theChurch.digital blog

How your church can support digital missionaries

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:21:15 GMT

For most of church history, mission work had a clear shape. Missionaries went somewhere—another country, another culture, another neighborhood. Their work was visible. Tangible. Easy to affirm.

But today, a new kind of missionary is emerging: the digital missionary—streamers, content creators, Discord pastors, gamers, and community-builders ministering in spaces where millions gather every day.

And many of them feel deeply alone.

Not because their work isn’t meaningful, but because it often goes unrecognized. Churches know how to support missionaries who cross oceans. They’re still learning how to support the ones who cross servers.

This blog is about closing that distance—mending the validation gap—so digital missionaries can thrive, not survive.

What Is the “Validation Gap”?

The validation gap is the space between the significance of the work and the support given to the worker.

Digital missionaries often experience:

Misunderstanding: “You play games… for Jesus?”

Invisibility: Their ministry happens online, so few see it firsthand.

Uncertainty: Without structure or support, they wonder if their calling is “real.”

Isolation: They shepherd people late at night, across time zones, without teammates.

And here’s the truth:

Digital missionary work is real ministry.

People are coming to Christ in Twitch chats.

People ask for prayer at 2am in Discord voice channels.

People who would never step inside a church are stepping into livestreams.

The mission field has shifted—and the Church is invited to shift with it.

How Your Church Can Support Digital Missionaries

Below are practical ways any church—small or large—can actively support and affirm its digital missionaries.

1. Publicly Affirm Their Calling

Digital missionaries often hear, “Is that really ministry?”

Like when God sent Phillip to the Ethiopian eunuch, they have already gone down the road to share Jesus. They feel compelled to go with or without your support. Your church can be the voice that says, “ Yes. Go !”

Introduce them to the congregation. Let them share their stories.
Pray for them from the stage and include people they are reaching.
Include their ministry in your missions reports.

If you have not yet had someone share they already do this, ask from the stage. You may have some in the pews who God has called and they need you to tell them to go. Validation is often more powerful than equipment. If you can’t do anything more. Do this.

2. Commission Them Like Any Other Missionary

When the church lays hands on someone and sends them, it communicates:

You are not alone. We’re behind you. This is kingdom work.

A commissioning moment gives digital missionaries the confidence and accountability they need. By joining with them in the mission, you have an opportunity to help mentor and guide them as they go. When you say it’s not real ministry. They are likely to go anyway and not tell you. When they face difficult times, who will be there for them that knows them? Why not your church?

3. Provide Resources and Tools

Just as overseas missionaries raise support for flights, housing, and supplies, digital missionaries also need tools:

A good microphone
Lighting or a webcam
A stable PC
Software for editing or graphics
Internet upgrades
A safe, quiet streaming space

These aren’t luxuries—they’re ministry tools. Perhaps you have these and could allow them to be used. If not, you can share their ministry tools wish list with the congregation. That is what they are already doing with their community. And people who believe in them when able often contribute to those items. And sometimes just purchase them as a gift.

4. Offer Prayer and Pastoral Care

Streaming can be spiritually and emotionally draining. Churches can help by:

Assigning a pastor or elder as a regular check-in
Creating a prayer team specifically for digital missionaries
Encouraging Sabbath and rest rhythms
Offering counseling or mental health support if needed
Adopting a missionary in a small group or Sunday School class

A supported streamer is a healthier, more joyful missionary. Also, a missionary that regularly is talking about ministry and sharing Jesus is going to inspire and encourage others to do the same. It could be a key to helping your whole congregation start to share Jesus online or at least Mon-Sat start having Gospel conversations in your community.

5. Help Build a Moderation Team

Moderators are the deacons/greeters of the digital mission field. Your church can:

Recruit trustworthy members
Train them in digital hospitality
Help establish safety guidelines
Support them as they serve alongside the streamer
Regularly watch them to increase viewership
Have feedback conversations about what is good, bad, or missing

This turns digital mission work from a one-person show into a team ministry. You don’t need to have all the skills of the streamer. You just need to have a heart to support them and God’s calling on them.

6. Provide Financial Support

This doesn’t need to be large. Even small contributions communicate value. Options include:

Monthly missions support
One-time grants for equipment
Covering software subscriptions
Funding special outreach streams or events

Your support makes the ministry sustainable. Ask them what their needs are. They will be much smaller than any foreign missionary or church plant. You can 10x your churches impact with 1/10th the investment.

7. Celebrate Digital Wins

Share stories from the digital mission field just like you would from a global mission trip:

Testimonies from viewers
Prayer requests from chat
Stories of first-time Bible readers
Milestones like Twitch Affiliate or Partner

Celebration closes the validation gap. The closer to the event the greater the impact will be. So, look for where these can be shared. Share in emails, websites, social media and on Sundays. You can set the guidelines. They can create the post.

8. Integrate This Ministry Into the Life of the Church

Digital ministry isn’t a side gig—it’s an extension of your church.

Invite the digital missionary to teach about online outreach
Host gaming nights or digital missions Sundays
Include digital community in small groups
Let youth and young adults get involved

This is a bridge for generations. Let this happen organically. As one person grows and shares their ministry others will naturally feel calling of their own. Become a church that says, “ Yes and… ”

The Mission Field Has Expanded—Let’s Not Fall Behind

The apostle Paul used Roman roads to spread the gospel.

The Reformers used the printing press.

Today’s missionaries use Twitch, TikTok, Discord, and YouTube.

The gospel always finds the roads people travel.

As a church, you have the unique opportunity to mend the validation gap and empower digital missionaries who are reaching people your church may never meet in person.

When you support them, you’re not just encouraging a streamer—you’re sending laborers into a global digital harvest.

What Gospel Conversations Look Like in Digital Spaces

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:00:55 GMT

What if evangelism didn’t start with a sermon, but with a message?

What if the Gospel conversation was already happening—in a Discord thread, a TikTok DM, or a Twitch chat—and you just hadn’t called it that yet?

I sent an email that asked one simple question: “What is a Gospel conversation?”

That question opened a floodgate.

Dozens of digital missionaries replied with stories, definitions, and struggles that revealed something bigger: digital Gospel conversations aren’t smaller than traditional ones—in many ways they’re the next evolution of them.

Gospel Conversations Are Seeds

Princess Ezeugbor put it perfectly:

“A win for me on the digital space is when someone gets inspired or encouraged by my content.”

She shared about a post where someone commented, “I am encouraged by this. Thank you.”

It wasn’t a conversion moment. It was a connection moment.

Princess said, “Social media is really a tool of evangelism… not for likes or popularity, but for the one or two souls who will be lifted because of our messages.”

That’s the heartbeat of digital missions.

Every post is a seed. Every comment is soil.

In the Church’s digital future, impact will always matter more than impressions.

Every Step Toward Jesus Counts

At the Digital Neighborhoods Conference, Jeff Vanderstelt said,

“Every conversation that moves someone closer to Jesus is a Gospel conversation.”

Micah Bales agreed:

“The critical thing is the motion towards Jesus, not the particular milestone that we are on in that motion.”

That line flips traditional evangelism on its head.

We don’t measure success by decisions made—we measure it by hearts moved.

Micah added, “We don’t have to feel like we’re responsible for saving someone. Rather, we’re called to be faithful in each moment and point towards Jesus.”

That’s freedom.

In digital missions, it’s not about control, it’s about consistency.

Post by post. DM by DM. One faithful moment at a time.

Leaving Digital Traces of Christ

Claire Maraillet from Lyon, France, wrote about a book that shaped her view of evangelism:

“Evangelism is the art of leaving a positive trace of Christ behind… in both actions and words.”

That phrase—a positive trace—is exactly how digital ministry works.

Every interaction leaves a mark. Every algorithmic ripple carries weight.

We’re not here to build audiences. We’re here to leave traces of Jesus across platforms so the next believer who meets that person online can keep the story going.

Conversations vs. Decisions

Jess Wilson made an important distinction:

“A Gospel conversation moves someone closer to Jesus. A Gospel presentation gives them a chance to decide.”

Travis Todd shared a story that brought this home. During a Bible study, one man finally said:

“You finally told me how to accept Christ!”

Travis realized that this man had wanted Jesus all along—he just didn’t know how.

Travis said, “We always need to give people an option to accept Christ.”

This is where many digital missionaries stop short.

We plant seeds but forget the invitation.

Both matter. Conversations open the heart. Invitations open eternity.

As Wally De La Fuente reminded us, quoting 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:2,

“Conversations are planting seeds… but to present the Gospel is to let the person know, ‘Today is the day of salvation.’”

Intentional and Interactive

Casey Scott added another layer:

“A real Gospel conversation has to be intentional… and it must engage dialogue that elicits a response.”

This is where many online ministries drift.

We think posting content is the same as having conversations.

It’s not.

Casey nailed it: it has to invite a response. Even a hostile comment is still engagement.

That’s the heartbeat of theChurch.digital’s rhythm:

Content → Community → Discipleship → Action.

The win isn’t going viral. The win is going personal.

When Fruit Feels Invisible

Steve Reed was honest enough to say what many digital missionaries think:

“Am I really doing any good? Am I making a difference? Am I creating disciples?”

He talked about how comments like “I really needed to hear that today” kept him going, even when there wasn’t a visible conversion story.

That’s the unseen burden of online ministry.

The fruit often hides behind screens.

But hidden fruit is still fruit.

As theChurch.digital’s Discovery document says, the movement exists for “those who have a sense from God to do something digitally and not have the support from their leaders.”

Steve’s story reminds us: digital missionaries aren’t invisible—they’re just early.

Redefining Connection

Michael Donigan added a question that captures our digital tension:

“If I call you, hear your message, and leave a voicemail—is that a conversation?”

Intent matters. But intent without engagement is just noise.

A Gospel conversation isn’t just what we post—it’s what we pursue.

Digital missionaries must learn to listen digitally.

Comments aren’t interruptions. DMs aren’t distractions.

They’re divine appointments waiting to happen.

The Gospel in Motion

So what does this all mean?

A digital Gospel conversation is any intentional interaction that moves someone closer to Jesus—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally—through the unique languages of digital culture.

It’s a prayer typed in a chat.

A thank-you comment under a post.

A voice message that turns into vulnerability.

A Discord exchange that becomes discipleship.

Each one is sacred space.

Modern Emmaus roads where Jesus still walks unseen.

Digital Neighborhoods Are Mission Fields

TheChurch.digital’s Discovery notes describe it like this:

“We are a digital missionary sending agency, sending digital missionaries into all digital spaces for global gospel saturation.”

That’s the mission.

Platforms are not just tools—they’re territories.

And the people there are waiting for good news written in their language.

When platforms become places, the mission field multiplies.

The Church is no longer confined by walls or time zones.

Every post is potential. Every message is ministry. Every conversation can be holy ground.

As Jeff Reed says,

“We’re not planting churches with buildings. We’re planting the Gospel in digital spaces.”

And maybe the next revival won’t start from a pulpit.

Maybe it’ll start from a DM.

Equipping Digital Missionaries: Breaking the Rules to Share the Gospel Online

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 22:05:35 GMT

Are you ready to break the traditional mold and join a digital revolution for Jesus?

The world is shifting, and ministry has to shift with it. And theChurch.digital isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about stepping boldly into digital spaces to proclaim the truth of Jesus. If you’ve felt the call to disrupt the status quo and take the Gospel to the digital frontier, we’ll show you how. This is your guide to becoming a digital missionary on a mission to change the world.

theChurch.digital: sending rebels into the digital mission field

A digital missionary-sending agency? Sounds crazy, right? Good—it should. theChurch.digital exists to shake things up. Forget what you think you know about how missions are "supposed" to work. This is about empowering people like you to share the Gospel in the wild, untamed world of digital spaces. But does the Holy Spirit even work online? Absolutely! He’s moving online in ways that defy convention and tradition.

Billy Graham nailed it when he said, "It's the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love." That’s the heartbeat of digital missions. Pray for the mission field, trust the Spirit to do His thing, and love people unapologetically, wherever they are—yes, especially in the internet's darkest corners.

The new mission field

Let’s get one thing straight: digital missionaries aren’t your run-of-the-mill churchgoers. They’re outliers, misfits, and rebels willing to go where others won’t. The digital mission field is full of people who’ve been burned by church or who’ve never set foot in one. Atheists, agnostics, and the de-churched—they’re not coming to us, so we go to them.

As Luke 10:2 lays it out: "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few." The digital harvest is ripe, calling for people like you who are ready to break out of the box and make a real impact. This isn’t about fitting in. It’s about standing out, meeting people where they are, and showing Christ’s love in unexpected ways.

Platforms as the new frontiers

Forget the old idea of "mission fields." Let’s talk about platforms as places. Twitch, Facebook, VR and video games are the new frontiers, the Wild West of digital ministry. Each has its own culture, rules, and challenges. If you want to make a difference, you have to understand the terrain.

theChurch.digital calls this idea "Platforms as Places." It’s about respecting the unique culture of each digital space. What works on Twitch doesn’t fly on Facebook, and VR is a different animal. The key is to adapt, learn the rules, and then break them when the moment is right to bring people closer to Jesus.

Stop debating, start disrupting

Some people will say digital missions aren’t real. Let them talk. We’re not here to argue or justify ourselves. The battlefield isn’t in the pews, the seminaries, or the conference rooms. It’s online—messy, chaotic, and full of people searching for meaning. So, let’s stop wasting time trying to convince the skeptics and instead show them what God can do.

Actions speak louder than words, and our work in digital missions is proof enough. Lives are being transformed, and the Gospel is spreading in ways that would’ve been impossible just a few decades ago. Let’s keep the focus where it belongs—on the mission.

A rebel’s guide to digital missions

There’s no cookie-cutter formula for digital missions. Forget the "four easy steps" to copy and paste. We have a framework, a foundation you can build on and adapt to your unique mission. It’s called the Digital Missionary Framework: Connect, Community, Equip, and Mobilize—and it’s your playbook for shaking up the digital world.

Connect

First, you have to make contact. Go where the people are—on social media, gaming lobbies, and VR spaces. Show up authentically. Connection is about being honest, present, and approachable. Don’t bring answers right away—bring curiosity, come in ready to listen, learn, and care. Build trust by being authentically you, and watch as doors begin to open.

Community

Connection is just the beginning. The next step is to build a community where people can belong before they believe. This isn’t about creating a fan club; it’s about fostering real relationships. Host an asynchronous Bible study on Discord, make friends in a Facebook group, or share Jesus while playing games like Final Fantasy. We see digital evangelism and discipleship happen best in community. Make people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Equip

Once people are part of the community, it’s time to equip them. Teach the Gospel in ways that connect to their world. Give tools, resources, and confidence so they can share their faith boldly. Don’t spoon-feed—empower them to own their spiritual growth and multiply the impact.

Mobilize

Finally, it’s go-time. Mobilize your people to take action. Whether starting ministry on Twitch, creating content for Youtube, or hosting prayer in VR, send them out as change-makers. The revolution begins when the equipped begin equipping others.

Contextualization: the digital missionary's secret weapon

One size does not fit all in digital missions. Contextualization is everything. What works on Twitch might flop on Facebook, and VR needs its own strategy. Your mission? Understand your audience, figure out what resonates, and tailor your approach.

Don’t try to reach everyone—it’s the fastest way to reach no one. Narrow your focus. Define your niche and speak directly to the people God has equipped you to reach. That’s where transformation starts.

Rethinking the church: small but mighty

Let’s flip the script. What’s better: a million-person megachurch or 100,000 churches of ten? Smaller, decentralized communities create deeper relationships and real discipleship. They’re agile, adaptable, and perfect for the digital age.

This isn’t about tearing down traditional churches—it’s about creating something new for those left unreached by conventional methods. Be bold, try something different, and trust God to work through it.

A global rebellion of digital missionaries

theChurch.digital isn’t just equipping digital missionaries—it’s igniting a global movement. Networks of rebels are rising, bringing the Gospel to every corner of the digital world. This is bigger than any one person or organization—it’s about transforming how people encounter Jesus, one connection at a time.

Join the revolution

Are you ready to step into the digital mission field? theChurch.digital’s Equipping Digital Missionaries Cohort is your launchpad. Here’s what awaits you:

50+ on-demand video sessions packed with bold strategies and insights.
A private Discord channel or Whatsapp group to collaborate with fellow digital rebels.
Weekly huddles to go deeper and sharpen your digital skills.
Access to tools like the eBook “Sharing Jesus Online” and an APEST assessment to discover your strengths in ministry.

This isn’t just training—it’s a call to action. The digital harvest is ripe and waiting. Let’s take the Gospel boldly into every corner of the digital world.

Visit theChurch.digital to join the Equipping Digital Missionaries Cohort. It’s time to do something different to reach someone different. Let’s spark a digital revolution for Jesus.

What if You Stopped Playing It Safe? A Rebel's Guide to Niche-Casting for Digital Missionaries

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 15:43:44 GMT

What if you stopped trying to reach everyone and focused on reaching someone?

Connection in the digital age is about someone specific—the person who resonates so deeply with you they lean in without hesitation. That’s where “niche-casting” comes in.

Forget the one-size-fits-all broadcasting approach that tends to scream into the void. Niche-casting is specific, unapologetic, and a bold approach for those who dare personalize ministry. As digital missionaries, if you're not successfully connecting with people, it’s time to change your approach.

Niche-casting: the solution to authentic connection

Niche-casting is the art of precision. It's not about casting the widest net, it's about aiming for the bullseye. It’s about knowing who you are called to reach and deliver precisely what they need even if they don’t even know what it is.

Here’s the kicker: niche-casting isn’t just a tactic, it’s a radical shift in how we think about ministry. It’s the difference between posting a church service on Youtube and building an online community where people don’t just watch but interact, get discipled, and multiply. It’s about disrupting the idea that church has to be a physical place and challenges the notion that you have to reach everyone. Instead, it focuses on connecting with a specific someone that is possibly still unreached.

In digital spaces, your niche could be anything—a Discord server for gamers looking to connect faith with their daily grind, a Tiktok ministry for single moms, or a Youtube channel that dives deep into modern theology for Gen Z skeptics. Your calling defines your niche; so who is God calling you to reach?

The superpowers of niche-casting

Laser-focused engagement — When you niche cast, you’re not just throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. You’re creating content that speaks directly to your audience’s deepest needs and questions. This isn’t about being viral; it’s about value. And value always trumps virality in the long run. Remember the parable of scattering the seeds? Niche-casting helps you aim the seeds at the fertile soil before you start throwing.
Building real community — Real talk: People don’t stick around for content alone—they stay for community. A niche audience isn’t just a crowd; it’s a tribe. When you consistently show up for your people, they’ll show up for you and each other. Niche-casting is the heartbeat of digital discipleship because it prioritizes relationships over reach.
I nnovative use of resources — Why waste time trying to reach 10,000 people who aren’t interested? With niche-casting, you’re investing your time, energy, and resources into the audience that cares. You’re not trying to change the world all at once; you’re starting with the corner you’ve been called to.

The shadows of niche-casting

Nothing worth doing comes without its challenges.

Limited reach — Yes, niche-casting means narrowing your audience. The critics will tell you that limiting your reach limits your impact. But here’s the truth: the ripple effect can be massive when you reach fewer people more deeply. Think quality over quantity.
The trap of exclusivity — When hyper-focused on a specific niche, you risk making others feel like they don’t belong. This doesn’t mean watering down your message—it means making sure your community feels welcoming while it stays focused.
Staying fresh — Creating content for a niche means staying sharp. You must understand your audience so well that you can anticipate their needs. Your content risks becoming stale if you don’t stay updated and willing to grow, learn and innovate.

Why connection is the beginning of everything

Before you start niche-casting, you’ve got to get one thing straight: connection is the beginning of everything. People are drowning in content, scrolling through an endless feed of static noise — doomscrolling. Connection is what cuts through the noise of everything.

Digital missionaries who get connections understand that their audience craves to be seen, heard, and validated. Connections make people feel like they belong, as if there’s a space carved out for them in your corner of the internet, and there is.

The uncomfortable truth is, connection is even harder online. You can’t rely on a handshake at the door or a friendly coffee meet-up to break the ice. Instead, you’ve got to show up with authenticity, consistency, and a sharp understanding of what your audience needs. This is where niche-casting becomes your secret weapon to love people. You’re not trying to reach everyone; you’re reaching the right ones. And that makes all the difference.

The tug-of-war

Niche-casting is about deep connection, but it’s also about community. Connection is the first step, but community is the long game. If you focus too much on individual connections, you might miss the chance to build a dynamic, thriving group.

A healthy community doesn’t just depend on you—it must grow beyond you. That’s why you’ve got to balance creating tailored, niche-specific content with making your community accessible and open to growth.

Why niche-casting matters today

We’re in a digital ministry renaissance, and niche-casting is the front line. The old broadcast-everything-to-everyone model is crumbling because people are no longer satisfied with generic feel good messages. They want something raw, authentic, and relevant.

Niche-casting challenges digital missionaries to stop playing it safe. It’s about stepping into the messiness of specific needs, leaning into the awkwardness of asking what people want, and showing up in ways that disrupt the status quo.

The future of digital ministry is niche. It’s not about bigger buildings, flashier services, or more followers. It’s about being bold enough to say, “This is who we are, and this is who we’re for.”

Practical steps to start niche-casting

Define your niche — who are your people? What keeps them up at night? What makes them laugh, cry, and question everything? If you don’t know, simply ask. Survey your audience, listen to their stories, and dig deep until you are able to define your niche.

Create content that speaks — stop trying to impress and start trying to connect. Write, film, or create with one person in mind—the one person you’re trying to serve. Speak their language, answer their questions, and meet them where they are.

Show up consistently — connection doesn’t happen overnight. Show up regularly, be authentic, and let your audience know you’re here for the long haul.

Foster community - your niche isn’t just a group of individuals—it’s a tribe waiting to meet and connect. Create spaces where they can engage with you and each other. Whether it’s a Discord server, a Facebook group, or a Zoom Bible study, make room for relationships to happen.

