With so much negativity, division, and frustration in our world right now (#election, #covid, #protests, #IsIt2021Yet??) it’s more important than ever to make sure that you’re listening to and consuming content that’s spiritually uplifting and founded on truth.
Sure, like anything, social media can be used to harm, not help us. But these tools can also be used for good, if we know the right places to look and who to follow. And let’s face it, social media isn’t going anywhere.
It’s hard to believe there are individuals out there who are creating content that’s authentic and honest—using their platforms to talk about Jesus, not just build up their own followings—but they’re out there, trust me, and they’re young.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible comes from the book of Timothy. Paul is writing to his good friend, a young guy named (you guessed it) Timothy, and he says this to encourage him:
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12
This verse is good to have in your back pocket as a young person, but it’s also good to remember when you’re looking for those voices to follow and allow to pour into you.
What I’m seeing right now in our culture is a continued revival of young people when it comes to leading the church. And these young influencers aren’t taking the traditional route on sharing the gospel. They’re doing it in the places that they’re familiar with: places like Instagram.
So, whether you’re in college, an Insta-newbie or an Insta-pro, or anywhere else on the social media spectrum, here are 8 young influencers sharing the gospel on Instagram that you should follow right now.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/jacoblund
1. Luke Lezon (@LukeLezon)
Luke has been using his social media platforms to tell people about Jesus for years. He’s also an author, and one of the most dynamic preachers you’ll ever listen to.
On Instagram, Luke shares candidly about life, relationships, trials, and how to faithfully follow Jesus through it all.
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2. CJ Ham (@cjham_93)
CJ is best known as the pro bowl fullback for the Minnesota Vikings. Fun fact: CJ went to my alma mater, Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. #GoVikings!
When he’s not on the field, CJ is often volunteering in the youth group at his local church or building a snowman with his amazing wife, Stephanie, and their daughters.
Our world is quick to leverage athletes as role models. So, as an athlete that openly talks about Jesus and encourages others in their faith, CJ’s life is one worth modeling.
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3. Cade Thompson (@cadethompsonmusic)
Cade is seriously one of my favorite people! I’ve known him since before he was in high school (that’s the way it goes in South Dakota). Cade is hands-down one of the kindest people you could ever know, plus he has a huge heart for Jesus. He’s also a Christian recording artist, with hit songs like “Provider.”
Check him out on Instagram, then start listening to his music.
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4. Kait Warman (@kaitness)
Scroll through Instagram and you’ll get all kinds of direct and indirect advice on what dating can and should like. But what about godly dating advice? Kait Warman’s got you covered.
Kait’s Instagram account focuses on relationships, dating, and how to do everything that goes along with dating and relationships as a follower of Jesus. She’s seriously wise beyond her years.
I’ve been married for 16 years, and even as a marriage “veteran,” I still find her advice and insight helpful in my own marriage.
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5. Christian Wilson (@christianjohnw)
Christian is the co-founder of Anthem of Hope, a faith-centered organization that’s dedicated to amplifying hope for those battling all forms of brokenness and mental illness.
On his platform, Christian regularly shares about mental health and Jesus—reminding us that just because we might struggle with things like depression and anxiety doesn’t mean we’re bad Christians.
Photo Credit: ©Instagram
6. Chase Haney (@chasehaney)
I want to be Chase’s best friend, no joke! Chase has been used by God in so many huge ways, and he’s currently studying to be a pastor at seminary.
He’s not at some huge fancy church, he’s just simply and faithfully following Jesus. It’s refreshing for me to see someone that I can relate to who doesn’t have a super-flashy position or title. Side note: few of us actually have a flashy position, we just might think we do.
You and your walk with Christ will be better for following Chase!
Photo Credit: ©Instagram
7. Kirby Minnick (@kirbyisaboss)
I seriously love Kirby! She’s a longtime YouTuber, and on her YouTube (and now Instagram), Kirby tackles topics that many of us shy away from—issues and questions that you and I probably wrestle with daily.
Kirby is also super-honest with the fact that she’s walked through quite a few trials in her personal life.
It’s easy to talk about Jesus when life is easy, but the person I want to listen to is the one who’s gone through the worst and yet still chooses to follow the Lord. That person is Kirby.
Photo Credit: ©kirbyminnick.com
8. Rashawn Copeland (@hypesir)
Rashawn is a Jesus-loving joy-spreader! He shares the gospel regularly on his feed and shows us how to love everyone like Jesus does.
On a regular basis, Rashawn goes out and kindly shares the gospel with complete strangers. His approach is so winsome that people can’t help but listen and know more about the Jesus that he follows.
It’s impossible to watch Rashawn’s Insta Stories and not walk away smiling. Love this guy!
Each of these innovators are years younger than me, and yet they are the people I personally look up to and consider my pastors on social media.
If you’re looking for people to follow who will consistently share encouraging, Jesus-based content on a platform that’s known for filters and posting a highlight reel version of life, these are the people to follow.
Who are the young influencers on Instagram that have pushed you closer to Jesus?
Recommended for You:
12 Inspiring Christian YouTubers to Watch Now
15 Uplifting Christian Instagram Influencers to Follow Now
Could Jesus Go Viral on TikTok?
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Originally published November 02, 2020.
