly admitted. In one instance, Rust City Church gave away a fully remodeled home to a family in need, only to have the family sell the house within weeks. While disheartening, the experience reinforced the importance of learning from mistakes and seeking guidance from organizations with more experience in similar efforts. “Cracking the code” of impactful outreach requires patience, trial, and humility. It’s about aligning passion with processes to create enduring change. Marketing Beyond the Walls For Doug, effective church marketing isn’t about flashy ads or exaggerated promises. He describes the dangers of “monster truck marketing”—overblown promotions that fail to deliver genuine impact. Instead, he advocates for sharing authentic stories of community engagement. By amplifying the meaningful work churches are already doing, they not only attract people but also build a reputation as a vital and trustworthy presence in the community. Playing the Long Game Doug’s advice for 2025 is clear: churches must embrace the long game. The goal isn’t to fill seats overnight but to create a culture of care and service that naturally attracts people when they’re ready for spiritual growth. As Doug puts it, “Even people who don’t attend our church should be glad we’re here.” For pastors and leaders looking to make a deeper impact in their communities, the principles shared in this conversation offer a roadmap: be intentional, prioritize sustainability, embrace innovation, and always lead with love.
hello@faithworksmarketing.com
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-6:00pm
© 2025 All Rights Reserved | Faithworks Marketing