One poorly-worded post from a well-meaning staff member can undo months of trust-building in your community. This policy gives your team the confidence to engage online boldly — and the boundaries to do it wisely.
**[CHURCH_NAME]** **Effective Date:** [EFFECTIVE_DATE] **Policy Owner:** [POLICY_OWNER] **Review Date:** [REVIEW_DATE] ---
This policy establishes guidelines for the use of social media by [CHURCH_NAME] staff, volunteers, and ministry leaders. It applies to all official church social media accounts and to personal accounts where staff identify themselves as representatives of [CHURCH_NAME]. Social media is a powerful tool for ministry outreach, community building, and communication. Our goal is to use it faithfully, wisely, and in a manner consistent with our values and calling. ---
This policy applies to: - All employees of [CHURCH_NAME] - All volunteers who have been granted access to official accounts - Any person who manages content on behalf of [CHURCH_NAME] - Staff members who reference their role at [CHURCH_NAME] on personal accounts ---
### 3.1 Approved Platforms Official church accounts are maintained on the following platforms: [APPROVED_PLATFORMS]. Any new platform requires approval from [APPROVING_AUTHORITY] before an account is created. ### 3.2 Account Access and Security - Login credentials for all official accounts must be stored in the church's approved password manager - Access is granted on a need-to-use basis and must be approved by [APPROVING_AUTHORITY] - When a staff member or volunteer leaves their role, access must be revoked within 24 hours - Two-factor authentication must be enabled on all official accounts - Passwords must be changed at minimum every six months ### 3.3 Content Standards All content posted to official accounts must: 1. Reflect the mission, values, and theological position of [CHURCH_NAME] 2. Be accurate, truthful, and verified before posting 3. Use respectful, grace-filled language at all times 4. Avoid divisive political commentary or partisan content 5. Protect the privacy of congregants — do not post names, photos, or personal information without consent 6. Comply with copyright law — do not share music, images, or video content without appropriate licensing 7. Maintain consistency with the church's brand guidelines, including tone, imagery, and visual identity ### 3.4 Content Approval Process All content scheduled or posted to official accounts must follow this approval workflow: 1. Content is drafted by the responsible team member 2. Draft is reviewed by [CONTENT_REVIEWER] for theological accuracy and brand alignment 3. Time-sensitive content (event reminders, announcements) may be posted directly by [DESIGNATED_POSTER] without additional review 4. Sensitive content (statements on social issues, crisis communications) must be approved by [SENIOR_APPROVER] before posting ### 3.5 Posting Frequency Official accounts should maintain consistent posting schedules. Recommended minimums: - Facebook/Instagram: 3–5 times per week - Accounts should not go silent for more than 7 days without a scheduled placeholder post ---
### 4.1 General Responses - All comments and direct messages on official accounts should be acknowledged within 48 business hours - Responses must remain calm, gracious, and consistent with our values even when responding to criticism - Staff should not engage in arguments or debates in public comment threads - Refer theological disputes or complex pastoral questions to the appropriate minister or pastoral team member ### 4.2 Negative Comments and Complaints 1. Never delete negative comments unless they violate community standards (hate speech, spam, false information) 2. Respond publicly with empathy and offer to resolve the matter privately: "Thank you for sharing this. We'd love to connect with you directly — please send us a message so we can help." 3. Document the complaint and report to [POLICY_OWNER] if the matter is escalating ### 4.3 Crisis Communications In the event of a crisis (pastoral misconduct allegations, building incident, community tragedy): 1. Do not post any response until [SENIOR_APPROVER] has approved the communication 2. Avoid speculation — only confirmed facts should be shared 3. Direct all media enquiries to [MEDIA_CONTACT] 4. Pause scheduled posts until the situation is assessed 5. A designated spokesperson will manage all public communication during a crisis period ---
### 5.1 Identifying as Church Staff Staff members who identify their role at [CHURCH_NAME] on personal social media accounts should: 1. Include a disclaimer where appropriate: "Views are my own." 2. Avoid posting content that contradicts the church's theological position or values 3. Exercise discretion when sharing opinions on controversial social or political topics 4. Remember that even personal posts can reflect on the church's reputation ### 5.2 What You May Not Do on Personal Accounts - Share confidential information about congregants, staff, or internal church matters - Speak on behalf of the church without authorisation - Post content that could be considered harassment, discrimination, or bullying - Make statements that contradict official church communications during a crisis - Post photos or identify individuals from pastoral care contexts without their express consent ### 5.3 Freedom of Expression [CHURCH_NAME] respects the personal freedom of staff and volunteers. This policy is not intended to control private life. Staff are encouraged to use personal accounts to share their faith, creativity, and ministry passion. The guidelines above apply specifically where the church is referenced or where the content could reasonably be associated with the church. ---
- Staff must not post identifiable images of minors without prior parental consent - Congregants who request not to be photographed must have their wishes respected - Photography of pastoral counselling sessions, prayer ministry, or sensitive settings is prohibited - Refer to the church's Photography and Media Consent Policy for full details ---
Violations of this policy will be handled in accordance with the church's disciplinary procedures. Depending on severity: - Minor violations: verbal or written reminder and retraining - Moderate violations: formal written warning - Serious violations (breach of confidentiality, reputational damage): suspension or termination of role ---
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant incident. Social media platforms and norms evolve rapidly; [POLICY_OWNER] is responsible for keeping this document current. ---
By accepting a staff or volunteer role that involves social media access, you agree to abide by this policy. **Signature:** _________________________ **Date:** _____________ **Name (Print):** _________________________ **Role:** _________________________