A zebra named Ed by social media escaped from his owners in Rutherford County, Tennessee, on May 30, 2025. The zebra's escape and subsequent search captivated the local community and national news alike. Ed made appearances alongside local highways, in nearby fields and even on Ring cameras while exploring local neighborhoods. During this time, local businesses saw an opportunity to join the fun—sharing Ed-themed memes, posting zebra sightings and crafting clever tie-ins to their services. It wasn’t just about humor. These posts fostered community engagement, increased visibility and made businesses feel more relatable and responsive to local culture.
So what can churches learn from Ed’s wild run?
Join the conversation—with purpose
Churches often hesitate to engage with viral news or trending topics. But these moments are prime opportunities to show that your congregation is not only present in the community but paying attention to what people care about—zebras and all.
When Ed became Middle Tennessee’s unlikely celebrity, local social media feeds were filled with laughter and light-hearted commentary. A church could have shared:
· A Scripture-inspired message like, “God watches over even the stray zebra—how much more does He care for you?”
· A photo of the sanctuary with the caption, “Ed, if you're still on the run, we’ve got sanctuary every Sunday at 10 a.m.”
· A simple prayer: “Lord, keep Ed safe and bring laughter and joy to our neighbors.”
Be seen where the conversation is
When your church participates in local events—even unexpected ones like a zebra sighting—it shows you're part of the fabric of your neighborhood. People are more likely to engage with your church if they see you as active, approachable and invested in local life.
Think of your church’s Facebook, Instagram or Threads page as a digital front porch. Use it to:
· Respond to local news in real time
· Share local joys, challenges and victories
· Celebrate community milestones big or small
Know your voice
Humor works well when it aligns with your church’s tone. Stay light-hearted but respectful. The goal is not to “go viral” but to be visible, caring and relevant.
Stay ready
Keep a few flexible templates or ideas in your back pocket for moments like these:
· A blank version of your church sign to add text for trending topics
· A go-to photo of your pastor or sanctuary with space for creative captions
· A set of hashtags you commonly use (e.g., #OurTownUMC, #CommunityFaith, #EdTheZebra)
Final thoughts
Your church doesn’t need to chase every trend, but staying alert to local news—especially fun or quirky moments—can open doors to connection. By meeting people where they are, even amid a zebra chase, you offer a reminder that faith is not just inside the walls of your building. It’s alive in the streets, the fields and the social feeds of your community.
How did the story end? We are happy to say, the zebra was safely captured and returned home.
For more ideas on using social media and community engagement, visit www.resourceumc.org/mycom.
With over 20 years of experience across various media outlets, Renee McNeill has guided brands in crafting and executing effective strategies for both internal marketing and public-facing campaigns. As a specialist in social media and e-marketing, Renee is passionate about empowering churches worldwide to enhance their communications and marketing efforts.Renee is the producer of the MyCom brand, and can be reached at [email protected].