This is now your moment

Niche-casting isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s for the ones willing to break the mold, challenge the norms, and do something radically different to reach someone radically different. It’s for the rebels, the innovators, and the digital missionaries who believe that connection—real, messy, meaningful connection—is worth fighting for.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start niche-casting. Your people are waiting, and they need what only you can offer. Don’t play it safe. Be bold, be specific, and watch what happens when you choose to truly step into your calling.

25 theChurch.digital Promises for 2025

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 09:16:48 GMT

Was 2024 the year of theChurch.digital?

New website. A fresh community launch. A laser focus on digital missionaries. Lausanne Congress in Korea. Launching Equipping Digital Missionaries. So, what’s next for 2025?

We’re all in for 2025! With God's call to help digital missionaries, we are dedicating 2025 to equipping and mobilizing digital missionaries. Here’s what’s coming;

More groundbreaking concepts — 2024 set the stage with digital missionary frameworks, platforms as places, and archetypes. That was just the warm-up. Buckle up for what’s next.

More connection points — theChurch.digital connects with thousands of digital missionaries globally, but we’re just getting started. Expect new ways to connect in 2025.

New communities with a new focus — We launched Discord and Whatsapp in 2024, and they are going strong. What’s next as we niche cast deeper? Watch for communities tailored to reach unreached spaces.

New formats for Equipping Digital Missionaries — The EDM Beta is going well, but we’re learning from our participants. What would a two-day workshop on EDM look like? Or an on-demand coaching group? We’re adapting EDM to make it more accessible to different cultures and making it work globally.

New cohorts beyond Equipping Digital Missionaries — The EDM material is incredible, but we’re finding that more training is necessary. New training cohorts are coming. (Curious? Sneak a peek at http://sharingjesusonline.com )

Outposts for everyone, everywhere! — The bigger theChurch.digital gets, the smaller we need to become. Outposts are the relational networks we’re developing to encourage, explore and experiment with digital ministry in platforms and places.

GameTime with Jeff — Work hard and, well, you can actually take time off and play! Jump on with Jeff and friends as we play some online games like Jackbox’s Fibbage and Quiplash! Bring your iPhone or smartphone and play along. Audience participation is encouraged.

More streams. Other voices than Jeff — I love streaming, but theChurch.digital hears a lot of my perspective. Let’s get some other voices from across the globe to share new perspectives. Let’s listen and learn.

More open offices. More voices than Jeff — Same thing with open offices! There’s so much wisdom in theChurch.digital - we need to learn from each other! Here is the listing at http://thechurch.digital/ calendar

The span of care for a digital missionary — What does ongoing care look like for a digital missionary spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically? This is one of our highest priorities in 2025.

Financial coaching and fundraising support — With guidance from our ministry partner Reliant, our missionaries can fundraise through theChurch.digital’s nonprofit status. With expert coaching, you’ll learn to secure the support you need to do what God has called you to.

Ongoing and growing support from missional partners — Many organizations are rallying to support digital missionaries. You’re not alone, and the partnerships coming in 2025 prove it.

Real resources, real impact — theChurch.digital is passionate about resourcing digital missionaries inside the network, but we also want to help those outside the network. As this generation of missionaries and digital churches succeed, so will the next generation! So, how can we help you?

Contextualization: Place — How should digital missionaries like you adapt to physical contexts or cultures? Let’s explore how physical cultures affect digital mission work.

Contextualization: Platform — How does the digital culture found on platforms affect connections? How should digital missionaries like you adjust to different platforms to effectively share the gospel?

Online conference — You asked, and we heard! theChurch.digital is hosting an online digital missionary conference in spring 2025.

Second Online Conference — Because one is not enough, we will hold a second online conference for digital missionaries in the fall!

Did someone say gaming? — We are seeing movements globally as we launch new Outposts in physical regions like Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania. But what about platforms? Gaming is our first foray into creating a platform-based Outpost, with Flatcap leading the charge!

Gospel-centered — Is theChurch.digital gospel-centered? Maybe. Can it be better? Certainly! Can we help digital ministry model it so other missionaries and churches can follow our path? That’s the plan!

Prayer at the cente r — Similarly, what is the role of prayer in digital church? As an organization, we are challenging ourselves to become more prayer-dependent. Look for prayer initiatives and digital prayer events in 2025 as we seek God together online.

20,000 gospel conversations in 2025 — We want to see God move digitally, so we are challenging our missionaries and others to share Jesus 20,000 times in 2025. What can God do if we are obedient in telling others about Jesus?

Stats and stories of digital missionary work — In addition to the gospel conversations, we are quantitative and qualitative about what God is doing in digital spaces. More stories and celebrations are coming to theChurch.digital in 2025.

4 Town Hall meetings in 2025! — Like any good network, we keep our people updated! We’ll sit down with you four times in 2025 and have a good ol’ Town Hall meeting! Look for the first one February 11, 2025 as part of my stream! Find more info at theChurch.digital

Another Giving Tuesday livestream — We had so much fun the first time, let’s do it again! 24 hours long this time? Well. Look for a global takeover as we tell some stories from all over.

More changes & surprises, I’m sure — If you know me, you know we are constantly adjusting and changing things. What isn’t on this list? Only time will tell and we can’t wait.

Will 2025 be successful?

Even if we accomplished a fraction of these, 2025 would be an incredible year. With all these promises in the pipeline, I pray God be with us in 2025! What can you do? What part can you play?

Pray with us, right now, and commit to praying over this list! Become part of the prayer list and trust that God will bless our efforts and change lives globally.

Reach out. If you're interested in participating in one of these projects, let us know and we’ll connect with you. We’re always looking for those passionate to help equip and mobilize digital missionaries.

Revolutionizing Digital Churches: Embracing Community Over Pulpits

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:20:15 GMT

Have you ever felt like today’s church is missing out on something big?

The conversation around digital ministry and the rise of digital churches is a call to challenge the status quo. It’s time to rethink the traditional pulpit-driven model and embrace community-led transformation.

Why is the church stuck?

The modern church feels more like a spectacle. The pastor is center stage for a 40-minute monologue, while the congregation passively consumes. How did we end up here? It’s a long story, rooted deep in history. Books like Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola and George Barna explore how historical decisions shaped our modern church. Spoiler alert: many practices we think are biblical are actually extra-biblical.

In the 4th century AD, there was an event called the Nicene Creed, during which the Roman authorities attempted to control the growth of Christianity by introducing an oratorical method instead of letting it grow organically. It wasn't a progression but a deliberate move to maintain power. Imagine if we had challenged that move back then. Would we be here today?

What’s the real power of community?

Preaching isn’t, and shouldn’t be, the only focus. The church isn’t about one person doing all the talking. Scripture calls us to grow from learning to living out our faith. Imagine if, instead of one person leading from a stage, every believer embraced their gifts to live out Jesus within their communities. That’s where real transformation happens, when faith moves beyond words to action in everyday lives.

Being honest with ourselves, Sunday morning evangelism is losing its impact. We keep saying the mission starts when we step outside the church doors, but do we actually live like that? It’s time to pause, reflect, and ask tough questions. Are we truly equipping people to embody Jesus’ teachings in their everyday lives and communities?

Ready to break the mold?

Let’s rethink church strategy—shifting from filling seats to building deep connections in our communities. Church online opens doors to belonging and unity far beyond physical walls. They help us connect with people from all walks of life, creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

Imagine every believer inspired to share Christ’s teachings with their established connections. That’s the goal: a church community that catalyzes transformation, not just another weekly routine. It’s about following the Spirit’s lead, building relationships and empowering everyone to advance the mission of Jesus.

Questions you've been asking

What are digital churches?

Digital churches are communities that operate primarily online, using tech to foster relationships and spiritual growth digitally.

How can we transition from traditional to digital?

Start by empowering your congregation. Offer training, resources and support to help them share their faith organically online.

What is the role of the pastor in a digital church?

Pastors should focus on equipping and empowering their congregation for the work of ministry rather than being the sole voice in the church.

Why is community more important than ever?

We live in a world where isolation is rampant. Building genuine relationships online can provide support, encouragement and a sense of belonging across the world.

Can digital churches be effective for evangelism?

Digital platforms allow for a broader reach and can create meaningful connections that lead to genuine faith conversations. Online is where people live and are sometimes more willing to open up.

So, are you ready to challenge the established norm and reach the unreached online? It’s time to embrace the potential of digital church and redefine what it means to be the church. Let’s lean into community, empower believers and watch as the movement of Christ spreads like wildfire just like the first century church. The future online is bright and it’s time we step into it together!

The Future of Faith Beyond the Four Walls

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:15:53 GMT

Is your understanding of discipleship stuck in a building?

In a world that's constantly evolving, digital discipleship isn’t a trend—it’s a revolution. While some cling to the belief that discipleship can only happen in a church building, isn’t it time we challenge that? Let’s look into why we need to embrace the digital space for discipleship and how it can be just as powerful as traditional methods.

The controversy of discipleship outside the church

Digital tools like Zoom, Discord, and Whatsapp spark debate among church leaders and many believe that true connection can only happen in person. However let’s face it, this belief seems to stem more from norms rather than actual reality.

At theChurch.digital, we’ve seen God move powerfully online firsthand. The Holy Spirit isn’t limited by physical location; He touches lives wherever people gather, even digitally located. Despite these testimonies, much skepticism still persists.

The traditionalist's dilemma

Some church leaders strongly hold on to their beliefs and argue that online communities lack the genuine connection found in face-to-face gatherings.

“It’s not as authentic as being in the building.”
“You can’t see their physical cues.”
“God doesn’t move in digital spaces.”

Sound familiar? But here is the thing, Jesus was a game changer in His religious context! He didn't just follow the norm of his era, He sometimes even went against it! He connected with people in transformative ways, why can’t we follow His lead and do the same?

Jesus the original disruptor

Jesus didn't confine Himself to the temple. He challenged traditions, while the Pharisees clung to what they knew and missed the movement. Today, 2000 years later, we’re in the same boat. Churches resist digital discipleship because it’s unfamiliar, but like Jesus, we’re called to meet people where they are—online and beyond.

Be the change you’re called to be

If you have a passion for digital and want to see people discipled, then go for it! Don’t wait for permission or validation from someone who may not understand or agree. Be the example of what digital discipleship can look like. Show them what can happen when you step out in faith and utilize digital tools to reach others. After all, why would you not do what God is calling you to do?

When you're told you can't pursue something Jesus is guiding you towards by a person's doubts or opinions, ask yourself this question instead: “Whose voice will you follow; theirs or that of the Holy Spirit?”

Celebrating digital discipleship

As you step into this digital adventure, remember to honor the wins—big or small. Take time to share your stories and lessons with others. Why? Because your journey isn’t just yours. Sharing it inspires others to dream bigger, push boundaries, and step into new spaces.

Digital environments aren’t limited by physical walls. Platforms, networks, and communities open doors for connection, discipleship, and innovation. This is your opportunity to engage globally, to reach people the building never could, and to break away from what’s “normal” to pursue what’s possible.

So celebrate. Share. And keep pushing forward—because every win in digital discipleship fuels the mission for what’s next.

Frequently asked questions

What is Digital Discipleship?

Online discipleship is about connecting digitally to build community and guide people spiritually. It’s not a downgrade from face-to-face: it’s a different space for spiritual growth, using tools that meet people where they are.

Can the Holy Spirit work in digital spaces?

Absolutely. The Holy Spirit isn’t bound by walls or Wi-Fi. Lives have been transformed, faith has deepened, and people have encountered God powerfully in digital spaces.

How can I start digital discipleship?

Start small. Use tools like Zoom, Whatsapp, or Discord to connect with people in your circles. Build a group, share ideas, have intentional conversations, and create spaces for spiritual growth. Start where you are—God meets you there.

What if my church doesn’t support digital discipleship?

Don’t let that stop you. Lead by example. Start discipling digitally and let the impact speak for itself. Share the wins—stories of connection, transformation, and growth—and show your church the opportunities waiting beyond the building.

Conclusion: the future is digital

Digital discipleship isn’t a trend—it’s the future of connection, engagement, and spiritual growth. It’s about breaking from the old norms and stepping into bold, innovative methods to reach the lost and disciple the found. So, are you ready? The mission field is digital, and the world is waiting.

Reshaping Evangelism in the 21st Century

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:43:34 GMT

What if evangelism could happen with a single swipe?

Imagine a world where reaching out to the unreached has no physical limitations. Digital missions are transforming outreach, turning the digital landscape into a dynamic mission field. We explore how digital missionaries are not just adapting but thriving in this new frontier, connecting with individuals who might never step inside a church.

The mission field is now online

Missions often mean long journeys, but what about the millions just a click away? Meet Rose. She's a missionary making an impact through Tiktok with a following of approximately 70 000 followers.

Her live streams allow her to engage in conversations with those who may not otherwise consider visiting a church. It's truly remarkable how these interactions spark discussions about faith and inspire viewers as they witness her connecting with people in real-time.

What happens next is a game-changer. Rose’s team shares resources, bible verses, and invites followers into online and real-world communities. This is the heartbeat of digital missions, creating thriving spaces for faith to take root online.

Building real connections online

Doro uplifts women online who face chronic illness or exhaustion from life's challenges. She uses Facebook to build a community where these women can discover meditations and take a break from their daily battles. Her method is personalized as she meets the needs of her audience while leading them towards faith and unity, through a church community.

Take Claudia, for instance. She felt isolated due to her child’s autism, believing she could never be part of a church community. Thanks to Doro’s digital outreach, Claudia found a place where she could engage with faith and contribute to a community that understands her circumstances. This is what digital missions are all about—meeting people where they are and providing a sense of belonging.

Actually embracing digital platforms

Digital missionaries are utilizing platforms such as Whatsapp, Instagram and Discord. By showing up to connect with a range of people and by embracing the distinct cultures of these platforms, they are interacting genuinely with users. Discord, in particular, is creating a fresh way to reach gamers, blending connection and spiritual growth.

When we engage with these platforms we should also take into account the subtleties and ways of communication that connect with users. The aim is to express belief, in a manner that seems organic and easy to relate to within these environments.

The future of digital missions

The potential for digital missions is immense. We stand on the brink of a revolution in how we think about outreach. With the right tools and strategies, we can reach people who have been left out of traditional church experiences. Digital platforms not only connect us but also empower us to build communities on faith and mutual support.

As we move forward, let’s not forget that the heart of digital missions lies in our ability to foster genuine relationships and provide spaces for spiritual growth, digitally. The opportunities are endless, and they are just a swipe away.

Questions you've been asking

What are digital missions?

Digital missions refer to evangelistic efforts that utilize digital platforms and tech to reach and engage individuals with the message of the gospel, creating communities that support spiritual growth.

How can I get involved in digital missions?

Start where you are—social media. These platforms allow you to express your beliefs openly and even launch your own digital outreach projects to spread hope online and genuinely connect with others to spark meaningful discussions about faith.

Are digital missions effective?

Sure thing! Digital missions have shown their effectiveness in connecting with people who might not typically interact with physical church environments. By reaching out to individuals in the spaces they spent most of their time and building connections with them, we can guide them towards embracing the gospel through community.

What platforms are best for digital missions?

Social media platforms like Tiktok and Instagram provide opportunities to connect with online communities; engage with their audiences and tailor your strategy to fit their preferences.

How do digital missions differ from traditional missions?

While traditional missions often involve physical travel to distant places, digital missions leverage tech to reach individuals across the globe—instantly. It’s about creating connections in a digital landscape that reflects the diversity of today’s growing online world.

Can Church Exist on Twitch?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:25:34 GMT

Can a church really exist, and thrive on Twitch?

In a changing world, the idea of a "digital church " is growing in popularity. Twitch, a platform known for gamers, might seem like the last place for spiritual growth, but what if it’s the next frontier for the church? Nevertheless the truth is much richer and impactful. Churches are proving digital spaces can fuel faith, community, and connection. Here’s how;

What is a digital church?

The concept of a digital church isn’t just about streaming services and goes beyond limits by operating in realms where individuals come together not only for gaming but also, for authentic interactions.

Digital churches are forming online communities, building relationships and turning spaces like Twitch into hubs for connection, discipleship, and trust. Evangelism and discipleship happen best in digital communities. The gaming approach isn't merely an act but an innovative means to reach out to those who may set foot in a physical building.

Building community through gaming

Imagine a community built around games like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy, where churches create consistent gatherings that resemble the rhythms of a traditional church. Gaming sessions become shared experiences that spark conversations about faith, deepening connections in the spaces people already live and play

Life on life discipleship

Online discipleship takes on a different meaning. Members of a community engage not in playing games but in deep conversations, about beliefs and teachings. These talks occur in real time streams or private messages creating a mix of interactions with spiritual purpose.

Establishing community standards

Like any church, digital spaces need guidelines to thrive. Just as traditional settings have etiquette, like finding your seat, online churches on Twitch establish rules to guide respectful participation. These create a safe, inclusive atmosphere for every member of the virtual congregation.

Interactive engagement

Twitch’s interactivity changes everything. With live chats, digital churches aren’t monologues—they’re real-time dialogues that foster deeper connections.

Preaching in real-time

Imagine delivering a sermon and hearing instant feedback through chat. Twitch turns preaching into a two-way conversation, breaking the boundaries of traditional church services.

Reaching the unreachable

The Biblical beauty of a digital church is in its capability to connect with the unchurched and those who feel sidelined by traditional faith spaces. Twitch provides a unique atmosphere and a new approach. It is a place where they can delve deeper without the constraints of a traditional church. The opportunity to explore spirituality is unrestricted and approachable.

Limitations and opportunities

Twitch opens doors for ministry and outreach in unique ways, but it comes with constraints to consider. Musical worship and deeper two-way conversations can be difficult on the platform. Still, digital-first churches innovate by using tools like Discord and Zoom, creating flexible worship experiences that meet their communities’ needs.

Embracing the digital mission field

In this era of technology advancement we must acknowledge the potential for churches to flourish in settings. Twitch goes beyond a gaming site; it serves as a hub, for spiritual interaction and fostering communities. The era of the Digital Church is upon us urging us to embrace a realm where faith intersects, with technology opening doors for bonding and personal development.

Questions you've been asking

Can a church really thrive on Twitch?

Absolutely! Churches are using twitch to build communities and foster spiritual growth through gaming, conversations, and live interactions.

How do churches establish community standards on Twitch?

Just like physical churches, digital spaces create guidelines to ensure safe, welcoming, and respectful environments.

What types of activities do Digital Churches engage in?

Everything from gaming sessions and Bible studies to interactive sermons and real-time community discussions.

Are there limitations to using Twitch for church activities?

Sure. Twitch isn’t great for musical worship, but churches use tools like Discord or Zoom to fill the gaps and deepen engagement.

How can I get involved with a Digital Church?

Explore! Find a Twitch channel that speaks to you, join chats, and connect with the community to discover what they’re all about.

Digital Discipleship: Bridging the Gap Between Faith and Technology

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:32:04 GMT

Is digital discipleship as real as in-person discipleship?

The answer is a resounding yes! As long as we’re connecting with real people and addressing their genuine needs for Jesus, we are engaging in authentic discipleship. Let’s dig into why digital discipleship matters and see how we can effectively bring the message of hope into the digital realm.

Understanding Digital Discipleship

Discipleship often brings to mind in-person gatherings, like church groups or events. These matter of course but we can’t ignore online spaces.

Whether it’s through Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, or other digital platforms, these spaces are teeming with opportunities to share the gospel and make disciples.

The gospel has no boundaries—neither should we. The reality is that many of us are already engaging in various online environments.

As we navigate our digital lives, we encounter people who are eager for connection, understanding, and spiritual guidance. This is where digital discipleship comes into play, allowing us to meet people where they are.

Bringing Discipleship to Digital Spaces

Instead of asking whether digital discipleship is valid, let’s flip the script. Why wouldn’t we bring discipleship to the channels we already frequent? People are worth our time, whether we meet them in person or online.

The mission is to share the good news, answer questions, and engage in deeper conversations with those who are open to it.

I remember a time when I was new in my faith and wanted to share the good news. I often felt unsure and hesitant.

To practice, I would engage with telemarketers who called me. It was fascinating to see how easy it was to talk about my faith when there was no ongoing relationship.

This taught me that digital spaces can create unique opportunities for fearless, intentional connection.

The Power of Digital Connections

Digital discipleship isn’t a plan B; it’s a powerful tool to reach those outside traditional church circles.

For many, the online world is their only connection point. If we’re not showing up, we’re leaving them behind. It’s time to engage and be present where they are.

By embracing digital discipleship, we can create meaningful relationships and guide others in their journey towards Christ. These interactions aren’t less meaningful—they’re fertile ground to plant seeds of faith and watch them grow.

Embracing the Journey Together

As we embark on this journey of digital discipleship, let’s remember that it’s about the people. Each interaction holds the potential to impact a life.

Every comment, every conversation, every post is a chance to share the love of Jesus. Let’s engage with intention, knowing the potential to change lives is right at our fingertips.

If we live online, then our mission lives online too. The call is clear: share Jesus where people need Him most. Let’s embrace this responsibility boldly and unapologetically.

Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Discipleship

What is digital discipleship?

Digital discipleship is about sharing the gospel and mentoring others in digital spaces. It’s recognizing that online platforms can connect people and help them grow spiritually.

Can digital discipleship be as effective as in-person discipleship?

Absolutely. Digital discipleship opens doors to unique conversations and connections that foster spiritual growth. It’s about depth, not the platform.

How can I start engaging in digital discipleship?

Start with the platforms you already use. Look for chances to share your faith, answer questions, and connect with others. Approach every interaction intentionally and stay open to spiritual conversations.

What if people are not interested in digital discipleship?

Not everyone will say yes, and that’s fine! Focus on those who are open to conversations about faith. Many people are ready to learn and grow spiritually—you just need to find them.

How can I make my digital discipleship more effective?

Be authentic. Share your story, listen closely, and answer questions honestly. Meaningful relationships are built on trust and relatability—start there.

Conclusion

Digital discipleship isn’t a trend; it’s a critical piece of the mission to share Jesus with the world. Every interaction online is a chance to disciple someone and leave a mark. Let’s bridge the divide between faith and tech, connecting with people wherever they are.

