01/08/2025
Introduction
When churches first started using digital tools, the aim was simple: stay connected. Livestreams, group chats, and social media helped keep the community going. But now that digital is part of everyday life, the question has changed. It’s not just about staying in touch anymore—it’s about helping people grow in their faith, wherever they are. People are more connected than ever, yet many still feel spiritually disconnected. According to the Changing Church 2025 report - Evangelical Alliance, churches across the UK are seeing a growing hunger for deeper faith, even as regular attendance and volunteering have dropped. Discipleship isn’t optional, it has become vital.
So, what is digital discipleship really about? It’s more than just content or clicks. It’s about creating space for people to grow, ask questions, and walk with others in faith, online and offline. If you’re wondering where to start, you don’t need to be a tech expert or have a big team. All you need is a heart to help people grow and a willingness to try something new. This guide is here to help you take that next step.
1. Start with the why, what are you actually trying to do?
Before you dive into apps or platforms, take a step back and ask yourself: What does spiritual growth look like for our church? Maybe you want to help people read the Bible more regularly. Maybe you want to support people through tough times. Or maybe you want to raise up new leaders or volunteers. Whatever it is, getting clear on your “why” will help you choose the right tools and avoid burnout.
A simple way to start is by writing down two or three things you’d love to see happen in your church community. Then, pick one to focus on first. For example, if your goal is to help people engage with Scripture daily, you could encourage them to download the Everyday Faith app or follow a Bible reading plan together using the YouVersion Bible App, encouraging people to leave reflections or questions in the comment section.
2. Different people need different things
Not everyone in your church is in the same place spiritually. Some are just exploring faith. Others are new to following Jesus and some have been walking with God for years. It helps to think of discipleship as a journey, with different needs at each stage.
For those just starting out, short videos on Instagram or YouTube explaining a theme or word in the Bible or if you do not have time to create your own you can re-share content that already exists like those from the Bible Project. This can be a great way to introduce big ideas in a simple, engaging way. New believers might benefit from something more structured, like Alpha Online or the MessengerX app, which offers free discipleship content in multiple languages. For those who are going deeper, tools like Lectio 365 or online Bible studies via Zoom can help them reflect and go further.
Try writing down a few types of people in your church—like seekers, new believers, or youth and think about what kind of digital support might help each group. You don’t have to do it all at once; just start with one group and build from there.
3. Focus on community instead of just content
It’s easy to think that discipleship online means producing lots of content whether it is videos, blogs or devotionals - but real growth happens in relationship. People need spaces where they can ask questions, share struggles, and pray with others.
Instead of just posting a sermon, try inviting people to a short Zoom chat afterward to reflect and pray together. You could also start a WhatsApp or Signal group for a small group or ministry team, where people can share prayer requests or encouragement throughout the week. Even something as simple as asking someone to share a short testimony or prayer in your church’s Facebook group can help build connection.
Some churches have found success using Facebook groups or WhatsApp to create a space where young people can chat, ask questions, and support each other. The key is to create spaces where people feel seen and heard, not just spoken to.
4. Using data to care
It’s tempting to focus on numbers for example how many people watched the livestream, how many likes a post got. But the real question is: Are people growing? Use simple data to help you care better, not just report success.
If you notice that people are dropping off halfway through a Bible reading plan, maybe it’s too long or too complex. If your midweek Zoom group is shrinking, ask whether a short voice note devotion on WhatsApp might be more accessible. Tools like Mailchimp or ChurchSuite can help you see who’s opening your emails or engaging with your content—and give you a chance to follow up with care.
Don’t be afraid to ask people what’s working. A quick message or informal poll can give you valuable insight. The goal isn’t to impress anyone—it’s to serve your community well.
5. Keep it simple and sustainable
You don’t need to be on every platform or run every kind of group. In fact, trying to do too much can lead to burnout. Start small. Pick one or two things you can do well and stick with them.
Maybe you’ll decide to focus on Instagram and a weekly devotional email. Or maybe you’ll start a monthly Zoom prayer group and a WhatsApp Bible reading plan. Whatever you choose, give it a few months, then review. What’s working? What’s not? What do people need next?
Some churches have started recording short five minute devotionals using free tools, then sharing them on Spotify. It’s simple, sustainable, and easy to keep going. The key is consistency and care—not perfection.
6. Keep God at the centre
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about strategy, it’s about helping people follow Jesus. It’s easy to get caught up in content and platforms, but don’t forget to pause, pray, and listen.
Before you post something, take a moment to ask: Is this helping people grow as disciples—or just giving them more to consume? Are we creating space for people to lead, pray, and belong? Encourage your team to stay spiritually grounded too, using similar tools to keep their own faith alive.
Digital discipleship works best when it flows from a place of prayer, not pressure.
Summary
You don’t need to be a digital expert to help people grow in faith online. Start with what you have. Use what’s already out there. Focus on relationships. And trust that God can use even the smallest step to make a big difference.
Whether you’re sharing a Bible app, starting a WhatsApp group, or recording a short prayer video, you’re planting seeds and God is faithful to grow them.
- Ruvimbo Makumbe, Digital Labs Manager
