Social Media for Christian Writers

When social media starts to feel like a burden instead of a tool, it’s time to rethink your approach. In this episode of Anointed Scribe, we’re exploring how to use social media intentionally—as a strategic part of your author marketing strategy—without compromising your faith, peace, or purpose.

You’ll learn how to shift from striving for visibility to showing up with authenticity, from chasing algorithms to creating impact, and how to build an online presence that aligns with your mission and truly serves your readers. 

This is about using your author platform wisely—not for self-promotion, but for Kingdom purpose.

If the pressure to perform has left you feeling distracted or discouraged, this episode will help you reframe social media as a space for connection, ministry, and growth in your Christian business.

Listen now and start using your online presence and social media as a powerful tool that supports your calling, strengthens your author brand, and fits within a well-rounded author marketing strategy.

Transcript

You know what? I'm going to be really honest with you today.

Social media has always been a bit of a thorn in my flesh as a Christian writer and a pretty private person. The constant pressure to show up online, chase likes and curate a life that's follow worthy just doesn't sit well with me.

Most days. It leaves me feeling more drained than inspired, distracted, discouraged, and battling everything from imposter syndrome to comparison.

So today on Anointed Scribe, I'm opening up about my personal struggles with social media and how I've learned to approach it through a kingdom lens. We're talking about mindset shifts, biblical perspective, and practical strategies that can help you build your author platform with peace, purpose and authenticity without losing yourself in the process.

So friend, pour yourself a cup of coffee and turn up the volume because I think you're going to get a lot of insight out of this conversation today.

This is episode 23.

I'm Urcelia Teixeira, ex real estate agent turned award winning Christian fiction author. When I wrote my first novel on a bucket list whim, I had no idea it would spark a spiritual journey that would redefine my calling.

But you know what, friend? Self publishing wasn't easy. I got caught in the hustle, chasing rankings and sales while desperately trying to stay rooted in Christ. Now, by God's grace, I'm building my author business his way.

And now he's called me to help you do the same. Welcome to the Anointed Scribe Podcast, where faith meets business for Christian writers. Let's write, publish and grow our author business God's way.

Are you ready? Well then, let's get started.

Hey, it's your author friend, Urcelia. And welcome back to the Anointed Scribe Podcast where we build thriving author businesses God's way.

I'm humbled that you've carved out a few moments of your day to tune in, friend. Whether you are multitasking or fully present with pen and paper, I pray this episode inspires you to think differently, show up boldly and take meaningful steps in building the kind of author business that reflects who you truly are and what you've been called to create.

Now, as always, I'll be sharing insights from my own journey, lessons learned, mistakes made, and little light bulb moments that I believe can help you grow with clarity and purpose.

So if you've been here before, thank you for hanging out with me again and I love connecting with you. So do keep those messages and emails coming. It's awesome. And if you're new here today, welcome to The Anointed Scribe Tribe I am so thrilled you found your way here because I don't believe anything happens by accident.

I believe God brought you here for a reason. So be sure to hit that subscribe or Follow button so you never miss an episode, friend. Especially those spirit led moments of clarity and encouragement that seem to show up right when you need them most.

Right? You never know which one might carry the breakthrough strategy or gentle nudge your author journey's been waiting for.

So let's dive into today's topic, which is one that I know weighs heavily on many of us, and that's social media.

I'm hoping that after today's conversation, you'll know how to approach social media as a strategic part of your author business without losing your values or your voice in the process.

But just a heads up, today's episode isn't about chasing algorithms or trends. It's about building a meaningful online presence that serves your readers and supports your mission without feeling like you're giving up on your identity or faith in the process.

Now, if you've been around for a while, perhaps you're following the show's Facebook page or you're in the Anointed Scribe Tribe group, then you probably already know I'm not a huge fan of social media.

I'm not in there every day. You won't find me posting pictures of my pantry or my bookshelf every five minutes. In fact, I'm just going to be real with you today.

I hate it.

I hate being on social media. It's the truth.

Not in the I'm better than that kind of way, but more in the why does this make me feel so yuck afterwards? Kind of way. You know what I mean?

I can't tell you how many times I've opened an app with good intentions, maybe to share a new release or respond to a reader, and before I know it, I'm spiraling.

One minute I'm scrolling, the next I'm comparing.

One minute I'm trying to be faithful in my calling, and the next I'm questioning whether I've even belong, whether I even belong here.

Hands up if that's happened to you, friend.

It's like this thing that was supposed to be a tool for connection and visibility has slowly morphed into this trap that breeds imposter syndrome, envy, anxiety and insecurity, right?

And yet it's become such a necessary part of this writing journey. If we want to reach readers, grow an author brand, or even just make our books discoverable, we are told we have to show up online.

But here's the real tension.

How do we as Christian writers show up on social media in a way that honors God, protects our peace, and still gets the job done? That's the million dollar question today.