How Digital Missionaries Handle Privacy and Personal Concerns

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 23:18:08 GMT

In digital ministry, the role of a digital missionary has never been more crucial. These trailblazers don’t just spread the gospel—they tackle the complexities of privacy and personal concerns that come with online interactions.

Digital missionaries work to create spaces where people feel safe sharing their thoughts and experiences. But it’s not always easy. While some engage freely, others hold back, weighed down by fear of judgment.

Respecting online identities

Respecting privacy is foundational to digital ministry. Many people use pseudonyms or usernames, like "flat cap," to protect their identities.

As digital missionaries, it’s essential to honor these choices and avoid sharing personal information unless explicitly permitted. Although this may seem straightforward, it requires a thoughtful approach.

Understanding platform etiquette

Every digital platform has its own set of unwritten rules, and as digital missionaries, understanding these nuances is essential. Communicating appropriately in different spaces builds trust and helps people feel at ease.

For example, sensitive conversations are best handled in private messages rather than public forums—but context is key. Public forums can be tempting but often lack the privacy needed for deeper discussions.

When it comes to sharing personal information, setting clear boundaries is critical. If you prefer to keep your real name or location private, communicate this upfront.

Doing so not only protects your identity but also models healthy boundaries for others in your community. While establishing these limits may be challenging, they’re vital for maintaining trust and security in digital ministry.

Utilizing technology for safety

Technology is a lifeline for digital missionaries and those they serve. VPNs, for instance, mask locations and protect identities. This is crucial in regions where revealing personal info could be dangerous. For people in oppressive settings, these tools can mean everything.

In some cases, using avatars or voice communication can provide an additional layer of privacy. These methods block facial recognition and shield personal details, creating safer interactions in digital spaces. These tools aren’t just convenient—they’re a necessity in high-risk scenarios.

Separating personal and ministry accounts

Sometimes, separate accounts for personal and ministry work are a must. This separation protects sensitive details—like family information—in unstable or unpredictable environments.

Creating a culture of safety and trust

Digital missionaries must build cultures of safety and trust. This means protecting their own privacy and safeguarding others’. Never share or request personal information without consent. The digital world is full of risks, and vigilance is non-negotiable.

Through the implementation of these strategies...

Digital missionaries minister effectively by respecting privacy.
This approach deepens relationships and sparks spiritual growth.
While skeptics may doubt the impact, the potential for meaningful connections is undeniable in today’s digital age.

Question you've been asking

What is a digital missionary?

A digital missionary spreads the gospel online while respecting privacy and fostering meaningful engagement.

How can I protect my privacy online as a digital missionary?

Use VPNs, separate accounts, and password managers to secure your digital ministry.

Why is it important to respect others' privacy in digital ministry?

It builds trust and creates safe spaces for open conversations.

What should I do if someone shares sensitive information with me?

Keep it confidential and move discussions to private channels.

How can I encourage others to maintain their privacy?

Set an example with your own boundaries and talk about why privacy matters.

Do Digital Missionaries Need to Be Tech Savvy?

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 18:05:11 GMT

Do digital missionaries need to be tech-savvy to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape?

Well every generation has faced intimidating technologies, only to find ways to adapt. Whether it’s a grandmother Facetiming with her grandchildren or someone in their 70s engaging in online groups, the reality is clear: we’re all using tech, even if it doesn’t feel that way.

The reluctance to embrace new technology

It’s normal to feel hesitant about new tools and platforms. Many of us have experienced that moment of staring at a new app or device, unsure (and somewhat anxious) about how it works or if it’s worth the effort to learn. That hesitation, often tied to our busy lives, makes it easy to dismiss tech as unnecessary. But look closer. Even reluctant users often rely on tech more than they realize.

Embracing familiar tools

Digital missionaries don’t need to master every app or platform, just focus on what they already know. If you’re already comfortable with a tool for personal use, why not leverage that for ministry? Many people have successfully used platforms like Zoom or even Facebook to connect with others spiritually. The key is to utilize tools you’re comfortable with, because it allows for authentic engagement and can enhance your outreach efforts.

Real-life examples

Take someone in their 50s who felt their contributions were no longer needed at the church. They discovered a passion for connecting with others online; engaging in digital groups allowed them to ask questions and actually share experiences. Although some may feel out of touch, they can find their niche in digital ministry. Digital ministry might take effort, but the rewards for stepping into new spaces are undeniable.

Finding common ground

As digital missionaries, it's essential to recognize that the tools we use for communication can also serve as channels for spiritual engagement. Whether it's a simple text message, an email, or a social media post, these platforms can facilitate conversations about faith and grow discipleship relationships, even internationally. Although these tools are helpful, they can also be limiting because they need a more personal touch. This is why we must be intentional in our interactions.

Age is just a number

Older generations aren’t the only ones who struggle with tech; young people sometimes exhibit reluctance towards more complex tech. Instead of stressing over mastering everything, digital missionaries should use what they know and realize learning tech is a process. The rewards make the effort worthwhile.

What this means for digital missionaries

For those new to the journey of a digital missionary, it’s essential to recognize that the core of digital ministry lies not in technical expertise but in the art of building meaningful relationships. Every interaction is a chance to share the Gospel—no matter the platform employed. The objective is to connect with others personally, utilizing tools that feel most intuitive. While some may prioritize honing technical skills, the true strength of this ministry emerges from authentic connections, as genuine relationships pave the way for deeper conversations.

Some answers to your questions

Do I need to be a tech expert to be a digital missionary?

No, not necessarily. It’s more important to be comfortable with the technology that you use and to focus on building relationships. However, this can be challenging because some may find it difficult. Although expertise is valuable, the emphasis should be on connection, not perfection.

What if I need help with using certain technologies?

That’s completely okay! Focus on the tools you’re comfortable with. You can always learn as you go; plenty of resources are available to help you improve. This is a process that takes time. Although you may initially feel uncertain, you will find that the journey is worthwhile, because growth often occurs gradually.

Can digital tools really help in sharing the Gospel?

Absolutely! Digital tools can create opportunities for conversations about faith and help you connect with others meaningfully; however, this connection may be challenging at times. Although they facilitate interaction, some people might struggle to express their thoughts openly because of personal reasons. The potential for growth and understanding remains significant, and many have benefited profoundly from these interactions.

How can I engage with others online if I’m not tech-savvy?

Start small and use platforms that you’re familiar with to connect with friends or family. Share your thoughts, experiences, and faith journey with Jesus while being mindful of the audience. This can be a powerful way to engage others, even if it may initially seem daunting. You might find that sharing your story becomes easier over time.

What if I encounter new technology that feels overwhelming?

Consider taking a step back; remember that you don’t have to master everything all at once. Focus on what you already know well and gradually explore new tools. Although rushing can be tempting, patience is key to gaining a deeper understanding.

Conclusion

Being a digital missionary doesn’t mean mastering tech. It’s about using the tools you know to build meaningful connections. Familiarity often fosters authenticity. Although people are on the other side of your screen, there’s potential for meaningful engagement. Remain open and you’ll quickly notice the endless opportunities.

The Future of Faith

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:25:47 GMT

What is digital discipleship in an age of online connection?

In today’s ever-evolving and complex digital landscape, the church faces tough questions on how to effectively engage and disciple believers digitally. The challenge is significant—many struggle to connect in virtual spaces. This raises big questions for churches: How should they adapt?

Digital discipleship

Digital discipleship represents a new frontier in the discipleship process when it comes to fostering faith through the various technologies that make up our modern world. Once upon a time, if you wanted to grow in your faith, you had to sit in a pew (or, for some denominations, on a cushion), attend the Sunday service, and participate in the rhythms of church life. Who remembers Wednesday night dinners?

Of course, in-person gatherings still have their place and purpose, but despite the best intentions, this model often falls short for today’s world of online connection. Digital discipleship covers everything from online sermons and digital prayer meetings to one-on-one webcam chats. The goal is to recreate a shared faith journey in a digital space.

Defining the role of digital missionaries

Digital missionaries are the unexpected intersection of church and the digital world—a way for the church to reach the lost online. They are at the heart of digital discipleship, striving to disciple others and share their faith in Christ in digital spaces, meeting people where they already are. What does this look like:

Content creation & connection: they create relevant and relatable content that resonates with various demographics, ensuring the message of faith is accessible to all.
Engagement in community: digital missionaries actively engage with audiences through interactive content, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
Support and guidance: providing spiritual support and guidance through online forums, chat groups, or virtual meetings is essential for nurturing faith in a digital environment.

The importance of adaptation in church practices

Adapting to both emerging and established technologies is essential, because as culture and society shift, so must the church. This transition to digital discipleship requires new pastoral methods, practices, and theologies to engage with people – not just technology. This is not simply technology-driven change but a reimagining of what church communities look and feel like digitally.

Churches should also revise their methodologies and plan to engage their community through new technologies and social media. Leaders and members alike should be trained to use accessible digital tools as an extension of their outreach. Emphasizing innovation will help churches reach their communities and fulfill their mission to the best of their ability.

The Manifesto for digital discipleship

As churches explore digital discipleship, a guiding framework is critical. Below is a manifesto outlining seven foundational principles and strategies:

1. Digital discipleship relies on the church’s ability to adopt a digital ethos.

2. Digital discipleship recognizes the significance of this digital ethos and how it reinforces digital discipleship ideals.

3. Digital discipleship promotes evangelism, ministry, and vocation.

4. It fosters powerful relationships based on interdependence and mutuality.

5. It facilitates the integration of digital activities into everyday life, making them seamless and therefore facilitating the formation of a digital spirituality.

6. It involves a holistic approach where digital ministry permeates every aspect of the church and people’s lives.

7. It encourages the development of a covenant community blending church and the home.

Following these principles allows churches to build a solid digital discipleship framework for today’s believers. Yet, executing this well can be complex and requires adapting methods to meet the unique needs of faith communities.

Creating spiritual fruitfulness in online ministries

Cultivating a spiritual culture of fruitfulness is key to digital discipleship. To grow fruitful online ministries, consider these approaches:

Personalized content: tailoring messages and resources to meet the specific needs of different audiences enhances relevance and impact.
Regular engagement: consistent interaction through social media, newsletters, and online events keeps people connected.
Encouraging participation: inviting people to share their stories, testimonies, and prayers fosters a sense of ownership and community.

Creating an environment where people feel valued and engaged is critical to achieving spiritual fruitfulness in online ministries; however, this requires intentional effort. Although many strive for this, only some understand the depth of connection needed to grow such an atmosphere. Because of the digital nature of these ministries, personal engagement can be challenging. Though digital ministry presents challenges in personal engagement, when people feel appreciated, they contribute positively, enriching everyone’s spiritual experience.

Challenges of connecting online participants

Digital discipleship offers many opportunities but also comes with unique challenges. Engagement is a major one—digital fatigue, distractions, and lack of personal interaction can all be barriers.

Churches must intentionally create engaging, interactive online experiences to overcome these hurdles. Strategies may include community forums, virtual services, and resources that resonate. Online platforms, while debated, can foster real connection and support. But not every approach suits everyone, so churches need a flexible, adaptable strategy:

Utilizing multimedia: incorporating videos, podcasts, and interactive elements to capture attention and enhance the learning experience.
Fostering community: creating online spaces where individuals can connect, share, and support one another.
Feedback mechanisms: implement systems for participants to provide feedback and share their needs, allowing continuous improvement.

Addressing these challenges allows churches to foster vibrant, compelling digital discipleship experiences that resonate. This requires careful thought and an understanding of people’s needs. While daunting, the potential rewards of a more connected and engaged community are significant.

Clarity in discipleship pathways

In digital discipleship, clarity in the journey is a game-changer. People need a clear “next step” to engage with faith online, helping them progress on a well-defined path to spiritual growth.

To build this, churches can:

Define stages : clearly outline the discipleship journey, from initial engagement to deeper involvement, so individuals know where they are and where they’re going.
Use visuals : create visual representations of discipleship pathways to help people see their progress.
Regularly update : keep pathways fresh and relevant through feedback and changing community needs.

With clear discipleship pathways, digital discipleship moves from an abstract idea to a concrete experience, fostering a supportive, grounded community.

The role of community in digital spaces

Community is the heart of digital discipleship. Everyone wants to belong, but making that real online takes effort. Some may say digital connections lack depth, but with the right approach, they can be rich and meaningful.

To build community digitally:

Online small groups : host small group gatherings for open sharing, prayer, and growth.
Interactive events : create live experiences—Q&As, webinars, virtual prayer—that bring people together in real time.
Social media engagement : use social platforms to create spaces for dialogue, encouragement, and real connection.

By prioritizing community in digital spaces, churches cultivate a home where relationships are built, faith grows, and people find real belonging.

Exploring online giving and generosity

Online giving isn’t just about finance; it’s a vision for generosity that supports digital ministry. With so many people engaging online, now is the time to cultivate a culture of generosity.

Churches can encourage online giving by:

Providing clear options : make giving easy and accessible through your website or app with simple, clear instructions.
Sharing impact stories : regularly update your community on how donations make a difference, adding personal stories to illustrate the impact.
Encouraging consistency : promote options for recurring giving, creating a stable support system for ongoing ministry.

Building a culture of generosity fuels digital ministry, allowing churches to go further in their mission with the support of a committed online community.

The future of digital and in-person church engagement

The future church isn’t about choosing digital or in-person; it’s about both. As the world blends physical and digital, churches must explore how to thrive in both spaces.

A balanced approach might include:

Integrating experiences : design events that combine digital and in-person aspects for a truly inclusive experience.
Investing in technology : equip your church for seamless digital and in-person gatherings, making it easy for people to engage wherever they are.
Encouraging flexibility : foster a culture open to new ways of engaging, allowing room for innovation and change.

By blending digital and in-person, churches can connect widely and deeply, creating space for a more connected community ready for the future.

Emphasizing digital relationships

Relationships are the foundation of digital discipleship. It’s the depth of connection—how much someone feels seen and valued—that makes the difference.

Churches can strengthen digital relationships by:

Personal outreach : encourage leaders to connect personally with online participants, making the connection real.
Facilitating open dialogue : provide spaces for people to share questions and experiences, building community and trust.
Celebrating milestones : acknowledge community milestones, reinforcing the value of each person’s journey.

By focusing on digital relationships, churches create a space where faith can thrive and people feel they truly belong.

Embracing digital discipleship

Digital discipleship is more than tech—it’s about connecting, sharing, and living out the gospel in a digital age. Mastering community, generosity, and relationships gives the church powerful tools to reach into the future with confidence.

Churches willing to innovate and center their mission on community will find new doors opening for digital ministry. Digital discipleship isn’t just the future; it’s today’s opportunity for churches ready to go beyond.

Success in Digital Ministry

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:08:05 GMT

How do we measure success in digital ministry?

Success in digital ministry goes beyond numbers. While followers, likes, and views can indicate reach, true success goes much deeper.

Engagement over numbers

Real success in any ministry, including digital, focuses on engagement and transformation. Are people truly growing in their faith? Are they building meaningful connections? Are lives being impacted by the message of Christ? These questions help us define success.

Defining True Success

Whether online or in-person ministries, we should look for those moments that signify success:

When someone shares a testimony.
When someone asks for prayer.
When they take a step forward in their faith journey.

These moments reveal changed hearts and authentic community, reminding us that success is about lives touched, not just numbers, one person at a time.

Focus on transformation

Avoid the vanity metrics that can cloud our vision. Instead, let’s focus on transformation. The heart of digital ministry lies in making a genuine impact. Each interaction is an opportunity to touch a life and guide someone closer to Christ.

Building authentic community

Creating a sense of community online can be a challenge, but it's essential. How can we foster relationships in a digitally? Consider these steps:

Encourage sharing and interaction within your online platforms.
Host regular live sessions where people can engage and ask questions.
Use social media to create discussion groups and prayer chains.

These efforts create a supportive, uplifting community that reflects the essence of the church and our vision for theChurch.digital

keep making an impact

Remember, the journey of faith is deeply personal and unique for each individual. Each person’s experience is unique, and our role in digital ministry is to guide them. Our role in digital ministry is to guide them. Make an impact, one person at a time, and celebrate each small victory.

Building Connections in a Digital World

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:38:57 GMT

How do we come to terms with the idea of digital discipleship?

Today’s digital world is revolutionizing discipleship. We’re seeing digital discipleship become essential for how we connect, learn, and grow in faith.

So what Is digital discipleship?

Digital discipleship is about using digital tools to disciple others. But it’s not just info-sharing; it’s about sparking relationships that grow faith and build community. At the heart of discipleship is friendship—the soil where it thrives.

Why friendship matters

People often say discipleship works best in community. But the truth? It’s strongest in friendship. Relationships without friendship can be experienced as shallow, but true discipleship means caring about someone’s growth and well-being. Jesus showed us the need for this, calling his disciples friends, not servants.

Friendship in digital spaces

Friendship creates deeper connections and real conversations. Discipleship isn’t about lecturing; it’s about walking with others in their faith journey. Digital spaces offer surprising potential for friendship, whether through gaming, social media, or messaging apps.

Platforms for digital discipleship

Digital opens up endless spaces for friendship-based discipleship:

Gaming: Games like Fortnite and Minecraft bring people together to chat, collaborate, and build friendships that pave the way for discipleship.
Social media: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are community hubs to share faith wins, struggles, and daily life.
Messaging apps: With apps like Whatsapp and Discord, people can keep up with prayer requests, share biblical insights, and have ongoing conversations.

Building friendships online

Digital discipleship is more than follower counts. True impact requires friendship. Here’s how:

Engage authentically: Share your real life—the wins, losses, and struggles. People connect with authenticity.
Be available: Make time for conversations and respond to DMs. Show you care.
Create shared experiences: Host virtual events, Bible studies, or prayer meetings to build community.

The role of communication in digital discipleship

Great communication drives strong relationships, especially online. Here’s how to keep it real:

Mix formats: Use text, video, and audio to keep conversations going. Youtube and podcasts are great for deeper dives and hanging out.
Encourage feedback: Let people share their thoughts openly.
Be consistent: Regular check-ins show you are genuinely invested in the friendships.

Expanding your reach

Digital discipleship isn’t just local; it’s global. Use these strategies to reach more:

Social media: Share content across platforms and encourage others to spread it.
Collaborate with other ministries: Partner with churches or groups to boost reach.
Create shareable content: Infographics, videos, and blog posts let others share your message easily.

The future of discipleship

As culture shifts, discipleship must adapt. Digital discipleship lets us connect and grow in ways we never could before. When we prioritize friendship and lean into digital tools, we create discipleship experiences that go beyond our physical boundaries.

Feeling called to plant a church online? Check out what’s possible with theChurch.digital.

Discipleship in Digital Spaces

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:05:05 GMT

Have you noticed how much life happens online?

Digital spaces are where people connect, learn, and live—making digital missionaries essential. The need for the gospel and discipleship is just as strong online as it is offline. A digital missionary’s calling is to share the gospel and build real, lasting relationships across digital spaces.

Life is happening in digital spaces

Communities are changing, and connection methods are evolving. While small groups and life groups remain pillars, online spaces are becoming primary meeting places. Today, digital spaces aren’t just where people go; they’re where life happens for many.

This shift opens overlooked opportunities for ministry. By engaging digitally, we reach those who aren’t comfortable with face-to-face spiritual talks. The calling to make disciples isn’t bound by walls. It flows into the digital and virtual arenas where people connect today.

Digital engagement: discipleship’s new frontier

People often find it easier to ask spiritual questions online than face-to-face. This openness in digital spaces can spark deeper conversations and connections that simply don’t happen elsewhere. Digital spaces offer a safe place where people can explore faith in new ways.

But discipleship isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about building relationships that last. These conversations create foundations for discipleship. When God hands us digital opportunities to share the gospel, why would we ignore them?

What digital missionaries can do

As we move through the digital world, opportunities to share the gospel multiply. Here’s how to take action as a digital missionary:

Join online communities: Find groups that share your values. Engage and be open to faith conversations.
Use social media: Share your story, scripture, and insights. Social media has serious power for outreach.
Host virtual events: Run online Bible studies or discussions where people can explore faith in a relaxed way.
Be open to questions: Stay accessible for people with faith questions. Your presence makes a real impact.

Building online relationships takes intention

Building relationships online needs intentionality. Approach interactions with care and authenticity. Here’s how to build meaningful connections:

Be present: Engage genuinely. Show interest in others’ lives and experiences.
Ask open-ended questions: Go deeper and encourage reflection.
Share your journey: Be real about your faith story. Personal experiences resonate and connect.
Follow up: When someone shows interest in faith, reach out again. Show genuine care for their journey.

The call to discipleship doesn’t stop at the church doors

Our discipleship calling doesn’t change in digital spaces. We’re here to share the gospel, make disciples, and build Christ-centered relationships. Digital missionaries leverage today’s tools and platforms to keep this mission alive.

Every interaction online is a chance to show Christ’s love. From a simple comment to an in-depth conversation, we lead others to Christ in countless ways.

Conclusion: the digital missionary’s moment

Digital missionaries are more crucial than ever. Life happens online. The chance to share the gospel and disciple others is here—no walls needed. Engage deeply, build real relationships, share your faith. Fulfill your calling in the digital mission field.

Called to plant a digital church? Looking for resources on digital discipleship? Visit https://thechurch.digital to get started.

Beyond Boundaries: Embracing the Digital Mission Field

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 16:01:20 GMT

What if the mission field that matters most today has no walls?

In a world that’s moving fast, digital missionaries are more essential than ever, stepping into spaces no one thought of as mission fields. Let’s unpacks the idea of a digital calling, showing how anyone can make an impact without leaving their community, using digital platforms as new mission fields.

Unpacking digital missionaries

The term ‘digital missionary’ might sound new, but its purpose isn’t. The call to share the gospel drives digital missionaries to meet people wherever they gather online. Using technology and digital platforms, digital missionaries share Christ, connect with communities, and make disciples.

Today’s digital missionary shows up on the platforms that others often miss—social media, gaming spaces, even virtual churches. It’s about showing up where people are, which in our time, is often online.

Forget four walls. Our mission field’s global now, and digital missionaries don’t need a building to reach people. Instead of only focusing on local outreach, we can engage with people across the globe. Just like Paul journeyed to different cities to share the gospel, today’s digital missionaries reach diverse audiences through online presence.

