When I sat down with Pastor Mike Signorelli, the lead pastor of V1 Church in New York, I knew this was going to be a different kind of conversation. Mike has built an online following of hundreds of thousands of people. He pastors one of the fastest-growing churches in America. But what really stood out to me was his heart behind the content. This was not about going viral or building a personal brand. It was about reaching people who would never walk into a church building on their own.
We talked about why pastors should see themselves as content creators, how social media fits into real discipleship, and what it looks like to become what Mike calls a “digital tent maker.” If you are a pastor wondering whether you should start posting online, this conversation will give you a clear answer.
Why Pastors Need to Start Creating Content
Mike told me something early in our conversation that really stuck with me. He said the Lord allowed him to build a significant online platform and reach millions with the gospel, not for his ego, but to prepare for a larger mission. He believes God is raising up digital tent makers before a major economic shift hits. In other words, pastors need to think beyond Sunday morning and diversify how they reach people and fund ministry.
He challenged me with a thought I think every pastor needs to hear: content creation is not about chasing online fame. It is about being a good steward of the opportunities God gives us. When you consistently share valuable teaching, real testimonies, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into your church, you create an online pulpit that invites new people to experience your Sunday service.
I have seen this play out with other pastors we have worked with. Pastor Robert White at Freedom Church grew from 160 to over 1,300 members in just two years by combining strong systems with intentional outreach. A big part of that was making sure people could find and connect with their church online before ever walking through the doors.
The Power of Reels and Short-Form Video
Mike and I spent a lot of time talking about short-form content. He told me that simple clips of sermons or spontaneous baptisms can spark hundreds of messages from people far from God. Through consistent content creation, discipline, and internet-based side projects, modern believers can become digital tentmakers who fund their own ministry while reaching new audiences.
Here are some of the practical tips Mike shared during our conversation:
Document, don’t just produce. You do not need a film crew. Use your phone to capture real moments of ministry. Record yourself praying with a family, show volunteers setting up the sanctuary, or let someone share their testimony on camera. These authentic moments build trust faster than any polished production ever will.
Answer your community’s questions. What are people asking you on Sunday mornings? Turn those questions into short videos. When Mike answers questions about spiritual warfare, relationships, or prayer, the views may not always go viral, but they connect deeply with people who are searching. A strategic social media presence helps make sure these answers reach people on the platforms they already use.
Invite engagement. End your videos with a clear call to action. Ask viewers to plan their visit, comment with prayer requests, or share the video with a friend. Simple invitations turn passive viewers into active participants.
This same strategy of meeting people where they are has worked for churches of all sizes. Pastor Josh Koskinen launched Story Hill Church with 710 people on opening day by combining strong planning with personal outreach and coffee ads that started real conversations before the first service.
Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion
One thing I hear from a lot of pastors is that they worry creating content will make them look self-promoting. Mike addressed that directly. He pointed to the Apostle Paul, who funded his ministry by making tents, and asked a question that really made me think: what if today’s ministers embraced that same entrepreneurial mindset, using legitimate online business activities to provide for themselves while taking the gospel into new digital territories?
He also did not sugarcoat it. The journey is not easy. Mike spent nine years filming videos every single day and learning what works online. That kind of consistency is what built his platform. You do not need to become an influencer overnight. You just need to show up faithfully. If you commit to documenting your ministry and sharing what God is doing in your church, the results will come.
Pastor Brandon Holmes in Waco saw similar results by using “Coffee With a Pastor” ads to start conversations before ever inviting people to a Sunday service. It is the same principle Mike is talking about. You build trust first, and the growth follows.
How Content Makes Your Church Discoverable
For pastors looking to grow their church, the takeaway from our conversation was simple: if people cannot find you online, they may never find you in person. Mike’s content reaches countless unchurched people because he intentionally answers the questions they are already typing into Google and social media.
When I asked him how pastors can get started, his advice was straightforward. Start with what is in your hand, which for most of us is a smartphone, and start documenting your ministry. People want authenticity more than perfection. If you are faithful with the little, God will give you more.
I have seen this firsthand with the churches we work with at Church Candy. Posting sermon clips, welcome videos, and testimonies helps potential guests feel like they already know you before they ever walk through your doors. It is the digital equivalent of a warm handshake. Sending personalized video messages to first-time guests can turn online interactions into lasting relationships. Stories of generosity and discipleship shared through your videos can inspire others and build a generous culture within your church.
Sherman Dumas used a similar approach and drew 300 guests on his church’s launch day through focused Facebook outreach and a strong follow-up process. When you combine great content with smart systems, the results speak for themselves.
Becoming a Digital Tent Maker
One of the most powerful ideas Mike shared was this concept of digital tent making. Just like Paul made tents to fund his missionary work, Mike believes pastors today can use content marketing, SEO, and online platforms to create sustainable income streams while spreading the gospel at the same time. It is not about choosing between ministry and business. It is about using one to fuel the other.
As digital tent makers, focusing on content marketing and SEO makes sure seekers can find your church when they search online. This is where strategy meets calling, and it is something I am passionate about helping pastors figure out.
What You Can Do Today
If you are a pastor reading this and thinking about whether content creation is right for you, here is my encouragement: just start. Pull out your phone after your next service and record a 60-second video answering a question someone asked you that morning. Post it. See what happens. You do not need fancy equipment or a big team. You just need to be willing to show up consistently and share what God is doing in your church.
Mike’s story is proof that when you combine faithfulness with strategy, God can use your content to reach people you would never meet any other way. And if you want help building systems to turn that online reach into real guests walking through your doors every Sunday, schedule a call with our team. We would love to help you take your next step.
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