Navigating Digital Spaces: The Dilemma for Faith-Based Content Creators
Today, digital presence is synonymous with influence. Faith-based content creators face a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The choice between leveraging third-party platforms like Substack and owning a digital space through a personal blog is more than a technical decision—it's about stewarding a message with integrity and foresight.
The Crossroads: Substack or Owned Blog?
Substack has emerged as a haven for writers seeking to monetize their content and tap into an existing audience hungry for curated newsletters. Its simplicity and built-in community can be particularly alluring for creators looking to hit the ground running.
However, owned blogs offer a sanctuary of control and customization. They serve not just as a platform for content but as a digital home that reflects the creator's identity and mission. This autonomy is crucial for topics that tread the delicate lines of faith, spirituality, and community leadership.
The Consultation: A Real-World Scenario
Recently, a conversation unfolded around a retired pastor launching a church growth consultancy. The dilemma? Whether to join the ranks of Substack or to cultivate his own digital vineyard through a blog. The factors at play were not just about audience reach or persona, but about creating a resilient and authentic space for dialogue and growth.
Substack's allure was evident. It promised immediate engagement and a straightforward path to growth. Yet, the specter of censorship and the volatility of relying on a third-party platform raised concerns. Recently, platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Medium, and Twitter have been in the news for how they choose to handle conversations that fall outside of the mainstream’s view of “acceptable.” Over the past few years the world has regularly seen people “de-platformed” by these services. One must ask, should Christians be concerned about ours becoming the next de-platformed conversation?
The case for an owned blog was strong, especially given the nature of the content. Owned media like websites and digital assets controlled by a person or ministry offer the advantage of protection and control. Oftentimes, curators of these properties have more freedom to choose how such properties are hosted, therefore increasing the availability to their audience.
The ability to shape the digital environment, to ensure that the message remained unfiltered and true to its roots, was compelling. Furthermore, an owned space offered limitless possibilities for expansion and deeper engagement with the community.
The Strategy: Hybridization and Social Engagement
Surprisingly, for this moment in time, a hybrid approach may prove to be the right move for this pastor and for many readers of MII. Utilizing third party platforms for broader engagement or specialized content, while anchoring the core message and community in owned media, could offer the best of both worlds. Additionally, a robust social media strategy is indispensable. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can serve as conduits, directing traffic to the owned blog, landing page or website, and fostering a sense of community and belonging.
As ministries build outreach efforts and communities on these platforms, they must do so being aware that this is “rented space,” and the risk of eviction at any moment for nearly any reason is a real possibility. In a future article we’ll discuss the importance of adhering to terms of service and community guidelines to avoid unnecessary disruption to our message.
The Path Forward
For faith-based content creators, the digital landscape is both a mission field and a battleground. The choice between third party platforms and owned media is not just about digital real estate; it's about how best to serve and engage with a community seeking guidance, inspiration, and fellowship. For now, we must balance our choice of platforms and strategies that not only amplify our voices but also enrich the engagement of our communities with authenticity, integrity, and grace.