Missionaries don’t need to go overseas to make an impact

Today, being a missionary doesn’t require a passport—just a phone, a wifi connection, and the courage to engage with people, wherever they’re gathering. Many feel called to their own communities, connecting with friends, neighbors, and even strangers online.

Imagine this: your social media profile isn’t just a feed; it’s an open door for sharing hope, encouragement, and the message of Jesus. By sharing personal stories or posting scripture, you can impact someone on the other side of the world.

This digital calling goes beyond borders, fulfilling the Great Commission without leaving home. We can be effective witnesses in our circles and beyond, building relationships that lead to spiritual growth.

Church planting is like parenting—different expressions, same core values

Planting a church? Think of it like parenting—each church expression might look different, but they share the same heartbeat: building relationships that lead to transformation. Just as parents want their kids to carry their values while growing as individuals, new church plants embody core biblical values that resonate with unique communities.

The goal? Create places where people can encounter God, no matter the format.

Calling: supernatural and relational

Calling is about hearing God’s voice, but often, it’s through relationships and simple moments of connection where we see our purpose.

While some may experience big moments that lead them to their mission, others find clarity in everyday relationships. This relational side is crucial; by being present with people, we often see the needs we’re called to meet.

Just as Jesus called His disciples through personal connection, we too can see our purpose through relationships. When we invest time in others, we find unexpected opportunities to serve and share the gospel.

Not everyone is meant to be a pioneer

Pioneering is one part of the mission field, but it’s the whole church working together that makes an impact. Many people serve best when they operate in their unique gifts. Some of us are here to support, teach, or encourage. Recognizing these diverse roles is vital for the health of the church.

Just like a family works best when each person plays their part, the church thrives when every member contributes. We’re not all called to lead, but each of us has something unique to offer to the mission.

How virtual church connects people globally

Virtual church has opened new doors for connection, bridging geographical gaps to create a global fellowship of believers who worship and grow together.

Through online platforms, believers can gather and foster community from anywhere in the world. Picture a small group on Zoom, with people from different countries sharing insights and experiences. This global connection strengthens the body of Christ, where diverse perspectives deepen our understanding of faith.

Digital missionaries play a crucial role in building these connections, ensuring that everyone feels valued in this global community.

Reflecting on calling

In our fast-paced world, it can be challenging for individuals to pause, but it’s vital to help us recognize our calling and hear where God is leading. Reflection is essential for spiritual growth and clarity of purpose.

Mentorship and discipleship are practical ways to create these moments. By holding space for conversations, we help others explore their gifts, passions, and God’s unique calling in their lives.

Whether in one-on-one chats or small groups, fostering encouragement and support can lead to powerful realizations about purpose.

Resisting God’s calling often leads to inner conflict

Many of us know that uneasy feeling when we resist something God is calling us to do. Ignoring that call can lead to a tension between our own plans and His purpose.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” When we trust in God’s calling, we find peace and direction, but resisting it often leads to confusion.

Are you confident your mission is biblical and Spirit-filled?

As digital missionaries, it’s crucial to ensure that our mission is rooted in biblical principles and empowered by the Holy Spirit. This means taking time to seek guidance through prayer, studying scripture, and engaging with wise counsel. It's essential to ask ourselves: Are we sharing the gospel in a way that reflects God’s love and truth?

When we embark on our digital calling, we should evaluate our intentions. Are we motivated by a desire to see lives transformed, or are we merely seeking validation or popularity? Our mission should be about connecting people to Christ, not just filling our platforms with content.

Equip, mobilize, and mentor individuals in digital ministry

At the heart of digital ministry is a call to equip, mobilize, and mentor others in digital ministry. This involves creating supportive communities where people can learn, grow, and share their gifts. By fostering an environment of collaboration and encouragement, we can help each other fulfill our unique callings.

Mentorship plays a big role here. Experienced digital missionaries can guide newcomers, providing insights and practical tools for online ministry. It’s about building relationships that empower others to step into their calling and impact their communities effectively.

Reaching diverse groups through specific platforms like Whatsapp or Discord

Digital platforms offer unique ways to connect with different demographics. Platforms like Whatsapp and Discord allow us to meet people where they are. Each platform has its culture, and with a tailored approach, we can use each to reach specific audiences.

Whatsapp: Ideal for one-on-one discipleship and personal conversations.

Discord: Originally a gamer’s space, it’s now a community hub where people can gather for fellowship, study, and encouragement.

By understanding each platform’s culture, we engage with people authentically, sharing the gospel and building real connections. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about the people on the other side of the screen.

Don’t let the critics get to you

There will always be people who don’t get it. Surround yourself with others on this journey who see the value in what you do and encourage you to stay the course. Your calling is valid, and the impact of your work will speak for itself.

Challenges will come. But remember Galatians 6:9 : “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Perseverance is key in digital ministry.

Privacy in Digital Ministry: Building Trust in Online Spaces

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:03:35 GMT

Question to start

Can digital ministry truly protect privacy—every click, every prayer request?

The shift to digital faith spaces

As faith conversations move online, we can’t ignore the personal information being shared or the need for real boundaries.

Privacy goes beyond VPNs and ad-blockers—it’s relational. Digital ministry means building trust and creating spaces where people feel safe to share, knowing their stories and concerns stay private.

Setting privacy standards that matter

Creating a safe digital space means being upfront about how personal information will be handled. Platforms like Discord, WhatsApp, and others are powerful for community but come with privacy risks. Here are three principles to make privacy in digital discipleship real:

Radical transparency : Be clear about the platforms used, how data will be stored, and who can access it. Whether in a small group or one-on-one setting, let participants know about any recordings and give them the chance to opt out if they’re uncomfortable. Radical transparency is foundational to trust.

Permission is essential : Never assume consent. Get explicit permission before sharing personal stories, prayer requests, or contact information. What feels safe for some might feel risky to others. Always ask before sharing someone else’s story, especially in public forums or live streams. Let people set their own boundaries—this reinforces dignity and respect.

Strong, vigilant leadership : Good leaders protect privacy in every digital interaction. Whether leading a Bible study, gaming group, or prayer session, leaders should moderate conversations closely, watching for moments when privacy might be compromised. If sensitive issues arise, move to a private message or an encrypted platform. Vigilant leadership keeps spaces safe and respectful.

Creating safe spaces for growth

Digital discipleship should be a place where people can grow, connect, and share without fear. To make this a reality, we need transparency, clear boundaries, and strong leadership that honors the trust of those we serve.

As digital ministry evolves, let’s keep privacy and respect central—protecting each person’s dignity and building connections that go deep. In a world where privacy feels rare, we have a unique opportunity to offer something safe, something real.

Together, let’s create digital spaces where people feel secure and valued on their journey of faith.

Social Media Is NOT Digital Community

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 10:00:06 GMT

What social media is perfect at!

Don’t hear me wrong. Social media is vital! Social media is good at connecting with people. But its weakness is community. To understand this challenge, ask yourself: Is it better to have a million-person church or 100 000 churches of 10 people?

If you hang around me long enough, you’ve heard me ask this question. There is no right or wrong answer, although I certainly have my opinion. In our context, one million followers on social media create a powerful but unwieldy account. It struggles to be relational.

Yes, influence does happen, as two million eyeballs are glued to your account. But who are these people? Social media, like broadcasting church services online, is outstanding for connecting with people. Let them get a taste of who you are.

But social media is not good at building long-lasting relationships. That’s not a knock on digital, but it is as much a limitation on how social media platforms are designed. Relationships can be built digitally! As effective as physically? That’s a conversation for a different day.

How social media fits into your digital missionary/church strategy.

Social media is not digital community. Some of you will read that sentence with frustration. (Feel free to send any hate mail to andy@thechurch.digital .) Maybe I should take the sentence back. Perhaps I should add a descriptive word to the sentence.

What about “Social media is not a healthy digital community”? Is “authentic” better? “Stable”? What about an asterisk on the sentence and say that some people can operate social media like a digital community?

No. Let’s let it stand as is. Social media is not digital community. That’s not to discredit digital community. I have spent years… decades… developing digital communities. My first online community, eBeliever.com, launched in April 2000 and peaked at nearly 40 000 users.

We were doing Christian Facebook before Facebook was doing Facebook. I know and love digital community. But, if I’m honest, social media is the antithesis of a digital community. Sadly, the average church leader, the average person for that matter, doesn’t recognize this.

The evils of social media darken the potential of digital community in ministry. If social media is your definition of digital community, you’ve never experienced digital community.

Ready to dig in? For this article, let’s set some clear definitions for the conversation:

Social media: Let’s define social media as more of the individual-based cloud-based platforms that individuals typically use today. Twitter/X, IG, Facebook, TikTok. These platforms make it technically easy for an individual to get their message heard worldwide. (More challenging to achieve: is anyone listening?)
Digital community: In response, let’s consider digital community as more of an interest-based platform. Discord, Slack, Reddit, or Facebook groups. There are also paid options like Circle, Kajabi, or Mighty Networks. These platforms make it easy for an audience to engage in relational conversation digitally.

It’s worth noting that, at this article’s publication date, YouTube probably qualifies more as social media for several reasons. However, YouTube has already announced several feature upgrades that, when released, should step the platform closer to a proper digital community classification. Expect an even more exciting YouTube rolling out in early 2025.

Social media is one-way communication // digital community is two-way conversation.

Social media typically has an individual, an influencer, an organization… someone starting a post. Social media is a virtual megaphone that broadcasts for the account holder. And, if the algorithms work in your favor, your audience will hopefully attach an emoji or even a comment on that post.

Social media audiences reply to posts that you as the individual start. That’s not community. The audience cannot quickly ask you questions on social media. Yes, your social media audience can interact with you. But don’t be fooled. There’s a difference between interacting and community, even in digital space.

The simplicity of social media interaction filters out the community component. For a community to exist two-way conversations must be prevalent. Without mutual interaction, is there really a community? There is communication, yes. But community? No. Can your audience interact with you on social media?

Do you mean aside from emojis? Sure. But suppose you’ve ever been part of an active digital community on Discord, or a WhatsApp group. In that case, you will know the difference between social media’s digital communication and a dynamic digital community.

Social media is about making statements // digital community is about asking questions.

In that same vein, social media seeks a mic-drop statement, a powerful quote, or a memorable line. Something to catch an audience's attention and drive them to do something (like click that thumbs-up emoji, maybe even subscribe to your channel).

This is necessary and helpful in some ways. But digital community is all about fostering dialogue. The strength of digital community is not getting to where you convince your audience you’re right but creating a digital environment that allows people to express themselves and their opinions.

In a similar vein, social media tends to be egotistical. Okay, egotistical is too strong a word. Social media emphasizes the centrality of self, dare I say “glorifying” self? Digital communities that do well are the opposite of egotistical. Healthy digital communities are driven by humility. They’re more interested in developing relationships than being right.

Social media self-focuses // digital community empowers others.

The focus on self in social media may be entirely unintentional. To call social media “narcissistic” is probably too strong a word, but it may be in the ballpark. Self-absorbed? Self-obsessed? Intentions can be perfect for the people running social media accounts.

The feature sets on social media make it challenging to succeed and not come across as arrogant or vain. While social media struggles to create authentic communities, effective digital communities create opportunities for others to speak, moderate, and essentially take ownership.

While social media accounts depend on a social media manager and a team of creatives, digital communities depend on people from your audience who are passionate about helping others from your audience. Digital communities often depend on volunteer roles and allow for permissions where people can take responsibility for administration within the community.

The best digital communities are not staff-driven but volunteer-led. Empowering others to own your digital community is a great opportunity.

Social media normalizes // digital community nuances.

Suppose you have one million followers on IG. Well, first off, congratulations. That’s awesome. But, other than one million IG handles you don’t have much information. Social media accounts are designed to get as many followers as possible. Grow accounts to a massive size.

Social media pulls that off by normalizing the audience and generalizing who they are. Who was the one-millionth follower on your IG account? I guess you can dig in and ask using social media DM, but the software is not designed for that level of interactivity.

So, while social media normalizes or generalizes individuals, digital community gives an opportunity to nuance its audience, to discover more about who they are, and even give them a platform to speak. Digital community operates best at the nuanced level.

Dig into the minutia. What are their interests? Can they relate with others in your community? Connect those people. Social media grows by adding social media followers one by one to their accounts, but digital communities succeed by multiplying smaller, more relational communities.

So wait, you don’t want us to have a million followers on IG? Not saying that at all. I’d love to have a million followers on IG (although I’d prefer a million subscribers on YouTube, but beggars can’t be choosers).

As we said, social media, like church online services, are great at connecting with people. Social media has a phenomenal reach. When social media works you’re connecting with people from all over the world.

And, once you understand how the algorithms work, you’ll find yourself growing your followers and subscribers quickly - the same thing with a podcast audience, or an online movie, or even a book.

There are many ways to connect with people digitally, but ask yourself the question: Am I able to build relationships through this connection method?

If the answer is no then the goal is to start to figure out how to move your social media following to a digital community. Once you get people in your digital community, you can:

More cohesively build relationships with your audience in the digital community.
Listen to the individuals within the digital community.
Utilize the digital community to establish trust.

So, what do you think? Do you love the idea? Hate it? Either way, I want to talk with you about it. Go ahead and jump into theChurch.digital’s Discord ( http://discord.thechurch.digital ) or our WhatsApp ( http://whatsapp.thechurch.digital ) digital community. You can find me there, and tell me what you think. See you there.

What Exactly Is a Digital Missionary?

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:24:36 GMT

The Potential of a Digital Missionary

One of the largest unreached people groups in the world today can be found digitally. The stats surrounding digital usage globally are astounding: There are over 2 billion active users globally on WhatsApp, 2.5 billion active users on YouTube, and 1.6 billion active users on TikTok, as controversial as it is. It’s not just the US that is engaging on digital platforms.

The world has access to smartphones and knows how to use them. This begs the question: What does the Great Commission look like digitally? To answer that question, let’s consider the idea of a digital missionary.

What is a Digital Missionary?

A digital missionary uses digital tools to represent the Gospel of Christ to those who are cold to the idea of Christ. Practically speaking, digital missionaries can take many different forms.

Let’s start with an evangelist, someone actively sharing Jesus on social media or in the metaverse…
To a disciple-maker actively discipling people relationally using tools like WhatsApp or Google Meet…
To a Church Planter operating an ecclesiological-grounded church on platforms like Twitch and Discord…
To a Community Builder creating a relational space in a Facebook Group or other asynchronous space…
To a TikTok Influencer who wants to use her digital influence to connect thousands to Christ…
To your Grandmother who wants to use digital media to influence her out-of-state grandchildren and show them the love of Christ…

Whether you’re a futurist/techno-genius or a newbie/Luddite, you can be a digital missionary. Everyone is a digital missionary in their own right… Some use their digital influence to push a political agenda, to show their affiliation with their sports team… or to brag about what’s happening with their kids. Have you ever considered using that influence for Christ?

The average American spends over 4.5 hours a day on their smartphone. Could you imagine if we spent even a fraction of that daily for the Kingdom?

Why are Digital Missionaries Necessary?

Here’s a reality: Our church buildings, and even our pastors, are losing influence. In the 1980s and 90s, church buildings had a lot of evangelical power. When people had spiritual questions, they would find the closest church building and make an appointment to talk to a pastor.

Well, times have changed. Over the past 25 years, the American church has lost 25% of active attendees. People do not view the church or the pastor as a spiritual stronghold. We can discuss why, but people do not trust the church culturally.

Barna reported on this back in 2021: When people cold to Christ have spiritual questions, they: go to Google/YouTube to find the answers to those spiritual questions or go to their friends (who they trust) to get spiritual advice. These stats are very telling… people cold to Christ trust digital technology (Google) more than a pastor, and they are typically comfortable talking with their friends.

Francis Chan says, “Evangelism in the future will happen in living rooms and homes, not in cathedrals or temples.” And he’s right. Our church buildings serve a purpose, but (in today’s culture) sharing Jesus from a pulpit is losing its effectiveness.

Who is a Digital Missionary?

But Francis’ quote isn’t just about the building; it’s about the people. Non-pastors have the Holy Spirit, too! The same spiritual power is present in the megachurch pastor as in that soccer mom. Soccer moms have digital influence, as do college students… Even your grandmother has digital influence!

Here with theChurch.digital, we’re seeing an exciting trend… People not in the “organized church” world want to do ministry. There was a time when I thought I had to get a paycheck from a church to do ministry. Honestly, I fought for years to get on a church staff.

It was borderline unhealthy if I’m honest. And, not to discredit my church staff experience, I did do ministry. I ministered to people. But, in the totality of my 15-20 years of church staff, in my story, I’m not sure how many disciples I made in that space.

Ordinary people can do ministry, too! The seminary degree can help, but it’s not necessary. Jesus’ disciples were mostly uneducated blue-collar workers. They were ordinary people. What is stopping you from doing ministry? Here at theChurch.digital, we call you NORMIES! How do we get normal people like you to recognize what God is calling you to do and do it?

Supporting Digital Missionary work.

That’s really the challenge? Recognizing and supporting calling. This happens all the time in churches. Albeit the calling often goes in line with ministry that’s happening in the church building space. A good friend of mine (a volunteer named Charlie) told me he had a calling to be a video director for the church.

He was a financial wizard and very good at his job, but he could work a video switcher like it was a musical instrument… it truly was beautiful. As a pastor at the church, I supported the calling to help Charlie fulfill that calling.

But, if I’m honest, Charlie’s calling aligned with my goals of getting volunteers to serve at the church service. When people in the church came to me with other callings, to be honest, I was usually not that excited unless it simplified my life. Maybe I would give a positive feedback or a quick verbal encouragement, but I would never invest my time in an idea unless it impacted me positively.

We see this mindset regularly with digital missionaries. Most digital missionaries today get little to no support from their church or pastors. Ironically, their spouses and friends often struggle to support them, mainly because, having never seen a digital missionary before, those close to the missionary don’t know how to support this unique call. This is the challenge of digital calling and the reason theChurch.digital exists.

theChurch.digital, A Digital Missions Sending Agency

theChurch.digital serves the digital missionary in three different capacities:

1. We validate the calling—having had over 600 conversations with digital missionaries and church planters, very few ideas are “new.” Remember Ecclesiastes, “There’s nothing new under the sun”? This even applies to digital missionary work! The truth is that words like “innovation” and “church” rarely go together, and we step into the gap by encouraging digital missionaries and church planters to think ecclesiologically with an eye toward multiplication.

2. We equip for the calling—through our content, community, and cohorts, we aggressively create resources to help empower digital missionaries in their unique context. We don’t provide step-by-step recipes for people to follow. Digital missionaries need to understand contextualization to be successful. Instead, we offer a simple framework that can be applied in any digital missionary context. As a result, we are equipping the next generation of digital missionaries for whatever unique context their calling takes them.

3. We mobilize for the calling—realizing that innovative ministry is more than consuming content, we created Outposts. We send digital missionaries into their unique context but group them up with others in similar spaces. These Outposts encourage and empower digital missionaries while giving them a safe space to explore and experiment with new ideas and techniques within their platform and calling.

4. Mobilizing into multiplying—Mobilizing into these unique groups gives hands-on accountability for these missionaries to hold to their calling and even to invest this calling in others. A digital missionary needs to multiply with other missionaries. Someone who participates in an Outpost is just an Outpost leader waiting to mature. In I Corinthians, Paul speaks of “milk” and “solid food.” Accountability is required for these ideas to multiply into others, even applying to digital missionaries.

The Endgame of a Digital Missionary

Why are we doing this? What’s the goal? To reach people for Christ. Will a digital missionary connect with everyone? Should we abandon physical ministry or location-based missionaries and only do a digital model? Of course not! Digital is not for everyone. But, there is no doubt that culture is trending increasingly in the digital world. It’s not for everyone, but it’s worth connecting with those who will. Today, you’ll connect with enough people to make it worthwhile.

Digital Missionaries and the Future of theChurch.digital

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:58:01 GMT

This past week, we unveiled the ninth version of theChurch.digital. Since I acquired the domain name in February 2018, theChurch.digital has been on a journey of constant growth, evolution, and the navigation of God's opportunities. On Thursday, September 12, 2024, at our inaugural Town Hall meeting on Discord, we made a significant announcement. We are transitioning into a digital mission-sending agency.

First of its kind, theChurch.digital will empower normies… ordinary, everyday people… with the Gospel and equip them with the understanding to be digital missionaries in their unique contexts.

Since pre-Covid, we have been working with digital-only expressions of church, which is not changing. theChurch.digital can still resource digital church planting through the digital missionary framework approach, and we will still champion digital and metaverse church planting.

However, our move to a digital mission-sending agency opens up a much larger ministry opportunity as we are now working with digital evangelists, disciple-makers, church planters, community builders, influencers, futurists, programmers, developers… essentially anyone who is a Christian and knows how to use a digital device has the potential to become a digital missionary. We want to empower them to reach “platforms” and “places.”

Platforms as Places: Understanding Digital Missiology

As we explored the idea of digital missions and started conversing with potential digital missionaries, an exciting question started: Can I be called to a digital platform? The concept of digital “calling” brought us to revisit an older philosophy Jason Morris discussed and promoted during the Covid season: Platforms as Places. Jason, theChurch.digital’s director of Equipping & Mobilization theorized during the Covid season that platforms like Twitch, Discord, Virtual Reality, and Facebook operated almost like Places.

latforms have their own culture, often representing more than one culture. Reaching people on TikTok is entirely different from reaching people on Facebook, just like connecting with people in Africa is going to be different from connecting in Brazil. These contexts allow for relational evangelism and relational discipleship to succeed digitally.

hat being said, theChurch.digital looks at platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube in the same way that global missions organizations look at places like India, Korea, and Argentina. We will equip digital missionaries with digital missiology and mobilize them with opportunities to do ministry digitally.

In the coming weeks, theChurch.digital will publicly define Platforms as Places, as well as the other features that define our digital missiology.

Equipping Digital Missionaries Today

To make the training more accessible, theChurch.digital is developing an online course, Equipping Digital Missionaries. Officially launching in early 2025, this will be a 13-week course including over 50 videos designed to give digital missionaries a framework of digital missions that they can contextualize.

