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Going viral on the internet is an experience many dream of, but only some are fully prepared for.
The church that I pastor, Checkpoint Church, recently found itself in the whirlwind of virality when one of our videos hit over 125,000 views (and climbing) on YouTube.
This experience was both exhilarating and overwhelming. It taught me a great deal about the power of digital outreach, the nuances of engaging with a broad audience, and the challenges that come with sudden online fame.
I’d like to share some of these insights, hoping they can offer valuable lessons to others navigating the complex landscape of social media and digital evangelism.
In our church’s journey on YouTube, we've created over 125 “nerdy sermons” and nearly 600 videos total. These nerdy sermons involve a brief video essay exploring trending anime, video games, and movies while analyzing any parallels they might have with Christian teaching.
While we've seen varied levels of successful outreach, nothing compares to the impact of organic reach on our viral video. Typically, our nerdy sermons average 3-5k views with ten to fifteen comments, but this viral video has garnered over 1,000 comments, each expressing genuine engagement rather than the usual cursory remarks.
"I was skeptical about listening to this video, I’m an atheist and was raised Catholic but seeing this really made me see the church in a better light. Thank you for being awesome"
- @kalliekeenan8842
Comments like these are arriving by the dozen on this video. The affirmation of the community is baffling. But still, numbers are just numbers. While we celebrate the numerical reach here, we have a purpose behind posting these videos - we’re a church plant. But that too has been influenced by this organic impact.
This spike in interaction wasn't limited to the viral video alone; it significantly boosted engagement across all our online platforms. Our Discord community, which serves as our digital church building, has grown by over 100 new members. They are not surface-level members who come and go, but immediately-involved and curious human beings who are being presented with a welcoming community for the first time.
The difference organic reach makes is profound, underscoring the unique value of content that resonates deeply and spreads naturally among viewers. Producing high-quality media is a must for the digital pastor because we truly don’t know when that organic hit will happen.
The Importance of Respecting Secular Culture
"As a former chistian now atheist, if my pastors were more like you there is a chance i wouldnt have left the faith."
- @Hurricayne92
A recurring theme in the comments was a sense of gratitude and relief. Like the one above, many expressed that this was the first time a pastor or church had acknowledged them without judgment. Many also expressed that this loving approach might have kept them from entirely leaving their Christian tradition.
This overwhelming response highlights a critical gap in how the digital audience often perceives the church—not as a sanctuary but as a source of alienation. It’s a stark reminder that our approach to secular culture should be one of respect and understanding rather than dismissing or combating it. By doing so, we bridge divides and open doors to meaningful dialogue and connection.
The modern church must be a place of healing for the church trauma that has been inflicted upon the upcoming generations who will oversee the future of the Christian faith. A good place to start is by general respect. I don’t believe I did anything truly radical or exemplary in simply being willing to be present in the space. Respecting the media that is beloved by the people you hope to reach is a fantastic touchpoint for a relationship to begin–as opposed to a touchpoint vitriolic hatred and judgment.
Navigating the Full-Time Job of Virality
What they don't tell you about going viral is how it consumes your life. The sudden influx of attention, comments, and expectations can be overwhelming. For perspective, imagine waking up one morning to a dozen journalists in your front yard, all asking for your attention. It’s exciting to have an opportunity to have a captive audience, but you still need to do the other things that need to be done. This has been my daily experience for the past month post-virality.
It has underscored the importance of setting boundaries and balancing my pastoral role and personal life. Given the proclivity of the digital church to invade personal time, I have a rigid system of partitioning off my life. Still, this experience has tested the sturdiness of those walls. Managing virality is about riding the wave of popularity while also safeguarding one’s well-being and authenticity in the process.
Additionally, facing the pressure and scrutiny from a rapidly growing audience has been a test of resilience, especially in combating feelings of imposter syndrome. Knowing that there are suddenly thousands who see me as some form of authority has been more than any one person can handle. A healthy comprehension of our human limitations, the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit, and the wanton unpredictability of the social media algorithm is necessary for both humility and negative self-talk.
Go and (maybe don’t) Do Likewise
The journey of our church's viral video has proven the undeniable power of organic reach and the potential for substantial growth and outreach. However, it has also exposed the stress and challenges that come with sudden fame and the responsibility we bear in responding to and engaging with our expanded audience.
I’m not sure if I want our videos to go viral again anytime soon. My perspective on the concept has shifted dramatically. It’s girded the importance of the more vital work of relational ministry.
This is, in my opinion, the pivotal lesson for the church at large: our efforts to connect with and evangelize to the broader world must be undertaken with respect, understanding, and a genuine desire to heal and support those carrying religious trauma. The path to truly impactful digital evangelism lies in embracing these principles, fostering a community that welcomes all with open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
Nathan Webb is a major nerd in just about every way. He loves video games, anime, cartoons, comic books, tech, and his fellow nerds. Hoping to provide a spiritual community for people with similar interests, he founded Checkpoint Church--"the church for nerds, geeks and gamers." Nathan can be found lurking on some visual novel subreddit, reading the latest shōnen entry, or playing the newest Farm Sim. Nathan is an ordained provisional elder in the United Methodist Church in the Western North Carolina Conference. He hosts a weekly newsletter podcast: To The Point.
