How to Use YouTube to Create a Thriving, Profitable Virtual Ministry That Empowers Millions Each Year

Greetings, Beloved, and welcome to My Beloved Women's Blog Series where I teach women leaders how to fulfill their God-given purpose using their stories and expertise.

I am Felecia Killings, an Award-Winning Coach and CEO of The Felecia Killings Foundation. Since 2011, I've worked with women leaders to help them craft compelling books based on the core mission God has given them.

Over the years, I served as a writing coach and book-publishing specialist. But in 2016, my platform skyrocketed in the virtual space as I began sharing the message God called me to deliver.

Since that time, my voice and platform have reached the heights within conservative politics. My political Movement (the Conscious Conservative Movement) and its books became household names among Republicans and Conservatives. I accomplished this feat by simply bringing the Kingdom message to people who had not heard it before.

And I used my hard story as a catalyst to bring an empowering message to millions online each year.

​But I did not reach these heights by luck or happenstance. 

I implemented best business practices for the online market, using these strategies to help me launch a dynamic virtual ministry.

And through this blog, I teach you core lessons to get you started on your journey.

In this new Empowering Post, I want to introduce you to the world of virtual ministries. Given all we experienced in 2020, people are looking for newer methods for bringing an empowering, God-focused message to the world. Things as we know it are not the same; but it doesn't mean all hope is gone.

By leveraging the power of the virtual space, ministry leaders, authors, speakers, and others can reach thousands of people online when they create a virtual ministry focused on a particular message.

So, in this empowering lesson, you will learn about:

• The desire people have to fellowship online and how you can leverage this shift
• The meaning of a virtual ministry and how it can look for your venture
• Why virtual ministries are growing today, and how you can get the training to launch yours in 2021
• The difference between traditional ministries and virtual ministries
• Who can launch a virtual ministry?
• And why you don't have to be famous to have a thriving virtual ministry

Now, let's get started.

The Desire People Have to Fellowship Online and How You Can Leverage This Shift

I remember back in March 2016, the Holy Spirit said, “I want you to start a virtual bible study.“

“What in the world is that?” I asked.

I immediately began my search of what that phrase meant, but could only find a few articles to help.

I found resources that talked about online and internet churches, but nothing of great substance.

I continued to search and search…but it seemed like anything related to virtual or online churches/ministries was more negative than positive.

This usually happens whenever there’s a new thing or a new movement taking place. People criticize it to the point that nothing good comes out of it.

But I knew I heard the Lord when He mentioned this to me, and I was determined to do what I could to answer the call.

In today’s time, Beloved, we are confronted with new shifts in politics, culture, and faith. Whereas we once freely congregated in our respective assembles, we are now faced with new challenges that threaten our liberties.

Recently, a plague hit America that dramatically crushed our market and economy. Fear of this widespread virus compelled states to forcibly close businesses. Children were prevented from attending traditional schools. And many churches were forced to close.

In times like these, we must be grateful for the prophetic voices who foresaw such events. We must be grateful that when the rest of the world is in chaos, YahWeh will speak to His people, reminding them that He is ever-present.

Back in 2016, the Holy Spirit told me to develop the virtual ministry training solution that will prepare His people for this next wave of revival and reformation. And for 4 consecutive years, I preached this message and the principles on my social media platforms.

The Meaning of "Virtual Ministry" and How It Can Look for Your Venture

I’m often asked this question by several people, including ministers. Whenever they ask me, “What do you do for a living?” I tell them, “I help Believers build virtual ministries using their authorship.”

Most have no idea what I’m talking about, so here’s what I tell them: “I help Christian Authors, Speakers, and Spiritual Leaders build virtual ministries that will change the world using the written and spoken word.“

In other words, I help Believers who feel called to start a work using the online space to promote and spread the message God gave them.

I share with people that this is a part of the new wave of revival and reformation that is sweeping the nation.

Building a virtual ministry involves more than simply writing a book or having a physical church to spearhead.

It’s about finding people from all over the world who are hungry for the message God deposited in such ministers; and creating an online home, hub, church, or community where each member can be fed on a daily basis.

You won’t find many Believers today who will attend local churches every day to be equipped. Times are different than they were in early American history.

But you will find people online who will eagerly consume any word from the Lord as long as it’s delivered to them consistently.

Here are a few articles that explain more about the role and purpose of online churches and ministries and the ways some people react to them:

1. Some people find online ministries easily accessible, especially if they are unable to attend local churches.
2. Some people are finding the online space as the perfect way to reach those who would never enter a traditional church.
3. Some people find online churches to be anti-biblical and “fake.”
4. Some people have not attended traditional churches in years and are looking for spiritual insight from different sources. Thus, online churches have become a viable solution.

As you can see, virtual ministries or online churches are becoming a norm in more ways than one; and this is something I attempted to share with local churches in California back in 2016-2017.

Unfortunately, they wanted nothing to do with this teaching.

