Cyber security should be of the utmost importance to churches and their members. And with rapid advancements being made in artificial intelligence, threats to that security have never been greater. Now is the time for church leaders to prioritize security online—for themselves and their congregants. While you’re getting ready to kick off the fall ministry season, examine each tool your church uses for digital engagement. Have your members had issues with them (spam messages, inappropriate content, scam attempts)? How about your church staff?
One important thing to remember as you review your digital presence: Not everyone in your church has the same level of digital savviness. It’s your job to keep the youngest, the oldest, and the least media literate people in mind.
While many cyber threats can seem obvious to digital natives, the same cannot be said for every member of your church.
Let’s explore three reasons why you should have authority over the platforms you’re sending people to.
1. Phishing & Online Scams
If your church has a Facebook page (we’re guessing you do), then you are all too familiar with scam messages and phishing attempts.
Whether a direct message or a comment on your public profile, these messages can coerce your members into sharing their personal information or even scam hard earned money from your generous congregation.
Unfortunately, many social media platforms (Facebook and X/Twitter), messaging apps (WhatsApp and GroupMe), and payment platforms (PayPal, Venmo, CashApp) are overrun by malicious accounts like this. And unfortunately, it only takes one stumble for someone to feel the ill effects of trusting digital interactions.
Church tech platforms like Subsplash allow you to cut out all of those potentially hazardous platforms and keep all of that data (and your people) secure on your managed platform.
2. Inappropriate Content
Your church can have the best content in the world—but you can’t always control what content shows up next to it online. And while your church may not be doing anything wrong, you may still feel repercussions from your people experiencing that.
Inappropriate and distracting content—like advertisements or suggested content—can often be found on popular platforms many churches use for livestreaming and posting content.
When you host your live stream and media on your own platform, you’re cutting out the potential harm that can come from those digital spaces. Move your content library to a dedicated platform built to bring people to your church’s own specially branded app—not a platform where your message can be shown next to harmful or distracting content.
3. Spam
Online spam has seemingly been around as long as the internet. And while spam isn’t necessarily dangerous, it is very annoying.
You would never allow your church’s physical space to be bombarded by unwanted messages, so why would you allow it in your digital space?
Choose a platform that gives you full control over who has access and what kind of content can be shared. That way, you can make sure your digital space is just as warm and welcoming as your physical space is.
Protect your congregation and data—all on one platform
Managing these key digital spaces—all within your church’s platform—can bring enhanced security and experiences for your team and congregation. Creating a safe and welcoming environment is key for your church building, so make sure the same is true for your digital spaces.
Want to learn how to better keep your church’s data and community secure on the Subsplash Platform? Schedule a free demo with a ministry consultant today, and equip your church with tools built intentionally to further your mission!
Aidan Wilkins lives in Orlando, FL and is a proud husband and enthusiastic Boston sports fan. He has worked at and alongside churches in hopes of growing their digital ministries.
