Baptist News Global
Sections
  • News
  • Analysis
  • Opinion
  • Curated
  • Storytelling
    • Faith & Justice >
      • Charleston: Metanoia with Bill Stanfield
      • Charlotte: QC Family Tree with Greg and Helms Jarrell
      • Little Rock: Judge Wendell Griffen
      • North Carolina: Conetoe
    • Welcoming the Stranger >
      • Lost Boys of Sudan: St. John’s Baptist Charlotte
      • Awakening to Immigrant Justice: Myers Park Baptist Church
      • Hospitality on the corner: Gaston Christian Center
    • Signature Ministries >
      • Jake Hall: Gospel Gothic, Music and Radio
    • Singing Our Faith >
      • Hymns for a Lifetime: Ken Wilson and Knollwood Baptist Church
      • Norfolk Street Choir
    • Resilient Rural America >
      • Alabama: Perry County
      • Texas: Hidalgo County
      • Arkansas Delta
      • Southeast Kentucky
  • More
    • Contact
    • About
    • Donate
    • Planned Giving
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Advertising
    • Ministry Jobs and More
    • Transitions
    • Subscribe
    • Submissions and Permissions
Support independent, faith-based journalism. Donate
Search Search this site

Social media behavior a reflection of faith, theologian says

NewsJeff Brumley  |  January 24, 2020

Some people tell researchers they feel more connected to others by using social media.

Others say the online space makes them feel anxious, depressed and isolated from others.

Angela Gorrell

The difference in these online experiences, theologian Angela Gorrell said, is determined by how Facebook, Instagram and other social media outlets are used.

And the implications are significant for people of faith, said Gorrell, assistant professor of practical theology at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

“What we share in status updates and how we talk to other people – what we rejoice over and what we lament – says something about what we believe about God,” she said.

In addition to her divinity school teaching, Gorrell leads workshops and retreats on topics including how to infuse social and other media spaces with Christian values and vision.

She also is the author of the 2019 book Always On: Practicing Faith in a New Media Landscape.

Gorrell said her and others’ research, and her own experience, shows that people shouldn’t worry as much about how much time they spend on social media, but how they spend that time.

Actively engaging with others in positive and encouraging ways builds rapport and even intimacy with those encountered online, she said. Feelings of gratitude and empathy often result from that approach.

But spending that time consuming large quantities of content while passively scrolling other people’s posts – basically being a digital voyeur – can lead to depression and feelings of jealousy.

“The difference is how we spend our time online,” Gorrell said.

That experience is borne out by some ministers known in part for their social media presences.

An instinct to connect

Rob Lee said social media can positively impact evangelism and personal relationships when posts are authentic and transparent.

“The most courageous thing you can do on social media is be yourself,” said Lee, the senior pastor at Unifour Church in Newton, North Carolina.

“There’s a certain relevancy to social media because the base human instinct is to connect,” he said.

Lee’s primary social media outlet is Twitter, where he has close to 34,000 followers. His openness about his own mental health struggles and support for social causes has landed him with appearances on MTV and on the television show The View.

Rob Lee

Lee, who is a descendant of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and the author of two books, including one about racism and Southern heritage, said much of his Twitter activity revolves around helping others.

“I try to lift up voices that are marginalized,” he said. “It’s important that it not always be about me and my thoughts.”

When it is about him, Lee said, he thinks carefully before tweeting.

“I ask myself, what is the good in this? A lot of times I’ll just erase it because it was just going to be me pontificating.”

Lee said he agrees the time spent on social media isn’t the important factor.

“One of the problems that I struggle with is not being on Twitter all the time, but Twitter being on my mind all the time,” he said.

But he keeps at it because there are often tangible benefits to being on social media – including a handful of people joining his church after encountering the minister on Twitter.

“Evangelism is a possibility with this tool,” he said.

‘Why we are here’

Courtney Willis said she has seen similar benefits from her steady use of Instagram.

“I am very intentional in my social media usage to be vulnerable, to be honest and to be clear about who I am,” said Willis, associate pastor for faith formation and congregational care at First Baptist Church in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Willis said she is also transparent about why she’s using social media. Her motivations are pastoral, to share her faith and to help members of her church and community get to know her.

Courtney Willis

“I am not typically using Instagram to say hey I had this delicious dinner tonight,” she said. “While there are some of those for fun, what I am mostly doing is communicating something that can help someone or telling people about me.”

And that’s important because it builds trust in online relationships just as it does in-person.

“Being in relationships is why we are here,” she said. “And as our lives become more distant from one another, social media is a way we can stay in relationship and connect with others.”

Gorrell said that online interactions and relationships are authentic, despite the belief of many that virtual is somehow unreal.

