How to Start a Church Instagram Account: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
If someone is curious about your church, chances are they’ll look you up on Instagram before they ever walk through your doors. A quick scroll tells them a lot — what your community looks like, what you value, and whether they’ll feel at home.
But here’s the thing: most churches don’t have a dedicated social media person. Often, it’s a pastor, office manager, or volunteer trying to figure it out between ten other tasks. If that’s you, you’re not alone. This guide is here to make starting a church Instagram account simple, doable, and actually kind of fun.
By the end, you’ll have a fully set-up account, a few posts ready to go, and the confidence to keep showing up online.
Why Your Church Needs Instagram
Instagram isn’t about chasing trends or trying to “be cool.” It’s about connection.
Nearly everyone under 40 (and plenty of people over 40!) uses Instagram regularly.
People moving to a new town often search Instagram to find churches nearby.
Members of your congregation already use it to share their lives — and tagging your church helps their friends discover you.
In short: Instagram can help your church extend hospitality online in the same spirit you do on Sunday mornings.
Before You Create the Account
Take a few minutes to gather what you’ll need. It saves headaches later.
Email address: Don’t use a personal one. Create or use a general church email (like info@yourchurch.org).
Password: Write it down in a safe place and share it with at least one other trusted leader.
Basic info: Your church name, street address, service times, and website link.
Logo or profile image: Square format works best. If you don’t have a logo, a simple photo of your church building or sanctuary works fine.
Think of this as packing your bag before leaving the house — once you’ve got the essentials, the trip is easier.
Step-by-Step: Creating the Account
Download the Instagram app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
Open the app and tap Sign Up.
Enter your church’s email address.
Create a username (handle) that’s short, clear, and recognizable. Examples:
@GraceChurchSpringfield
@StMarksAtlanta
@FirstUMCBoston
Set a secure password and write it down.
Confirm your email address when prompted.
Upload your profile photo (logo or building).
That’s it — you now officially have a church Instagram account!
Setting Up Your Profile
Your profile is like your church’s front door online. Make it warm and inviting.
Username: Keep it simple. If your first choice is taken, add your city name (e.g., @StPaulsDallas).
Bio: Write one or two short sentences that say who you are and when you gather. Example:
“A welcoming Episcopal community in downtown Atlanta. Join us Sundays at 10am. All are welcome.”
Website link: Direct people to your website, livestream page, or a Linktree-style hub if you want multiple links.
Contact options: Instagram lets you add buttons for call, email, or directions. Turn these on so people can reach you easily.
First Posts to Share
You don’t need a dozen polished graphics before you launch. Start simple with 3–5 posts that introduce your church. Here are easy ideas:
Welcome graphic: A simple Canva design with your church name and tagline.
Service info: A post with worship times and address.
Community photo: A candid shot from a past event (with permission).
Scripture or quote graphic: Something encouraging that reflects your community’s values.
Upcoming event: Even if it’s just “Join us this Sunday,” it gets the ball rolling.
Pro tip: Post these all within the first week so your page doesn’t look empty when people find you.
Quick Tips for Growing Your Audience
Follow people: Start by following church members, local organizations, and other ministries in town.
Use hashtags: Add relevant ones like #YourTownName, #YourChurchName, and a few faith-related tags.
Post consistently: Even one post a week is better than a burst of 10 followed by silence.
Engage: Like and comment on members’ posts, especially when they tag the church.
Announce it: Mention your new Instagram handle in Sunday announcements, bulletins, and your email newsletter.
Growth takes time, but small, steady steps build trust and visibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using a personal account: Always set up an official church account so ownership is clear.
Leaving the bio blank: People need basic info fast — don’t skip this step.
Posting only text graphics: Mix in real photos of your community.
Inconsistent posting: Try for at least weekly, so your account doesn’t look abandoned.
Overthinking it: Authentic posts often connect better than polished ones.
Wrapping Up
Starting a church Instagram account doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple steps, you can open a new digital “front door” that helps people connect with your community.
Remember: it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be real. Even one photo of your people smiling after worship can make someone new feel like they belong.
If you’d like help coming up with captions, hashtags, and post ideas so you’re never staring at a blank screen, grab the AI for Digital Ministry Quickstart Guide. It’s free, and it’ll give you easy prompts to keep your church’s Instagram fresh and welcoming.