As Facebook continues to evolve, changes to its business-page features may affect how churches share ministry resources, event information and other links. Meta has introduced a subscription-based model called Meta One for businesses, offering benefits such as verification, impersonation protection and customer support. However, some business-page features, including external link sharing, may become limited without a paid subscription.

Because many churches maintain Facebook pages classified as business pages, these changes could affect how congregations direct followers to their websites, event registrations and online resources. Facebook business pages (such as church pages) will be limited to two external links per month. After that pages will need to purchase a tiered membership to share more links. Links to internal offerings such as Facebook streams (Facebook Live church services, for example) will not be impacted by this program. 

What does this mean for NIC churches?

Churches should be prepared to adjust how they share information on Facebook if link-sharing restrictions apply to their pages. Rather than including an external link in every post, consider directing followers to your church website, sharing links through your regular newsletter, or pinning a post that provides access to frequently used resources.

Recommended communication checklist:

• Keep your church website current, especially event details, worship times and contact information.
• Use a simple, memorable website address in Facebook posts and printed materials.
• Pin a Facebook post directing followers to your website’s events or resources page.
• Include important links in weekly email newsletters and other regular communications.
• Share key announcements through more than one channel, such as email, text messaging, print materials or worship announcements.
• Review your Facebook page regularly to confirm that links and contact information work properly.
• Monitor your page’s available features and adjust your communication plan if restrictions appear.

The Northern Illinois Conference will continue to share ministry news, resources and updates through its communication channels. Churches are encouraged to keep their websites current and use multiple communication methods to help members and community members find important information.

As these platform changes develop, churches should monitor their page features and available settings to determine whether any restrictions apply to their accounts.