Better Than a Sermon Clip: 3 Videos That Bring New Visitors

Let’s be honest—sermon clips aren’t doing what you think they’re doing.

They’re not attracting new visitors.
And they’re not built for the platforms you’re posting them on.

If you’ve been chopping up 30-second chunks of your Sunday message and throwing them on Instagram or Facebook, this post is for you.

🙅‍♂️ Why Sermon Clips Don’t Work on Social Media

Your sermon is like a full-length movie.
But social media is a movie trailer.

Movie trailers are short.
They’re punchy.
They grab your attention in 2 seconds flat.

But when you grab a random 30-second slice from the middle of your message and post it to Instagram, it’s like taking a chunk of act two from a movie and expecting it to convert people to fans. It’s missing the buildup. The context. The hook.

And here’s the reality:
That’s just not how we preach.

We build slowly. We unpack ideas. We speak with nuance.
And that’s good preaching—but it’s bad video content for social.

If you want to reach new people online, you need a better plan.
You need short, intentional content that’s built for the platform and for the people who haven’t met you yet.

✅ 3 Better Church Video Ideas (You Can Make This Week)

These ideas are simple, powerful, and proven to work for churches I coach and work with every week.

Each one comes with a sample script. Just customize it and hit record.

🎯 1. Answer a Spiritual Question

Purpose: Reach people who are spiritually curious but not yet committed.

Script:

“Hey there [City Name] families – have you ever wondered what the Bible says about [Insert Topic]?

I’m [Pastor Name] from [Church Name], and the truth is, you’re not alone in asking that.

In fact, this past Sunday, we unpacked how [insert 1-sentence answer to the question].

If you’ve got questions about faith, life, or what God thinks about you – we’d love to be part of the journey.”

Pro Tips:

• Keep it under 30 seconds.

• Use natural light and speak directly to the camera.

• End with an invite or a link to your website.

🔁 2. Sermon Recap (in 15 Seconds)

Purpose: Create a quick, clear follow-up that invites people to engage with the full sermon.

Script:

“Hey [City Name], here’s your 15-second Sunday recap!

This week at [Church Name], we talked about [insert core message in one clear sentence].

If you missed it, the full message is up now on our YouTube channel or at [church website].

I’m [Pastor Name] – hope it encourages you this week!”

Pro Tips:

• Use caption overlays for better retention.

• Reuse service footage as background.

• Post it within 48 hours of Sunday service.

🙌 3. Invite to Church This Sunday

Purpose: Make new people feel seen and welcomed before they ever step foot in the building.

Script:

“Hey [City Name]! I’m [Pastor Name] from [Church Name] and I want to personally invite you to join us this Sunday.

We believe life is better when you’re not doing it alone. And whether you’re new to church or just haven’t been in a while – you’ll feel right at home here.

Services are at [Service Times], and there’s something for the whole family. We’d love to meet you!”

Pro Tips:

• Keep the tone warm and friendly—not polished or stiff.

• Use real footage of your church community.

• Repeat your service times visually and verbally.

📱 Bonus Tips: How to Film Great Videos on Your Phone

You don’t need fancy equipment to start reaching people—your smartphone is more than enough.

Here’s how to get the best results:

• Use natural light — face a window or film outside in the shade.

• Shoot vertical (9:16) for Reels and TikToks.

• Back camera = higher quality, but front camera is fine if filming solo.

• Wipe your lens before you start—yes, really.

• Start with a hook. The first 2 seconds matter most.

• Use captions. Most people watch with sound off.

• Be real. Smile. Talk like you’re inviting a friend to coffee.

Remember: authenticity > perfection. People connect with people.

👋 Let’s Be Real for a Minute

I know your plate is full.

You’re prepping sermons, leading teams, caring for people, and doing a hundred unseen things every week.
Social media often feels like one more thing you just don’t have the time—or headspace—for.

That’s exactly why I do what I do.

I’m not just a marketer—I’ve been a pastor.
I know the weight you carry, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right online strategy can bring new families through the doors week after week.

Through Axio Social, I’ve helped churches all over the country reach their communities, grow their attendance, and finally stop feeling stuck when it comes to online outreach.

So if this was helpful and you’re ready for the next step— lets talk one-on-one about how I can help your church grow online,
you can book a free discovery call with me right here on my site.

You don’t have to do it all alone.

Follow me on Instagram

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