In this era dominated by social media, its impact on various aspects of our lives is undeniable, including its use among members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The recently conducted 2022–2023 Global Church Member Survey (GCMS) among Seventh-day Adventist Church members provides intriguing insights into how social media is woven into the fabric of our global community. Here are some key findings that shed light on the diverse ways in which church members utilize social media for spiritual engagement.
Social Media Usage Patterns
The survey results revealed that a significant majority of respondents (65%) reported using social media once a week or more often, while only 20% claimed to never use social media. This statistic emphasizes the pervasive nature of digital connectivity within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Engagement with Adventist Content
Notably, 52% of respondents reported reading or responding to posts by Adventist churches, organizations, and institutions on a weekly basis. This reflects a strong online connection within our faith community. However, engagement with content from other Christian entities was less frequent, with 52% doing so less than once a month or never. This highlights the unique digital bonds formed among Adventist church members.
Digital Bible Study and Prayer
A compelling finding from the survey is the integration of social media into spiritual practices. Approximately 64% of respondents used social media to study their Bible almost weekly or more, showcasing a contemporary approach to religious learning. Furthermore, 50% utilized these platforms to share prayer requests and answered prayers about once or more often a week, indicating a sense of community and support fostered through digital channels.
Virtual Church Attendance
In response to the global shift towards virtual interactions, 56% of respondents reported using social media to attend church about once a week or more often. This adaptation underscores the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s flexibility in reaching its members through digital means, particularly in times of physical distancing.
Areas of Less Frequent Social Media Use
Despite the widespread use of social media, the survey identified areas with less frequent engagement. Less than half of the respondents used social media at least once a week for activities such as praying with others, learning about the life of Ellen White, connecting with the writings of Ellen White, helping advance the mission of the Adventist church, exploring religious topics not covered by pastors or Sabbath School teachers, sharing Bible studies, and worshiping with other believers outside of a formal church service.
Social Media: A Distraction?
About half (51%) of the survey respondents claimed that they never (or maybe once a month) experienced social media as a distraction from other activities they should have been doing. For these social media users, engaging in online forums presented little interference with the business of life. This indicates that social media may provide positive tools to stay connected to vital spirituality and enriched social connection with like believers. However, this means that about half of the social media users believed the opposite.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, these insights can guide the church in leveraging social media effectively for spiritual growth, community building, and adapting to the changing needs of its members. Guiding social media users in responsible and ethical use of these media is highly recommended. In this digital age, embracing technology becomes not just a convenience, but also a crucial aspect of fostering a connected and resilient faith community.
The Lord says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). When we seek the Lord, we are assured to find Him whether it’s through face-to-face meetings or through online media, including social media. While social media can be distractive just like other media, social media offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth in the current digital era. Its responsible and ethical use is possible through prayerful commitment to spiritual growth.
Created in collaboration with the Institute of Church Ministry.
Published by ASTR on 03/27/2024.