It’s why she urges Christians to take the medium seriously as a tool not only for evangelism, but also to address the loneliness and depression so many people feel on- and offline.

“A lot of my work is helping people understand that what we do online is real and a reflection of who we are and what we think and the faith we are practicing,” she said.

Gorrell added that her own research shows that most churches, across denominations, have not reflected on these issues.

But it is important that they do so because “media is definitely related to what it means to be a Christian.”

Tags:Baylor UniversityFacebookGeorge W. Truett Theological SeminaryRob LeeTwitterMTVInstagramAngela GorrellRobert E. LeeThe ViewCourtney Willis
Jeff Brumley
More by
Jeff Brumley
  • Get BNG headlines in your inbox

  • Featured

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      Opinion

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      News

    • What would happen if immigration policies were based on majority opinion in the U.S.?

      Analysis

    • Can you really be ‘evangelical’ if you don’t bring good news to the poor?

      Opinion


    Curated

    • Lawsuit: NRA’s rhetoric spurred deadly synagogue shooting

      Lawsuit: NRA’s rhetoric spurred deadly synagogue shooting

      January 25, 2021
    • SBC president JD Greear’s church launches inquiry into past actions of Bryan Loritts

      SBC president JD Greear’s church launches inquiry into past actions of Bryan Loritts

      January 25, 2021
    • Accreditation Body Schedules Visit to Investigate Complaint Against SBU

      Accreditation Body Schedules Visit to Investigate Complaint Against SBU

      January 25, 2021
    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      January 25, 2021
    Read Next:

    Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

    OpinionAlan Bean

    More Articles

    • All
    • News
    • Opinion
    • Curated
    • Voices of freedom continue to speak from Colonial Williamsburg church

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Despite COVID, ‘worst-case scenario’ did not emerge for church finances

      NewsJeff Hampton

    • How Dave Ramsey responded to a story about being a bully by bullying the reporter who wrote it

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Finding resilience in the midst of COVID fatigue

      OpinionBill Wilson

    • SBC pastor calls Vice President Kamala Harris a ‘Jezebel’ two days after inauguration

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Can you really be ‘evangelical’ if you don’t bring good news to the poor?

      OpinionMichael P. L. Friday

    • In memoriam: BNG columnist Doyle Sager

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • What would happen if immigration policies were based on majority opinion in the U.S.?

      AnalysisMark Wingfield

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

      OpinionAlan Bean

    • Religious liberty groups praise Biden’s repeal of Muslim travel ban

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • These churches will resume in-person gatherings only when it’s safe for all

      NewsHelen Jerman

    • This church was online before online was essential, and they’ve got some lessons to share

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • A wish list for the common good in a new era

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • How the Ebola experience helped the African continent’s fight against COVID-19

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • The end of Trump’s presidency does not end America’s root problem

      OpinionWendell Griffen

    • Transitions for the week of 1-22-21

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • D.C.-area churches seek to offer calm amid a tumultuous January

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Anticipating a new day in immigration policy, a pastor, pilot and bricklayer keep an eye on Biden’s next move

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      OpinionChris Conley

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Voices of freedom continue to speak from Colonial Williamsburg church

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Despite COVID, ‘worst-case scenario’ did not emerge for church finances

      NewsJeff Hampton

    • How Dave Ramsey responded to a story about being a bully by bullying the reporter who wrote it

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • SBC pastor calls Vice President Kamala Harris a ‘Jezebel’ two days after inauguration

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • In memoriam: BNG columnist Doyle Sager

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Effort to end death penalty in Virginia gaining momentum; prayer vigils planned

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Religious liberty groups praise Biden’s repeal of Muslim travel ban

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • These churches will resume in-person gatherings only when it’s safe for all

      NewsHelen Jerman

    • This church was online before online was essential, and they’ve got some lessons to share

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • How the Ebola experience helped the African continent’s fight against COVID-19

      NewsAnthony Akaeze

    • Transitions for the week of 1-22-21

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • D.C.-area churches seek to offer calm amid a tumultuous January

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Anticipating a new day in immigration policy, a pastor, pilot and bricklayer keep an eye on Biden’s next move

      NewsRay Mwareya and Nyasha Bhobo

    • Ministry jobs and more

      NewsBarbara Francis

    • Denver is sweeping away homeless encampments; two churches help open their own

      NewsLiam Adams

    • Fellowship Southwest becomes independent, ecumenical ministry

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • In New York City, serving the homeless offered a clue for how to serve trauma victims during the pandemic

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • At Central Seminary, Durso inauguration moves to virtual platform

      NewsBNG staff

    • Kentucky seminary receives Baugh Foundation grant to start Institute for Black Church Studies

      NewsPat Cole

    • American Protestants less open to sermons on race in 2020, survey finds

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • 3 current trends youth leaders need to know

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Seminarian, CBF and Georgia church find fellowship together

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • New effort to repeal federal death penalty is beginning

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Barna advice to pastors: Talk honestly about emotions and relationships

      NewsJeff Brumley

    • Trump administration pushes evangelical agenda through last-minute actions

      NewsMark Wingfield

    • Finding resilience in the midst of COVID fatigue

      OpinionBill Wilson

    • Can you really be ‘evangelical’ if you don’t bring good news to the poor?

