How Parasocial Relationships Can Help You Become a Social Media Influencer for Christ

There’s a fascinating phenomenon happening today where people build deep connections with personalities they follow online—despite never meeting them in real life. These parasocial relationships create an illusion of connection, yet they lead to emotional reactions surprisingly similar to real-world relationships.

As a pastor or church leader, you have a unique opportunity to leverage this trend to spread the gospel and build genuine community. Let’s explore why parasocial relationships are so powerful and how you can use them to become a social media influencer for Christ.

The Power of Parasocial Relationships

A few years ago, my son was deeply invested in the world of Minecraft, following a YouTuber named Technoblade. With over 16 million followers, Technoblade became a beloved figure in the gaming community. My son would watch his videos for hours while playing Minecraft himself.

Then, Technoblade stopped posting. Later, it was revealed he had cancer. One day, my son came to me in tears: “Dad, Technoblade died.” That moment struck me—my son had never met this YouTuber, yet he felt a deep loss.

This is the essence of a parasocial relationship. It’s a one-sided connection where the audience feels emotionally engaged, even though the content creator has no personal relationship with them. Studies show that our brains struggle to differentiate between online and in-person interactions, making these relationships feel real.

How This Affects Ministry

Social media influencers today have millions of followers, and many are intentionally cultivating parasocial relationships. They use these connections to monetize their content through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. But as a church leader, you can use the same principles for a higher purpose—to connect people with Jesus.

Many young people, especially Gen Z, struggle with social anxiety and loneliness. They turn to influencers for connection because it feels safe—there’s no fear of rejection. But despite being digital, these relationships trigger real emotional responses. This means social media offers a powerful way for pastors and ministry leaders to reach people right where they are.

You Can Be a Social Media Influencer for Christ

You might be thinking, “I’m too old for this. I’m not stylish. I don’t have time.” But here’s the truth—anyone can become an influencer for Christ. Even older individuals are thriving in this space. The rise of “granfluencers”—social media influencers in their 60s, 70s, and 80s—proves that age is no barrier. The top ten granfluencers today have over 100 million combined followers, and 74% of their audience is aged 18-34!

A Simple Strategy to Start

If you already preach, you’ve done the hard work—studying Scripture and applying it to real life. Now, it’s just a matter of sharing those insights online. Here’s a simple recipe for getting started:

1. Distill your message – Take your sermon or devotional thoughts and break them into 60-second videos.
2. Use your phone – Record selfie-style videos looking directly into the camera.
3. Post weekly – Share one video per week across all your social media platforms.
4. Be consistent – Keep posting, and over time, you’ll cultivate relationships with viewers in your community.

Need Help Getting Started?

The Choice is Yours