If you want to know anything about me, you can probably find it online.
Just by doing an internet search, you’ll find that I’m single. I run a ministry. I speak. I travel. I blog. I am an advocate for spiritual abuse survivors. I’m a coach. And I have way too many social media profiles.
Even after searching the internet, you wouldn’t know what’s going on in my heart unless I shared it online. I know many people do, but I’m more private. And I don’t care for making videos.
This new era of “online ministry” comes with things I really dislike. Maybe it’s because I don’t have a team helping me, so I can focus on what I’m good at. But that’s the nature of starting a new ministry and part of God developing me as a servant. I’m learning to rely on His strength and leading.
Ministries are expected to be online all the time. Here is where I struggle.
Sometimes I feel exposed.
Ten years ago I didn’t have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, a blog, an online magazine … or Periscope! (Update 2026: you see the age of this post here.)
I love being able to keep in touch with family and friends (and connecting with long-lost ones) through social media. But honestly, can’t anything about me be mysterious anymore?
With everything about me out on the internet, what drives someone to get to know ME? Because the “in person” me is very different. I want to be known, not exposed.
Those who know me well would agree I’m an introvert who’s learned to be an extrovert. I love time alone to be quiet and explore things with God. Without that, I’m a hot mess. Don’t put demands on me when I’m in introvert mode. You’ll get gifts without anointing. Yet, put me in a social setting, and you’ll feel loved because I do love people. I can serve and minister to people all day without getting burned out as long as I have time to go recharge.
I’m still thinking about cutting out some social media.
Sometimes I feel pulled on.
Three years ago I didn’t feel the pressure to “build a platform” like the marketing experts encourage us to do. I’m inspired by how they share their gifts with the world and encourage people to do the same. I know it’s good. I know they do good in the world with the income they make from their “platform.” I know I have something to offer, and yet I feel the pressure to learn social media marketing. But am I being unfaithful with my gifts and resources by not putting them out there more?
Some of the best things come to me when I’m resting in God and offline. That fuels what I do in ministry. But as soon as I have to get online to share it, I feel zapped out of passion again. So I go back to the Lord to find His priorities and work at being faithful. I sometimes strive to enter rest while in activity. For visualization purposes, I’ll say I want to be “pushed by God” and not “pulled by people.” Because when God pushes, He’s directing me to the area of the pull because of a need. That is rewarding and energizing, not draining.
Sometimes I feel lonely.
I miss the days I came home from work and had time with friends over good food, games, or a night out. I want to have a conversation without an interruption from a text or notification. I don’t want to have a list of things broken on my website that need to be supernaturally fixed, a newsletter to write, social media quotes to review, and video tutorials to watch. That part isn’t ministry – it’s what needs to be done to keep the ministry visible online.
Most of the ministry I do now is behind the scenes on the computer. One word—Blah. (I know, it’s not a sign of an introvert.)
I know God is doing more good through the internet and the resources we can find online. I’ve been blessed by them. But I wonder how many people in ministry are as weary as I am… keeping up with the “online Joneses.” Am I the only one who feels like all the things we need to do are actually keeping us from fellowship? Which is what God intended ministry to be about: share faith, hope, and love … that’s the purpose. Is it as impactful without a touch, a kind tone, and an act of service?
And I’m still thinking about chucking it all – or not.
Sometimes …
But it’s not all the time.
God works all things together for good
Most of the time I see the fruit of my labor in the comments on social media and in email. I get a kick out of it when I meet someone new, and they tell me how they’ve been encouraged by something I posted online. It’s like we’ve been friends forever. It doesn’t replace the connection that happens by being with people in person. But real relationships have come out of online ministry. People I never would’ve met. I’m so grateful.
Even as I write this, I realize the irony. I’m writing it online. I’ll even share it online. I’d love you to share it online so we could all find out what we all think.
I could’ve made a video, but that would’ve required makeup application and maybe a shower.
And I’m still thinking about how to be more like Jesus. Because that’s the purpose of ministry (online or in person).
What do you dislike about online ministry? What benefits have you found?