      OpinionMichael P. L. Friday

    • Today, I’ve got nothing to say

      OpinionRuss Dean

    • Two words, two virtues, to help America move forward

      OpinionH. Stephen Shoemaker

    • Trying to make sense of January 6: Jesus wept

      OpinionAlan Bean

    • A wish list for the common good in a new era

      OpinionMarv Knox

    • The end of Trump’s presidency does not end America’s root problem

      OpinionWendell Griffen

    • ‘How can I talk to my parent who has been consumed by Trumpism and QAnon?’

      OpinionMark Wingfield

    • Insurrection postscript: The church’s one foundation isn’t the USA

      OpinionBill Leonard, Senior Columnist

    • Three signposts for American Christians in a changing world

      OpinionChris Conley

    • It’s hard to quit Herod, but we must worship another

      OpinionJohn Inscore Essick

    • Truth Decay: When truth stumbles in the public square

      OpinionDavid Gushee, Senior Columnist

    • Unification will happen only after repentance

      OpinionEarl Chappell

    • Inspiration from voices of American diversity

      OpinionPhawnda Moore

    • Some hard questions for reflection on this MLK Day

      OpinionSid Smith III

    • Let’s move beyond the easy answers and MLK quotes today

      OpinionCraig Nash

    • The blasphemy of Franklin Graham

      OpinionRobert P. Sellers

    • 10 prayers for 2021 (if we survive January)

      OpinionErich Bridges

    • Why ‘moderate’ churches fear telling it like it is

      OpinionEric Minton

    • 4 things you can do to counter the millions of Americans who are fully radicalized

      OpinionCorey Fields

    • Christian symbols and sedition at the Capitol: The church has work to do

      OpinionRhonda Abbott Blevins

    • Give yourself some grace during the pandemic

      OpinionBrett Younger

    • Understanding the trauma and finding hope after the siege of the nation’s Capitol

      OpinionKathy Manis Findley

    • Why I long for the church of my youth

      OpinionRichard T. Hughes

    • ‘He being dead, yet speaketh’

      OpinionHarold Ivan Smith

    • Lawsuit: NRA’s rhetoric spurred deadly synagogue shooting

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • SBC president JD Greear’s church launches inquiry into past actions of Bryan Loritts

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Accreditation Body Schedules Visit to Investigate Complaint Against SBU

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Jen Hatmaker apologizes for line in inaugural prayer critiqued as erasing Native Americans

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • UN approves global conference on protecting religious sites

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Sen. Ossoff was sworn in on pioneering Atlanta rabbi’s Bible – a nod to historic role of American Jews in civil rights struggle

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • US Catholic bishops divided over Biden presidency

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Baptist World Alliance Announces Racial Justice Action Group

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • 3rd Candidate Joins Race for SBC President

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • From Biden’s giant Bible to Christian flags waved by rioters, ‘religion’ means different things to different people and different eras

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • In Biden’s Cabinet, Catholics and Jews dominate

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden Invokes Augustine in Call for American Unity

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • St. Matthew’s Cathedral, where Biden attended pre-inauguration Mass, has long been a place where politics and faith meet

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • North Dakota lawmaker sorry for mass email of QAnon video

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Mohler Faces SBC Presidential Challenge from the Right

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Biden’s Big Bible Is Heavy with History, Symbolism

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • How the Ebenezer Baptist Church has been a seat of Black power for generations in Atlanta

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Annual March for Life goes virtual amid COVID-19, unrest at US Capitol

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • The Capitol siege recalls past acts of Christian nationalist violence

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Moms of Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin portrayed in new book

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • ‘Christian nationalists’ accused of violating law in Georgia elections

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Joanne Rogers, widow of ‘Mr. Rogers,’ dead at age 92

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Israel hopes to vaccinate Holocaust survivors to save and repay ‘treasured’ population

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    • Conspiracy theories and the ‘American Madness’ that gripped the Capitol

      Curated

      Exclude from home pageBNG staff

    Conversations that Matter.

    © 2021 Baptist News Global. All rights reserved.

    Want to share a story? We hope you will! Read our republishing, terms of use and privacy policies here.

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • RSS