How to Use Direct Messaging Apps to Share the Gospel
When communicating remotely, direct messaging offers an instant hello with a touch of intentionality. It communicates an
interest in a singular group or person while inviting dialogue. The goal of all other strategies is to get to this point, a space where
you can interact, ask questions, and share the gospel directly and appropriately.
With this in mind, here are a few helpful tips and steps to follow:
Sit down and pray for this person by name. Pray over their life, their desires, their day. Ask God to give you favor in
their eyes and for the Holy Spirit to prepare them to receive your message.
Open the “JesusFilm” app and select a short film that you can personally relate to under the “Conversation Starters” folder on the “Browse” page. Consider if the film could also relate to the person you are reaching out to.
Write your message using a platform like Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Wechat, Signal, Texting, etc. Insert the link to the short film.
Consider who you’re writing to. Are they a good friend? Keep it casual and be yourself. They already like you! An acquaintance? Be considerate to their stage of life and upfront about your intentions. Congratulate them on the new baby, ask them how their kids are doing, connect about a recent NFL game, etc. Follow up by telling them that this video made them think of them. A stranger? Break the ice. Introduce yourself and find common ground.
Introduce the film with how you really feel about it and ask a genuine question.
Examples could be like this:
Friend:
“Hey Krista! I hope you and your family are doing well. We miss spending time with you. I recently watched this short film, Delight. It brought a smile to my face and thought it might to you too. I personally viewed it through a lense of my faith, but wanted to know how you interpreted it?”
“Hey, I just saw this short film and it made me think of you!”
“Hey Krista! I hope you and your family are doing well. We miss spending time with you. I recently
watched this short film, Delight, and it made me think of all of when we cooked together a couple weeks
ago. It also put a smile on my face, and I thought it might for you too. I love discussing films. What stood
out most to you about this film?” (Notice how a personal connection is made through cooking together)
“Hey Krista! I hope you and your family are doing well. We miss spending time with you. I recently
watched this short film, La Liberte. Personally I related to the loneliness that the man seemed to be
experiencing, but I like that it ends with hope. I know that things have been really hard recently. Do you
feel like you’ve been experiencing hope?”
Acquaintance (Co-worker, neighbor, etc.)
“Hi Cory. I hope you’re doing well, and have missed seeing you recently! I thought you might enjoy this
film, Delight. It brightened my day, and I love hearing what people think about film. I was curious about
what stands out to you? Did you like it? Why or why not?”
Stranger (Someone that you connected via social media)
“Hi Aaron! I see that you responded to my post about the short film. I wanted to reach out and say hi! I
was also curious to know a little bit more about what you said…” (Connect with them about how you
discovered them or how they responded to your social media post.)
Remember…
This is a conversation, an exchange of thoughts. You do not have to force the conversation into a spiritual conversation. Your main objective is to listen. Allow your relationship to deepen and really work to understand the other person’s response.
Look for ways to share Jesus with them without forcing it.