And that's what I want to talk to you about today, friend.

Not just the what, but the how and the why.

Because if we can shift our mindset and build with purpose, I believe social media doesn't have to be a thorn in the flesh. It can actually become a tool for kingdom impact.

And listen, I am still being transformed in this area daily. Because just as I think I've got this handled, another platform pops up or a new algorithm rolls out and suddenly I'm back at square one, asking God for wisdom all over again.

But I've learned that even in the confusion and constant changes, there's an opportunity for God to grow us, to stretch us, and to anchor us deeper in Him.

Our journey as Christian orthopreneurs is a constant work in progress, friend. One that calls us to show up with grace, stay rooted in truth and trust that he's shaping something first, far greater than just a platform or post.

So let's start with the heart of the issue.

What's really going on behind our discomfort with social media?

For me, it's not the platform itself, it's what it triggers in me. Pride, comparison, discontent. And I don't think I'm alone in this.

The Bible says in Galatians 5 that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

But when I'm on social media too long, that's not what's growing in me.

More often, I find myself battling anxiety,

frustration,

comparison,

and this subtle, unsettling desire to be validated and seen. Pride.

And let's call it what it is.

Social media can easily become a breeding ground for idolatry.

Not the golden calf kind, but the I need likes to feel valuable kind. Or the I want to go viral more than I want to be obedient, kind.

And that's dangerous because if we're not careful, we'll end up chasing the algorithm instead of the anointing.

But Hear me on this. 2 Corinthians 5, 20 doesn't say we are called to be influencers. It says we are called to be ambassadors. There's a big difference.

Influencers seek to build a platform.

Ambassadors represent someone else.

You and I, we are ambassadors of Christ.

That means everything. We post, every caption we write, every photo we share. It's not about pointing people to us, it's about pointing people to them, to him, to Christ.

So how do we actually do that?

How do we show up with purpose without losing ourselves?

Well, here are a few things I've picked up that might help you rethink both your mindset and strategy when it comes to social media.

1. Start with prayer before you post, scroll, or even open the app. Pray seriously. Ask the Lord to guard your heart, to purify your motives, and to use you as his vessel.

And I'll also just say that I believe that Satan uses social media as a way to penetrate our inner insecurities, to awaken those things that we might not even know is festering inside, or those weaknesses, those pain points.

I believe the enemy uses it as a tool to attack us where it hurts most, where we're most vulnerable. And so praying the armor on you before you scroll, before you post.

I believe in it a necessity.

Something like Lord, let my presence here reflect you. Use my words, my images, my content to inspire, uplift and point people to the truth.

Protect my heart. Keep me from pride, envy and striving.

Praying is such a simple thing to do, but I can promise you it changes everything.

The second thing is set boundaries. Social media isn't the problem.

Lack of boundaries is.

You don't have to be on every platform. You don't have to post every day. You don't have to share your breakfast or your children's faces or your messy living room.

Decide what feels comfortable for you, what aligns with your values, and stick with that. Maybe you choose to show up only twice a week. Maybe you delete the app every weekend.

Give yourself permission to set boundaries that protect your soul, your faith, and your peace.

3. Focus on serving, not selling. This is a big one. When our mindset shifts from how can I sell more books? To how can I serve my reader, everything changes.

Think about your ideal reader. What are they struggling with? What do they dream about? What encouragement do they need right now, today?

Show up with that in mind. Share stories that resonate. Ask questions that spark community.

Offer behind the scenes that bless, not just boast.

The fourth one on my list is Curate your feed. You don't have to follow everyone.

If someone's content constantly makes you feel less than or stirs up envy, it's okay to mute or unfollow. Friend, Protect your heart. Proverbs 4:23 says above all else, guard your heart from everything you do.

For everything. Sorry, let me say that again.

Above all else, guard your heart for everything you do flows from it. That includes how you show up online,

surround yourself with voices that lift, not weigh down.

You want to show up and be the best version of yourself to do what God needs you to do, right?

Number five on my list. Don't measure your worth by your following.

God is not counting likes, friend. He's looking at your heart. That post that didn't get engagement, that doesn't mean it wasn't anointed. That reel that flopped doesn't mean it didn't plant a seed.

Do you like or comment on every post you see? I don't. And yet the scripture or quote I just scrolled past served its purpose right? It hit a nerve. It ministered, it encouraged, it uplifted.

It did something.

So just because I didn't like or commented doesn't mean it didn't have an impact.

So impact isn't always visible.

Just because you don't see a like or comment on your posts doesn't mean God isn't using it. All you need to do is be faithful and leave the results to Him.

Number six and final on my list is use your voice with intention.

You don't need to post selfies or do TikTok dances to be successful, friend. There are so many ways to build connection without compromising your personality.

