The Role of Social Media in Christian Religious Education: Reaching the Digital Generation and Building a Faith Community
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Abstract
The rapid advancement of digital technology has revolutionized various aspects of life, including Christian Religious Education (CRE). The digital generation, which thrives in an environment of instant and interactive information, demands new approaches in conveying faith values. This study aims to analyze the role of social media in reaching the digital generation and building faith-based communities using a qualitative-descriptive method and practical theology framework. Data were collected through literature studies and observations of social media usage by churches and Christian institutions. The findings reveal that platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook serve as effective tools for teaching faith, nurturing digital communities, and expanding evangelism. Social media functions not merely as a one-way communication channel but as an interactive and relational space for spiritual formation. Nonetheless, challenges such as shallow content, fragmented spirituality, and weak digital ethics require serious attention. Professional content management, digital spiritual literacy, and integration between online and offline ministry are key to successfully implementing social media in CRE. In conclusion, social media represents a strategic medium that, when used wisely and responsibly, can effectively engage the digital generation, strengthen faith communities, and fulfill the Great Commission in today's digital era.
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