Building Community Through Social Media: Strategies for Christian Brands

In an era where digital connection shapes how we communicate, social media remains a powerful tool for Christian brands to foster community, share their mission, and engage with faith-driven audiences. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are evolving with new features and trends—short-form video, live streaming, and interactive content—that offer fresh opportunities for ministries, churches, and Christian businesses to build meaningful relationships. But success in this space requires more than just posting content; it demands authenticity, intentionality, and alignment with biblical values.

This blog post explores the latest social media trends and how Christian brands can leverage them to create vibrant, engaged communities. Through real-world case studies and actionable strategies, we’ll show you how to craft campaigns that resonate with your audience while staying true to your faith-based mission.

Why Community Matters for Christian Brands

Community is at the heart of the Christian faith. From the early church gatherings described in Acts to modern-day congregations, believers have always thrived in fellowship. Social media offers a digital extension of this principle, enabling brands to connect with audiences beyond physical walls. For Christian organizations, building community online isn’t just about growing followers—it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow in their faith.

In 2025, social media platforms are prioritizing features—like Instagram’s Reels—that encourage interaction and authenticity. Nearly half of marketers think short-form videos are more likely to go viral, and approximately one-third of these videos have a watch rate of more than 81%. In fact, short-form video content is predicted to account for 90% of internet traffic this year. These trends present unique opportunities for Christian brands to engage audiences in real-time, build brand loyalty, share testimonies, and foster two-way communication.

However, the digital landscape also poses challenges. Audiences are increasingly skeptical of inauthentic content, and Christian consumers, in particular, value transparency and alignment with biblical principles. To succeed, brands must create campaigns that reflect their values while embracing the latest tools and trends.

Social Media Trends Christian Brands Need to Know

To build community effectively, Christian brands must stay ahead of the curve. Here are three key social media trends shaping 2025 and how they can be used to engage faith-based audiences:

Short-Form Video: Capturing Attention with Purpose

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels thrive on bite-sized, engaging content. Throughout 2025, expect even more emphasis on quick, authentic videos that tell stories or spark inspiration. For Christian brands, short-form video is ideal for sharing devotionals, testimonies, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of ministry work. These videos should be concise (15-60 seconds), visually compelling, and infused with a clear message of faith.

Live Streaming: Real-Time Connection

Live streaming on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook allows brands to interact with audiences in real-time. This format is perfect for hosting prayer sessions, Q&A discussions, or virtual worship events. In 2025, advancements in streaming quality and interactive features (like live polls or donation links) will make this an even more powerful tool for fostering community, particularly for nonprofits.

Interactive Content: Encouraging Participation

Social platforms are rolling out features like polls, quizzes, and challenges to boost engagement. For Christian brands, interactive content can invite audiences to participate in product-based activities, such as voting on new product features, brand shoutouts, and Q&As. These tools help transform passive viewers into active consumers and brand advocates.

Case Studies: Christian Brands Building Community Online

To illustrate how these trends can be applied, let’s look at two real-world examples of Christian organizations that have successfully used social media to foster community.

Case Study 1: The Chosen’s Viral Success Through Community-Driven Short-Form Video

"The Chosen," a crowdfunded television series depicting the life of Jesus, has become a global phenomenon, fueled by its catchy social media presence, including its strategic use of short-form video content on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Launched in 2017 by Angel Studios, the series has reached more than 100 million people worldwide, according to Angel Studios’ official reports.

The show’s creators leverage short-form clips—often emotional scenes, humorous outtakes, or behind-the-scenes moments—to engage audiences. For instance, one pinned Instagram post has nearly 82 million views. The show has more than 37 million likes on TikTok and boasts millions of followers across its social profiles. By posting authentic, high-quality snippets that highlight Christ and the message of the Gospel, the series encourages user-generated content (UGC), such as reaction videos and fan reenactments, amplifying its reach through community participation and TikTok’s algorithm.

The success of "The Chosen" lies in its ability to foster a passionate online community that actively shares and promotes its content. The show’s official accounts consistently post new content, navigating users across platforms to boost engagement and build interest. Additionally, the series’ crowdfunding model, which has raised around $100 million from its dedicated fans, has created a sense of ownership, encouraging these fans to evangelize the show online. This community-driven approach, combined with strategic short-form video content and a knack for going viral, has made "The Chosen" a standout example of a Christian brand achieving success through social media.

