Seminary and Institute Use of Social Media

Social media can be an effective tool in accomplishing S&I’s objective to gather youth and young adults to Jesus Christ. When done right, social media messages can become a pathway toward gospel conversion, relevance, belonging, and accessibility. Our messages and interactions should

1. focus on Jesus Christ and His gospel,
2. motivate youth and young adults to share messages of faith and love,
3. welcome those of other faiths to “come and see,” and
4. support youth and young adults in their own efforts to live their faith online.

Looking for examples of how to use social media? The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have official social media accounts. Watch for the preceding four principles in what they share.

Elder David A. Bednar encouraged all members to use social media to help accomplish God’s great work. (See “Flood the Earth through Social Media,” Liahona, Aug. 2015, 49–53.)

• “Our messages should be truthful, honest, and accurate. We should not exaggerate, embellish, or pretend to be someone or something we are not” (50).
• “I exhort you to sweep the earth with messages filled with righteousness and truth—messages that are authentic, edifying, and praiseworthy—and literally to sweep the earth as with a flood” (53).

Here are resources that may guide you in using social media to reach youth and young adults. We invite you to explore these policies, guidelines, and helpful tips.

S&I Social Media Policy for Stake Programs

• Because of differences in social media platforms and how they are utilized throughout the world, stake seminary and institute programs must determine with local priesthood leadership which platforms are appropriate for use. Account administrators should look for opportunities to align with approved policies and guidelines.
• Carefully review and be familiar with the following sections in the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “Members’ Use of the Internet in Church Callings” (38.8.19.2); “Personal Internet and Social Media Use” (38.8.19.3); “Copyrighted Materials” (38.8.10); “Privacy of Members” (38.8.30); and “Church Name, Wordmark, and Symbol” (38.8.8).
• Stake seminary and institute program social media accounts are under the direction and approval of local priesthood leadership and should follow the policies outlined in “Members’ Use of the Internet in Church Callings” (38.8.19.2).

Helpful Tips

Learn about Your Audience

Knowing and understanding your audience is the most important step to having a successful social media presence. Dive into learning about their likes, their dislikes, the social platforms they are on, and the content they enjoy. Involving your students is a great way to start!

Creating a Social Media Strategy

Having a strategy is a must for success on social media. Ask yourself and your students what the end goal is for creating a social media presence. Set goals that focus on gathering youth and young adults to Jesus Christ and that invite others to “come and see.”

Create Engaging Content

Every program has unique characteristics and amazing students! Make sure you showcase yours across social platforms. Use media—images, infographics, videos, and testimonials—to create interesting, useful content that will help your audience know that seminary or institute is for them.

Additional Resources 

• Inspiring ways to share the gospel online (“Share Online,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
• (for S&I employees) Social media guidelines on the S&I Employee Intranet