The Influence of Social Media on Church Communication and Evangelism in Kano State

Social media platforms have transformed how churches communicate internally and engage in evangelistic outreach, and their use in the Christian minority context of Kano State, North West Nigeria, presents both significant opportunities and notable risks. This study examines how Christian churches in Kano State are using social media for communication and evangelism, assessing effectiveness, challenges, and theological implications. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with questionnaires administered to 150 church members and fifteen pastors from eight churches in Kano metropolis. Content analysis of church social media accounts across six churches was also conducted. Findings indicate that 89 percent of Kano churches use WhatsApp for internal congregation communication, and 62 percent use Facebook or Instagram for evangelistic outreach. Social media evangelism reaches primarily nominal Christians and diaspora members rather than Muslim-majority audiences due to platform demographics and social sensitivity. Security concerns limit some churches from public social media visibility. Digital discipleship content is rated as spiritually enriching by 71 percent of respondents. The study concludes that social media is a significant and growing communication tool for Kano State churches but requires a deliberate digital ministry strategy that accounts for the security context of northern Christian minority communities. It recommends a Northern Nigeria Christian Digital Ministry handbook developed by the Christian Association of Nigeria North West chapter.

Keywords: social media, church communication, evangelism, Kano State, digital ministry