Gaby Chagolla challenges digital ministry leaders to reflect Christ through sincerity, vulnerability, and purpose-driven content.
February 16, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
Creative communicators and digital ministry leaders were encouraged to approach social media with authenticity and spiritual intention on Feb. 15 as part of the Creative Disciples initiative series for women across the Inter-American Division.
Presenter Gaby Chagolla, news coordinator and social media manager for the Central Mexican Union, shared practical insights on how believers can reflect Christ in digital spaces by prioritizing sincerity over perfection.
Speaking to women engaged in online ministry, Chagolla emphasized that social media is more than a platform for polished images, it is a mission field where faith is lived and communicated through genuine experiences.
“Jesus didn’t say, ‘Talk about the light.’ He said, ‘You are the light,’” Chagolla told participants, referencing Matthew 5:14. “The light doesn’t live in the post, it lives in the person who publishes it.”
Drawing from her background in communication and digital evangelism, as well as her eight-year online ministry project 7th Station, Chagolla explained that authenticity builds trust and connection in ways highly curated content cannot. She cited research indicating that most people perceive user-generated content as more credible because audiences relate to real experiences.
“We don’t reflect Christ by pretending to live perfect lives,” she said. “We reflect Him when we share what is real—our struggles, our growth, and how God is working in us.”
Throughout the session, Chagolla encouraged participants to shift their mindset from asking what to post toward asking how their content might serve others. Social media, she said, becomes a tool for ministry when posts offer encouragement, perspective, or spiritual hope.
“A post is light when, in the middle of so much noise, it brings hope,” she explained. “It invites reflection, prayer, rest, or forgiveness, not just reaction.”
She illustrated how everyday emotions—fear, comparison, uncertainty—can be connected to biblical promises, allowing creators to minister through relatable storytelling. Sharing vulnerability, she added, opens doors for deeper spiritual conversations.
“God also speaks through our vulnerability,” Chagolla said. “You can say, ‘I don’t have all the answers, but I know God is there.’ That also brings light.”
Beyond content creation, Chagolla stressed that credibility comes from consistency between online presence and personal faith. Audiences, she noted, observe not only what is posted, but how creators interact and respond
“It’s not about showing perfect lives, but real lives,” she said. “People perceive how we live what we share.
Chagolla challenged participants to conduct a weeklong self-review of their social media presence, examining tone, values, and whether their platforms communicate encouragement and faith.
“God is not looking for perfect profiles,” she concluded. “He is looking for real hearts that reflect His light.”
The Creative Disciples Training Series continues next week on Feb. 23, 2026.
To view the 10-week special series, visit webcast.interamerica.org every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Miami time, from Feb. 8 to Apr. 12, 2026.