Comments are more than just a brief interaction; they're a chance to connect. Just one casual comment can lead to a transformative conversation -- one that could bring someone closer to Jesus.
Check out the video to hear a conversation between CV Community Managers Charlotte Nall and Latisha Cookson as they discuss how we can treat every comment as a conversation starter.
When used effectively, bots are anything but impersonal. They help users explore faith and life's biggest questions around the clock. CV's bot strategy has been in place since 2016, helping us reach a broader audience and automate follow-ups.
According to Morag Cheshire from CV Australia, it's all about creating engaging, natural paths that feel personal, even when they're automated. By using bots, our team can focus on human-to-human interactions while making sure no question goes unanswered.
CRM systems are more than just software—they’re a strategic tool for building and nurturing relationships. Lucas Murback from CV Brazil says effective evangelism starts with genuine connections.
Using CRM systems, we can manage and track connections to make every interaction meaningful. You can even scale personal connections and maintain engagement across your entire community if you use a CRM or even strategic practices.
You can deepen connections by moving a public conversation to more personal platforms like email, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
People feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and questions on these platforms because they offer privacy and space. Jamie Coetzee from CV South Africa emphasizes the importance of promptness, respect, and prayer in these digital engagements. Putting conversations on these platforms creates a safe, informal space for faith exploration and relationship building
Conversations don't end when the first question is answered—they're just getting started. Providing next steps like Bible plans, prayer opportunities, or connections to community members, helps people grow in their faith.
From CV's Latin America office, Abraham Desvergnat talks about how these resources should be tailored to meet individual needs. We do this to make sure everyone feels guided and supported. "The Bible Project" and "The Chosen" are great resources for people who want to continue exploring and learning about faith.
Online communities play a vital role in supporting faith journeys. By creating groups and broadcast channels, you can provide a space for ongoing discussion, support, and resource sharing. These platforms allow you to engage with your community regularly, keeping members connected and informed. It’s more than just content delivery—it’s about building a sense of belonging and shared purpose among members.
Imagine walking into a church where no one greets you, and you leave feeling unnoticed and unimportant. Now, think of your online audience in the same way—how many people might become disconnected if you post content without following up? Engagement is key. Just as a warm greeting at church can make someone feel welcome, a thoughtful follow-up online can turn a passive viewer into an active participant in their faith journey.
Without follow-up, content is like a seed never watered. As 1 Corinthians 3:6 reminds us, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has made it grow." The real impact of our work lies in nurturing these seeds—showing people that their thoughts and questions matter, and that there’s a community ready to walk alongside them.
Don’t let the conversation end with a single post. Start transforming your online engagement. Each comment, message, or inquiry is a chance to share your faith and make a lasting impact. Take the first step: respond, follow up, and guide others towards deeper exploration. The tools are in your hands, now make a difference.
Identify and recruit a volunteer who is enthusiastic about engaging with people online. This person should be capable of creating and leading a team dedicated to responding to comments, messages, and questions about faith—even the challenging ones.
Once a team has been established, consider digital engagement and pastoral care. It’s essential that the team knows how to respond to inquiries, offer spiritual guidance, and build meaningful online relationships. Explore the range of resources below to support training sessions.
Develop a system for tracking and following up with your content engagers. Use tools like spreadsheets or CRM systems to ensure no one falls through the cracks.
Identify tech-savvy volunteers to help set up existing and emerging technologies, or keep an eye out for our training courses to stay abreast of the latest developments.
Here is a training course you could run with your team. In this 9-part video series, we explore the opportunity and challenges of responding online to faith questions.
