Diocese of Chichester

Vicars and church volunteers from across the Diocese came together for a day to learn all things social media, presented by the digital media team from the Church of England.

Two free training days have taken place so far this year at Church House in Hove, and there are more dates planned for the start of 2020.

The training days have broadened attendee’s knowledge with significant comments that they feel more confident in utilising their digital platforms, how to engage with their target audience, equipped with practical skills and tools on how to create digital content and finally how to analyse all of their efforts.

Rev Vanessa Baron, St Mary’s Lyminster, praised the day saying: “I came, having been on a variety of social media courses, but this one outranks them all. It was so practical and detailed so at the end of the day we actually know what to do and how to engage with a variety of different audiences”

“It was a really practical day, and it is great to leave with a better understanding of how different social media platforms work, and how we can use it as a mission tool” – Rev Emma Ham-Riche, St Mary’s East Preston

*44% of social media users exhaust platforms as a tool for research, *52% as a way of staying up to date with local news and *42% for entertainment purposes. It is no wonder digital media is a growing and vital tool for churches' mission, outreach, and evangelism. To keep current congregations up to date, and arguably, more importantly, engage with non-church goers on their level.

–*Global Web Index 2019 (this is the source CofE use)

If you would like to put your name down for the next session planned for 2020 please email Amber.Jackson@chichester.anglican.org