Following a “flip the classroom” approach, the videos will be available to be watched asynchronously during the week, with a weekly huddle happening “synchronously” where participants can gather together online, discuss their learnings, and apply the principles learned in their ministry context.

The goal of theChurch.digital’s Equipping Digital Missionaries course will be to give participants a foundation of theological and tactical training. Upon completion, missionaries will be mobilized into outposts further to explore the technical aspects of their digital calling. For more information on the Equipping Digital Missionaries course, swing over to http://thechurch.digital/edm

Digital Outposts: Helping Grow, and Multiply, Today’s Digital Missionaries

TheChurch.digital is establishing outposts in different platforms and different places. Simply, outposts are a group of digital missionaries who share similar characteristics, whether they are wanting to 1) utilize the same platform or similar strategy or 2) reach a similar culture or context.

Outposts are the heart of theChurch.digital. Grouping similar digital missionaries provides an exciting opportunity. Outposts exist to encourage, explore, experiment, and empower digital missionaries:

Encourage : Digital missionaries do something different to reach someone different. That being said, digital missionaries often report back that they have a limited support system in place, because their friends, family, and even their pastors “don’t understand them.” TheChurch.digital community overall is a place of encouragement, but outposts are a place for contextualized encouragement with contemporaries who have literally been where you are.

Explore : In many ways, the Gospel has never been actively proclaimed on these platforms. Remember that there is plenty of digital room for contextualization, and what may work in some contexts may not work in others. Exploring the nuances of these platforms or even how different cultures utilize them is well worth the time investment. Outposts provide a safe space for digital missionaries to explore the subtle variations of these platforms in unique contexts.

Experiment : Beyond exploring, outposts provide opportunities to experiment with different techniques and tactics, while getting feedback from a group of digital missionaries on the same road as you, or even a little further ahead than you. Learning to experiment is crucial for a digital missionary, but understanding the results is paramount. It’s nice to have an outpost of people with you. It is equally helpful having others around to encourage you if the experiment fails, or celebrate with you if the experiment is successful.

Empower : Outposts are a group of people dedicated to the idea of kingdom over castle. Outpost leaders are not concerned with their own ministry, but run the outpost towards the idea of multiplying other digital missionaries. Operating as friends on mission, they are not driven or motivated by theological alignment as much as aligning to reach people in their unique contexts and collaborate to make that happen.

Digital Missionaries & the Future of theChurch.digital

While digital missionaries are a new focus for theChurch.digital, empowering bi-vocational people to do ministry digitally has always been at the heart of theChurch.digital. Excitement doesn’t even start to describe our emotions as we move forward with a clear purpose of equipping and mobilizing normies for kingdom purpose.

5 Online Ministry Insights from August 2024

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 07:41:45 GMT

Summer is over and school has started for almost every school-aged child. As families have been busy getting ready for the new school year there has been a lot going on in the digital and online ministry space.

To help you keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings, theChurch.digital podcast and blog had a bunch we loved to share in regards to all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 online ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on theChurch.digital podcast and blog from August 2024.

Caring for Others Online IS Possible

A lot of Churches have care ministries. However, usually, they are focused on in-person care. That is how it has traditionally been. However, people like Stacy Knapp has been caring for others online for years. See how you can care for others online, as well.

Overcoming Compassion FATIGUE

Are you experiencing compassion fatigue in your life? If so, you are not alone. Megan Carter, Jon Pyle and Jeff Reed share about what compassion fatigue is and how you can overcome it.

The VALUE of Apprenticeships

Who are you investing in for the future of ministry? Since the Covid pandemic started, ministers have been leaving, not coming. One of the ways to combat that is through having ministry apprenticeships. Christopher Wesley shares how he does apprenticeships and the value of doing them.

The TOOLS You Need as a Digital Missionary

With every ministry position, there are always different tools you need to help you be successful. Using these tools will not only help you get started but will help be effective as you seek to reach people in the different digital and online environments.

The Top 5 INNOVATIVE Churches

What are the innovative Churches doing to reach people today? Jeff highlights five American Churches that are at the top of innovating today and what they are doing to continue to try new ways to reach and encourage people in their faith.

Investing in Apprentices

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 10:00:26 GMT

In ministry, investing in apprentices is so important. See how and why as Christopher Wesley shares.

Subscribe to TCD Sidekick , Android , Spotify | RSS

ACTION STEPS:

Share your thoughts! What stood out to you? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom .
If you want to connect with Chris, there are a few different ways. He’s on Twitter/X , has an awesome blog with tons of great insights each week. You can also check out the article we discussed. In addition you can learn more about and sign up for the Marathon Youth Ministry University .
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.
Looking for Digital Ministry coaching ? theChurch.digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts.
If you are in digital ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter community . We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively.
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 to be interviewed for a future podcast episode, contact Tom Pounder

How to Share Your Church's Mission Through Digital Communications

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:49:51 GMT

Digital communication is vitally important in today's world. It gives your church unprecedented opportunities to share their mission far beyond it's local area.

How can you use digital communications to effectively share your church's purpose and mission? Here are a few ways.

Digital Communication Areas

Website: Your digital home base is your church's website. It is the cornerstone of your online presence. Feature your mission statement prominently on the home page and create a dedicated "Our Mission" page. Use a variety of content such as videos, infographics, blogs and other interactive elements to bring your mission to life.
Social Media: Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok and whatever other social media accounts your congregation and community are on. Creating a content calendar where you can intentionally incorporate posts directly tied to your mission can be very helpful. In addition utilizing strategies and tools like hashtags and a social media management tool can help you communicate your mission and purpose.
Email communication: Having direct digital communications through email is a great way to share your mission and purpose. For instance, in every email you can include a recurring section in your emails that specifically ties recent or upcoming church activities to your mission and purpose.
Mobile App: If your church has a mobile app, make it a mission-centric tool. Include a main section about your church's purpose, send push notifications with mission-related inspirational messages, and highlight how app features (like event sign-ups or giving options) tie into living out your mission.
Podcasts and Video Content: Podcasts and video content such as devotionals and sermons can always tie back to your church's mission. One idea to consider is to create a specific series that dives specifically into different aspects of your mission statement.
YouTube: Create and share videos that showcase your mission in action. This could include testimonies, devotionals, volunteer spotlights, or ministry activity that share your church's purpose and mission.
Online Life Groups and Bible Studies: You can live your church's mission on platforms like Facebook groups or Discord to create online communities centered around your mission. Encourage discussions and share resources as you incorporate various mission-focused activities and discussions.
Digital Ads: Paid digital ads are a great way to get your church's mission out to more people. Make sure your ads clearly communicate your mission using targeting options to reach individuals who might resonate with your church.

Conclusion

By intentionally incorporating your church's mission across these digital channels, you can create a cohesive online presence that continually reminds your church and community of your mission and invite others to join. Create interactive and engaging experiences that allow people to engage with and live out that mission in their daily lives.

Tools Needed to be a Digital Minister

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 11:24:57 GMT

No matter what ministry you are involved in, there are tools that can help you make your ministry more effective. The same applies to digital ministers. In order to be an effective digital minister, you would likely need a range of digital tools and tech to help. And the good news is that as technology continues to advance, the more options digital ministers have to reach more people for Christ.

Digital Tools

Here is a list of some of the key tools that a digital minister can use.

Social media management platforms: Communicating on social media is very important to encourage people as digital missionaries. To stay on track with what you are sharing and where, get a platform like Hootsuite, Buffer or Later. Each one has different pros and cons so do your research to know which is best for you.
Video conferencing software: This could be Zoom, Google Meet or some other platform that you can use to do video meetups for discipleship, leader development or outreach purposes.
Digital audio/video recording and editing tools: To produce videos and audio content it's important to have the right tools. You don't have to have the most expensive tools, just the right ones. Check out this list of audio and video tools you can put in your toolbox.
Online giving/donation platforms: To encourage people to give tithes and offerings, have a giving platform that someone can use to give digitally. Companies like PushPay, Tithe.ly, and Subsplash are some of the more well-known platforms.
Church management software: This tool is great to have as it keeps track of who has been attending as well as provide communication tools and ways to track giving online.
Email tools: Communicating and sharing faith encouragement to people go beyond social media. Having an email client where you can email your church or those you are reaching is great. Programs like MailChimp are easy to use and have FREE options.
Cloud storage and file sharing services: Saving and sharing resources for you or others to view is really important. Having a Dropbox, Google Drive or Box account is very helpful as you can access information you need on multiple devices anywhere.
Digital Bible study resources: We have come a long way from going to seminaries to find the most comprehensive Bible study resources to help you as you prepare messages or for your own study. Thankfully, there are a variety of digital and online resources that can help such as Logos.

Conclusion

These tools highlighted above are a great core to help you get going in your digital and online ministry. While having these tools are great, it's important to remember that having a heart for this ministry is most important. It's a calling to serve the online community God has put on your heart that will help you through all the ups and downs of ministry. Use these tools but also continue to seek God and His guidance for clear direction and how you can use these tools to minister.

Caring for Others Online

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 10:41:06 GMT

Caring for others is a great ministry opportunity for all ministry leaders. These are ministry opportunities in-person and online. Online care is something Stacy Knapp does and has been doing for years. See how she cares for others online and how you can as well.

Looking for transformative content on caring for others in a digital world? Subscribe to TCD Sidekick , Android , Spotify | RSS

ACTION STEPS:

Stacy is a great resource and would love to connect with you. She has a great website with resources and great insights.
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.
Looking for Digital Ministry coaching ? theChurch.digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts.
If you are in digital ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter community . We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively.
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 to be interviewed for a future podcast episode, contact Tom Pounder

5 Online Ministry Insights from July 2024

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:23:36 GMT

The summer is almost over and school is getting ready to get started. That means last minute travel plans, back to school preparation and fall sports getting ready to start. With all the activities and events left to do this summer, there is still a lot happening in the digital and online ministry space.

To help you keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings, The Church Digital Podcast Network and B logs had a bunch we loved to share in regards to all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 online ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on theChurch.digital Podcast and the blog from July 2024.

Being Authentic Connects With People

Being authentic on social media and in your online actives matters. TikTok taught us over the pandemic that authenticity connects with people. This is true in particular with ministry leaders. When you are real and transparent with others online you can help lead people to Christ an encourage them. Take a look at how Cory Sullivan is connecting with people authentically online .

AVOID Burnout

Being an online and digital minister means that there is a possibility that you are "always on." And, when you are always on, you can be working so much that you eventually burnout as a ministry leader. But it doesn't have to be that way. To guide you on this, here are seven things you can do to avoid burnout and be in ministry long term .

Yes, That IS a Church

With digital and micro church spaces, it is possible to transform a bar into a place where you can make disciples more effectively. Jeff Reed talks with Joey Santos about the " Church at the Bar " and how it is helping to reach people for Christ.

The Heart of theChurch.digital

What drives theChurch.digital? Jeff Reed shares about that and how it focuses on creating movement to help more people come to know Jesus as savior and become disciples of Him.

AI Can Help with Social Media

There is much debate about the usefulness of AI for churches. While people debate back and forth, one thing that AI is useful for is to help brainstorm topics and ideas in a variety of context. In particular, it is helpful for social media brainstorming and outreach ideas so you can reach your community.

Should Your Church Be Using Threads - July 2024 Update

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 10:00:11 GMT

In July 2023 Meta launched Threads. Threads is the latest Twitter/X "rival" that is primarily text-based and provides a way for people to engage unlike Meta's other platforms, Facebook and Instagram.

Since it's launch, Threads has experienced ups and downs in terms of user engagement. Initially, with Meta's backing, it saw rapid growth. However, user activity fluctuated in the months following. Meta has continued to develop the platform, adding new features and working on integration with the broader "fediverse" of decentralized social networks.

Ever since Threads launched, the question many church social media managers have asked the question, "should we be using Threads to reach people for Christ?" Here are some things to consider as you process whether or not your church should be using Threads.

Questions to Ask

1. Audience: Are your congregation and target audience active on Threads?

2. Content type: Threads is primarily text-based. Does your church communicate well through short-form text content?

3. Engagement: Are the current engagement rates on Threads compared to other platforms your church uses good enough to invest time and resources into it?

4. Capacity: Do you have the capacity to manage another social media platform effectively?

5. Community building: Does Threads provide you an opportunity to build community and engage people?

Conclusion

While Threads is a new player on social media platforms, there are still possibilities for your church to use it. However, in order for you to be effective on the platform, you have to determine if it is right for you. Answer the questions above and find out!

Using AI for Effective Church Social Media Outreach

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 10:00:12 GMT

Social media has become an essential tool for churches to connect with their congregation and community. It has become a very effective tool. And now, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), there are now even more ways you can enhance and support your church's social media presence and engage people more effectively.

Here's how AI can revolutionize your church's social media outreach:

Content creation and curation: With AI-powered tools, you can help generate ideas for social media posts, create engaging captions, and even suggest relevant Bible verses or quotes to share. These tools can analyze trending topics and popular content in your community so that you can share relevant and timely encouragement. AI can also assist in curating content from various sources, ensuring your social media feeds remain fresh and diverse.

Chatbots: By setting up AI-powered chatbots on your church's social media profiles, it can provide instant responses to common questions about service times, events, or basic doctrinal inquiries. This 24/7 availability can improve your church's responsiveness and provide a welcoming first point of contact for newcomers.

Analytics: AI can process a large amount of data from your social media activities, providing a ton of insight into what content is working and resonates with your community and target audience, which posts drive the most engagement, and how your church's online presence is engaging and growing. These insights can help guide your social media strategy and help you make data-driven decisions.

Scheduling and posting: AI-powered social media management tools can help you automatically schedule and post content across multiple platforms, ensuring that your church has consistent social media activity even during busy periods. These tools can learn from past performance to optimize posting times and frequency.

Language translation: If your church is diverse and reaches an international audience, AI can provide real-time translation of posts and comments, breaking down language barriers and fostering a global community.

Conclusion

By leveraging AI in your social media strategy, your church can expand its reach, engage more effectively with its audience, and ultimately further its mission in the digital space. Remember, while AI offers powerful tools for enhancing your church's social media efforts, it's important to remember that genuine human connection remains at the heart of ministry. Use AI as a supplement to, not a replacement for, authentic engagement with your community.

Overcoming the Scrutiny of Digital/Meta Churches: Let's Multiply Disciples

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 11:30:38 GMT

Planting a digital-only/metaverse church is a controversial proposition. We've all had those conversations. Frustrating just begins to describe them. To oversimplify the problem, digital and meta church supporters can have conversations all day long with the naysayers, but the reality is that we are likely not to change minds. Lots of people, for whatever reason, are stubbornly, aggressively stuck in physical mindsets.

I know this has come at me at a personal level in recent weeks. Like you, I'm sure, a lot of what I've done in recent months has come under scrutiny, and it's led me to the place where I'm really done trying to convince the naysayers. Maybe one of you can take over that job. For me, I'm far more interested in going with the goers and watching success happen with them.

It's occurred to me, though, the weakness of today's physical church model can easily become the strength of digital churches: DISCIPLESHIP. And the one thing that digital can do easily that physical struggles to do? MULTIPLY.

Let someone else fight the battles. As churches, as pastors, I feel this is a distraction. It's one of the reasons we set out to create this network... to limit those types of distractions. Instead, let's do the one thing that today's US church struggles to do, but God calls us clearly to: Multiply.

Digital is so relational, especially in hands like ours. We know how to use these tools. Be relational! And through those relationships point to Jesus.

Physical churches today struggle to make disciples. Discipleship is based on knowledge. Take this class. Watch this video. Gain more knowledge.
Digital churches have the opportunity to do something different. Move from a knowledge perspective to obedience... obeying Jesus and His commands. Who in my life needs to know Jesus? Share Jesus with them. Help them find Jesus and encourage them to tell others.

This is really how our digital churches win: Not through content, but through relationships that point to Jesus. Not through knowledge, but through obedience. This is where we win the argument with the naysayers. When we multiply.

The Power of Authenticity

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:55:42 GMT

One thing that came out of the Covid pandemic was that people became more transparent, honest and authentic. That really resonated with people. Today, Cory Sullivan joins the podcast to talk about how he is being authentic on social media and how he is using that to reach people.

Subscribe for more powerful content on increasing your reach by leveraging the power of authenticity: TCD Sidekick , Android , Spotify | RSS

ACTION STEPS:

Share your thoughts! Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom .
Cory is a great resource. Access his blog articles . You can also follow him on Instagram . He's a great resource so hit him up and pick his brain.
Join the Digital Bootcamp Facebook group and learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry. 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.
Looking for Digital Ministry coaching? theChurch.digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts.
If you are in digital ministry, be part of the Digital Ministr y Community on Twitter. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively.
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 to be interviewed for a future podcast episode, contact Tom Pounder

Digital Discipleship Opportunities Over the Summer

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 11:32:20 GMT

The summer months can be challenging for ministers. There are a lot of staff, volunteers and regular church attenders who are out of town at different times for family vacations or camps. With the inconsistency of people attending church and around throughout the week in-person, it makes doing ministry a little more challenging. Very rarely will churches do big events or initiatives over the summer months.

While summers may be a little bit more challenging, that does not mean that you have to stop doing ministry. In fact, ministers can leverage digital platforms to minister to people during the summer months in a variety of engaging ways. Here are some of those ways:

Online Bible studies. Host online Bible studies or book clubs focused on summer-themed spiritual topics. Walking through different books of the Bible are always a good starting point.

Video devotional series. Create a summer-long video devotional series that you can share via email, social media, podcasts, or a dedicated app. Encourage people to listen or watch and then, if possible, do a meet-up (in person or digitally) to discuss the devotionals.

Online prayer nights. Organize time online for prayer. These could be once a week or monthly, depending on what you think is best. They can be a time where you walk through guided prayers and meditation or it could be an open time for people to come and be prayed for.

Social media challenges. Create faith-based challenges on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok to engage people throughout the week.

Share family faith activities. Provide downloadable resources for families to engage in faith-based activities together throughout the summer. Then, encourage them to share what they did on social media or back with the family ministry team.

Photo contest. Encourage people to do different things throughout the summer. It's similar to the family faith activities above but for anyone and everyone. And, the contest involves more adult things to do. Create a hashtag and encourage people to share what they did on social media with the hashtag.

Webinars on self-care: Host online workshops on spiritual self-care and refreshment.

Online coffee hours: Schedule casual online meet-ups for fellowship and conversation.

Conclusion

These digital approaches allow ministers to maintain connection, provide spiritual nourishment, and foster community engagement even when people may be traveling or have varied summer schedules.

How to Avoid Burnout as a Digital Minister

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:23:44 GMT

Burnout is not something new to ministers. Even before the Covid pandemic happened, ministers burned out at high rates. However, since Covid that burnout has continued to impact ministry leaders. And, for digital ministers, that rate is high since there is never a time you can be "off." Sure, you can take time off but in the digital world we live in, it's hard to fully disengage.

Strategies to Avoid Burnout

So how do you stay refreshed and effective without burning out? Here are some strategies to help.

Set boundaries. Setting boundaries is a common one in lists like this, but it is so important. Just because you can be available all the time doesn't mean you should be. Establish clear 'office hours' for your digital ministry. Let your community know when you'll be online and when you'll be offline. Then, stick to that so you can rest and recharge.

Take digital sabbaths. Consider taking regular breaks from social media and online platforms as a 'digital Sabbath.' It could be a day or even just a few hours of intentional offline time – this can help reset your mind and spirit. You don't need to be online all the time.

Invest in your own spiritual life. Don't let your personal relationship with God become just another task on your to-do list. Set aside time for prayer, Bible study, and quiet reflection that's separate from your ministry work. The more you invest in your own spiritual life, the more you will have to give to others as you minster to them.

Invest in your own physical health and self-care. To be the best we can be, we need to invest in our own physical health and self-care. Take care of your physical health through regular exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. A healthy body supports a healthy mind and spirit.

Cultivate offline relationships. While online community is valuable, it's no substitute for face-to-face interactions. Make time for in-person relationships with family, friends, and fellow believers. It will refresh you in ways online relationships cannot.

Seek online community. Digital ministry is challenging. Don't try to carry the weight of it alone. Connect with other digital ministers for mutual support and encouragement. At theChurch.digital, there are lots of coaches, learning communities and a Discord channel. Connect with other ministers.

Celebrate the small wins. As with all ministry, digital ministry can sometimes feel like shouting into the void. Take time to acknowledge and celebrate the impact you're making, no matter how small it may seem. The more you celebrate the small victories, the encouragement and hope you can have knowing you are making a difference.

Conclusion

In today's world, digital ministry has become an essential part of spreading the hope and good news of Christ to the ends of the earth. However, the 24/7 nature of online connection and engagement can quickly lead to burnout if we're not careful. As digital ministers, it's crucial to practice self-care to maintain our spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Make sure you invest in yourself, be part of an encouraging community of other ministers and celebrate ministry victories to ensure you stay in digital ministry long-term.

How to Use TikTok for Digital Discipleship

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:54:17 GMT

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic, reaching and discipling the younger generation requires new and innovative approaches. At the same time, since the beginning of Covid in 2020, TikTok has become increasingly popular. TikTok is a short-form video platform that has captivated millions of people worldwide.

While it might seem an unlikely tool for ministry, TikTok offers unique opportunities for digital discipleship. Here's how you can leverage it to spread the hope found in Christ, and disciple.

1. Bite-sized Bible teachings and encouragement. With TikTok's brief video format, you can create concise, engaging explanations of Bible verses or theological concepts. Use creative visuals, text overlays, and relatable examples to make complex ideas accessible and memorable.

2. Personal testimonies. Share authentic stories of faith, transformation, and answered prayers. These real-life accounts can inspire viewers and demonstrate the power of God working in everyday lives. While 60 seconds may seem hard to share your testimony, you can create multiple parts to keep people coming back for more videos.

3. Q&A sessions. People have a lot of questions about God and faith. Take time to address these common questions about Christianity, the Bible, or living out faith. If you use TikTok's "Duet" feature, you can directly respond to people’s questions, creating a dialogue that fosters learning and community. These can even be a live question and answer session.

