The Digital Discipleship Starter Kit: 5 First Steps for Any Church
For the pastor or volunteer leader at a small, faithful church, the call to "do digital ministry" can feel overwhelming. Looking at the polished online presence of larger churches, it’s easy to feel like you’re standing at the base of a mountain with no climbing gear. The temptation is to do nothing, paralyzed by the sheer number of options and a lack of resources.
But the Great Commission (Matthew 28) was given to all of us, and our mission field today undoubtedly includes the digital world. The good news is that you don’t need a massive budget or a professional communications team to begin making disciples online. You just need a starting point.
This is your starter kit. These are five simple, foundational first steps that any church, regardless of size or budget, can take this month to begin a fruitful digital ministry.
Step 1: Secure Your Digital "Front Door" (Your Website)
Before you invite people to connect, you need a welcoming place for them to land. Your website is your digital front door. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it absolutely must be clear and helpful.
Your Task: Don't worry about a total redesign. This week, just ensure these four things are correct and easy to find on your homepage:
Service Times & Physical Address: With a link to Google Maps.
What to Expect: A short, friendly paragraph. "We're a small, welcoming church. Our service includes hymns and choruses, a message from the Bible, and a safe place for your kids. Come as you are!"
A Recent Sermon: Even if it’s just an audio file recorded on a phone, it gives people a sense of your church's teaching.
A Real Contact Person: An email and phone number that someone actually answers.
This is digital hospitality, and it’s the crucial first step.
Step 2: Plant a Flag in ONE Digital "Town Square" (Your Social Platform)
You don't need to be on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. You’ll burn out. Your mission is to go where your people are and be consistent.
Your Task: Pick one platform where your community is most active. For most churches in our area, that's Facebook. Your only goal this month is to post 3 times a week. That’s it.
Monday: A scripture verse or encouraging thought.
Wednesday: A question for engagement (e.g., "What are you praying for this week?").
Friday: A glimpse of church life (a photo from a fellowship meal, a thank you to a volunteer).
Consistency over complexity is the key.
Step 3: Start a Digital Prayer List (Your Email Hub)
Social media is a broadcast, but email is a personal letter. It’s a direct line for pastoral care and is more reliable than any social algorithm.
Your Task: Use a simple, free tool like Mailchimp or even a BCC'd list in your own email client. Place a physical sign-up sheet in your church foyer and a simple form on your website. Once a week, send a single, pastoral email that includes:
A short, encouraging devotional from the pastor.
The week's prayer requests.
A key announcement.
This simple act shepherds your flock throughout the week.
Step 4: Record a Voice for the Scattered (Sermon Audio)
Life happens. People get sick, travel for work, or care for elderly parents. Making your core teaching accessible ensures no one has to miss out on being fed by the Word.
Your Task: Forget video for now. Simply use the Voice Memos app on a smartphone. Place it on the pulpit, hit record, and capture the sermon audio. You can upload this audio file directly to your website or a free service like SoundCloud. It's a simple, powerful way to serve those who can't be present physically.
Step 5: Appoint a Digital Greeter (Your Human Touch)
Technology can feel cold. A person makes it warm. This might be the most important step.
Your Task: Ask one reliable, friendly volunteer to be your "Digital Greeter." Their job is simple: spend 10-15 minutes a day checking your chosen social media page for new comments or messages and responding to them. A simple, "Thanks for sharing!" or "We're praying for you, Sarah!" makes people feel seen and valued.
That’s it. That’s the kit. A clear front door, one consistent outpost, a direct line for pastoral care, an accessible message, and a human touch. Don't let the scale of the digital world intimidate you. Begin here. Take the first faithful step. God doesn't ask for a perfect digital strategy; He asks for a faithful heart willing to meet people where they are now.
