COLUMBIA (WACH) - Many congregations are using new technology and social media to reach new followers and get their message across.

First Baptist Church of Columbia's television broadcast is seen by thousands across the Palmetto State, but its reach doesn't stop there.

First Baptist is one of many churches using Twitter and Facebook as tools to reach the masses.

Church leaders even hired someone to help handle the church's growing following online. They say their Twitter page gives them so many different opportunities to minister to a hurting community.

"We've had conversations with people on our Twitter and Facebook page from Brazil or Europe, or we've connected with lots of different people and so we love talking to them about Christ - and telling our community about things that we have going on that they can come be a part of," said Janine Mikel with First Baptist Church of Columbia.

But is this growing trend of using social media helping or hurting the church?

Tune in tomorrow night for a special report by WACH Fox reporter and Good Day Columbia co-host Fraendy Clervaud on WACH Fox News at Ten.