4. Worship clips. Share brief clips of worship songs or moments of praise from your church service. Music has a powerful way of connecting with emotions and can draw viewers closer to God.

5. Daily devotionals or sermon clips. Provide short, daily spiritual encouragement or prayer prompts. Consistency in posting can help followers develop a habit of daily reflection.

6. Spiritual disciplines. Share practical tips for living out faith in daily life, from prayer tips to handling difficult conversations with grace.

Key Principles

When using TikTok for discipleship, remember these key principles:

Authenticity is key. Be genuine in your approach and content that you share.
Respect the platform's style. Use humor, creativity, and trending formats when appropriate but be real and true to yourself.
Engage with your audience. Respond to comments and encourage dialogue.
Maintain a positive, encouraging tone while still addressing important truths.
Point viewers to additional resources for deeper study and connection. Your church's website is a great place to point people to.

Conclusion

There are lots of tools to help you and your church's digital discipleship efforts. TikTok should be included in it as it is a great place to meet young people where they are and to encourage spiritual growth in innovative ways. While it shouldn't replace all other discipleship methods, TikTok can serve as a powerful tool, reaching those who might never set foot in a church building. Try using it and see how God uses it to help reach more people for Christ.

Achieving Movement: The Heart of theChurch.digital

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:35:00 GMT

We personally started theChurch.digital because of a simple idea: We wanted to see the idea of digital church & digital discipleship multiply. What I love is that I didn't have to go far to find others who agreed with me! This is the heart behind theChurch.digital... to see people start multiplying movements of the gospel in every digital and metaverse space.

In digital ministry we say words like discipleship pathway, engagement process... these labels don't matter as much as what it's describing: the process of making disciples that make disciples.

theChurch.digital's movement system is not only our process of making disciples, but helping these disciples start movements.

Simply put, a disciple-making movement that grows into a church-planting movement (DMM that leads to CPM), theChurch.digital's movement system is designed to help ordinary people develop contextually-savvy digital and metaverse communities that reproduce and grow leaders that start churches and develop into networks and multiply into movements.

The goal - to teach individuals, or even churches:

1) How to make disciples ->

2) That grow into leaders ->

3) That plant churches ->

4) That start networks ->

5) That multiply into movements ->

2. That continue to do 1-5 again and again.

Quarterly we will be rolling out these learning communities for individuals as well as churches to experience how to make disciples, that grow into leaders... well, you get the idea. As a matter of fact, we're rolling one of these out... Next step? Check out the Movement Systems page.

Youth Ministry in a Digital World

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 13:09:53 GMT

Youth ministry has changed a lot over the years, especially since Covid. So what does youth ministry look like today? Steve Cullum joins the podcast to talk about it and how we can be encouraging teens and youth ministry leaders.

Looking for transformative content on empowering teens and leaders in a digital world?

Subscribe to TCD Sidekick , Android , Spotify | RSS

ACTION STEPS:

Steve is a great resource. He’s on Twitter and has a great website with resources and great insights.
If you are looking for other youth workers in your area, please check out the NNYM .
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.
Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching ? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts.
If you are in digital ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community . We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively.
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 to be interviewed for a future podcast episode, contact Tom Pounder

5 Ways to Celebrate Freedom in Christ Online

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:24:17 GMT

On the 4 ^th of July, Americans celebrate their independence as a country. They are not the only country that celebrates their independence. In fact, most countries have a national day of celebration. They celebrate these days as a recognition of their freedom from another country or group that occupied them at one time.

In the same way, as believers, we have an opportunity to celebrate our independence, as well. We have freedom in Christ and we are called to celebrate that daily. The great news is that in today's digital and online world, this freedom transcends physical boundaries. We can celebrate that online as we go about our day every day.

How to Celebrate Independence Online

Here are some meaningful ways to express and embrace our freedom in Christ digitally and online.

1. Share your testimony. Use social media platforms to share your own faith journey of finding freedom in Christ. Whether through a written post, a video, or a series of images, your story can inspire others and showcase the transformative power of God's love.

2. Create digital content to share. These could be graphics, blog posts, podcasts or short or long form videos that highlight bible verses about freedom in Christ. Emphasize themes of grace, forgiveness, and new life in Jesus.

3. Host online bible studies. Organize online gatherings focused on studying scriptures related to our freedom in Christ. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet or even in virtual reality can facilitate interactive discussions and prayer times.

4. Support online ministries. There are a lot of great ministries that provide great resources for overcoming things that bind us. Share and engage with content from ministries that focus on helping people find freedom from addiction, harmful behaviors, or spiritual bondage.

5. Host online worship services. Share worship music videos or host live streaming worship sessions that focus on our freedom and victory in Christ.

Conclusion

As you celebrate freedom in Christ remember that your online and digital presence should and can reflect the joy, peace, and love that comes from this freedom. By intentionally celebrating our freedom in Christ online, we can create a positive digital atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the often negative online world we experience.

Be a shining light of hope and liberty in the vast digital landscape.

Best Practices of Highly Effective Online Communicators

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 11:27:40 GMT

Of the estimated 8,000+ multisite churches in North America, one third deliver their messages primarily by video, another third are hybrid delivering their messages with video and in-person, and one third deliver their messages primarily in-person.

In addition, the majority of the 300K+ protestant churches across America offer some sort of church online experience. With this many churches using digital communication I reached out to Jason Morris, Product Manager at RESI, the leading all-in-one steaming service providers for churches to learn what he is seeing among online communicators.

Here are some best practices we are seeing among churches for delivering digital sermons online.

1. Omit references to time, day, and weather. The most difficult thing is to remove all references to time of day, day of the week, and the weather. Avoid “tonight” or “Saturday.” Better to use words like “today” or “weekend.”

2. Avoid references to the worship team. References in the message to worship leaders or vocalists by name can be awkward or meaningless because they are different at the other locations.

3. Place the camera well. Position the camera where it is the easiest and most natural for the speaker to look into. Cameras positioned at eye-level are best for the communicator. Don’t make it awkward for the speaker by forcing them to crane their neck to peer into the camera or look up to a balcony above the main room. Use camera lights in a way so that the speaker will know which camera is the live camera. Sometimes it’s good to have an online camera that’s slightly off to the side of the stage. Make it easy for the speaker to look straight into the camera to address a campus or online audience like they were speaking to an individual.

4. Keep the camera shot tight. Stay with continual close-up headshots (video images need to feel larger-than-life), minimizing the number of full-stage and full-body shots. Avoid camera shots that remind viewers that they are not there, such as audience reactions, audience cut-away shots, or side-shots of the speaker.

5. Eyeball the camera. Looking directly into the camera makes a video audience feel included. As often as possible, it’s very powerful to look directly into the camera periodically near the beginning, during, and at the end of the message. Especially when addressing the online audience, off-site campuses and at drive-it-home moments, eyeball the camera. Here is a great example of looking into the camera like a pro from Michael Todd at Transformation Church.

6. Don’t divert viewers attention with distracting backdrops. Make sure the backdrop behind the speaker is not a distraction. Remove anything that’s not essential and keep it uncluttered and simple.

7. Include images and quotes that correspond with speaker references . Make sure the videocast includes anything the speaker references (For example: “That’s her picture you’re now seeing on the screen.”) Even better, make images a split screen or right two-thirds. Place quotes and key points on the right side or lower third of the screen. Don’t leave images or quotes up too long (10 seconds max).

8. Treat everyone as equals no matter where they are. Avoid words like “satellite” and “main” campus. They connote inequality.

9. Use inclusive language. When praying or making applications, include references to the people online and in off-site locations. Once in a message is all that’s needed to make hundreds of people sitting in an auditorium miles away to feel included in their own church. Replace geographically-bound phrases like “isn’t it great to be here!” (because some or maybe most are not) with something like “isn’t it great that we can gather as one church across our city, nation, world ...”

Here’s some other tips to make everyone feel included:

Look at the online chat before you get up to speak and greet people from online, even mention where they are watching from like you would another campus
Digitize all calls to action so everyone can participate the same way...
“Scan this QR code for the free ebook for more on this topic I’m speaking on” instead of “there’s books in the lobby”
“Go to this link to sign-up” is better than “go to your campus lobby to sign up”

10. Smile as much as possible. Smiling helps connect you to your audience and keeps people engaged. Smile a lot and be sure to look into the camera when you tell a joke!

11. Speak to the primary online audience “before a live studio audience.” Effective online communicators today recognize their audience is bigger than the onsite room they are speaking in. Before recording or live-streaming the service from the broadcast location, invite the onsite audience to join you in engaging the larger online audience as a “streaming (or recorded) event before a live studio audience.” Make everyone in the room feel they are a part of something bigger than themselves. This will give you permission to look into the cameras instead of the onsite audience.

Be mindful as you prepare messages that you are speaking to an audience that encompasses more than those in the room with you. They see you as their pastor and spiritual leader. They feel connected to you; they love you. They show up onsite and online because of the spiritual teaching they receive from you. Practice these habits and you will become a better and more effective digital communicator!

12. Make Sure Every Speaker Knows These Guidelines. Be sure to give these guidelines to any guest speakers so that they too can make the most of your church’s video delivery and also become better digital communicators!

5 Online Ministry Insights from June 2024

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:03:14 GMT

The summer heat is an inferno right now. While the temperatures are hot, there is a lot happening in the digital and online ministry space.

To help you keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings, The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs had a bunch we loved to share in regards to all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 online ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from June 2024.

Keys to Sharing Your Sermon Online

Sermons and messages can be shared all over the world today through the power of technology. Because of this, it's important to make sure you are communicating effectively when you share your sermon or messages. These tips are just the starting point of what a ministry leader needs to do to effectively communicate online today.

Online Pastoral Care is Possible

In today's world, pastoral care can happen and is possible beyond in person. But how does it work? What tools can you use to help you schedule, meet up and encourage people in need of pastoral care?

YouTube has Incredible Reach Potential

YouTube is the second most powerful search engine second only to its parent company, Google. Because of its powerful reach, it can be used to encourage people in their faith and help people discover God. See how as Jeff and Tom talk about how Tom's Church is using it today.

Digital Church Planting is Possible

Church planting has been around since the beginning of Christianity. However, digital and metaverse church planting is still very new. In fact, there can still a lot of pushback of digital church planting, even in church planting communities. However, Jeff makes the case for digital church planting . See how you would like to learn about how you can be part of the digital Church movement .

Async Your Church

Before Covid hit, many churches were had only in-person gatherings and services. However, since 2020, more and more churches have increased their digital presence. Andy shares about how an async church model alongside physical meetings can richen the experience for all members moving forward.

How to Develop Community on Discord

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 11:38:56 GMT

Community is a vital component to churches. It has been since the creation of the first Church in Acts 2. It is through community that people connect and can grow in their faith best.

Traditionally, churches have used life groups, Bible studies, youth groups and other type groups to building those connections. While most of these groups usually happen in person, there are some great online opportunities as well.

Building a strong online community is essential for Churches and ministries today as they seek to engage people who live locally and online effectively.

One of those ways is Discord. Discord is a popular communication platform that offers a powerful set of tools for fostering meaningful connections and cultivating a thriving virtual community.

How?

So how does it work? How can you use Discord to build community? Here are some tips:

Create Welcoming Channels. First impressions matter, so ensure your server has dedicated channels for newcomers. Set up a #welcome channel where new members can introduce themselves, ask questions, and receive a warm greeting. Additionally, have a #rules channel outlining your community guidelines to establish a positive and respectful environment.
Encourage Engagement. Engage your Discord community by creating channels dedicated to different topics or interests. For example, you could have channels for prayer requests, Bible study discussions, event announcements, and casual conversations. In fact, it is good to have channels dedicated to things other than spiritual or faith pursuits. Having a variety of channels encourage members to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights fostering a sense of belonging and participation.
Host Events. When you host regular events, such as online gatherings, livestreams, or Q&A sessions, you can help build anticipation and strengthen community bonds. You can use Discord's voice and screen-sharing features to host these events, allowing members to interact and connect in real-time.
Utilize Roles and Permissions. Discord's role and permission system can help you organize your community and ensure smooth operations. Assign roles to members based on their interests, involvement levels, or responsibilities within the community. This not only helps manage access to specific channels but also fosters a sense of ownership and belonging to your channel.
Celebrate Achievements. Recognize and celebrate the achievements and milestones of members in your community. Set up channels for sharing accomplishments, successes, or personal victories (especially those associated with spiritual next steps). This not only promotes a positive and supportive environment but also motivates people to actively engage and contribute.
Encourage Respectfulness. Every community works best when peel respect and honor each other, even with opposite viewpoints. To help make this happen, you can create a team of trusted moderators. They will ensure a safe and inclusive environment within your Discord community. Clearly communicate community guidelines, and empower moderators to address any inappropriate behavior or conflicts promptly and respectfully.

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, you can leverage Discord's full capabilities to build a thriving online community where members feel welcomed, engaged, cared for, and supported.

A strong sense of community not only fosters meaningful conversations and connections but also enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. Ultimately, it contributes to the growth and success of your Church or ministry.

Async and Your Church: What Do You Need to Know?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 23:20:35 GMT

I'm not sure if you knew this, but async is not going anywhere. And YOU need a plan for your church to thrive in this.

The rise of remote work and distributed teams has brought the concept of "async" (short for asynchronous communication) into the mainstream. But what does async have to do with your church?

More than you might think!

Embracing async principles can actually help create a more engaging and inclusive church experience.

What is Async? In the workplace, async refers to communication that happens outside of real-time meetings or conversations. Someone sends a message, update or question, and others respond when they are able - not necessarily right away. This allows people to work on their own schedule while still maintaining team collaboration.

But in the church? Just like work teams, churches are also made up of people with varying schedules and availability. An async approach recognizes that meaningful participation doesn't require everyone to be present at the exact same appointed time. It enables more flexibility while keeping people connected.

Here are some ways churches can go async:

Recorded Sermons & Services: You should already be doing this! Make high-quality recordings of sermons and services available online. Members can watch or listen on their own schedule and still be spiritually fed.
Async Discussion Areas: Create online forums where people can asynchronously discuss sermon topics, scripture, prayer requests and more. This continues the conversation throughout the week. Discord, Facebook, Slack, Circle. All good spaces for this.
Video Updates & Announcements: Communicate major church updates, announcements and prayer requests via video that members can watch whenever convenient. Put them on YouTube and allow commenting.

If all of this sounds like something YOU want to work on, join me for our Asynchronous Learning Community starting in July 2024!

While certainly not replacing the importance of gathering in-person, an async church model alongside physical meetings can richen the experience for all members. It's a way to enhance engagement and provide more access to the life-giving mission of your church.

How to Reach the Nones in Your Community

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 00:32:50 GMT

How are you reaching the "nones" in your community? The "nones" are those who do not attend Church, nor do they have any interest in attending. Today, Mark MacDonald shares a few tips churches can implement to reach those in your local and online communities .

Mark is a church branding strategist for BeKnownForSomething.com , a national church communication and branding agency, coaching pastors and thousands of churches to become relevant in their community. He is also a best selling author and has written over 800 magazine articles.

Subscribe: Apple Podcast Android Spotify | RSS

ACTION STEPS:

Mark is a great resource. He’s on Twitter and has a great website with resources and great insights.
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.
Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching ? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts.
If you are in digital ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community . We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively.
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 to be interviewed for a future podcast episode, contact Tom Pounder .

The Case for Digital and Meta Churches

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:08:32 GMT

We're launching something different. The first of its kind, theChurch.digital will champion digital and meta church movements here in the US and around the world. theChurch.digital will champion movements of digital disciple-making , Digital/Meta Mission Field, and Digital Church.

A network of networks, the focus of the Digital Church Network is to help any and everyone understand the opportunities and challenges of Digital and Meta spaces. Our heart, however, is a far more personal approach.

Reaching the World, One Conversation at a Time

The allure of digital is that it can reach massive numbers of people, easily. Thanks to smartphones and social media, each of us has the potential ability to reach thousands of people with these devices in our pockets. But as James 1 reminds us, we need to be more than hearers of the word. We must be doers in the real world as well.

This is the multiplicative heartbeat of theChurch.digital. Helping digital churches move past a consumeristic approach towards a better understanding of disciple-making in digital and meta spaces . Let's stop deceiving ourselves.

Starting Something Different, In Different Environments

Is it better to have a million person church, or 100,000 churches of 10? I love this question, because I believe logic is truly tested on extremes.

Let me pause and back up. I do not want to bemoan the current model of church. Our physical buildings and our broadcasting of church services online can be effective in reaching, connecting and discipling people.

Researches show that active church involvement is down 25% over the past 25 years, so we can safely say that the physical model is losing effectiveness. Physical approach will continue to play a role for years to come. But we can no longer treat it as the only model of church.

As culture shifts, so should the Church's strategies and tactics. Jesus is the same, yesterday today and forever. No one is arguing that. Our churches need to hold to the ecclesiology, the biblical standards in place.

Digital/Meta Churches offer a chance to reimagine this ecclesiology for digital and meta spaces, for the purpose of reaching different people. Digital/meta churches must cling to the Bible as the guidelines for church. What is an essential ecclesiology for our churches, and what does it look like to map this essential ecclesiology across cloud services and the metaverse? This is the experiment that a digital/meta church planter gets to explore in the coming months and years.

Reaching Different Types of People

As controversial as the idea of digital and meta churches are, we cannot lose sight of this one fact, and this is validated from digital and meta churches around the world... Digital/meta churches are reaching a different type of person than our physical buildings are reaching.

These digital/meta churches tell stories of reaching 80% atheists/agnostics , or 70% de-churched. I've heard stories of satanists coming to Jesus through relationships built in the metaverse. I've met the people who have found Jesus even though they swore they'd never go to a church building again.

Remembering, though, our digital and meta churches cannot just stop with salvation. Discipleship, or should we say disciple-making (with an emphasis on action/multiplication), is a vital to starting movements in digital/meta spaces.

Utilizing Different Methods of Discipleship

It's this multiplicative approach to discipleship that is so crucial to the future of our churches. As the Great Resignation impacts our economy (pastors and churches included) more and more research is showing us that people, when they have spiritual questions, are not going to a paid pastor, a building, or a livestream for spiritual answers to those questions.

These people with spiritual questions are going to their friends who they think have spiritual answers to these questions. The future of our church is not sermons blasted from microphones... it's empowering people, discipling them to have individual, spirit-led conversations as opportunities present, and intentionally pray for conversations to come.

Here's what I've come to understand.

Discipleship looks different, depending on the environments that discipleship is happening. Physical discipleship is definitely doable, but there are other ways as well. Discipling someone via Zoom, or on a Discord server? Well, this looks completely different than physical discipleship.

What would a disciple-making multiplication movement look like in the metaverse? Honestly, this is one of the questions we want to answer! And while some of this is unproven on a large scale, we can state this as a fact... we're reaching and discipling a different type of person in these digital and meta environments than our buildings are discipling. Along that same path, we're now empowering a different type of leader.

Empowering a Different Type of Leader

Digital and meta churches often use a different type of leader than our physical buildings will utilize. This isn't that far of a stretch. These digital and meta churches reach a different type of person than our buildings reach, and they employ different methods of discipleship than our buildings utilize.

So why wouldn't the discipleship process yield a different type of leader?

Typically our physical buildings require a "catalytic leader", someone that can stand onstage and through their personal charisma lead hundreds or even thousands of people to action.

Digitally, what we're finding is that charisma is often overstated in digital and meta spaces. What leads well is relational connection. Simply, charisma leads to consumerism. Relationship leads to action. Truthfully, recruiters or networkers often do very well in digital and meta spaces, and we've seen these types of leaders succeed in these unique environments.

Another misconception is that the leaders do not have to be experts of the technology. Because of the relational nature of digital and meta environments, it's vital that these new leaders engage relationally.

Most leaders, in fact, are not experts to the technology as much as natives in the technology. There are usually volunteers or part-time roles that become the technical experts. Digital or meta churches can be very technical. But they do not have to be.

Through my own unscientific research, I've found that a larger-than-normal percentage of digital and meta planters are bi-vocational or co-vocational.

Of the 200 some conversations I've had with people that are wanting to plant (or experiment) with a digital or meta church, 75% of them are interested in a bi-vocational or co-vocational ministry model. They're not looking to do ministry full-time in a physical church building, or even full-time online. They're looking to do ministry in addition to their job.

Bivo/Covo is not a new approach in church planting, but what we're finding is bivo/covo support looks very different than supporting a typical church planter.

Are you ready for something different? Are you interested in learning more about what it means to plant a Digital Church through the movement systems of theChurch.digital? If so, check out the Movement System and learn more.

Tools and Apps that Help Ministers Stay Productive

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 02:33:13 GMT

As a ministry leader, it can often feel like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. Between sermon and message preparation, admin work, pastoral counseling, and community outreach, the to-do list can seem endless. However, leveraging the right digital productivity tools and apps can help you stay organized and maximize your time.

Here are some tools and apps ministers can use to stay productive:

Project Management Tools

A good project management tool is essential for keeping you organized. In just one place you can have all your ministry initiatives, events, and tasks organized, not just for you to see but for your staff and key volunteers. Some of the popular options are apps such as Trello, Asana, and Monday.com. They allow you to create project boards, assign tasks with due dates, attach files, and collaborate with staffers and key volunteers. It really helps to keep you organized and prevents important details from slipping through the cracks.

Note-Taking Apps

Where do you put all your notes? Is there one central place or are they scattered on this notepad or that notepad? The reality is that inspiration strikes at different times. Whether it is a sermon illustration or ministry program idea that comes to mind or just notes you are taking for a meeting, you need a way to quickly write it down before it escapes your mind. There are great apps like Evernote, OneNote, and Google Keep that enable you to jot down notes, record audio clips, snap photos, and organize everything in an easily searchable way across all your devices.

Cloud Storage

In ministry, you constantly need to access, edit and share documents, media files, and other resources both individually and as a team. Cloud storage solutions like Dropbox, Google Drive, Box and OneDrive keep everything centralized, backed up, and accessible from anywhere. If you need to give people access to see your documents or files, you can give permissions to others and let them collaborate on any file in real-time.

