By Kristin Evans @AuthorKristinEv

“Your writing is good. But you need to build your platform.” Can you relate? I wonder how many authors have abandoned their writing dreams at this stage on their journey to publication. 

Meeting new people at meals grew to be a highlight of the conference for me. As I enjoyed talking with others in the industry, a theme emerged among new authors, like myself. Writers reflected on how they had envisioned completing their books, pitching to agents and editors, and receiving publishing contracts. Then, one word muddled their expectations. While receiving feedback about their book proposals, they heard the term, “platform.” 

New writers described feeling intimidated and overwhelmed by the daunting undertaking of building a social media presence. One conference award winner said she was working on her book proposal but quit when she got to the platform and marketing section. “Why do we need to build a large platform on social media?” This question echoed throughout the dining hall. It can become easy to view this task as an obstacle in the way of our writing and publishing dreams. I can say that I have felt this way at times. But what if we reimagine building our platforms as ministry rather than marketing? 

When I first began my journey to publishing, I resented the need to build a platform. I just wanted to write my books in order to help people draw closer to God. Engaging on social media stole time away from working on my books and articles. Then, I began to learn how today’s largely-digital publishing market operates. I decided to accept the fact that building a large platform is just part of being an author. But the more time I spent on social media focusing on numbers, the more spiritually-drained and discouraged I became. 

Parables and YouTube

Conversations at the conference with agents and established authors spurred me to consider the way in which I had been thinking about platform. I viewed their websites, blogs, and social media posts and observed how they utilize their influence to minister to their audiences. While processing my conference experience, I realized that in Jesus’ day, traveling from town to town to speak to crowds was the most effective way to share His message. He spoke in parables to make His message relevant to each group of people by considering their culture and how they could best understand His teachings. In today’s world, building a presence online is one of the most effective ways to share the Gospel. Traveling from town to town can now be accomplished through hosting a podcast, posting a video on your website, or going live on social media. By engaging on social media platforms, we can influence our target populations with one click. YouTube, movies, short video clips, and even memes have become some of the modern-day equivalents to parables.

The Great Commission via Social Media

This idea got me thinking about Jesus’ command to make disciples of all nations. Then, an aha moment struck me. Social media has opened the door to a great deal of the world! We are now able to reach large groups of people in many countries with just one post—even in some countries in which Christian missionaries are persecuted. Replying to a comment may not always compare to sharing Christ with someone in person. But what an opportunity we have to reach more people through our writing talents! Then, those people we impact share with others, and God’s message spreads exponentially. 

Once I began approaching platform from the perspective of the Great Commission, I realized that my message is not my message. Through my blog posts, I share my story in the hopes that I will reach my niche audience and communicate God’s love and truth to my readers. But I must continually reflect—in sharing my story, am I sharing His story? Am I showing the world Jesus, His truth, and His love every time I click “post?” Building my platform is not about me. It is not a means to the end of me getting published. It’s not really even about my story, as powerful as it may be. The priority is getting Jesus’ story out to the world. Since I have begun to look at social media’s potential through this lens, I have become more passionate about connecting with other hurting people online. My focus has shifted. Even if my books never get published, I am ministering to others through my writing and fulfilling God’s calling for my life.

So authors, do we need to regularly post on social media? I dare say, why wouldn’t we? Now, more than any other time in history, God has created the opportunity for us to reach people and fulfill the Great Commission. Social media swings the door wide-open for us to use our gifts and talents of writing to draw others to Him. Must we diligently build our following and email lists? Yes. An author’s platform is an essential component of publishing and marketing (both traditional and self-publication). Can we view the priority of building our platforms as ministry? Most certainly! Our first calling as Christian authors and industry professionals is to share Christ with others. Whether it be through our next book, article, poem, or post, Jesus charges us with the mission to love our neighbors by sharing His love with them any way we can.

How do you use your presence on social media to minister to others? Please share your ideas!

Kristin is an author, a mental health therapist, and a special needs mom. Her greatest passion is walking with others on their journey to deeper faith and emotional healing. As a Licensed Masters Social Worker and with her Masters in Christian Education, she has served in youth, camping, and retreat ministries and is experienced in Christian counseling, couples and family therapy, substance abuse treatment, and crisis counseling. Kristin lives with her husband, Todd, and their two children in the Nashville, TN area. When she is not enjoying life with her family, writing, or working with clients, you can find Kristin training for triathlons, reading, or simply being out in nature. Follow Kristin at www.SpecialNeedsMomsBlog.com and www.InspiringWordsfortheJourney.com.