4 ways to share your ‘ServeNC’ story this summer

What are some key ways N.C. Baptists can share their “ServeNC” stories with others? Consider these four steps you can take to share your testimony of God’s work.

With over 1,000 churches coming together this summer to “ServeNC,” bringing the hope of the gospel to our communities on Aug. 3-10, North Carolina Baptists will have many stories to celebrate in the weeks ahead.

Psalm 96:3 urges believers to “Declare (God’s) glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples” (CSB). As we witness God move in incredible ways through simple acts of service, we should consider how we can share this testimony of God’s grace with others. We want everyone to know the power and the hope of the gospel. Telling our stories to others can help us toward that end.

What are some key ways N.C. Baptists can share their “ServeNC” stories with others? Consider these four steps you can take to share your testimony of God’s work.

First and foremost, think of ways you can share your “ServeNC” testimonies with others at your church. Consider holding a “Celebration Sunday” service following the completion of your final “ServeNC” project. This could be a great opportunity to hear stories from church members who participated in service projects, in addition to being a moment for the entire church to pray over the impact of “ServeNC.” Here are some additional ideas you may want to try:

Create video testimonials
Schedule a “ServeNC” prayer gathering
Share written testimonies through a weekly newsletter

Whatever you do, find ways to ensure the entire church gets involved so that everyone can celebrate what God has done!

Social media can be a great way to share “ServeNC” testimonies with a wider audience, giving more people the opportunity to see what God is doing through local community service. As you post stories and pictures on your favorite social media platforms, be sure to use the hashtag #ServeNC and tag your partners @ncbaptist and @baptistsonmission.

Here are some helpful pointers to consider while planning your social media engagement:

What makes a good photo?

Clear pictures of groups and teams will always make for a more interesting photo.
Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of someone or posting on social media.

What makes a good video?

The best videos for social media are concise and engaging.
Consider interviewing fellow church members with these questions:
- How do you ServeNC?
- How is your church serving your community?
- How is this impacting your community/church?

What makes a good caption?

Like videos, captions are best when they are kept concise.
Identify the 3 W’s:
- “Who are you serving?”
- “Where are you serving?”
- “What project are you doing?

For more resources about social media and communication practices, check out the N.C. Baptist communications toolkit.

Sharing your testimony with local news outlets may be intimidating at first. But if you feel that your broader community should know how the churches in your area are “Serving NC,” communicating with local news outlets can be an important step in this process.

Here are some steps to take to share your story with the media.

Prepare: Choose a news outlet in your area.
Verify your contact person: Find an editor or reporter’s email address — most news sites have a tip submission link.
Hook them in with a strong subject line: The more captivating your subject line, the higher chances a journalist will open and read your email.
- Write a subject that is straightforward, engaging or answers a question: What, how, why?
Start with a compelling lead: Will your first sentence keep someone reading?
Communicate your story’s value: Connect the story to the outlet’s interests and audience.
Save them work: Include sources to contact, like your pastors and leaders, volunteers, coordinators, or even individuals you meet during ServeNC who are willing to be interviewed.
- Include contextual information. This can be links to your church website, social media posts, or details of your church’s project (how many involved, projects completed).
Tell them why you chose them: What makes their outlet the right one to tell this story?
Add a call to action: How can a reporter contact you?

If you want to reach out to your local news outlet but aren’t sure where to begin, we can help. Send us an email at submissions@ncbaptist.org and we’ll be happy to assist.

We want to hear from you! As you shine a light in your community throughout “ServeNC” week, reach out to N.C. Baptists to tell us who you are, what projects you’re working on and how lives are being changed as a result.

Share your “ServeNC” story with us by emailing submissions@ncbaptist.org.