“We are a network of organisations using social media to reach Bengalis whether in Bangladesh or the diaspora living abroad. We’d like to have a digital media library. Where should we start?”
– Network of Bengali ministries
Jesus told parables based on everyday examples that His listeners would relate to. Similarly, our media strategists help teams to be intentional in how they use print or digital resources to communicate the gospel with their focus groups.
Such as working together with a group of ministries to define exactly who they will create digital media libraries for among the Bengalis — the world’s third-largest ethnic people group. Although most speak the same language, a broad spectrum of cultural settings and life situations are represented. Therefore, before selecting content, the group needed to decide which demographics to provide relevant Christian media for. Through in-depth research, they identified four groups: religious teachers, students, homemakers and rural labourers. The next task is to curate content that will resonate in each of these contexts via digital media libraries.
“I posted Christian content on Facebook. Now 200 people are responding for follow-up. I’m only one person. What should I do?”
– OM team member, South Asia
An OM team in South Asia approached us for support in addressing the surprising response to their social media posts. The OM team member responsible for the platform was struggling to keep up with inquiries and keep track of everyone. A first step was to build capacity by requesting more workers to get involved in replying and corresponding. A second step was to test digital tools for managing customer relations and to develop a project plan. These administrative and strategic structures aim to support the ministry by making sure no one falls between the cracks, establishing trust and enabling individuals to meet in person to talk about faith.
“I want to share the gospel with my Hindi-speaking peers via social media. How can I do this?”
– A young man in his 30s, partner organisation, India
At a workshop in India with an OM partner organisation, a common theme was the desire to put Christian content ‘out there’. However, they needed to think through whom they sought to engage on their channels and what message to share. Media strategists coached participants in researching their focus groups, looking at where they are spiritually and how to walk with them on their faith journey. The tools and training also aimed to empower the partner organisation’s staff to, in turn, facilitate media strategy coaching and multiply the impact among Hindi and Urdu speakers.
“A lot of our work is asking questions,” explained media strategist Erja. “Often teams have very ambitious goals. We help look at what they want to achieve and how we can make it happen. And then break this down into more manageable steps.”
Do you want to develop your use of media in missions? Keen to reach your community but need some structure in place? Preparing to distribute literature at an upcoming outreach and value input on selecting appropriate evangelistic material? Or how about evaluating the effectiveness of your social media initiative?
MediaWorks’ media strategists would be happy to come alongside you to help you plan, dream and take action. Contact us: info.media@om.org
