Short-Form Video
Short-form videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp are one of my favorite tools for decolonial work!
Below, you will find 9 links to pages demonstrating ways that short-form videos can be used as decolonial praxis.
All videos include a transcript and notes about how my editing choices support the video's goals. On each page, you will find links to the next video in the series, but if you would prefer, you can view all of the videos on one page here.
A Note on TikTok style
My TikTok videos are fast-paced and often include background music. This can make them difficult to process for older adults. Transcripts are included for all videos linked below. On all videos, you can also move your cursor over the video, click the gear icon, and select "playback speed" to adjust the speed, as needed.
Find more like this
I have produced over 200 short-form videos since I began the DMin program at PSR. This is a small sampling. To watch more videos like this, check out @disorganized.religion on TikTok or Instagram.
If you want to explore TikTok on your own but have never used the app, click here to view a tutorial on how to use the platform to view and create videos.
Click here to read some of the positive comments I've received on short-form videos to give you an idea of the impact this kind of ministry can have!
Short-Form Video in the Church
Learning how to create short-form videos can enrich your ministry at your brick-and-mortar church as well. If you have a projector and screen in your worship space, you can use videos to enrich sermons, educate people about stewardship, or share clips from the wider church. Click here to see two examples of ways I used short-form videos in congregational worship.
Click the images below to explore videos for decolonization
Education
Amplifying Subaltern Voices
Reeconciliation
Not all people have access to biblical and theological education. Short form videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can make theological education more accessible.
Reeconciliation
Amplifying Subaltern Voices
Reeconciliation
The church's cooperation with colonial systems of power has done serious harm. Short-form videos are one way to participate in reconciliation and healing.
Amplifying Subaltern Voices
Amplifying Subaltern Voices
Amplifying Subaltern Voices
Creators can use video editing software on their computers or use one of the many tools available in short-form video apps like TikTok or Instagram to repost, "duet," "stitch" and collaborate with other creators in ways that amplify the voices of people in the global majority.
Queer Theology
Dismantling Patriarchy and White Supremacy
Framing Current Events
Queer theology purposefully approaches Christian scripture and tradition through LGBTQ+ lenses. It rejects binaries and affirms the value of LGBTQ+ people to God and the church. Short-form videos can push back against colonial and anti-LGBTQ+ interpretations of the Christian faith.
Framing Current Events
Dismantling Patriarchy and White Supremacy
Framing Current Events
Short-form videos on social media are a public-square ministry that allows progressive Christian leaders to frame current events through the lenses of justice and liberation.
Dismantling Patriarchy and White Supremacy
Dismantling Patriarchy and White Supremacy
Dismantling Patriarchy and White Supremacy
The myths of white supremacy, patriarchy, and other colonial systems are just that--myths. Short-form videos can help you tell a different story and transform the public conversation!
Equipping Co-Conspirators
Equipping Co-Conspirators
Equipping Co-Conspirators
The majority of social media users are under 25 on TikTok (under 35 on Instagram). Short-form videos can educate and empower young voters to learn about complex issues and participate in affecting real change in their communities.
Demystifying Church
Equipping Co-Conspirators
Equipping Co-Conspirators
There is a hunger for polity videos on TikTok! Videos that reveal the inner workings of the church demystify the Church with a capital C, making religion more accessible. Videos that critique Christianity and the Church further empower viewers to think critically about their faith.
Fun and Rest as Resistance
Equipping Co-Conspirators
Fun and Rest as Resistance
In a culture that equates productivity with value, rest is an act of resistance! Digital evangelists, pastors, deep thinkers and strategists all need a break sometimes. Short-form video platforms are a place where community leaders can have fun and let loose.