Let’s be honest. Holiday social media can get… awkward.
You’ve probably seen (or posted) the same Fourth of July graphic five years in a row. Or tried to wedge a Bible verse into a Memorial Day post and wondered if it landed the right way. The tension is real: you want to acknowledge the moment, but not feel like you’re just checking a box... or worse, sounding tone-deaf.
With July 4th tomorrow, now’s the perfect time to rethink how your church approaches holidays on social. And not just Independence Day… but all year long.
Because when done well, holiday posts don’t just fill the content calendar. They build connection.
Why Holiday Posts Often Fall Flat
Let’s start with what doesn’t work:
- The generic graphic with a stock flag or heart emoji
- The one-sentence caption that says “Happy [Holiday]!” with no context
- The post that feels like a marketing team made it... not a ministry
These types of posts feel impersonal because… well, they usually are. They miss the opportunity to reflect your church’s voice, mission, or theology. And your people can tell.
What Makes a Holiday Post Actually Connect?
There’s no magic formula. But the best holiday posts we’ve seen from churches tend to have these three traits:
1. They Feel Pastoral, Not Promotional
This is your filter: Would this post feel right coming from the stage on Sunday morning? If not, it probably needs a second look.
For July 4th: Instead of a generic “Happy Independence Day,” share a short reflection on gratitude, freedom, or what it means to be the Church in your local context.
Try this:
“Today, as we celebrate freedom, we’re thankful for those who’ve sacrificed... and even more grateful for the deeper freedom we have in Christ. May we use both well.”
2. They Add Value (Not Just Noise)
The best posts offer something meaningful to the audience...an insight, a prayer, a reflection, or a community moment.
For Thanksgiving: Share a team-wide gratitude list.
For Labor Day: Thank your volunteers by name.
For Christmas: Highlight a story of someone impacted by generosity.
Try this:
“On this Labor Day, we’re thanking God for the incredible volunteers who make ministry happen week in and week out. Tag someone you appreciate!”
3. They Match the Mood of the Holiday
Not every holiday is a celebration. Some are reflective. Some are national. Some are deeply spiritual. Match your post’s tone to the heart of the day.
For Memorial Day: Keep it respectful and solemn.
For Easter: Celebrate with full joy.
For MLK Day: Speak with humility, vision, and alignment to biblical justice.
Try this:
“Today we remember. We honor. We give thanks. As we celebrate the Fourth, we also pray for unity, peace, and courage to love our neighbors well.”
The Holidays Are a Gospel Opportunity
Here’s the bigger picture: your social media is one of the most public, visible parts of your church. Holidays are when everyone is online... and paying attention.
Instead of blending in with the noise, use these moments to speak clearly, pastorally, and purposefully.
Whether it’s a simple prayer graphic, a short video, or a story tied to the holiday’s theme...don’t underestimate what God can do through a 4th of July Instagram post.
Planning Ahead: Make a Holiday Content Rhythm
Here’s a list of holidays your church might want to prepare for (depending on your community):
- New Year’s Day
- MLK Day
- Valentine’s Day
- Easter
- Mother’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Father’s Day
- July 4th
- Back to School
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Eve/Day
- Watch Night/New Year’s Eve
You don’t have to hit every one. But when you do show up...do it with intention.
Final Thoughts: Show Up with Heart
You don’t need a design degree or a perfectly-worded caption to make your holiday posts meaningful. You just need to be thoughtful. Pastoral. Real.
As you prep for July 4th and the rest of the year, ask yourself: How can we use this moment not just to post… but to pastor?
That’s where the power is.
Want to put this into action? Start planning your church communications with Communicate ... the only church communications calendar built just for ministry teams.
