How to Be a TikTok Priest
Sharing the Gospel, One Scroll at a Time
Coauthored: Fr. Aran Walters (St. Thomas in Menasha, WI) and Bexs Nelson (DioWis)
In a world where the average person scrolls the equivalent of Mount Everest in content every month, the church is called to meet people where they are—on their phones. TikTok, the platform famous for dance trends and cat videos, may not seem like the most obvious place for ministry, but it has quickly become fertile ground for evangelism. And yes, even priests can go viral.
We have our own TikTok priests who tell us how to do it.
Here are some tips to help clergy (and anyone who wants to share their faith) become a TikTok evangelist:
1. Be Authentically You
People on TikTok can spot inauthenticity from a mile away. You don’t need to be trendy or perfect—just genuine. Wear your clerical collar or your favorite "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" hoodie. Share your faith and personality in equal measure. Are you an expert on church history? A liturgical meme enthusiast? A cat lover? There’s no one way to create a TikTok. Let people see the real you.
2. Keep It Short and Simple
TikTok thrives on brevity. Instead of a 10-minute homily, aim for 30-180 seconds of wisdom, humor, or reflection. A quick "Did you know?" about the saints or a 3-point guide to finding peace in tumultuous times can have a big impact. Or sometimes, you just need to point out the obvious needs around you.
3. Tap Into Trends Thoughtfully
You don’t need to participate in every viral challenge, but aligning your message with current trends can help it reach a wider audience. If there’s a trending audio clip about joy, how can you use it to reflect on the joy of the Gospel?
4. Engage With Your Audience
Ministry on TikTok is a two-way street. Respond to comments, answer questions, and stitch or duet videos that spark meaningful conversations. It’s not just about broadcasting; it’s about building relationships.
5. Use the Tools at Hand
TikTok offers captions, filters, and editing tools to make your videos pop. Use them to make your content engaging but don’t overdo it. The message should remain front and center. Per Fr. Tyler Richards (St. Anne's in De Pere, WI) don’t forget about doing Lives!
“The most effective form of my TikTok ministry has been through “Live.” I do an AMA about once a week and have a pretty good following of regulars who come on for those. I’ve changed a lot of minds about Christianity just by showing up and voicing other the viewpoints The Episcopal Church holds.”
6. Have Fun
TikTok isn’t a solemn pulpit; it’s a space to experiment, laugh, and take yourself a little less seriously. It’s okay to post a goofy blooper reel or a "behind-the-scenes" moment. Your joy will be contagious.
7. Keep Your Audience in Mind
You’ll likely have viewers who have never stepped foot in a church. Speak in a way that welcomes them in, avoids jargon, and shares the hope and grace of God in an accessible way.
From Mother Julie Hendrix from St. Mark’s in Waupaca, WI,
“Being a "TikTok Priest" is kind of like preaching to people in the Wild, Wild, West -- you don't know who you're preaching to, you don't know if their main language is English, you don't know if they even believe. Most of the time, I've found that I am dispelling beliefs about Christianity and Christian ministers -- mainstream media does not portray Christianity as being as big or wide or as inclusive as what it actually is -- so I think that that has been my main focus -- to give people another take on Christianity where they might be welcomed.”
Why TikTok Ministry Matters
Jesus preached in synagogues but also on mountainsides and boats—meeting people in places they already gathered. Today, one of those places is TikTok. It’s not about going viral; it’s about planting seeds.
So, if you’ve ever considered downloading the app and hitting “record,” take it as a nudge from the Spirit. Your next 60-second video might just change someone’s life.
If you need inspiration, consider following these lovely folks!
Mother Julie Hendrex: @revjuliah
Father Tyler Richards: @priestnthenorth
Father Aran Walter: @aranwalter