Tell the Good News

 

by Donna Mumma

 

“And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation'” 

(Mark 16:15, ESV).

 

Social media.

These two words bubble up more terror into my writer’s heart than pushing the “send” button on a new submission. To me, social media is a strange world with a language I don’t understand. I’m expected to create websites that draw in readers who follow my blogs and build email lists. I’m supposed to connect with followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and other outlets to market myself and my writing.

All I wanted to be was a storyteller. This new world overwhelmed me. So I ignored it.

Then God came along and gave me a holy tap on the shoulder. He reminded me of Jesus’s first word in this verse.

“Go.”

Not skulk, pout, freak-out or be discouraged. Just, “Go.”

So how do you go when you don’t even know where to start?

First, accept that social media is the new mission field.

When missionaries feel the call to go into the field, they learn the language and customs of their assigned country. They research ways to connect with the native people. You can do the same with social media. Go to a class or workshop. Learn the terms, how to navigate, where to meet new followers. Talk to fellow writers, see what worked for them. Find a mentor or accountability partner well versed in social media. Let them walk you through building a website, setting up author pages, creating a profile on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. They had their failures. They learned. So can you.

Second, start small.

Find ways to connect with others who share your passions. Like photography? Try Instagram. Are you a visual person who revels in scrapbooking? Maybe Pinterest is your spot. Do you enjoy sharing tidbits of your day or engaging in conversations? Head to Facebook and join a group with like-minded folks and find your people.

Social media allows us to spread the message we’ve been given without leaving home. That’s a great opportunity. Can you imagine what Paul would have tweeted? Or what Timothy might have posted on Instagram?

The introvert in me will never love social media. But I love Jesus. I want to obey His call to spread the good news.

 

Dear Jesus, help us to never fear a new mission field. 

 

 

Donna Mumma writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction seasoned with a sense of adventure. An avid believer in education, she holds a M.Ed. in Elementary Education. She serves as Tampa chapter president of Word Weavers International. A native Floridian, Donna lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband. She is the mom of two college boys and an energetic collie named Duke.