But that tends to happen whenever something new is introduced to the Church. She has a tendency to wait until everyone else has accepted the new change and then She jumps on the bandwagon.

First, FKMinistries and Then My Beloved Women's Ministry

Back in 2018, I launched my first virtual ministry called FKMinistries. The purpose was to provide an online space for Christian Conservatives to be fed God's word while also getting active in politics. That ministry's success carried over into Twitter Class, which allowed the Kingdom message to reach millions online each month. And although FKMinistries.org closed down, I used the same ministry model to launch a women's virtual ministry in 2020.

My Beloved Women's Ministry is designed to give today's women the tools needed to build social, political, and economic empires based on Kingdom principles.

Each week, I deliver a LIVE Virtual Bible Study to the women, helping them to better understand the Holy Spirit, how He operates, and how He intends to work through them as wives, mothers, business women, and ministry leaders.

This online ministry is the perfect place for women to grow together. Many of them have the same goals and aspirations. They are searching for an empowering community. And when we do decide to come together in the physical space -- like during My Beloved Women's Conference -- it's easier for us to have fellowship together.

When teaching other Beloveds how to create their own virtual ministries, I use this model to give them clear direction. And in this rest of this lesson, you will see how empowering it will be to create your own venture in this new year.

Why Virtual Ministries are Growing Today & How You Can Get the Training to Launch Yours in 2021

When I teach my scholars about building powerful virtual ministries, there are some areas that I focus on exclusively. For example, I teach them about:

1. Creating and publishing books based on the message God gave them.
2. Identifying the kind of people God wants them to empower. It’s very possible for someone like you to start a virtual ministry that focuses on women, youth, men, the elderly, etc. If you wanted to focus your ministry on a certain topic, you could do that as well. The idea is to clarify your message, start delivering it virtually, and watch the people come.
3. Developing a service or other products that will continue to empower your ministry’s members while generating income for the life of your ministry.
4. And adding to your virtual ministry each year so that more people are equipped.

There are other virtual churches that do things differently, just as there are traditional churches that are vastly different.

Now, you may be wondering what’s the difference between launching a virtual ministry versus launching an online business; and to be honest, there isn’t much of a difference except the message we convey.

It’s not uncommon for me to share with my audience that my business and ministry intersect. I provide spiritual and practical teaching, and I have products—mostly digital ones—that provide more education to my members.

But such commonality should not make any Believer cringe.

Business is nothing more than bringing order, systems, and clarity to a work. Using such strategies helps to keep a ministry moving forward.
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So, if you come across a virtual ministry that seems to use business methods, don’t be alarmed. Go where the Spirit leads you.

The Difference Between Traditional Ministries and Virtual Ministries

If a church records its services on the internet, isn’t this the same as having a virtual church?

The answer to this question is no.

While virtual ministers like myself do use videos as a part of our works, we treat our virtual members in the same way spiritual leaders treat their local parishioners.

Like traditional ministers, I give my time and energy to the people God sends my way. It’s not uncommon for me to be on social media or inside the network 2-5 hours each day. And if I’m not using that time to engage with the members, then I am crafting content — like this Empowering Guide — that empowers readers like you.

I receive prayer requests from my online audience. I have to show up every day virtually, because in this space, things happen quickly. And the more I show up with a teaching, a word of encouragement, or even a personal story, I’m adding to the virtual ministry.

While many spiritual leaders struggle to get physical members inside their churches, being in the online space makes growth happen exponentially and rapidly.

Now, there are some churches who livestream their services each week; but unless they are nurturing their audience daily in the same way they would their local congregations, then they don’t have a virtual church.

They simply have an online presence.
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Again, the difference has more to do with building community online versus simply showing up to promote a new service, message, or product.

Are Virtual Ministries Just for 5-Fold Ministry Gifts?

This is another question that needs addressing.

When it comes to starting churches, the assumption is that the only people who can start them are those who serve as a pastor, apostle, prophet, evangelist, or teacher; and there is good reason for that.

Yet, there are numerous churches that form around the leadership of elders or any other leadership title.

In truth, any Believer can start a virtual ministry in the same way anyone can start a local or home church.

Leadership is always necessary, and the Scriptures provide clarity on the role each leader should have.

But if you don’t want to be called a pastor or apostle or prophet, that’s OK, too.

Personally, I don’t like titles. I’ve had numerous people ask me if I’m a pastor of a church; and my response is always the same: “I’m not a pastor. I’m just a prophetic voice.“

Growing up, I’ve seen titles cripple people. Folks become so caught up in their title that they forget they’ve been called to serve; and I didn’t want to fall prey to such temptation.

So, when people address me, I encourage them to just call me “Felecia.” Some want to show more respect by calling me “Woman of God,” and I accept that. But I don’t want any special title because I don’t want people placing me on a pedestal…it’s just too easy to fall from such heights.

