3 Social Media Marketing Strategies Churches Used This Easter That Actually Worked

Churches across the country pulled out all the stops this Resurrection Sunday—not just with praise breaks and powerful sermons, but with scroll-stopping, soul-reaching content. From meme-worthy moments to Gen Z takeovers, ministries got creative with their digital evangelism, proving once again that God can use any platform.

Here are three social media marketing strategies for churches looking to fill their seats and reach more people.

1. “We EXPOSED the truth about this pastor” – Clickbait for Christ

You know how folks love a little tea. In a time where gossip gets more clicks than the gospel, some churches said, "bet"—and flipped the script.

One tactic that stood out? Posting flyers around town with QR codes and clickbait headlines like “We EXPOSED The Truth About This Pastor” from Oasis Church LA and “The Truth About Mike Todd” from Transformation Church in Tulsa. (Which hit even harder considering Pastor Mike Todd’s sermons already have a reputation for stirring the pot and sparking conversation.)

RELATED: Twin Brothers Baptized at Transformation Church

But when you scanned it? It led to a video inviting you to church to hear the good news of the gospel of Christ.

Period. It was clever, timely, and honestly, kingdom work disguised as controversy.

Why it Worked: Curiosity hooks are social media gold. These posts stop the scroll by mimicking viral drama, then pivot to deliver a meaningful message. It’s relatable, entertaining, and most importantly, effective.

Marketing Tip: Use pattern interrupts and trendy formats to hook attention, then turn the spotlight to Jesus.

2. Gen Z Writes the Script

This year, more churches have been turning the reins over to the ones who really run social media—Gen Z. There are all kinds of hilarious videos where church leaders are promoting Sunday service, but with a twist: Gen Z writes the script.

From “Hey Twin” to “Clock it,” churches are tapping into the trend of using Gen Z slang and humor to make their content hit. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s doing a great job of making younger audiences feel seen and welcome.

"It's giving saved and sanctified!"

Why it Worked:

It was culturally fluent. Gen Z didn’t feel like the target—they felt involved. By letting them bring their own slang, churches weren’t just trying to reach Gen Z—they were co-creating with them. That level of involvement makes the content feel relevant, fresh, and actually worth sharing.

Marketing Tip:

Don’t just post for the youth—collaborate with them. Let their voice, humor, and creativity lead the charge. When they feel ownership, the reach becomes organic.

3. “When you ask God for a sign…” – Meme Culture Meets Ministry

Some churches have even hopped on the POV trend with captions like “When you ask God for a sign and now you're seeing them everywhere”—and the signs are literally people holding up their phones with invites to church this Sunday. It’s another smart way to use clickbait and trending formats to grab attention, rather than just posting sermon clips. The message is still the same, but the delivery? Way more creative.

Why it worked: It played on relatability and humor. The “looking for a sign” meme is something so many people connect with, and churches used it in a way that was lighthearted but still powerful. It caught people off guard—in the best way—and made the invitation feel personal and timely.

Marketing Tip: Use trends to speak to real emotions. When your content taps into common thoughts or prayers (“God, give me a sign”), it creates instant connection. Pair that with a clear call-to-action, and you’ve got content that’s both scroll-stopping and spirit-led.

Social Media Marketing Strategies are the Church's New Tracts

These creative campaigns prove that the gospel doesn't have to compete with the algorithm—it can work with it. Whether it’s through humor, trends, or a little clickbait, churches are finding new ways to meet people right where they are: on their phones, in their feeds, and in their feels.

It's incredible to see churches get bold with their digital evangelism. When it’s done with purpose and creativity, social media becomes more than a platform—it becomes a pulpit.