Taking back TikTok for the gospel

Church leader David Sims is taking back ground for the gospel on social media – sending Bibles to strangers and seeing people find faith.

“We’ve got to reclaim this back for the Lord,” said the Walsall minister, who hosts live TikTok church on the platform each week. “I think we should be using it and take every opportunity to give reason for the hope that we have.”

Sims, who began evangelising on social media three years ago, has amassed 17,000 followers and interacts with about 100 people in his “Ask me anything” videos which address common questions about Christianity.

“I do think there’s a resurgence of seeking truth and meaning,” Sims said, noting that most people are genuine in their interest. While there is the odd individual out to start an argument by posting negative comments, Sims doesn’t mind. “It works in my favour!” he said, noting that the comments he gets, whether positive or negative, help the algorithm to show his videos to more viewers.

Last month, Sims sent out 25 Bibles, something that is growing in popularity among his audience. His church, St Thomas’ in Aldridge, supports the ministry by providing the copies of God’s word, paying for postage, and praying for the recipients. And God is answering these prayers, as people find faith through the ministry.

“I found Hope Church through you and that started my faith and literally changed my life,” one viewer recently said in a message to Sims. “I would not have had the courage to start going to church if it wasn’t for your TikTok, so thank you so much because Jesus literally changed and saved my life!”