Now, if you’re thinking about starting your own virtual ministry or virtual community, understand that you can do it. The key, however, is in identifying the message you are called to deliver and knowing to whom you’ve been sent. You will also need to find a niche social network platform that will house your online church.

Back when I launched FKMinistries, I used Mighty Networks as my virtual ministry. Since that time, Mighty Networks has made great advancements, which is why I still use them for My Beloved Women's Ministry. They now allow you to create individualized groups and courses. You can charge members (congregants) a monthly fee (like a tithe). The platform is most ideal for small and large ministries. And each time you share a new post, you have the option to notify every member (unlike what we see on Facebook or other social media platforms).

Will Virtual Ministries Replace Traditional Ones?

Here’s my take: No, I don’t believe virtual churches will replace traditional ones, and they shouldn’t. Coming together with people of like-precious faith in the physical sphere is always necessary.

For this reason, I made My Beloved Women's Conference an annual event for our members.

Human contact is irreplaceable, and virtual churches should do what they can to bring people together in the physical space as well.

For example, if 25 members from a virtual church live in Atlanta, Georgia, and 15 members live in Sacramento, California, each of their groups can form sub-ministries where they fellowship together locally while interacting with other members virtually.

This is where I believe the Church is headed, and this is good news. Today, if pastors and other leaders are willing, they can create extensions of their geographical location to reach new people.

When it comes to spreading revival and reformation in this hour, some of God’s people are looking for deeper insight. Not many people receive such teaching from their local pastors.

They are hungry for more.

And for spiritual leaders who have that level of insight and revelation, it behooves them to take that same message to the virtual space in a way that will equip people from around the world.

But like I said earlier, convincing leaders to adopt this method of Gospel delivery is challenging. As much as the world hates change, it seems the Church hates it even more! And that’s OK for now.
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What I wish to do within my ministry is to continue expounding on this new wave and movement; and within time, I look forward to working with churches for the specific purpose of helping them develop their own virtual ministries.

Why You Don't Have to be Famous to Have a Thriving Virtual Ministry

One of the best stories you will hear from successful entrepreneurs or virtual ministry leaders is how they began exactly where you are today.

Everyone begins at point zero. But it’s what each person does with the little that determine how big his or her ministry will be.

When I began redeveloping my brand and virtual ministry, I started with about 20 members. My network had just been published, and I knew absolutely nothing about building a thriving virtual ministry.

I made a few assumptions about its growth and expansion. I assumed our members would help build the network by inviting others to join automatically. I assumed making money was as simple as posting a picture of my book insides Facebook groups.

I made several mistakes along the way.

But the more quality work I added to the virtual ministry, the more it grew.

Yet, I started at the same place where you are today. I didn’t have hundreds or thousands of followers back in 2016. I had to develop strategies that would work well for my brand. And after implementing them successfully, growth happened naturally.

You see, even with a small following, I began to see my virtual ministry flourish.

Every successful virtual ministry leader begins somewhere. As she builds upon the foundation, others will recognize her work. And this is what makes her an authority figure in the online space.


Don’t Despise the Small Beginnings

Take this passage to heart, Beloved: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10).

What an awesome word of encouragement for every new virtual ministry leader.

You don’t have to look at your current progress as something to be ashamed of. You can be proud that you have begun the work.

You have taken the step of faith that so many are afraid to do. You can be confident in knowing that He who began the work is faithful to complete it.

God needs your cooperation. As I tell my students in my school, while it is He who gives you the power or ability to accomplish His mission for your life, it is still up to you to put in the work.

And God is looking to see how you handle the small beginnings. Will you be faithful with the little? If so, then you will be faithful with much.

It takes time to develop this character. And this is why it is very possible to build a thriving virtual ministry, even when it seems like no one really knows you.

But God knows you. He knows the plans that are in your heart. He understands your desires. And as long as they are in alignment with His will, He will see them prosper. That’s His promise, and no one can take it away from you.


Be Diligent in What You Have and Build, Build, Build

There will come a time when you will see your dreams manifested, as long as you’re willing to do what’s necessary on your part today.

Little by little, as you contribute to your virtual ministry, you are building something that will last a lifetime.

You never know who will be impacted by your commitment and your diligent work decades down the road.

You never know just how far you will go until you make the first steps in the right direction.

So, never compare yourself to that of another. Don’t feel you have to reach fame before you begin to see the fruits of your labor.

In due time, at the right moment, when you have completed all your preparation and received all your necessary training, then opportunity will meet you at your door. And you will be ready for the greatness that awaits you.

I speak from experience, and I hope this empowering lesson brought a wealth of encouragement to you.

And as always, Beloved, let's grow together!

​- Felecia

Launch Your Virtual Ministry, Starting Right Now! The New Creators for Christ Course Will Show You How

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This course is ideal for aspiring virtual ministers who want to grow their platform by the thousands, and those who want to build a loyal subscription base that will help fund their virtual work for a lifetime.

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