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How can churches minister to the Esports industry?
That was the question we ask Johno, Director of Esports for Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Johno has deep understanding of the Esports industry, as well as a vision for what ministry looks like in that space.
How do we reach people in the Esports arena? How do we utilize Esports influence to reach and disciple others? What can your church do to help start and support Esports movements?
These are just some of the questions we asked Johno in the interview. And oh, btw, we talked about how to get your kids connected into Esports too! So dig into the podcast, and come hang out with us on the next podcast interview we’re doing live! http://twitch.tv/digitalchurchnetwork
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ON THE SHOW
Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube
Guest: John "Johno" Merritt
Director of Esports
Twitch // Twitter // Instagram
ABOUT Johno
John "Johno" Merritt has served as OKWU’s Director of Esports since 2020.
Merritt is a native of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He is a graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University who came to campus as a member of the soccer team. He graduated with a degree in ministry before joining the staff.
Merritt has been an avid gamer for most of his life. At the age of 14, he began to create gaming content and compete in Esports, and this developed into a passion that he continued to develop as he matured. In college, Merritt became a verified Twitch Partner and developed a strong following as he created content based around his favorite games. Now sponsored by brands like Reebok, Madrinas Coffee, Bombanana Hot Sauce, and Brio Product Group, Merritt continues to be an influential voice in the gaming world. In 2020, he was interviewed by Christianity Today for an article about Christianity and Esports.
Under Merritt’s coaching, the young Esports program at OKWU has already experienced success. The OKWU Overwatch team took 2nd place in the “Nerd Street Gamers 6v6 Spring tournament” in 2021, and the OKWU Rocket League team took 4th place in the April 2021 2v2 Rewind x Click Gaming Tournament.
Merritt believes his passion for gaming and his love for ministry create a unique opportunity for OKWU Esports to impact the world.
RESOURCES
- Download or Buy Jeff's Book, VR & the Metaverse Church - http://thechurch.digital/vrbook
- Download or Buy Jeff's and Dr. John Harris' book: Sharing Jesus Online - http://SharingJesusOnline.com
- Give to Digital Church Network - http://digitalchurch.network/give
- Digital Church Network Community - https://digitalchurch.network/joinfam
- Best Evangelism Opportunity the American Church - http://thechurch.digital/hegetsus
- Exponential Conference - http://exponential.org
- Digital Church Network Leadership Opportunities - http://digitalchurch.network/events
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Love you all! Praying for your Churches and your Ministry Online.
Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL
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