Social Media Management Tools

In today's world, it is important for Churches, ministries and ministry leaders to have an active presence on social media. Channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube and TikTok give you opportunities to engage your local and online communities. But, how do you create and share digital encouragement for each of these platforms? After all, manually creating posts for each platform is incredibly time consuming. The good news is that there are tools such as Hootsuite, Buffer, and Sprout Social that allow you to schedule updates across the multiple platforms from one simple interface. Check them out as they have a variety of free and paid price points.

Conclusion

As with anything, there is no silver bullet that will cure all your productivity needs. However, there are plenty of apps that can help you as you seek to minister to people today. Look over the different apps and be intentional about which ones you adopt. Then, configure them for your needs, and consistently use them as you seek to minister to more people.

4 Keys to Sharing a Sermon Online

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 01:54:43 GMT

Sermons and messages from ministry leaders don't just have to be shared in person these days. In fact, they are often recorded at church live in video and audio formats to reach more people with the message of hope found in Christ. While people often take the sermon from the in-person church service to share online, these are not the only ways ministers can share about Christ today. Ministers can record shorter messages, devotionals and interviews of people sharing their faith stories.

While anyone can record and share a video message, there are some tips that ministers can and should incorporate into them to make them more effective in the online environment. After all, communicating effectively on video platforms is a little different than sharing live, in person. So what can you do? What are some key points ministers should be incorporating into their message? Here are a few ideas:

Prioritize Engagement Over Entertainment

While it is important to keep their attention when teaching, the primary goal should be engagement, not entertainment. Make sure your message is theologically sound and practical as you ask thought-provoking questions and interactive with the people who are watching your message as you give them practical next steps they can take to grow in their faith. Keep engaging with them so they remain hooked on your message throughout the entirety of it.

Maximize Eye Contact and Energy

When preaching live, you feed off the energy of the room. With video, you have to manufacture that energy yourself. Look directly into the camera lens frequently to create the feeling of eye contact with viewers. Use passionate vocal inflection and animated gestures to keep people engaged. However, be careful not to go overboard to the point of theatrics.

Share Compelling Stories

Stories are powerful tools for illustrating key points of a message in a way that people can relate to and remember. Stories that often work best are personal stories as it makes you relatable and people can identify with you more.

Hook Early and Often

People often decide if they want to continue listening to a video within a few seconds. That is why it is important to hook them with a question or story early. But, you have to continue to keep them hooked as it is easy to tune out to a video you are watching. Continue to ask questions, share stories or ask them to comment on your video while you are sharing. The more you can keep them engaged and listening, the longer they will watch.

Conclusion

Giving the message and sharing the gospel is one of the most important things a minister can do. These four tips can help ministers maximize the effectiveness of their message on video platforms like online streaming, podcasts, and social media.

What's Happening with Ministry in the Metaverse?

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:34:27 GMT

Ministry is happening in the Metaverse and VR. But what exactly? Stuart McPherson comes on the podcast to talk about what is happening and how churches can move forward with ministry in digital spaces like the metaverse.

Check out Stuart’s Metaverse Learning Community with theChurch.digital.

You can find Stuart's book, " Your Church In VR: How To Plant A Church In Virtual Reality " on Amazon.

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS

ACTION STEPS:

Share your thoughts! What do you think? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom .
If you want to connect with Stuart you can find him on Twitter/X . You can also check out his podcast " Metaverse Church " and his blog .
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.
Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching ? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here .
If you are in digital ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community . We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively.
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 tom@thechurch.digital .

5 Online Ministry Insights from May 2024

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:24:00 GMT

Longer daylight, allergies and warmer weather.

May really starts to amp up the summer vibes. As summer approaches, there has been a lot happening in the digital and online ministry world, as well.

To help you keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings, The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs had a bunch we loved to share in regards to all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 online ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from May 2024.

Learn in Community

There are lots of ways you can learn. One great way is to learn in community. the.Church.digital has two great opportunities for you to learn in community now.

One is through Discord where online ministers from all different backgrounds get together to share insights, ask questions and build a community of ministry leaders. The other way is through Learning Communities starting in July. These communities are centered around a specific topic and can really help you grow in that specific area.

Jeff and Andy talk about all learning community options in the podcast.

Cybersecurity is ESSENTIAL for Your Church

Over the years church security has been important. After all, you do not want to have people breaking into your Church building. However, in today's world, churches need to be protecting their digital and online "buildings" as well. See how and why it is essential for churches to embrace cybersecurity .

There are MANY VR Volunteer Roles

VR and metaverse ministry is still relatively new. However, as it continues to grow, there are volunteer roles that are necessary to help those looking to discover God there. Stuart talks to Christina, who is a volunteer with Fox River VR. She shares what it’s like to be a volunteer for a church in VR .

Be FOCUSED In Your Digital Communications

Being focused in your digital communications is so important these days. That is why Jeff Reed and Barbara Carneiro chat about the importance of clarity and language in ministry and digital communication .

They talk about the need for individuals and organizations to have a clear vision and message that can be easily understood and shared while also discussing the challenges and opportunities of fundraising in ministry and the importance of storytelling in casting vision.

Your Church SHOULD BE On YouTube

Youtube is a powerful tool for your digital and online ministry. While there are many reasons how Youtube can work for your church , there are 3 big reasons why. Start experimenting today to reach that next generation for Christ.

4 Digital Tools That Help Enable Pastoral Care and Counseling

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 01:23:39 GMT

Pastors and ministry leaders have many roles and responsibilities. While many roles seem to take higher priority, providing quality pastoral care and counseling is of significant importance. It's a real opportunity to minister and walk alongside people in the community and church as they experience life's joys and struggles.

Ministers can care for them as they offer biblical wisdom, prayer, and support every step of the way.

In today's world, having access to technology gives ministers and pastors powerful tools that can enhance and expand their pastoral care efforts. Here are four digital tools that will help enhance pastoral care and counseling opportunities for ministers today.

Online Scheduling Tools

To schedule appointments in the past, you would have to call the church office and schedule. However, with great apps like Calendly and AppointmentPlus, it provides Church attendees and people in the community to easily schedule appointments for themselves. It takes an extra step or two out of the old process and really streamlines the scheduling process.

Video Counseling Platforms

When Covid hit, it gave the world the chance to embrace digital tools to help communicate and build community. Zoom and video conferencing platforms really help people connect and it can help ministers connect with people needing counseling as well. This is really helpful for people who need to talk to a minster but are homebound or cannot make it to an in-person meeting.

There are also great HIPAA-compliant platforms like BetterHelp and Faithful Counseling facilitate secure video sessions for pastoral/christian counseling.

Prayer Team Support

Pastors and ministry leaders are called to be prayer warriors. They are also called to empower others to be prayers warriors, as well. By setting up an email address like prayer@(yourChurch).com or a page on your website, you enable people needing prayer and support a place to go at any time, knowing that someone will be praying for them right then and there.

Group Messaging Apps

Sometimes pastoral care happens spontaneously and informally throughout the day. Setting up apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or other similar and secure group messaging apps make it simple to quickly send an encouraging Bible verse to someone who is in need of encouragement. You can check in on someone who is struggling, or rally friends to surround a member with prayer in their time of need.

Conclusion

While technology cannot replace the importance of in-person presence, these digital tools have the power to expand how ministers connect with congregations through pastoral care and counseling. See how leveraging a few to increase accessibility and impact.

Key Digital and Online Analytics to Track for Churches

Tue, 28 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

How do you know if you are being effective in your digital and online ministry?

As churches seek to engage with and reach more people online for Christ, it's very important to be able to track the right analytics. After all, how can you possibly know you are being effective or not if you can't look over the numbers across your online platforms. By monitoring and keeping track of key social media metrics, you can better understand your audience, optimize your content strategy, and measure the impact of your efforts.

While there are a good number of online analytics you can track, here we will focus on some key analytics to keep an eye on for Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and your website.

Facebook Analytics:

Reach . Track how many people your posts are reaching people both organically and through paid promotion.
Engagement Rate . Whether it is a like, a comment or shared post, this is engagement. It represents the average number of people who interacted with your post in some way. The more people you have engaging, the more people on Facebook are going to see you post.

Video Performance . Videos matter to Facebook, especially videos that you directly upload to the platform. Take time to analyze video views, watch time, and audience retention. See the viewing habits of the people watching. This is especially important for your live stream of your Church service.

YouTube Analytics:

Watch Time . This is the total amount of minutes viewers have spent watching your videos. It’s key because YouTube’s algorithm presumes that a higher watch time indicates an engaging video. Because of this, it elevates the videos and channels that have higher watch times in the search results and recommendations section.

Audience Retention . This shows you the percentage of viewers who watch and leave your video at every single moment of the video. As with watch time, YouTube promotes videos with high audience retention in their search rankings and suggestions because these videos can effectively capture viewers' attention. It also helps you Identify sections where viewers are rewatching or dropping off so that you can learn from those videos and adapt for future videos.

TikTok Analytics:

Total Views . How many people are watching your videos. Monitor this so you can know which videos are performing better than others.

Engagement Rate . Are people engaging with your videos? What are the likes, comments, and shares like? This will help you determine how well people are enjoying your videos.

Traffic Sources . Where are people coming from? You can see if views are coming from your profile, hashtags, or For You page by checking this out.

Instagram Analytics:

Impressions . Impressions are the number of times your content (post, Reel, or a story) was shown to users. It helps you understand how many people are able to see your content you are creating.

Reach . Reach is similar to impressions. However, reach is the total number of people who see the content you share. Impressions, on the other hand, are the total number of times your content is displayed to others, no matter if they clicked on it or not.

Best Performing Posts . Which posts are performing the best? Find out which ones are so you can duplicate them in some way so that more people will see you content.

Website Analytics

Page Views . This measures the number of times a page on your website is seen by a visitor. In fact, each time a page on your website loads in a browser counts as one page view. This helps. you know what pages people are checking out.

Traffic Sources . This shows you where your website traffic is coming from. Is it coming from referrals, social media, paid advertising or organic reach. This is good to know so that you how people are finding out about your pages and website.

Bounce Rate . This is the percentage of visitors who load one page on your website, then leave without interacting with or visiting any other page on your site. That is why they call it "bounce." They jump on and then bounce off your website and go elsewhere.

Conclusion

By consistently reviewing these metrics from these different platforms, you can get valuable insights into what is being effective and what isn't being effective with your online efforts. The data you glean can give you a more strategic content planning, better engagement tactics, and ultimately, more effective digital ministry across platforms.

What Digital Discipleship Can Look Like at Your Church

Thu, 23 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Digital Discipleship has grown leaps and bounds in recent years.

And the future is bright for what lies ahead as ministers learn how to continue to use technology to disciples people. That is why DK Hammond is back on the podcast. Today, we talk about what you can do now and what are some of the more effective ways to disciple people digitally today.

Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS

ACTION STEPS:

What do you think? What questions do you have? Share your thoughts on social media.
DK is a great resource and is always open to chatting about digital and online ministry. You should connect with him on Twitter/X , Threads or check out the Social Media Church Podcast .
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.
If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it.
Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick assessment and connect today.
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 .

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Churches

Wed, 22 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Churches are increasingly using technology to connect with people, share resources, and facilitate ministry opportunities today. Anything from maintaining websites and social media presences to enabling online giving and storing data, the church's digital footprint continues to grow daily. While this is great, there also comes a new threat to the Church as a whole.

With an increased reliance on technology comes the threat in the form of cybercriminals and hackers. While many people are using advances in technology for positive purposes, these cybercriminals and hackers are using technology to scam and steal data and money from people, including Churches. And, they are constantly evolving their tactics to stay ahead of the security features people, businesses, and churches enable. That is why Churches should have an effective cybersecurity strategy in place.

So what is at risk? A successful cyber breach against a Church can have devastating consequences. They include the potential for financial losses, data breaches, and reputational damage that can erode trust within the community. Imagine the fallout if sensitive information such as tithes and offering records or personal details were compromised due to a lax in cybersecurity measures at a Church.

Beyond the immediate risks, a cyber attack against your Church can also disrupt essential church operations, potentially impacting the ability to communicate with people at your Church, stream your services, or conduct necessary administrative tasks. These disruptions can significantly hinder your church's ability to carry out its mission effectively.

What Can Churches Do?

So what can your Church do to protect yourself against a cyber attack? Here are a few ideas:

Implement strong password policies. Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for all accounts and implement multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
Regularly update software and systems. Keep all software, operating systems, and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. Outdated software can have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
Provide cybersecurity training for staff and volunteers. Educate employees and volunteers on cybersecurity best practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts, using secure connections, and handling sensitive information properly.
Back up data regularly. Implement a data backup strategy to ensure that all important information and data, such as financial records, member databases, and other critical data, can be recovered in the event of a cyber attack, hardware failure, or natural disaster.

Implementing strong cybersecurity practices is not just a necessity but it is imperative for churches. You are stewards of sensitive information and are a trusted institution within your communities. It is your responsibility to protect the privacy and security of their data.

Conclusion

In today's world, cybersecurity is essential. It is just like locking the doors and protecting the church's physical building. By prioritizing cybersecurity, churches can create a safe and secure online environment, allowing them to focus on their core mission of spreading the hope of Christ to others and serving their communities without the looming threat of cyber attacks.

What do you think? What are other reasons why cybersecurity is important for Churches? Share your ideas on Discord or on social media.

Through theChurch.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.

Why Riverside.fm is the Perfect Tool for Your Podcast

Tue, 21 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

I have been podcasting since 2015. Up until that time, I had just been blogging, But, sensing that podcasts were going to be a great medium for people to consume content with Apple investing tons in their podcast platform, I jumped in. And, I loved it!

My podcast was primarily audio until the end of 2021 when I began working with The Church Digital. Once that happened, I started video recording my episodes. And, that was a lot of fun. I used Zoom and iMovie to put the video portion of my podcast together. And, while that was good, through the encouragement of Jeff Reed and others, I moved from Zoom recording to Riverside.fm. And now, looking back on this, I should have made the move a lot sooner.

Before we get into why Riverside.fm is a great platform for you as a podcaster, let's talk about what Riverside.fm is real quick. It is Zoom on steroids. Not only does it give. you the option to record audio and video, the quality of those are fantastic. Much better than other platforms. And now, with the emergence of AI, it uses AI to create Magic Clips that at a tap of your mouse, they can create clips for you to share on all social media platforms in less than 5 minutes.

Why Riverside.fm?

So you have Zoom or Skype and they work good. Why should you choose Riverside? Here are a few reasons.

High-quality audio recording . Riverside.fm records audio from each participant separately. That ensures that everyone's audio is captured in high-quality without interference or background noise from other participants.
Video recording and live streaming. In addition to the excellence in audio recording, Riverside.fm allows podcasters to record video and even live stream their podcasts while they are happening. You do have this option in Zoom, but with Riverside, there are more options to stream to.
Local recording. This might be one of their biggest assets. With Riverside.fm, podcasters and their guests are recorded locally from their computer which is then uploaded to the cloud as the recording is going on. This means that if your internet connection is bad and there is buffering on one side or another, it won't affect the final recording as it's being recorded locally before uploaded. That option isn't available on platforms like Zoom.
Automatic backup and transcription. While other platforms will automatically back up the recording of your podcast, Riverside.fm takes it a step further. It also transcribes your podcast as it is recording. this makes it easier for podcasters to manage and repurpose their content.
AI Tools. AI has already made an impact in various ways. Now, it is helping podcasters create short form and long form videos from their recordings. After your recording is uploaded, by simply clicking the "Magic Clips" button, AI automatically scans your episode and creates 3-5 clips that you can share on various social media platforms. In addition, you can edit them and add or subtract content to each clip. It saves tons of time for the podcast and provides great content to share on social media.
Producer View. This view enables you to bring on a producer to see and monitor the audio levels of each participant and even adjust those audio levels, if necessary. Producers can see the microphone, input, speakers and camera being used by all the participants. It's a huge advantage because then the podcaster(s) can focus on the interview and the producer can focus on the technical aspects of the recording.
User-friendly interface. A robust platform like Riverside.fm might seem like a lot to manage for the average podcaster. However, the platform is very user-friendly and makes it easy for podcasters to set up, record, and manage their recordings and episodes.

If you would like to check out and start using Riverside, click this link and sign up today.

Conclusion

As you can see, Riverside.fm is a very powerful platform that is designed to streamline the podcast recording process designed to help podcasters in a variety of ways. Not only does it provide high-quality audio and video, but how it records and provide excellent post-production tools is top notch.

What do you think? Have you used Riverside.fm? What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Using Digital Tools for Ministry Leadership Training and Development

Thu, 16 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

As ministers and followers of Christ, one of our primary responsibilities is to guide and lead others to Christ. However, effective leadership goes beyond delivering sermons and Bible studies. It means to continue train and equip people to take next steps in their faith and to grow as leaders.

The great news about this is that today's world is increasingly digital. We have access to so many tools and resources that can help us grow in our leadership training and faith. They are right at the tip of our fingers. Using digital and online tools can help equip us and others at our Church or in our ministries with the necessary skills and insights necessary to follow Christ more and effectively inspire growth in our faith in our local and online communities.

Digital Tools You Can Use

Conclusion

As ministry leaders, it is part of your duty to effectively train and equip people in their faith and help them grow as leaders. Embracing digital tools for this is a smart and effective way to do this. It's not the only way, but a great asset to utilize in order to help others learn on their own time. In addition, having these tools helps each ministry leader save time by creating reproducible content that can help others by using platforms like YouTube. Embrace these and other digital tools to help the people you are interacting with and engaging for growth in their faith and leadership development.

What do you think? What are some other ways you can use digital tools for ministry leadership training and development? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

How to Expand Your Online Ministry Reach

Wed, 15 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

While online ministry has differences to in-person ministry, there is one very specific similarity. That is you want to reach as many people for Christ as possible. Who you reach is different, but you want to reach as many people for Christ as possible because ministers know that transformational power and hope of Christ.

While it may seem easier for in-person ministry leaders to reach more people for Christ as that has always been how ministry has been done for centuries. However, coming up with new ways to expand your digital and online ministry is a bit more challenging. What platforms do you need to use? What equipment do you need? What is the budgeting requests. Those are all part of the questions needed. But, ultimately, it all starts with vision, mission and budget.

VISION

In order to move beyond your current reach, the first step is to have a vision that goes beyond what you are currently doing. Leaders must prayerfully seek God's guidance and discern how He is calling you and your ministry to engage in the digital and online space. This vision should align with the church's overall vision and mission while also identifying specific goals, target audiences, and desired outcomes. A clear vision provides a roadmap for decision-making and resource allocation.

MISSION

As a minister, it is so important to have a clear and compelling mission statement. It will be a path forward for your staff, volunteers and attendees that will help you keep focused on where you are going and what you can do. It will be the guiding light, helping you focus your efforts and resources on what truly matters as you look to expand your reach. It also helps create a sense of unity and direction within your congregation, inspiring them to work together and to give financially to the cause that they fully back.

BUDGET

Once the vision and mission is set, the ministry leaders must take a comprehensive look at what the budget can and should be to expand your digital and online ministry. For example, here are some of the expenses you want to consider budgeting for:

Conclusion

As the digital landscape continues to change at an increasingly rapid pace, continue to cast vision, keep people on mission and budget appropriately. That way you can reach even more people for Christ through digital and online opportunities. Prayerfully go before God to see what He is calling you to do so that you can do that and follow His lead.

What do you think? What other ways can you strategically expand your online ministry this year? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

How You Can Learn in Community

Tue, 14 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

2024 for The Church Digital has been incredible.

When I started The Church Digital in 2018, the goal was to help the big “C” church better understand digital ministry, moving beyond just broadcasting online services and understanding digital connection, community, and discipleship.

In 2019, we started meeting people with a vision to launch a digital church… a church without a building. Early pioneers like DJ Soto, Angela Craig, and Mark Lutz were setting an example for others to follow.

2020 brought us relationships with Stadia Church Planting, which has a vision of a digital church. COVID was gasoline on the flame, and the necessity of digital church and discipleship exploded. Relationships with Exponential, Leadership Network, NewThing Network, Finishing the Task, Pushpay, Resi, StartChurch, and others allowed the idea to spread quickly.

In the years since the lockdown, our vision for digital discipleship has been renewed and stronger than ever.

While The Church Digital continues to offer consulting and learning communities to champion digital ministry, our passion is to see individuals be discipled digitally and develop their personal mission.

And we’ve learned that discipleship happens best in community.

To that end I want to invite all our connections, friends, and supporters to join our family in digital community… in Discord !

Some of you may not be familiar with Discord, but it is a powerful platform similar to WhatsApp or Slack.

As an asynchronous community, we are already building relationships with people on at least four continents. Through our discipleship process, run on Discord, we’re already training the next generation of digital missionaries and digital church planters.

Discover 10 tips on how to run an asynchronous community for your Church.

Our learning communities invite physical churches to experiment and innovate for the cause of Christ. Our peer-to-peer groups will connect people on mission, developing relationships digitally grounded in prayer, encouragement, and ministry accountability. With regular streams and open offices, The Church Digital is becoming the paradigm for a digital discipleship community, and I hope it will set the standard for churches to follow. Almost all our training and resources are done in, or connected to, Discord.

Conclusion

God has been good to The Church Digital. If you have questions or want to share encouragement, you can always reply to this email… or join the FAM on The Church Digital’s Discord Server and say “hey” there.

What do you think? Are you on Discord yet? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Discord Basics for Your Church

Thu, 09 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

What is Discord and how can your Church utilize it for ministry purposes? Today, Andy Mage joins the podcast to talk about all of that and how Digital and Online Ministers can join The Church Digital Discord to learn together in community. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Share your thoughts with us below or on social media If you want to connect with Andy check him out on Discord (Chinomage) and Threads. He is very active on social media so definitely connect with him if you have a question. Make sure you follow him as well! 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. 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 Volunteering Looks Like in VR

Wed, 08 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Online Ministry creates lots of new opportunities for people to hear about Christ but also for those to serve at the Church. In this episode, Stuart sits down with Christina, who is a volunteer with Fox River VR. She shares her experience in VR from the female perspective, what it’s like to be a volunteer for a church in VR, and some of her favorite Kingdom wins from her time doing ministry in VR. Interested in learning more about bringing your Church into VR? Reach out to Stuart HERE! What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

4 Digital Ways to Make Mother's Day Special at Your Church

Tue, 07 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Moms are very special and can make such a huge impact in the lives of their family and children. That is why Mother's Day is so special day. It is a day where families can intentionally celebrate the huge impact mothers have on individuals, families, and the whole community. It serves as a reminder to honor, appreciate, and cherish the many contributions and sacrifices made by mothers.

