Online Outreach: Bluesky

For ministries curious about new ways to connect online, Bluesky could be, well, a breath of fresh air.

Bluesky is a micro-blogging platform begun in 2019 by Jack Dorsey, the founder of Twitter. It was an invitation-only service for several years before opening to the public in 2024. Bluesky is designed to be a public conversation platform where users have more control over their experience. It’s an alternative to mainstream platforms, particularly for people who are disillusioned with Twitter/X.

There are now about 30 million users, a small crowd compared to the hundreds of millions on older platforms such as X and Facebook. While this means less current outreach potential, it could also be an opportunity to grow with the site.

Bluesky offers some distinguishing features:

• Posts: Users can post text, photos, videos, links, and more, up to 300 characters per post.
• Feeds: Users can choose from a variety of feeds, including a chronological feed of posts from followed accounts, a Discover feed, and more.
  • Chronological timeline – posts are viewed in the order they were published (other platforms such as X and Instagram now offer this as an option, but it is standard on Bluesky).

• Moderation: Bluesky uses automated filtering, manual admin actions, and community labeling
• Transparent open-source development – anyone can build and innovate on the platform, contributing to the code.
• Decentralized – data is not tied to a single centralized server, so the platform does not own or control user data in the same way as traditional social media platforms.
• Community moderation – users and groups can create their own content filters, which help block or limit unwanted posts.
• No ads (for now, at least).
• Personal data ownership – all account information, including followers, can be transferred if a user decides to move off of Bluesky; this is via Bluesky’s AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol).

Bluesky aims to offer a calmer atmosphere than some of the larger alternatives. The minimalist design is less overwhelming than information-dense alternatives, and the focus on niche communities tends to foster more thoughtful and intentional conversations. It could be a good fit for churches interested in contributing to a supportive online community focused on respectful interactions. Remember, though, that stated ideals are not always met online, so you’ll need to stay aware, engaged, and responsive as the platform grows.

Here’s how to get started:

Bluesky is currently free to use, although a paid subscription model with premium features is in the works. Sign up for Bluesky through your browser at bsky.app or via a mobile app (available for both Android and iOS). You will be asked whether you want to use your own hosting provider, or remain on Bluesky Social. Most new users choose the latter.

Next, follow the simple steps to create your profile:

• You’ll choose a handle (e.g., @YourChurchName) and upload a picture (church logo or a meaningful image) and a cover photo (e.g., a picture of the church building or a special church event).
• Then fill in your bio with key information about your church, such as service times, location, website URL, and any key hashtags related to your church’s mission (e.g., #FaithInAction, #CommunityLove).

You’ll be invited to customize your Moderation. Bluesky’s moderation feature allows users to tailor their experience by controlling who can interact with their posts. It includes tools to block, mute, and report specific content, including keywords and topics. This feature empowers users to manage their own feeds and interactions according to their particular preferences. Caution: To avoid potential exposure to unwanted content, choose moderation settings carefully and follow only trusted accounts. Bluesky aims to balance free speech with creating a respectful environment, and depends on users to participate in the moderation process for the best experience.

Once you’re on Bluesky:

1. Post Consistently: Share weekly updates, sermon highlights, and event announcements to keep followers informed. On Bluesky, posts are sometimes referred to as ‘skeets.’
2. Engage with the Community: Respond to comments, ask questions, and build relationships with members and trusted visitors.
3. Share Uplifting Content: Post scripture, prayers, daily devotionals, and inspirational messages to encourage faith-based conversations.
4. Promote Events: Highlight church events, community outreach, and special services to boost participation.
5. Include Hashtags: Use hashtags relevant to your church’s activities or specific campaigns, like #CommunityOutreach, #BibleStudy, #WorshipTogether.
6. Create Discussion Spaces: Host conversations on faith topics, Bible studies, or prayer requests to foster deeper engagement.
7. Collaborate with Other Ministries: Connect with other local faith communities to expand reach and share ideas.
8. Pastoral care: Use direct messaging to provide personal support, answer questions, and offer prayer to members.
9. Reaching new audiences: Participate in relevant discussions on Bluesky to connect with individuals seeking spiritual guidance or community.
10. Important considerations when using Bluesky for church communication:
    1. Maintaining a positive tone: Ensure all content aligns with the church’s values and promotes unity and respect.
    2. Moderation guidelines: Establish clear rules for engagement to manage discussions and prevent inappropriate content.
    3. Accessibility: Consider the accessibility of Bluesky for members with different technological capabilities.

Additional options:

• Consider using Bluesky starter packs.  These are curated collections of accounts, topics, or content recommendations that help new users get familiar with the platform. They are designed to guide users by showcasing active communities, influencers, or discussions that align with their interests, making it easier to dive into Bluesky and connect with like-minded people right away. You can also create your own starter packs and share them with your followers.
• You can now post short, 60-second videos to enhance your content. Livestreaming is not currently available.

If your ministry decides to give Bluesky a try, be sure to add the logo to your website, and spread the word of your participation through any relevant bulletins, newsletters, blogs or other social media channels. Then take your mission, vision and values to the open skies!

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