Case Study 2: Viral High-Protein Chick-fil-A Order on TikTok

In early 2025, a high-protein Chick-fil-A order went viral on TikTok, amassing over 6 million views, as shared by user @smallersam_pcos. The hack involves ordering a three-piece Chick-n-Strips meal with a Kale Crunch Salad instead of fries, paired with two packets of honey and two packets of Texas Pete hot sauce. The user drizzles the sauces over the chicken, shakes it to coat, then cuts the strips and adds them to the salad, creating a meal with 530 calories and 40 grams of protein. This simple yet customizable order resonated with health-conscious audiences, particularly those focused on weight loss and high-protein diets, leading to widespread sharing and recreations across TikTok and other platforms. The viral success was driven by its alignment with fitness trends and the engaging, relatable presentation of the DIY assembly process in short-form video format.

Chick-fil-A’s status as a socially savvy brand with a loyal following has significantly amplified the power of UGC without the company spending a dime. Known for its strong Christian values and customer-centric approach, the fast-food restaurant has cultivated a dedicated community that eagerly shares content aligned with its brand identity, from these types of menu hacks to feel-good stories. Their consistent social media presence—featuring community initiatives, new menu items, classic favorites and relatable humor—has fostered a culture where fans naturally promote the brand. This UGC-driven virality showcases how Chick-fil-A’s loyal community acts as a powerful marketing engine, amplifying trends like the high-protein hack for free.

Actionable Steps for Building Community in 2025

Ready to harness social media to build your own faith-based community? Here are five actionable steps to create values-aligned campaigns that engage and inspire:

Define Your Community’s Purpose

Before launching a campaign, clarify the “why” behind your community. Are you encouraging spiritual growth, supporting a cause, promoting a values-driven product or fostering fellowship? For example, a church might aim to connect young adults through virtual Bible studies, while a Christian retailer might focus on sharing customer testimonies. A clear purpose ensures your content resonates with your audience’s values.

Create Short-Form Videos with Impact

Develop a series of short-form videos that align with your mission. For example, a ministry could create a weekly “Minute of Faith” series, sharing a scripture and a quick reflection. Use captions, trending audio, and hashtags to boost discoverability. Keep production simple—authenticity trumps polish for Christian audiences.

Host Live Events to Build Connections

Schedule regular live streams, such as prayer meetings, worship nights, or Q&A sessions with leaders. Promote these events in advance through static posts and stories. During the stream, use interactive features like live chats or polls to engage viewers.

Launch an Interactive Challenge

Create a faith-based challenge that invites followers to participate. For instance, a Christian nonprofit could launch a #GratitudeChallenge, asking followers to post daily videos or photos of something they’re thankful for, tied to a scripture like 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Provide clear instructions and a branded hashtag to track engagement.

Measure Success and Iterate

Track metrics like engagement rate (likes, comments, shares), video views, and hashtag usage to gauge your campaign’s impact. Use platform analytics to identify what resonates with your audience. For example, if live streams outperform static posts, double down on live content. Continually refine your strategy based on data and feedback.

Staying True to Your Values

As Christian brands navigate the ever-changing ecosystem that is social media, it’s critical to stay grounded in biblical principles. Authenticity, humility, and love should shine through every post, video and interaction. Avoid chasing trends at the expense of your mission—your audience will connect most deeply with content that reflects your faith.

When creating campaigns, consider how your content points back to Christ. For example, a short-form video might end with a call to action like, “Join us in praying for our community—share your prayer in the comments.” This approach invites engagement while keeping the focus on faith.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Community Building

As social media continues to evolve, Christian brands have an unprecedented opportunity to build communities that transcend geography and bring people closer to God. By embracing trends like short-form video, live streaming, and interactive content, you can create digital spaces where faith flourishes.

In 2025 and beyond, success will belong to brands that prioritize authenticity, foster two-way engagement, and align every campaign with their values. Whether you’re a church, ministry, or Christian business, now is the time to invest in social media strategies that not only grow your reach but also deepen relationships within your community.

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