Most churches are posting on Instagram—but very few are actually connecting with their community there.

Why? Because most churches focus on the grid (posts and Reels), while ignoring one of the most powerful tools at their fingertips: Instagram Stories.

Stories sit at the very top of people’s feeds; they feel authentic, and they invite interaction in ways a static post never could.

TL;DR: Use countdowns, Q&As, polls, emoji sliders, and links to make Instagram Stories a place where your church connects with people.

Service + Event Countdowns 

A countdown sticker (with reminders) is one of the easiest ways to create excitement around what’s happening at your church. Whether it’s your Sunday service, a special event, or a new sermon series, countdowns help your followers mark their calendars.

Example:
“We can’t wait to see you this Sunday at 10 AM 🙌 Tap the bell icon to set a reminder!”

Pro Tip: Pair countdowns with behind-the-scenes content—like worship team rehearsal, volunteers setting up chairs, or the kids’ ministry prepping crafts. It makes your invite feel more personal.

Q&A Stickers 

The question sticker is one of the most powerful ways to make Stories interactive. Use it for fun and serious moments:

• “Ask the Pastor” sessions
• Questions about an upcoming or past sermon
• Gathering feedback on ministry ideas
• Prayer requests (“How can we pray for you this week?”)

Example:
“Got questions about faith or life? Drop them here 👇” or “We’d love to pray for you this week 🙏 Submit your requests below.”

Pro Tip: Answer questions or share encouragement in follow-up Stories. For prayer, keep details private but post a general message like: “Thank you for trusting us with your requests. We’re praying for you this week.”

Polls (for Feedback + Fun) 

Polls are quick, fun, and give people an easy way to interact. They’re also perfect for gathering lighthearted feedback or sparking conversations.

Examples:

“Which worship song do you want this Sunday? 🎶”

“Coffee ☕ or Donuts 🍩 before service?”

Pro Tip: Always share the results in a follow-up Story. People love seeing how their vote stacked up—and it builds momentum for the next poll.

Emoji Sliders

Sometimes you don’t need words—just a quick way for people to express how they feel. Emoji sliders are perfect for gauging excitement for an upcoming event or feedback on a past sermon. 

Examples:

“How pumped are you for Fall Festival? 🍂”

"How many of you already have your car decorations for trunk or treat? 🎃"

Pro Tip: Match the emoji to the mood. Use 🙏 for prayer, 🎶 for worship, and other seasonal emojis when appropriate. The more creative you are, the more people will engage.

Links: Move People to Action

Stories aren’t just for fun—they can also drive next steps. The link sticker lets you send people directly to your livestream, small group signup, giving page, or sermon archive.

Example:
“Missed Sunday’s message? Tap here to watch now.”

Pro Tip: Don’t just drop a link—pair it with a teaser. Post a short sermon clip, a quick invite, or a compelling graphic so people are motivated to click.

Stories Are Ministry Opportunities

Instagram Stories aren’t throwaway content. They’re a front door to your church and a chance to meet people where they already are—scrolling on their phones.

By using countdowns, Q&As, polls, emoji sliders, and links, your church can move beyond broadcasting announcements and start building genuine connections.

Challenge: Try all five of these Story features in the next month. Watch how your engagement grows—and more importantly, how your community feels more connected to your church.

Instagram Stories for Churches FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Instagram stories for churches...

Do Instagram Stories disappear after 24 hours?

Yes, but you can save them to your profile Highlights to give them a permanent home. This is great for new visitors who want to get a quick feel for your church.

Should churches boost Stories with ads?

If you have a big event coming up, boosting a Story can be worth it. Just make sure your Story is short, clear, and has a direct call-to-action (like a link or countdown).

What tools can help make Stories easier?

Free tools like Canva or built-in Instagram templates can help, but often your phone camera is all you need. Keep it simple and authentic.

Can Stories really help small churches?

Absolutely. Stories don’t require big budgets or pro equipment, just consistency and a willingness to share glimpses of your church’s life.

Rebecca Church Engagement