Starts Online Nonprofit to Slay Harm with Hope Full-time

Minnesota resident Spencer Coffman had enough, enough of hearing about the harm from content on social media platforms. Unlike most, he took action by founding the online nonprofit Social Media Ministries and devoting himself full-time to spreading the Word of the Lord with a mission of reaching as many people as possible using social media.

“I’d been reading studies about the negative effects that a lot of the content is having on people, namely younger people,” said Coffman. “After much prayer and conversations with my wife, I felt that I had to do something to counter this trend by reaching people for Christ.”

Coffman took that action in May 2021 by launching SMM full-time. His ministry shares on TikTok, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and a few other platforms to spread the hope that’s within the Gospels as a way of countering the harmful messaging. They’ve also begun a campaign to help reduce harm on social media. An estimated 4.9 billion people use social media worldwide, so Coffman’s work is only beginning.

“I was a little nervous at first since the upfront costs were so large, but I put my faith in God and the charges on credit cards and we were up and running within a few weeks. I wouldn’t recommend it,” said Coffman. “but there was no time to wait, I know it’s going to take time not only to pay it off but also before I can get paid. Until then, we have to trust that our Lord will provide for us.”

Spencer’s wife Elise works full-time to cover their living expenses. Spencer even sold his car! A beautiful Dodge Charger he had since before he and his wife met.

“I love seeing his passion,” said Elise. “He mentioned the idea of selling his car in a brief conversation. I think it was literally, 24 hours later that he told me someone was coming to pick it up. I was a little irritated and was like ‘I didn’t know we even agreed to sell it!’ But that’s who he is, a man of action, unafraid and willing to sacrifice everything, and I love that about him.”

For two years Elise has worked an average of 50 hours a week. Spencer has also had to pick up temporary work from time to time. They’ve been praying for volunteer help with Social Media Ministries as well as for the ability for Elise to work a regular weekday 9-5 job and Spencer not to have to pick up any extra jobs working for money.

Those prayers are beginning to be answered as SMM recently acquired the help of a few volunteers to perform various tasks, such as Google ads and sermon transcription, so the sermons can be translated into other languages and heard by a global audience. See all of their volunteer opportunities here.

In December 2023, Elise began a job working weekdays from 7-3:30. Another answered prayer. The income will be a little less because it is 40 hours a week, but God is going to provide. That’s why we’ve decided to go forward with crowdfunding.

“If people would be willing to support us directly, it means SMM can use 100% of their money to further the mission, rather than worrying about whether or not it can pay me.” Said Spencer. “I don’t even care if I make money from them. Yes, it’d be great! And someday, SMM will employ myself, and many others. But right now, we need to reach more people.”

Any money you give will be used to support the Coffman family. You can do so here on Spencer’s website. Additionally, if you wish to support Social Media Ministries you can do so here!

SMM, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, shares content on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms via weekly sermons, daily Ministry Minute devotionals, and podcasts that share the Gospel and update its followers about SMM activities. Go to socialmediaministries.com for more information and to follow SMM.