Don’t let Trap Days kill your ministry

Trap Days!  They stink.  These are days when major news happens either locally, nationally or internationally. It doesn’t have to be anything specific but usually these trap days involves something that is controversial. A recent trap day case would be the recent violence with police in America.

Why do I call them “Trap Days”?  I call them this because these are traps for ministers.  They are incidences where social media is on fire with chatter and people are sharing their opinions all over the place.  They are days that ministers sit and wonder, how should I respond to this situation?  After all, ministers are no different that other people.  They have opinions and emotions, too.  They want to respond. They feel obligated to respond.

However, when a minister share something on these situation, it can kill your ministry if expressed or even taken the wrong way.  That is why if you are going to post something you have to be very cautious and careful.  After all, not only are you representing you, your family and your ministry.  But you are representing Christ in what you post.  So, be careful what you post and how you post it.

What are some of the things you can post?  Here are a few ideas:

1. An old sermon speaking about God and tragedy, how to overcome tragedy or something on those lines.  If you don’t have a video, post the audio. If you don’t have the audio, get a transcript of an old sermon. If you don’t have any of these things, start recording your messages so you can use them again in these situations. 🙂
2. A devotional or quick thought about God, tragedy or love.
3. A verse image. Same as a devotional thought, but just a simple verse communicating the love of God to others.
4. A “we are praying” image. Sometimes the best thing you can say is  that your thoughts and prayers are with people.

Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Ministers need to let their light shine bright. Ministers need to be able to speak Truth to the world, especially in tough situations. However, these “trap days” rarely lead to good results.  Oftentimes they lead to disaster because emotions are high and people are not rational during these days.  That is why sharing simple things such as a sermon, devotional or image can have a greater impact than trying to engage people in a discussion with others that will likely turn south quickly.

The reality is that trap days are becoming more and more common. And the truth is rarely, if ever, has a disagreement ever been resolved over social media.  In fact, many postings have often led to even more hostile tensions. That is why ministers need to be on their social media “A” game and be very cautious what they post on these days. If they are not on top of the game, it can and will kill their ministry in one way or another.

So the next time a trap day arrives, don’t fall into the trap.  Be light to the world but be on your guard as to what exactly you share so that people will see Christ and be changed because of it.

What do you think? How do you respond on “trap days”? Share your experiences below or on social media using #ymsidekick to share.