TRICIA EDWARDS

The other day, I ordered lunch at a local spot, and then half the room immediately ordered lunch from the same place. I was amazed! Also…I would like to announce my new career as an “influencer.”

Nobody:

Absolutely no one:

Not a single soul:

Not even their mom:

Influencer: “I have received a TON of DMs asking  for a hair tutorial….”

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of all influencers are accounts with fewer than 10,000 followers on their main social media platform? I recently checked my IG account to see if I had gained any followers since my last article, only to find out that I had actually lost 2 followers!!???!!! Well, (insert eyeroll,)….THAT was a bit of a shock, but it just means I need to step up my content game for sure!

In recent years, the rise of social media influencers has been incredible! Have you ever bought a product because of an influencer’s recommendation? Was it that new skin care line, outfit, couch, book, shoes, coat, makeup, hair growth product, etc.? Same! My new slogan is, “I’ve been influenced.” It is very safe to say that my husband, Kevin, is not too thrilled about it. We are constantly bombarded with influencers on social media, promoting all sorts of products that we need. 

After Christmas, I tasked myself to unfollow a load of influencers, because I didn’t win a big giveaway. (Sad emoji) If you’re on IG, you know exactly what I mean. If not, I advise you – stay in your “not knowing” world, which will save you lots of disappointment, heartache, and $$$$$.

With the temptation to buy different products also comes the dangerous snare of comparison. Influencers convince us to make purchases, ultimately leading to their success and earnings, creating what appears to be a lavish lifestyle. Exotic vacations, stunning homes, designer clothing, and fancy cars all become part of the allure. If we’re not cautious, we find ourselves comparing what we do or don’t have, and suddenly the thief of joy sneaks in. It’s important to note that this is not meant to criticize social media influencers, as I am essentially one myself, (haha). It is important to note that we also see the trap of comparison among churches, which is dangerous and can lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and division within the body of Christ. 

Now that I have somewhat summarized this influencer climate, let’s talk about a new trend: DE-INFLUENCING. This is a term used to describe individuals who are active on social media and aim to counteract the impact of influencers. The de-influencers discourage consumers from buying certain products that the de-influencer has found to be indulgent, ineffective or not worth the money. One of the most prominent examples is the #AntiHaul movement which cautions people against making unnecessary purchases just to follow a trend or because an influencer said so. Other de-influencing campaigns include #detoxyourfeed, #buycott, and #dupe. 

You may be wondering why I have used almost 500 words to give you a summary of this crazy influencer/de-influencer world we live in. Don’t worry; I will now get into the meat of this article. Both influencing and de-influencing are social media methods that require a content creator. Both are promoting products that they believe are of good quality and that their followers will like, and similarly, oftentimes, we also see the trap of comparison among churches which is dangerous and can lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and division within the body of Christ. 

Now, let’s dive in to what this looks like from a church perspective.

The church, like any other institution, exists within the world. As individuals, we can’t help but be influenced by our surroundings, including cultural trends, social media, and societal norms. Just as influencers impact consumer behavior, the world’s values, ideologies, and priorities subtly shape our thinking and actions. However, this influence isn’t inherently negative. It’s essential for the church to engage with the world, understand its challenges, and address them with compassion and wisdom.

Jesus likened His followers to light and salt (Matthew 5:13-16). By our speech, conduct and disposition, we are to influence the world toward Godliness. The church’s positive influence should extend beyond its walls. It involves living out Biblical principles, showing love, and being a beacon of hope in a broken world.

De-influencing, on the other hand, is a conscious effort to reject or reduce the influence of harmful trends. De-influencers prioritize authenticity, individuality, and personal growth over blindly following popular influencers or societal pressures. In the church context, de-influencing means critically evaluating cultural norms and trends, ensuring they align with biblical values.

The #AntiHaul movement, (previously mentioned), encourages people not to make unnecessary purchases just because influencers endorse them. Similarly, church leaders must discern what’s truly beneficial for their congregations. Church leaders have the honor and responsibility to de-influence – to discourage harmful practices, false teachings and indulgent behaviors. De-influencing empowers believers to make informed choices, promotes credibility, encourages authenticity, and fosters transparency.

While influencing can be positive, it’s essential to avoid promoting a false front. Sometimes, we, as church staff and leaders, have a tendency to focus more on branding, programs, or services than on the Creator. The power of influence can change lives, but we must wield it wisely. The Bible warns against underestimating its impact.

To sum it up, it is crucial for the church to find a balance between being influenced by the world in a discerning way and being influential in shaping culture positively and spiritually. By de-influencing ourselves from harmful trends, we can remain true to our calling as followers of Christ. Let us continue to be a light in the world, shining brightly and making a positive impact on those around us! What a great calling we have…let’s get ‘er done! 

Tricia Edwards is a dynamic woman of many talents and a heart for service. As a mother, she brings warmth, love, and stability to her family. Together with her husband, Kevin, they pastor a church in Carterville, IL, which they planted over 12 years ago. As a pastor’s wife, she is a true partner to her husband, offering encouragement, support, and prayer to their church community. And together, they also co-host an inspiring weekly podcast called, WTF! – Walk the Faith.  Tricia’s musical gifts are a blessing to all who hear her, as she uses her beautiful voice to lead worship and perform at special events. She is also a talented comedian, using her quick wit and humor to bring joy and laughter to audiences everywhere. With her passion for spreading positivity and spreading the Word of God, Tricia is an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing her.