Last week the ENGAGE Conference 2022 happened. It was another great year of amazing presentations that inspired thousands of ministry leaders.
During this year's conference there were a number presentations that had elements of digital ministry in them. While I am still processing and debriefing much from what I heard, here are just some of the many great things said at ENGAGE Conference 2022. Underneath each quote, I add a digital ministry thought to encourage you as you seek to reach people online.
"We leverage new school tools so old school truths can take root." - Derwin Gray
- I love this! This is truly the heart of digital and online ministry. The world is changing and becoming more digital and online. The Church needs to adapt new school tools to communicate old school truths.
“Personal invitation is the strongest on-ramp of your church.” - Devin Galloway
- Personal invitation matters, even digitally. You can personally invite your friends on each social media platform. And, you can use your smartphone and messaging apps to text your friends inviting them to Church or whatever you want to invite them to.
"Context plays a huge role in how organizations develop their approach to digital." - Jeremiah Bartlett
- Just because one Church used digital in one way doesn't mean that way will work for your Church. Context is so important. Make sure you use online ministry in a way that works best in your context.
“The most important sentence in any outbound message is the subject line.” - Kenny Jahng
- If you want people to open the email you put time and effort into, get creative with your subject line. If your email's subject line is interesting, people are more likely to open it.
“Delegation is a powerful tool for effective leaders, not a sign of weakness.” - Tyler Smith
- Ministers of all backgrounds are always taking on too much. They need to delegate or else they will be overstressed and burned out...sooner rather than later.
“Life change happens when people connect.” - Antonio Ramquar
- Connection matters and people can/do connect online. Just as you create in person connecting points, there needs to be online connecting points. Think through different online connecting points for your ministry. Here are some ways to create an online guest pathway.
"Volunteers need to feel like you’re not just filling a position, you’re also filling them!" - Meta Mwenya
- Church staffers are not the only people experiencing burnout. Ever since the pandemic hit, volunteers have been asked to do more. If Churches are going to keep volunteers, they don't just need someone to fill a spot, they need to actually fill and invest in them. Train them, equip them, and disciple them.
"We have to think differently when it comes to what we put out on social media as a ministry." - Jennifer Benton
- Social media is always changing. What worked well last year may not work well today. Also, what works well for one Church or ministry doesn't always work well for your Church or ministry. Think differently to reach your community.
What do you think? Did you attend the Engage Conference 2022? What stood out to you? Share your thoughts below or on social media.
Also, if you are interested in being a Digital Missionary or want to learn digital tools to expand your reach in ministry this year, join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group!