Instagram recently announced it had reached 100 million monthly users, less than 3 years after its launch. About 90 million of those users are children’s ministry leaders. (Give or take.) There’s a good chance you’re on Instagram yourself. Here are 5 Instagram secrets to build engagement and excitement about your ministry.

1. Use hashtags.

The best way to connect with other Instagram users in your church or organization is to add #hashtags to your photos. Come up with a #hashtag for your ministry that people can search to see photos of what’s happening.

(By the way, one of the best ways to get new ideas and to see what other children’s ministry leaders are doing is by searching the #kidmin hashtag.)

2. Take photos of your leaders.

We live in a digital age. Don’t save all of your pictures for an end-of-the-year slideshow. Let people see pictures of your hard-working volunteers on Instagram! Take pictures during church, at special events and other times.

3. Share sneak peek photos.

People love sneak peeks. Use Instagram to let folks take a first look at what you’re working on. This could include a new logo, event prep, a new teaching series, etc.

4. Use behind-the-scenes shots.

Let people see what happens behind the scenes in your ministry. Behind-the-scenes photos help personalize your ministry and create a sense of camaraderie and fun with your followers.

5. Promote special events.

If you are a preparing for VBS, a special meeting, or an event for families, talk it up on Instagram! During and afterward, document your event with fun Instagram pictures.

A good dose of creativity, some thought, and a fun spirit can go a long way to help Instagram become a strong asset to your ministry. Jump right in and don’t be shy. Start now!

With less than three weeks until The 99 Summit, I thought I’d share ten things I am super excited about.

1. The theme. Ministry can be hectic. You’ll leave refreshed and better equipped to think and work like a leader.

2. Meeting new friends. I can’t wait to see all the new friendships that will start at the Summit.

3. The small feel. We’re limiting the number of registrations because we don’t want the Summit to feel like a “big” event.

4. The 99 Leadership Plans. Each attendee will develop their own 99 Leadership Plan to help them become better leaders.

5. The book project. We’ll write a book at the Summit that everyone will be proud to have contributed to.

6. The prizes. The Summit swag bags are going to rock.

7. The BBQ dinner. We’ll have a big BBQ in the backyard at KidzMatter on Monday night followed by a corn hole tournament. (It’s an Indiana thing.)

8. It’s cheap. 99 bucks.

9. The worship. We will worship the Lord together through music and prayer.

10. It’s new. This is a brand-new, never-done-before event!

Check out the event website to learn more and to register!