The best practices for hashtags on a church’s social media page are using relative and popular hashtags, as well as the time of usage.

Hashtags can play such a vital part in a Church’s social media pages.

If you, or your church, is making the effort to actively post on socials to increase engagement and attention, then we want to make sure you have all the tools and practices you need to be successful.

When to Use Hashtags

The best time to use the hashtags with your social media posts is at the time your content is posted. The ability to add hashtags to a post after it goes live, but it will not carry the same benefits as posting them right away. Hashtags are typically included below the caption, so it does not take away from the voice of your message.

What Are Hashtags

Hashtags are used to connect all types of content. From specific topics, events, themes, and conversations can all be tied within a specific hashtag. They can classify media in specific categories-which is great for viewing specific niches. Individuals can find your content quick and easy, whether or not they are following you!

Pro tip: Make sure you are not a private account so they are able to see your media!

How to Use Hashtags

If you are looking for a very literal way for to make a hashtag, types the “pound” key (no space), followed by the word or phrase you want. Instagram currently allows you to have up to 30 different hashtags, while Facebook recommend 3-5.

Adding Hashtags to Instagram

1. Open Instagram App:
– Unlock your smartphone and locate the Instagram app. The icon is a colorful camera. Tap on it to open the app.

2. og In:
– If you’re not already logged in, enter your username and password to access your Instagram account.

3. Create a New Post:
– Look for the ‘+’ sign or the camera icon at the bottom center of the screen. Tap on it to create a new post.

4. Select a Photo or Video:
– Choose the photo or video you want to share by tapping on it. You can also take a new photo or record a video using the camera icon.

5. Add Filters and Edit (Optional):
– If you want, you can apply filters or edit your photo/video using the available tools. Once satisfied, proceed to the next step.

6. Write a Caption:
– Below the photo or video, you’ll see a caption box. Write a description for your post here. This is where you’ll also add your hashtags.

7. Add Hashtags:
– To include a hashtag, type the ‘#’ symbol followed by a word or phrase without spaces. For example, #Church, #Service, #Faith. Instagram will suggest popular hashtags as you type. You can include multiple hashtags relevant to your post.

8. Format and Placement:
– Make sure to place your hashtags within your caption or at the end. You can also add them in a separate comment after posting.

9. Tag People (Optional):
– If your post includes other Instagram users, you can tag them by using the ‘@’ symbol followed by their username. This is optional and depends on the content of your post.

10. Choose Location (Optional):
– You can also add a location to your post by tapping the “Add Location” option. This is optional, and you can skip it if you prefer not to include a location.

11. Share Your Post:
– Once you’re satisfied with your caption, hashtags, and other details, tap the ‘Share’ button. This is usually a right-facing arrow.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully added hashtags to your Instagram post. Your post will now be visible to others who search or follow the hashtags you’ve included.

Adding Hashtags to Facebook

1. Open Facebook App:
– Unlock your smartphone and find the Facebook app. It’s typically a blue icon with an “f” on it. Tap on the icon to open the app.

2. Log In:
– If you’re not already logged in, enter your email or phone number and password to access your Facebook account.

3. Create a New Post:
– Locate the status update box at the top of your News Feed or on your profile page. It usually says, “What’s on your mind?” or something similar.

4. Write Your Post:
– Click inside the status update box and type the text of your post. Share your thoughts, an update, or anything you’d like to post.

5. Add Hashtags:
– To include a hashtag, type the ‘#’ symbol followed by a word or phrase without spaces. For example, #Church, #Service, #Faith. Facebook will suggest popular hashtags as you type.

6. Check Suggestions:
– As you type a hashtag, Facebook will offer suggestions based on popular and trending hashtags. You can select one of these suggestions or create your own.

7. Continue Writing:
– After adding a hashtag, you can continue writing your post. Include any additional text, links, or mentions as needed.

8. Tag Friends (Optional):
– If your post mentions or involves “friends”, you can tag them by typing ‘@’ followed by their name. Facebook will suggest friends as you type.

9. Add Location (Optional):
– If your post is related to a specific location, you can add it by clicking on the location icon and selecting the appropriate place.

10. Adjust Privacy Settings:
– Before posting, review your privacy settings. Choose who can see your post by clicking on the audience selector (usually located next to your name) and selecting the desired audience.

11. Post Your Update:
– Once you’re satisfied with your post, hashtags, and other details, click the “Post” button. This is usually located at the bottom right of the status update box.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully added hashtags to your Facebook post. Your post will now be discoverable by people interested in or searching for the hashtags you’ve included.

General Information

The first time that a hashtag was mentioned for more than just a symbol on a phone was in a blog article published on August 6, 2007. Twitter was the first site to use hashtags, and eventually the trend and use made its way over to Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram. The hyperlink used from cross-referencing was created by Twitter in 2009, where they generated the “Trending Topics”.

Church Events

• #ChurchEvent
• #CommunityEvent
• #ChurchConnection
• #ChurchCommunityEvent
• #ChurchCommunity
• #FamilyEvents

Announcing a Sermon

• #SharingTheGoodNews
• #SpreadingTheGospel
• #SpreadingTheGoodNews
• #SharingTheWord
• #NewSermon
• #FamilyService

Highlighting Community Groups

• #ChurchCommunityGroups
• #LifeGroup
• #LifeGroupConnection
• #SmallGroup
• #GroupConnecition
• #JoinALifeGroupToday

The best way to set up your sermon is with seeking guidance, immersing oneself in scripture, extracting the eternal message, and researching material. The key is to create a single narrative to enhance the flow and add extra “props” (like the media at Shift Worship) to ensure maximum communication.

Researching Material

Research, as Shift Team member Nathan shares, involves a deep dive into historical contexts, cultural nuances, and various interpretations. It’s important to verify information sources, as well as biblical accuracy.

