Tips for Riding the Viral Wave

Everybody is looking for the quick fix.

Ministries are looking for the express lane to viral posting. They are hoping for that swell that will push them into the spotlight.

When I was a youth minister, we provided our teens with some spiritual discipline resources and presented them with a challenge to complete several of them. If they completed the challenge, they were invited to join us on a trip to South Padre Island for Surf School. Three girls finished the challenge, so I booked a rental house and surfing lessons. The four of us jumped in the car for one of the most fun and memorable weekends in my youth ministry career. It was the first and only time I’ve ever surfed. I somehow managed to stand up on my first try.

So, clearly that gives me enough expertise to continue with my illustration.

How to Eat Popcorn

My dad taught me how to eat popcorn.

I mean, there wasn’t exactly a lesson per se, but I realized as an adult that I had perfected the art of the grab-a-fistful-sweep-and-stuff motion. It’s quite efficient, really. I subsequently realized that it was less than dainty, so I have reformed my technique. (Unless it’s a dark movie theatre, then all bets are off!)

Popcorn is a wonderfully salty food. Have you ever tried to eat popcorn without a beverage nearby? It goes something like this, you eat a little. Then eat a little more. You’re good as long as you keep eating the popcorn. But eventually, you feel as if you’re dying of thirst, so you run for a glass of something refreshing to wash it down!

Here in Texas, we know Mexican food. One of the glorious aspects of a Mexican restaurant in Texas is the endless baskets of fresh chips and salsa they bring at the beginning of the meal. It has the same effect as the popcorn. You can eat the chips for a while. You can power on to more chips, but eventually, you’ll be driven to take a big satisfying gulp of your beverage of choice!

“Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:5-6

No One Cares About Your Events and Programs

If all you’re doing is publishing a calendar of events on your ministry’s profiles, you’re going to miss the people you want to reach.

They come to connect. And be challenged or inspired. They want to engage to learn. They want to laugh. So, unless they’ve already showed up and discovered that they will connect, be challenged and inspired, or  learn and laugh, they won’t really hear you. The less they hear you in social media, the more of a desert your profile becomes.

Give, give, give until they know you care. Welcome them into your circle. And, then invite them.