How To Choose The Right Platform For Your Online Ministry
Before I started my online ministry, I needed to know who I was called to serve (like young women aged 11–18, women aged 28–35, single mothers, etc.). Next, I needed to know on what platform I was comfortable sharing my message (podcasting, YouTube, or blogging). When I was clear on those two things, I was able to select the best platform for serving my ministry audience.
Choosing A Ministry Platform
Being called to online ministry is just the first step. The second step is to select the platform on which God wants you to create content. If you're not sure what platform to choose, here are 2 ways to know it's from God.
Choose a platform you're most comfortable with and build from there. What medium are you most comfortable with (i.e. being on camera, sharing your voice audibly, writing or designing products/ services)?
PRAY about the platform God wants you to be on. When you do, God will confirm to you that this is the right platform to reach your target audience. God will also start downloading ideas on what to share and how to share it using the platform you choose.
If you have the gift of service, do it passionately with the strength God gives you, so that in everything God alone will be glorified through Jesus Christ. For to him belong the power and the glory forever throughout all ages! Amen.
1 Peter 4:11 TPT
If God has called you to ministry in the marketplace, here are 4 platforms you can use to build your ministry online:
1. Start A Ministry On YouTube
If you enjoy being in front of the camera and wish to spread your message via video, then creating a YouTube channel could be the perfect place for you to start your ministry. You only need a high-quality camera to record your videos and the YouTube Studio app to upload them.
2. Embrace Podcasting for Your Ministry
If being on camera isn't your style, consider podcasting as an alternative means to share your message. With podcasting, you can convey your message audibly, and it provides your audience with a portable way to listen to your content and keep up with your ministry on the go. You can establish a dedicated Podcast Channel by leveraging hosting platforms such as Spotify For Podcasters or Podbean.
If you have a speaking gift, speak as though God were speaking his words through you.
1 Peter 4:11 TPT
3. Ministry through Blogging
Using your gift of writing to edify, instruct, and strengthen a group of believers is a great way to share your message. If you feel called to write and have a passion for it, then blogging is an excellent medium to achieve this goal. By creating a blog, you can articulate your thoughts and ideas into words that will benefit your readers. If this resonates with you, consider starting a blog as a way to help others.
To begin, all you need is a domain name (such as Gsuite) and a website (such as Wix.com) where you can host your blog.
4. An Online Ministry Shop
If you're blessed with unique ideas on how to earn a living online, consider starting an online shop that showcases your creative talent and glorifies God. You can sell a wide variety of items that cater to the Christian community or marketplace. Whether it's a digital or physical product that you've designed or outsourced, all you need is an online platform like Etsy or Shopify to get started.
Remember, there's a ministry in everything you sell!
God knows we need money to live in this world as Christians. That's why He gives us ideas to create wealth for ourselves and others.
Proverbs 8:12 says, “I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.”
Proverbs 13:22 says that the wealth of the wicked is laid up for the just.
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Ministry
With just four platform options available, selecting the right one can be quite a challenge. But remember, if God has given you a vision, trust it! Ministry isn't confined to the four walls of a church building; it can thrive in the marketplace as well.
Don't overthink it—whatever idea God has planted in your mind is the ministry He wants you to pursue. Simply choose what you feel is right and build your ministry from there.
Call to Action: Turn Your Ministry Idea into Reality!
Do you have a ministry idea but need help bringing it to life? Download our workbook today and begin planning the vision that God has for you. This resource will guide you in mapping out the direction that God wants you to go and help you connect with the people you're called to serve.
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