You can write short reflections, share snippets of your work in progress, highlight meaningful scriptures that tie into your stories, even think of it as an extension of your writing ministry.

Your posts are just another way you are telling stories for God's glory.

And on a really practical note, batch your content. Set aside one day a week to create your posts for the week. That way you're not scrambling every day or getting sucked into a scroll hole.

You can use tools like canva or scheduling apps like Buffer or Planoly to make it easier.

Also consider content pillars. These are three or four categories you rotate through, for example Faith, fiction, behind the scenes, encouragement. Those could be four different categories that you just create posts for and just rotate.

That way you're not stuck thinking, oh, what do I post today? You've got a rhythm. You've got a purpose. There's intention behind every single post. It's well thought through. When you get into that mindset on one specific day in the week and all you think of is all these things that I listed previously.

Thinking of your readers, thinking of the message you want to put out this week, it's much easier to stay in that mindset than to every day think, what do I post today?

And it breaks your Rhythm. Okay,

but let's also talk now about the why. Why does being on social media matter?

Because,

and this is going to surprise you, God has entrusted you with a message.

That's why you're on social media. And while social media can feel like a burden, it can also be a megaphone for the message he's given you.

We need to use these tools as Christian authors to our advantage, to the kingdom's advantage, friend. And maybe now's the perfect time to zoom out and remember what Jesus actually called us to do.

In Matthew 4:19, he says, Come follow me and I will send you out to fish for men. But pay attention here.

Jesus didn't say, follow me and collect followers for yourself.

He didn't say build a personal brand with nice graphics and clever captions.

He said, follow me and go make more followers of. Of me.

I came across this beautiful reflection the other day that just hit home. It said, if Jesus defines being a Christ follower as being someone who goes out and makes more Christ followers,

how did we come to believe that the best and highest use of social media is to get people to follow us?

It went on to say,

Jesus didn't ask the 12 apostles to stand at the gates of Jerusalem handing out flyers for his next message. He didn't have his disciples post about what he ate that day or advertised his miracles with fancy promo reels.

He was with them,

having real conversations,

building real connections. And because of that, the impact of Jesus short three year ministry has reached across generations and continents. Talk about something going viral, right?

Social media, when we shift, our thinking becomes less about social marketing and more about social ministry.

It's not just a platform to grow a following.

It's a place to plant seeds, to share truth, to connect authentically, and yes, even to make disciples.

So instead of asking, how do I get more followers? Maybe the better question is, how can I help someone follow Christ today?

That shift right there can change everything for your author career, friend.

If you're using it to glorify Christ, encourage others, and spread light in the dark space, then that's ministry. That's impact,

that's legacy.

And no, it won't always feel good. You'll have days where the numbers get to you. You'll have moments where you want to delete it all and just disappear. And that's okay.

Take breaks. Re center fast if you need to, but don't quit just because it's hard. Keep showing up faithfully. Not for the applause, but for the assignment.

Remember what Paul said in Colossians 3:23. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

That includes social media. Do it for Him.

So to wrap this up, here's your challenge this week.

Go before God and ask him to redefine what social media means for you.

Ask him for strategy, for peace, and for boldness. Then pick one small change you can make to show up differently this week. Maybe it's creating three posts ahead of time.

Maybe it's unfollowing 10 accounts that no longer serve your spirit.

Maybe it's simply logging off on Sundays, which is a boundary I've personally put in place.

Friend, at the end of the day, you don't have to be perfect, you just have to be faithful. Faithful to God and the mission he has called you to.

I hope today's episode has encouraged you friend, and just know that you are not alone in this awesome journey. We're navigating this crazy online world together, one spirit led step at a time.

And you know what? You're doing better than you think. Every day God is transforming us, shaping us and equipping us to do the work he's called us to do. So keep showing up, keep trusting God's timing, and remember that every little step you take is part of the bigger picture he's unfolding for you.

Because for such a time as this, you have been called to thrive as God's Anointed Scribe.

Friend, thank you so much for listening to today's episode of the Anointed Scribe podcast. I would love, love, love to know what resonated most with you today. So do let me know by leaving a review in the show description please.

And if you want more biblical strategies and spirit led wisdom on how to build your author business God's way, make sure you like or subscribe to the show so you can get regular updates of all the new episodes the moment they drop.

Then head on over to anointed scribe.com for today's show notes and a link to sign up to my newsletter, which will also give you free access to all the resources I personally use to help me in my writing life.

If you want to continue discussions on today's episode or just want to connect with me directly, I love if you join the Anointed Scribe tribe, you'll find the link to my private Facebook group in the show description.

So friend, I hope that you are leaving feeling inspired, encouraged and on fire to step boldly into your corner calling as a writer chosen and set apart to fulfill a unique purpose in God's plan.

I look forward to our next episode together. And remember, for such a time as this, you have been called to thrive as God's anointed scribe.