What the Church Needs to Know About Being a Christian Influencer | Jackie Horbrook
When social media feels like a noisy crowd of hot takes, how can Christians use their influence for good? What are the unique ways that the church can bring the radical hope of Christ to a context that can be toxic, addictive, and damaging?
In this episode of Hear Women, Nijay Gupta welcomes Jackie Horbrook—author, entrepreneur, and founder of Black Christian Influencers—to share her journey from growing up as a pastor’s daughter in Chicago to becoming an online “kingdom solutionist.” Through her wisdom and warmth, Horbrook describes how presence, intentionality, and vulnerability on social media can be an effective form of ministry.
Horbrook challenges limiting narratives about influence, spotlights the necessity of discernment, and shares what churches and individuals often overlook when it comes to listening to God’s call—both online and offline. The conversation reveals concrete ways that Horbrook is cultivating a community for Black women that is understanding, safe, and inspiring while also helping all Christians understand better how to use their God-given influence for his kingdom-building purposes.
Tune in for thoughtful reflections on calling, the pitfalls and potential of different social platforms, and how even a small act online can make a kingdom difference.
This episode highlights the following themes:
✅ Why every Christian, regardless of follower count, can be a force for good
✅ The pitfalls of digital comparison and the value of consistent, authentic engagement
✅ How to discern calling and build healthy boundaries online
Links from this episode:
✅ Learn more about Jackie Horbrook (blackchristianinfluencers.com/member-directory/jackie-horbrook/single-member/) and Black Christian Influencers (blackchristianinfluencers.com/)
✅ Read How to Be a Christian Influencer (www.ivpress.com/how-to-be-a-christian-influencer) by Jackie Horbrook
✅ Learn more about Teri Ijeoma (linktr.ee/tradeandtravel)
✅ Read the transcript here (drive.google.com/file/d/1xj4UNhf3G4PBwZCw9vPYSVCINSay_jaq/view)
✅ Learn more about Hear Women (www.ivpress.com/hear-women-podcast)
✅ Learn more about your hosts, Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young (www.ivpress.com/dorina-lazo-gilmore-young), Nijay Gupta (www.ivpress.com/nijay-k-gupta), and Tara Beth Leach (www.ivpress.com/tara-beth-leach)
✅ Read Redeemer (www.ivpress.com/redeemer) by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young
✅ Read Tell Her Story (www.ivpress.com/tell-her-story) by Nijay Gupta
✅ Read Emboldened (www.ivpress.com/emboldened) by Tara Beth Leach
SPECIAL OFFER | Visit ivpress.com (ivpress.com/) and use the code IVPHEAR40 for 40% off and free shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
SPONSOR | Hear Women is sponsored by Northern Seminary, where thousands of women have been equipped to serve as pastors, practitioners, church planters, and ministry leaders across the globe. Explore your calling and visit seminary.edu (www.seminary.edu/) to learn more.
Credits:
✅ Producers: Christine Pelliccio Melo, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton
✅ Research Assistants: Abby Lee and Jazmin Rose
✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts (honestpodcasts.com/)
✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Organica" by Artax
==== Time Stamps ====
00:00 – Welcome to Hear Women
01:12 – About Jackie Horbrook
02:54 – When Did Social Media Become Intentional Ministry?
04:41 – Who Is an Influencer, Really? Redefining the Role
07:33 – Jesus The Marketer
10:02 – Why Authenticity Wins for Christians Online
12:21 – Building Black Christian Influencers
14:50 – All Ears: Reflections from IVP Staff
18:56 – Women, Complexity, and Narratives Online
21:55 – Navigating Negativity
25:37 – Measuring Value in Social Media
27:52 – Which Platform Fits?
31:46 – Motivation, Calling, and Monetization
35:27 – What the Church Gets Wrong About Social Media
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
