Church of Scotland social media guide for congregations
The Church of Scotland is the national church of Scotland: Presbyterian in governance, Reformed in theology, and present in virtually every community across the country. With around 1,200 congregations serving both urban and deeply rural communities, the Kirk has a breadth and diversity that makes generalisations about its social media difficult.
What most Church of Scotland congregations share is a structure (the Kirk Session, the minister, the congregation) and a tradition that values thoughtful preaching, the sacraments, and deep rootedness in local community. This guide is written for the volunteer or elder managing social media for a Kirk congregation.
The Church of Scotland context
Presbyterian governance. The Kirk is governed by Kirk Sessions (of elected elders) at congregational level, with Presbyteries at regional level and the General Assembly at national level. This means communications decisions are typically made at congregational level in consultation with the minister, without a hierarchy above that dictating how local congregations present themselves online.
The minister’s role. The minister is the ordained leader of the congregation and shapes its theology and culture significantly. The voice and tone of a congregation’s social media should reflect the minister’s approach, and significant changes to how the congregation communicates online are worth discussing with the minister and Kirk Session.
Rural reality. A significant number of Church of Scotland congregations are small and rural, some very much so. Linked charges, where one minister serves multiple congregations, are common. The practical social media advice for small congregations in how small UK churches can manage social media with one person applies directly to many Kirk congregations.
Scottish context. The Church of Scotland operates in a Scottish cultural context that is distinct from England. Public holidays, civic life, school terms, and community rhythms are different north of the border. St Andrew’s Day (30 November), Hogmanay, and Burns Night are occasions with Scottish cultural significance that a Church of Scotland congregation might mark in ways English churches would not.
Which platforms to prioritise
Facebook is the primary platform for most Church of Scotland congregations. The demographic profile of many Kirk congregations, combined with Facebook’s reach into established communities, makes it the most practical starting point.
A church website with up-to-date service information is important for the Church of Scotland context, where many people searching for their local Kirk will go to the website first. Keep it current.
YouTube is worth using if the congregation records services, which many have done since the pandemic. An archived library of services and sermons serves members who cannot attend in person.
What to post
Service information. When services happen, where, and any changes. Particularly important if your congregation covers multiple buildings or has a linked charge arrangement: clear, accurate information online prevents confusion.
The lectionary and preaching. The Church of Scotland follows the Revised Common Lectionary for much of the year. Social media content connected to the Sunday readings (a reflection on the Gospel text, a question it raises, the key verse as a graphic) connects your posts to a broader conversation happening across many traditions simultaneously.
Scottish occasions. St Andrew’s Day, Hogmanay, Burns Night, and local civic events are occasions that resonate in a Scottish community context. They do not require theological content; a warm acknowledgement from the congregation is enough.
General Assembly season. The General Assembly meets each May in Edinburgh. For Kirk members, it is a significant moment in the denominational calendar. Posts about matters being discussed, or sharing resources from the Assembly, connect your local congregation to the national Kirk.
Community connection. The Kirk’s deep roots in local communities (often stretching back centuries) give it a particular authority to speak about local life. Content that connects the congregation to its specific place and community tends to resonate.
The church year. Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Harvest, Remembrance Sunday: the Christian calendar provides consistent content throughout the year. For post ideas for each occasion, see the UK church calendar: social media post ideas for every occasion.
Tone and voice
Church of Scotland social media works best when it is genuine, grounded, and connected to real community life. The Kirk’s tradition values intellectual honesty alongside faith, and social media content that acknowledges complexity (doubt, difficulty, the messiness of real community) tends to resonate more authentically than content that projects only confidence and celebration.
Write as if you are addressing both the regular member of the congregation and the person in the community who has some connection to the Kirk (through baptism, family, or occasional attendance) but has not been to a Sunday service in some time.
Church of Scotland resources
The Church of Scotland’s national communications team produces resources for local congregations, including guidance on social media and digital communications. Check the Church of Scotland website (churchofscotland.org.uk) for current guidance, and contact your Presbytery if you need support at regional level.
For the practical foundations, see church social media policy template UK and church photo consent and GDPR. Note that Scotland has its own legal framework in some areas, and GDPR guidance specific to Scotland is worth checking with your Presbytery or the Church of Scotland’s legal team.
ChurchReach works for Church of Scotland congregations alongside other UK denominations. Templates for UK occasions, scheduling, and graphics tools for volunteers. Start a free trial at churchreach.co.uk.