New Tech Trends to Monitor in Your Online Ministry
jeff • January 13, 2022
A new year is upon us and with the new year it is great to evaluate where we are in ministry as well as what lies ahead. What has been working well and what new tech trends are out there that we should be monitoring.
To discuss what is happening with online ministry is Marcus Cylar. Marcus is an Online Ministry veteran and has been on the front line of helping people discover God online. In today's podcast we focus on 3 main areas:
- Community. Where are people discovering community online and how can online ministries help grow community.
- Discord. This is a messaging app that younger people, especially gamers are building community and hearing about Jesus.
- NFTs and VR (the Metaverse). What is especially new and trending are NFTs and the Metaverse. How can the Church use these platforms for ministry purposes? Since they are still very new, it is hard to tell at this moment. However, they are worth exploring and looking into.
If you are looking for some Digital Ministry training this year (including Metaverse, Phygital or Online Ministry), check out the Equip Page at the Church Digital.
ACTION STEPS:
- Join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. This is for ALL Ministers , not just Church Communicators or Social Media Managers as we share resources, tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools.
- Sign up for the Sidekick Scoop Weekly Email. Each Friday get a fresh email with content from all over the ministry world (especially online and student ministry topics) and be encouraged in how you can minister more effectively in today's world.
- If you have an idea for a topic or a person for Tom to interview for a future podcast episode, email here .
What do you think? Share your ideas on Discord or on social media.
Through the.Church.digital, we are helping physical and digital churches better understand the discipleship process, and helping churches and church planters understand this and other decentralized mindset shifts. By taking this quick assessment we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.
What is the digital mission field, and how can it disrupt traditional ministry and reach the unreached? See how digital missionaries are using platforms like Twitch, Youtube, and VR to make real connections, build authentic community, and kickstart a global Gospel movement.
What is niche-casting, and how can it transform online ministry? This explores how digital missionaries balance connection and community, tackle the challenges of digital spaces, and make a lasting impact instead of simply producing content and broadcasting church services.
2025 is set to be a groundbreaking year for theChurch.digital as we focus on equipping and mobilizing digital missionaries worldwide. From innovative training formats and community expansion to global partnerships and gospel-centered initiatives, we're creating new ways to connect, empower and support digital missions. With a bold vision for prayer, discipleship and a lot more gospel conversations, this year promises to redefine how we share Jesus in digital spaces.
The church is at a crossroads, facing the need to move beyond traditional, pulpit-focused models and embrace digital ministry as a catalyst for transformation. Digital platforms provide opportunities to foster authentic relationships, empower individuals and reach those beyond physical walls, making the mission of Jesus accessible to a world in need of connection and hope.
Discover how digital discipleship breaks barriers and redefines spiritual growth. Beyond physical walls, tools like Zoom and Discord create authentic connections and global opportunities to reach those the building never could. The future of discipleship is here—are you ready?
Explore how digital missions are transforming outreach by meeting people where they are online. From creating vibrant faith communities to fostering genuine connections on digital platforms, this offer endless opportunities for spiritual growth and connection. Discover how innovative approaches are reshaping evangelism for today’s online world.
In a world where faith and technology collide, digital churches on platforms like Twitch are redefining community and discipleship. By meeting people in the spaces they already inhabit, these churches are proving that spiritual growth and authentic connection can thrive in digital spaces.
In a world where digital connections shape relationships, digital discipleship redefines how we share Jesus. By embracing online platforms and fostering trust, we can create meaningful, boundary-respecting spaces for spiritual growth and authentic discipleship.
In the evolving landscape of digital ministry, safeguarding privacy is key to building trust. By respecting boundaries, leveraging technology, and navigating platform nuances, digital missionaries create safe spaces for meaningful conversations. These efforts foster genuine relationships and empower discipleship in digital spaces.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, the potential for digital ministry is vast. From leveraging familiar tools to overcoming tech hesitations, the focus is on building authentic connections. Digital spaces offer unique opportunities for sharing faith and fostering meaningful relationships across any distance.
Digital discipleship redefines faith engagement for today’s digital landscape, leveraging technology to foster community, generosity, and deeper relationships online. Through digital missionaries and innovative practices, churches can expand their reach, connect with believers, and develop a clear discipleship pathway that meets people where they actually are.
Digital ministry goes beyond metrics, aiming to inspire growth and foster meaningful connections. Success is seen in moments of transformation, from shared testimonies to active engagement in community spaces. Each interaction becomes an opportunity to impact lives and build lasting friendships.
Digital discipleship transforms how we connect, focusing on defining real friendships and spiritual growth rather than just information-sharing. Using platforms from gaming to social media, it creates spaces for deep, faith-centered relationships that thrive on authentic interactions.
Digital spaces are now essential places for connection, offering unique opportunities for digital missionaries to share the gospel and disciple others. We’ll look at how to engage intentionally online through building relationships, hosting virtual events, and sparking deeper faith conversations.
Digital missionaries are redefining missions outreach by using technology to engage in disciple-making across online platforms. As digital spaces become mission fields, anyone can fulfill a calling without leaving their community. Through mentorship and intentional outreach, these pioneers build impactful connections that extend beyond traditional church walls.
Privacy should be a non-negotiable in digital ministry. As faith move online, digital leaders must create spaces where personal stories stay safe. This isn’t about tech alone—it's about trust. By setting clear boundaries, asking permission, and leading vigilantly, we make room for real connection and digital discipleship.
Social media connects people globally but misses the depth needed for true communities, which thrive on two-way conversations and relational engagement—better achieved through digital communities like Discord or Slack. These platforms foster dialogue, empowerment, and nuanced relationships built on trust. Transitioning followers to these dynamic digital communities leverages social media's reach, creating spaces where authentic interactions can truly flourish.
Digital missionaries use online platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok, and YouTube to share the Gospel with those who may be distant from traditional church settings. As trust in church buildings and pastors declines, many now turn to digital tools for spiritual guidance. Platforms like theChurch.digital support these missionaries by validating, equipping, and mobilizing them for their unique digital ministry, helping them connect with people globally and multiply their efforts for Christ’s Kingdom.
theChurch.digital is evolving into a digital mission-sending agency, equipping everyday people to become digital missionaries in their unique online contexts. With the concept of Platforms as Places, the organization views platforms like TikTok and YouTube as mission fields and will train digital missionaries through a new 13-week course launching in 2025. Outposts will further support and empower these missionaries, fostering encouragement, exploration, experimentation, and collaboration across digital spaces.
Explore the latest digital ministry trends with theChurch.digital podcast! Discover online care strategies, battle compassion fatigue, and learn from the top innovative churches. Equip yourself with tools and insights to revolutionize your online community outreach.
Looking to take your ministry to the next level? Check out a few practical steps to help you connect with others, learn new strategies, and grow your impact online. Whether you're looking for tips, support, or fresh ideas, you'll find everything you need to make your ministry more effective and reach more people. Perfect for anyone eager to make a difference!
Transform your church's reach by leveraging digital channels like your website, social media, and email to share your mission boldly. Utilize dynamic tools like podcasts, mobile apps, and YouTube to create engaging, mission-focused content that disrupts the norm and unites your community.
Whether you're leading a traditional or digital ministry, leveraging tech tools like social media platforms, video conferencing, and church management software revolutionizes effectiveness and impact. But the most important is to remember the heart behind ministry.
Transform your discipleship efforts by connecting with Stacy Knapp and leveraging online tools. Explore resources like the Digital Bootcamp, Digital Ministry, and The Church Digital's coaching to reach more people for Christ.
