Like it or not, we live in an Instagram world. People see the world as a series of photos. It’s how many communicate not just what’s happening in their lives, but their emotions and values. A large part of ministry is advocacy and education. You are advocating for the spiritual growth and health of the students you serve. Your educational purposes include educating your students, but also their parents or guardians, your church family and the community at large.
There is a term in advocacy called photovoice. It’s using photos as educational tools. Can you use a photo that really does communicate those proverbial thousand words? In this generation, it may just be the most powerful educational tool you have and probably aren’t using fully.
Honestly, I am still experimenting with it myself. I take lots of photos of things I think I may be able to tie into the ministry educational messages I want to craft. I may find these photos on a walk in the neighborhood or on a vacation. I take lots of pictures that I may not use until months or even years later. Once you get in the habit, it is really interesting to notice how your mind starts automatically looking for photos that you could use. Even my husband will now point something out and tell me to take a photo of it for my ministry!
Obviously, you have to have a platform for using the photos other than your phone. Facebook and Instagram are connected now, so you can post once and have it on both accounts fairly easily if they are in the same name. You can set up ministry accounts on both platforms, too. Of course, then you will need to get people to like your accounts so they see your posts. With algorithms, however, everyone who likes your page may not necessarily see all of your posts, so you will need other avenues for sharing.
Ask your students, parents, etc. how you can communicate directly with them. They may prefer emails, newsletters or texts. Find ways to use your photos in those communications. Have photos printed and use them as rotating educational displays in your classrooms and halls. Use them in PowerPoints for seminars and training.
Get creative, but use the power of photos to educate and spread your messages for education and advocacy. Have a creative way of using photos to inform or educate? Head on over to our Facebook group and share it with us or drop us a note in our contact feature on our website. We would love to share your great ideas with others!