Crafting a Relatable Narrative:

But it doesn’t stop there. Nathan underlines the importance of weaving these elements into a relatable narrative—one that resonates with the congregation, touching both hearts and minds. Sermon preparation is not merely about speaking; it’s about taking people on a transformative journey through the Gospel story, using jokes, illustrations, and more.

Collaboration and Visual Enhancements:

Collaboration, Nathan suggests in the video, is a powerful tool for refining ideas, bouncing thoughts off fellow pastors and ministry leaders. Nathan also introduced an interesting twist—incorporating slides into the sermon. We loved hearing Nathan share his personal experience of using Shift Worship to enhance his sermons visually, citing an example from a past Christmas sermon.

Transformative Slides and Countdowns:

In the video above, Nathan demonstrates the ease of creating and editing slides using Shift Worship. From scripture references to creative elements, our platform provides a range of options for customization. We have our very own, in-browser, editing software to maximize ease of use. We also offer Photoshop and After Effects files for those who prefer them.

Countdowns are a unique and useful tool to include in your sermon presentation! They provide a calm visual for tracking the time before service begins. It help staff and volunteer finalize adjustments, calls for conversation wrap-ups, and guides focus towards the service to come.

See all our “Countdowns” HERE.

Welcoming and Closing with Impact:

Once you create, or have the main points of the sermon ready-it’s time to spruce it up! Consider the “sandwich” approach—incorporating slides before and after the main sermon points. At Shift Worship, we have plenty of “Welcome” motion or still backgrounds that create a seamless flow into the service. The post-sermon phase, is equally crucial, offering options for prayer or peace. (PS. We have those too!)

See all our “Welcome” backgrounds HERE.

See all out “Closing” backgrounds HERE.

Presenting to Your Congregation:

To share any media created with your congregation, we recommend utilizing a software system to do this for you! A few various presentation software options are:

• Pro Presenter
• Media Shout 
• Easy Worship

In our video segment, Nathan recommends Pro Presenter for its comprehensive features, emphasizing its one-time purchase model. However, he reassures those hesitant about presentation software that Shift Worship‘s content seamlessly integrates with PowerPoint!

Conclusion & Invitation

Here at Shift Worship, we know that your time and attention is valuable. We want to ensure that you have all the church media you could ever need! Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just starting, Shift Worship provides a wealth of resources to elevate your worship experience. Make sure to sign up for a FREE, 30-day trial HERE. 

Shift Worship would love to share 4 ways in which churches can use digital media. Digital media and its uses are an incredible tool that churches need to capitalize on! We have provided the tools, and now it’s up to you to use them! Plus, check out our latest Shift Worship tips and how to use our amazing media for your benefit.

4 ways to use digital media for church:

1. Livestream Services
2. Podcasting for Sermons and Discussions
3. Social Media Campaigns
4. Small Groups and Classes

Let’s jump in!

1. Livestream Services

Reach a larger audience by sharing your services online! Guests may not always be able to attend the in-person gatherings, and streaming makes your setup accessible. Typically churches stream Sunday services, but it does not have to stop there! Stream events, groups, worship services, or anything that a community would benefit from. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live, or other dedicated church websites off accessible and user-friendly options for broadcasting.

2. Podcasting for Sermon and Discussions

Turn your sermons, discussions, and services into Podcasts! It’s a great tool for listeners who want to hear what is being shared while they go about their day-to-day. It’s also a perfect resources for anyone who missed the previous sermon, or those who want to listen again. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts are all great platforms to utilize.

3. Social Media Campaigns

Bring the church to the phone! Social Media as a whole is trending, and is filled with various platforms used to share people’s thoughts, moments, and memories. You can create interactive campaigns that match any content shared during services. Momentum and excitement can be built on these platforms that encourage viewers to attend or tune in. You can also stimulate and encourage spiritual growth by starting prayer chains, Bible study discussions, and sharing testimonies.

PS. Shift Worship has a vast amount of graphics to use on social platforms!

4. Small Groups and Classes

Advertise or conduct classes-the options are endless! Conferencing tools such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are great resources for leading discussions amongst peers. You can expand on lessons taught in service, and provide a community for those who need it. Digital Media allows for the promotion and content of these groups to have a sense of cohesion and professionalism.

Shift Worship Tips Recap

Shift Worship is excited to share the latest insights and updates from the world of Shift Worship, as presented by Mariah, the brand manager, and Dale, who also works on Shift Worship. Let’s dive into the conversation about the upcoming Christmas season and the remarkable resources Shift Worship is offering.

The discussion revolved around a notable announcement that there is a brand-new Christmas collection available of Shift Worship called Christmas Villages! On the Christmas Idea Page there is a “download free collection preview button” that allows users to access a free PSD and JPEG image to get a glimpse of what’s in store for the upcoming Christmas season. We are excited to provide churches with a wealth of resources for their Christmas services.

This new collection features a snowy village backgrounds that could set the perfect ambiance for a Christmas service. Dale highlighted the size of the pack, noting that it contained over 30 motions and stills, far exceeding the norm for our collections. The snow-themed graphics and border effects were especially praised, making it feel like you were living inside a snow globe.

As always, you can select your preferred format and download anything from the collection. They highlighted the “Merry Christmas” title slide and the streaming option for online church services. The darker backgrounds in the collection were appreciated for their readability and accessibility, especially for song lyrics.

The duo also mentioned a valuable resource: a free font that matches the design, which is offered on each collection page. This was hailed as a pro tip for users looking to create cohesive slides.

In conclusion, Mariah and Dale expressed their gratitude to the talented designers behind the collection and eagerly anticipated sharing more resources with their audience. The Christmas season is an exciting time at Shift Worship, with an abundance of resources to enhance church services!