Because Mother's Day falls on a Sunday, it also provides Churches with a unique opportunity to honor moms and to help families honor them, as well. So what can Churches do? Here are a few digital things.

What Can You Do?

Conclusion

Mother's Day is a very special day for moms and families. It is a day that Churches can use to highlight the essential role mothers play in nurturing faith, instilling values, and providing a foundation for their children's spiritual foundation and growth. Make sure you provide ways families can honor and uplift them.

What do you think? What are some other digital things you can do on Mother's Day to honor them? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

EP293 - Andy Mage & Building Deeper Relationships Embracing Asynchronous Community

Mon, 06 May 2024 15:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Jeff Reed and Andy Mage discuss the concept of asynchronous community and its potential for churches. They define an asynchronous community as communication that does not happen in real time, such as through text messages, social media, or online forums. They emphasize that asynchronous community goes beyond simple conversation and engagement, fostering deeper relationships, support networks, spiritual growth, and involvement in service.

They share personal experiences, forming meaningful relationships through online gaming and message boards. They also address whether these relationships are real and argue they can lead to discipleship and authentic community. In this conversation, Andy and Jeff discuss the importance of building real relationships in the digital space and the role of asynchronous communication in creating community.

They highlight the need for churches to embrace hybrid models that combine physical and digital interactions. They also emphasize the value of personality and humor in building community and the importance of listening and engaging with people in digital spaces.

The conversation concludes with previewing upcoming events and initiatives in The Church Digital Discord server.

QUOTES

"Paul was doing asynchronous community 2,000 years ago."

"Asynchronous community is that thing that we try to derive from in all of our church engagements."

"I had some of the most deep conversations that I've ever had in my entire life over a headset on my Xbox controller."

"There is no barrier between digital and physical. What they see on their phone, what they grew up with, that's what they know."

"The connections that we have should be led into community, and within that community is where we see discipleship happen."

TIMELINE

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

3 Reasons Why Your Church Should Be On YouTube

Thu, 02 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

In today's world, the internet has become an unparalleled platform for sharing about the hope and love of Christ to others. No matter what kind of minister you are, your goal is to reach as many people for Christ as possible. However, as an online and digital minister, there are certain platforms that help you reach as many people as possible. In particular, YouTube has emerged as a powerful tool that should not be overlooked.

Here's why it is crucial for your church to utilize YouTube in your ministry efforts:

Resources

What can you to do to get started in making YouTube videos? And, what types of videos can you create? Here are two resources that can help you and your Church.

Conclusion

At the very least, these three reasons highlight that YouTube is the perfect platform to help online ministers reach the next generation for Christ. As more and more of the next generations are moving further away from God and faith, by investing time and energy on YouTube, you have the opportunity to reach people for Christ in a way that they are going to see it. Choose to invest in YouTube today.

What do you think? What are some other reasons why your Church should be on YouTube? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Embracing Obedience and Taking the Leap

Wed, 01 May 2024 10:19:00 GMT

5 Online Ministry Insights from April 2024

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Spring is a great time...for allergies! While many people struggle with allergies this month, there has been a lot happening in the digital and online ministry world. To help you keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings, The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs had a bunch we loved to share in regards to all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from April 2024

Being AUTHENTIC Impacts a New Generation

The younger generation is craving authenticity. They aren't going to your Church to hear about politics or fund new campaigns. They want to be transformed in their life. That is why Ken Arrington stresses the importance discipleship. and being authentic with your online community. Discipleship is more than just a program. It's a daily interaction. See what Ken does in this conversation with Andy and Ashley.

Make Sure You TRAIN and EQUIP Your Online Ministry Team

Training and equipping your ministry team is really important, especially your online ministry team. There is a lot of tech that is involved. See how you can effectively train and equip your online ministry team in this blog post .

Creating VR Worlds for OUTREACH

Creating the right environment in ministry is so important. That is true for in-person ministry and in Virtual reality (VR) ministry. The great thing about virtual reality environments is that you can create whole worlds that people can experience. That makes it a great opportunity as Stuart sits down with VR Tiger of Oasis Church VR in this episode to talk about the importance of world building for VR ministry.

Springtime SOCIAL MEDIA Posts

Every season presents a new opportunity to share new types of social media posts. The spring season is no different. This post highlights 20 social media posts you can make throughout the spring season, tailoring them to your Church's or ministry's language.

A Call for a Ministry PARADIGM Shift

Jeff calls for a ministry paradigm shift. Church leaders need to embrace digital and empower missionaries in new digital spaces. Whether it is in gaming, virtual reality or other online platforms, these are fertile grounds for cultivating genuine community and engaging in meaningful discipleship. See how in this podcast episode.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

How Digital Can Enhance Church Campaigns

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:13:00 GMT

At your Church you can do a lot of things to draw people closer to Christ. Today, Jake McNamara comes back on the podcast to share about how they used digital and online tools to support a Church campaign. He shares about what they did, what they learned and how it impacted they church and community. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Share your thoughts with us below or on social media If you want to connect with Jake check him out on Twitter. He is very active on social media so definitely connect with him if you have a question. Make sure you follow him as well! 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. 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.

Embracing Creativity in Ministry

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 10:20:00 GMT

Why Leverage Discord to Build Online Connections

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Online ministry has become a powerful way to reach people with the hope and message of Christ. As technology continues to advance and develop, opportunities to create a sense of community and fostering meaningful connections online has become extremely vital. While there are many ways to do this, platforms. like Discord can serve as a valuable tool for online ministers.

What is Discord

Discord is an instant messaging and VoIP social platform which allows communication through a variety of ways including voice calls and text messaging. Communication can be private or take place in virtual communities. It's also available on all of the major operating systems. It was originally designed and used by Gamers, but has now become a great place for all Churches, businesses and influencers to build and develop community in an asynchronous way.

Here are 10 Tips on How to Build an Asynchronous Community.

Discord's user-friendly interface and versatile features make it an ideal platform for building and nurturing an online ministry community. With the ability to create servers tailored to specific interests or groups, ministers can establish dedicated spaces for their congregations, small groups, or outreach initiatives.

Why Leverage Discord

One of the key advantages of Discord is its real-time communication capabilities. Through voice and text channels, ministers can host live discussions, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and even share their message to others. This allows attendees to actively participate and engage with one another in real-time. That is unheard of in at an in-person Church service, but this opportunity to have interaction helps foster a sense of belonging and creates opportunities for deeper spiritual connections and conversations.

Additionally, Discord's server organization tools enable ministers to create separate channels for different topics or ministries, such as youth groups, men's or women's ministries, or specific outreach programs. You can have a main group discussion channel but then have one set up just for particular ministries or classes. It's an amazing feature. It helps to ensure that relevant and pertinent information and resources are easily accessible to the people that need to hear it.

Furthermore, Discord's integration with various digital tools and platforms opens up new possibilities for enhancing online ministry experiences. Ministers can share a variety of content on the platform. They can share videos, podcasts, or other presentations directly within the server, providing a centralized hub for the Church or ministry.

Lastly, while no online tool is 100% hacker proof, Discord also offers a robust moderation capability and security features, allowing ministers to maintain a safe and respectful environment for their online communities. They have the ability to assign roles, set permissions, and enforce community guidelines that will help ministers ensure that their online space remain focused on spiritual growth and transformation.

Conclusion

As online ministry continues to grow, evolve, and transform, embracing platforms like Discord can really help ministers stay connected with their congregations and reach out to new people for Christ. By leveraging the power of Discover, ministers can foster a sense of community, facilitate meaningful interactions, and create engaging online experiences that deepen spiritual growth and nurture lasting connections.

What do you think? What are ways you can leverage Discord for your online ministry? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

EP291 - Jeff Celebrates The Church Digital Podcast's Fifth Anniversary

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 18:34:00 GMT

The Evolution of Digital Ministry: Celebrating Milestones and Embracing the Future

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside.
Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - ⁠ HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE⁠

Introduction: Reflecting On a Journey in Digital Faith

As we mark the five-year anniversary of The Church Digital Podcast and the 24-year anniversary of Jeff Reed's first digital ministry venture with ebeliever.com, it's a time of reflection on the leaps and strides made in integrating technology with faith practice.

The Dawn of Online Community: ebeliever.com's Legacy Pioneering Christian Connection in the Digital Realm

In January 2000, Jeff Reed embarked on an ambitious project to create ebeliever.com, a pre-social media online Christian community that offered connection through discussion boards, music, and sermons – all at the frontier of digital technology. They were the trailblazers in using technology to foster spiritual community, encoding sermons and conducting online Bible studies long before channels like YouTube became the norm.

Overcoming Challenges: Technical Setbacks and Unexpected Interactions The Ups and Downs of Innovation

Tech mishaps and alterations in plans are familiar to those breaking new ground. Reed's encounter with technical slide issues during a presentation, followed by a charged Zoom interrogation by Ed Stetzer, shows that resilience and adaptability are indispensable. These experiences not only test our mettle but often lead to surprising opportunities, like Jeff’s lighthearted invitation to Stetzer's podcast.

Fostering Connection and Resilience: The Resilient Church Webinar Series Adapting to Digital Ministry

The podcast announces the Resilient Church webinar series, focusing on melding connection and community through digital means, an essential conversation in our increasingly online world. Digital ministry is forward-thinking, and these webinars will highlight vibrant discourses from April to September, paving the way for more inclusive and technologically adapted church practices.

Leadership and Vision: The Road to a Distributed Podcast Network Multiplying Impact Through Collaboration

Jeff Reed shares his vision of a distributed podcast network, which eschews the expansion of a single podcast for a collaborative, wealth-distributing model. This revolutionary idea emphasizes leadership that seeds and nurtures multiple platforms, resonating with the biblical principle of growth through multiplication.

The Power of Partnership: Not Going It Alone Support Systems and Digital Fellowship

Reflecting on a harrowing server crash in 2003 that brought down ebeliever.com, Reed highlights the importance of partnership. The path of innovation can be isolating, so finding colleagues like Ray, who supported him through tough times, underscores the importance of community—not just in building a digital church but in the personal lives of those leading the way.

Future Endeavors: Church Planting and Digital Realms Subheader: Blending Tradition with Modern Innovation

The podcast looks forward to divergent conversations with thought leaders like Peyton Jones on virtual reality church planting, offering listeners a glance into how conventional church planting paradigms are transforming in the modern age.

Conclusion: Honoring Leaders and Looking Ahead

As we surmise from the narrative of The Church Digital Podcast and ebeliever.com, the intersection of technology and spirituality has indeed seen a paradigm shift. From mere supplemental tools for ministry, digital platforms have burgeoned into central pillars supporting the spread of the Gospel and the cultivation of community. Still, challenges such as technological hiccups, resistance, and the critical need for strategic partnerships remind us that the journey is a continuous learning process.

Like the early church, which spread its wings far and wide with the assistance of the Roman roads, today’s church has the digital highway to disseminate the hopeful message of the Gospel. Jeff Reed and guests like Ed Stetzer, DK Hammond, and Steve Addison are just some of the pioneers ensuring that the digital ministry not only thrives but sets the path for future innovation.

And so, as we tune in to upcoming interviews, discussions, and webinars, we do so with recognition of the past, appreciation for the present, and eager anticipation for what lies on the horizon for digital faith communities. Cheers to 291 episodes, and here's to the countless more that will continue to inform, inspire, and connect believers across the digital universe.

Timecode

05:42 Resilient Church webinar for physical church utilization.
13:59 Embracing distributed leadership for Metaverse church director.
16:08 Choosing digital church was a unique move.
23:06 Ed Stetzer success story: started pre-COVID, soared.
27:19 Major tech issues during worst presentation ever.
34:45 Celebrating podcast anniversary and 24-year business milestone.
38:44 eBeliever.com created youth group websites, online Bible studies.
46:49 Smuggling Bibles in various countries, exciting stories.
50:24 Jim Tomberlin, a multi-site movement pioneer.
57:06 Supportive wife, family judgment, seeking empathy.
01:00:13 The eBeliever.com Story

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

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How to Train and Equip Your Online Ministry Volunteers

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

In the Church there are lots of different ways you can serve. And, with Online Ministry options, there are even more of a variety of options. However, just because someone is comfortable using technology and has the passion to serve in this area doesn't mean they automatically know how to effectively serve in the different roles. Proper training is key to equipping your digital volunteers for online ministry excellence.

So what can you do? How can you train and equip them? Here are some things you can do.

Conclusion

Just like very ministry position, the volunteer needs proper training and equipping to be successful. Above are 7 different things you can do. Take time to work through your processes so that you best prepare the volunteers to be fully equipped as soon as possible. The more you can do that, the more successful they will be at helping your Church reach your digital and online audience.

What do you think? What are other ways you can train and equip the volunteers in your online ministry? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

EP290 - Jeff Talks New Website, Discord, and a New Online Era

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 18:09:00 GMT

Navigating Digital Transformation: TCD Unveils a New Online Era

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside.
Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - ⁠ HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE⁠

TCD Embarks on a Fresh Digital Journey with a Revamped Website, Discord Community, and Focused Branding Strategy

Introduction: Digitizing Community and Fellowship

In an age where digital presence has become integral to every organization, TCD is no exception. Ep290 of TCD podcast reveals a transformative period for our digital church. Helmed by host Jeff Reed and his leadership team including Andy Mage, Barbara Carnero, JMO, Jason Morris, and flat cap Layton, TCD is marching into a new era of online engagement and spiritual outreach. The unveiling of our new website, the move to Discord, and an invigorating branding overhaul highlight our renewed commitment to fostering community and faith in the digital realm.

Revamped Digital Home: TCD's New Website

A Modern Congregation's Virtual Space

Recognizing the importance of an updated online home, TCD has launched a new website designed to streamline our digital presence. Since 2018, the website had not seen significant updates—until now. Barbara Carnero was pivotal in understanding and crafting a web design that reflects TCD’s vision. By incorporating people-focused elements and reducing clutter from multiple calls-to-action, we aim to create a simplified, direct path to community building. This is a space where technology doesn't overshadow human touch, where images of life within our digital community take center stage over excessive digital effects.

Building Community Through Discord Leaving Mighty Networks Behind

In a strategic move to enhance interaction and fellowship, TCD transitions from Mighty Networks to Discord. This new platform choice reflects a keen understanding of demographic preferences, particularly the adeptness of Discord users with technology. With the launch of our Discord server, we invite our community to engage more deeply and dynamically. This innovative approach is a testament to our adaptability and commitment to leveraging modern tools for spiritual connection.

Servant Leadership and Shared Struggles A Leader’s Testimony

In this episode, Jeff Reed shares a personal, poignant narrative of health struggles and the mental battle with theodicy. His transparency shines a light on the all-too-human aspect of leadership and underscores the need for a distributed, supportive community within TCD. The commitment to power through challenges and the surprise announcement regarding leadership hint at exciting developments, reinforcing that our mission is not mere branding, but service unto God.

The Focus on Mission and Outreach Utilizing Technology for Evangelism

Jeff Reed elaborates on the importance of allowing technology to further the mission of the church. This episode celebrates the collaboration with Riverside for superior recording quality, a move that represents TCD’s investment in high-caliber content delivery. With the livestreaming capabilities on Discord, the podcast aims to transcend cultural and environmental barriers, bringing the message of TCD to new digital frontiers.

Navigating Social Media and Brand Identity Reflecting Character in the Digital Arena

As TCD reaches out through various social media platforms, facing challenges such as trademark issues and portraying a consistent identity, Jeff sheds light on the principle of being active and judged not by worldly standards but by our mission field and character. Engaging anecdotes, including a lighthearted recount of an interaction with John MacArthur, demonstrate the importance of staying true to our calling amidst social media's vast and often critical landscape.

Conclusion: Forging Ahead with Patience and Innovation

As TCD aligns its leadership and community strategies with the digital church framework, we are setting the stage for a new chapter characterized by connection, discipleship, and multiplication. The podcast concludes with Jeff encouraging patience as we engage with the beta phase of new digital endeavors and draws parallels to Gmail's humble beginnings. His call for equipment and experimentation within our digital model signifies a bold willingness to redefine what church looks like in the 21st century.

The TCD podcast EP290 not only charts the trajectory of our church digital journey but also bares the soul of a community that is evolving, persevering, and embracing new possibilities in digital discipleship and church planting. It's a narrative of adaptation, faith, and action—a digital testament to our shared commitment to make the digital church a refuge and beacon in the virtual world.

TIMELINE

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

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Unconventional Ministry

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

3 Reasons Why Online Groups are Great for Your Church

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Whether they have been called Life Groups, Small Groups, Community Groups, Discipleship Groups or something else, these groups have been a key component to helping people discover God in a community.

While these groups are important, up until a few years ago, these groups were only held in-person. And that is fine because, of a variety of reasons. However, one of them was because technology wasn't great until the last few years. Then, COVID hit and everyone had to improve their technology for people to stay connected.

And while many Churches have started to adopt

3 Reasons Why

Conclusion

As churches come up with different and creative strategies to make disciples, online groups provide an innovative way to do that. They encourage spiritual growth, build relationships, and expand reach to people far beyond your local community. With the right leadership and best practices, these online discipleship gatherings have tremendous potential for your Church and believers.

What do you think? What other reasons why online groups are great for your Church? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Discord Group where we are encouraging people daily.

3 Ways to Overcome the Summer Attendance Slump

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

It happens every year. Right after Easter, attendance, when the weather turns warmer and as school ends Church attendance tends to decline. But, not this year.. This year can be different. To talk about this today is Justin Nava from Nava Church Marketing. He will share 3 ways you can break the normal summertime attendance decline this year. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Share your thoughts with us below or on social media Justin is a great resource. You can find him and connect with him on his website. You can also connect with him on YouTube, Twitter and TikTok. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. 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.

The Power of Masculine Vulnerability

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

This week, Ashley and Andy sit down with Nate Cottman to discuss all things content creation, vulnerability, masculinity, loving your partner/spouse, and how to keep it all Biblically solid as an influencer. 5 Key Takeaways to Enlighten Your Spirit: Learn how Nate's personal tribulations, including divorce and loss, transformed his Instagram platform into a beacon for godly relationships. Discover Nate's approach to balancing the demands of consistency in online ministry with the need for personal rest and recuperation. Gain insights into repurposing long-form pastoral messages into impactful, bite-sized content for social media engagement Explore the power of masculine vulnerability through biblical examples,as Nate challenges stereotypes and promotes authentic connection. Hear how pivoting content strategy in response to burnout can lead to personal growth and a stronger, more resonant message to followers. What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Speak the TRUTH on Social Media

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Going "viral" was such a huge thing for social media managers and content creators. Actually, it may still be a goal that they strive for. After all, who doesn't want to hit thousands of views on content you create. However, despite the goal, going viral is not something that you can plan or predict. That is why, as Church Communicators and Digital Missionaries, the goal in sharing content should NOT be to go viral, but it is to speak the Truth that leads people down a path of discipleship.

Aaron Hall once said at a conference that there are 3 things to consider when posting on social media.

Why is just speaking the Truth important? Why not try to go viral?

For starters, you are a Digital Missionary. That means your goal is to share the Truth of Christ, not to go viral for a funny dance. Yes, a funny dance could draw interest to your Church or ministry, but the reality is that people need to hear the Truth about God's love, forgiveness and grace more than they need to see a funny video that everyone else is doing.

Secondly, your focus becomes less on discipleship and more on going viral. Those are two very different things to strive for. And, as a digital missionary, if your focus is shifted from doing what draws people to Jesus and onto something differently, you will be spending a lot of wasted time and energy.

Lastly, the world needs to hear God's Truth today. They don't need another entertainer. There are plenty of those on social media already. They need to hear the word of God and His Truth to combat the many different truths that are out there talking to Gen Z and Alpha. Invest time and energy on sharing about God and discipling people online and see how God leads. Churches like New Life Christian Church create daily Bible Devotional Shorts on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram Reels. They have been doing this for over 2 years and have seen them reach and encourage thousands of people in their faith. They have even had a few of their daily devotionals go viral. There needs to be more Churches doing this to encourage people in their faith.

Conclusion

As Digital Missionaries, your focus should be less on going viral and more on speaking the TRUTH of Christ to others. The more you can do that, the more you will make an eternal difference in the life of others.

What do you think? What are other ways you can speak the TRUTH of Christ with others on social media? Share your ideas below or on social media.

The Importance of VR World Building in Ministry

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Virtual reality (VR) world building refers to the process of creating and designing immersive 3D virtual environments that users can explore and interact with using a VR headset and controllers. These digital worlds can replicate real-world locations or construct entirely new, imaginative realms. The possibilities are endless for creating. That's what makes it a great opportunity for ministry. In this episode of the Metaverse Ministry Podcast, Stuart sits down with VR Tiger of Oasis church VR, to talk about Oasis, and the importance of world building for VR ministry. Interested in learning more about bringing your Church into VR? Reach out to Stuart HERE! What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Exploring Authentic Faith

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

In this week's episode is all about the raw, real, and relatable journey of faith with the insightful Jay Medina. This one speaks directly to the heart of anyone navigating their personal relationship with the church and their spiritual walk. So grab a cozy spot, hit play, and let's dive deep into the heart of Gen Z's spiritual landscape. 5 Key Takeaways to Enlighten Your Spirit: **The Generational Shift in Church Engagement** - Learn how Jay and her peers grapple with their place in the church amidst rising numbers of religiously unaffiliated adults. **Authenticity in Faith** - Discover why genuine expressions of faith resonate more with young people today and how the church can adapt to meet this yearning. **Sanctification vs. Salvation** - Ashley candidly shares her ongoing journey and searches for what it really means to be welcomed into the church. **Diversity and Digital Storytelling** - Jay Medina shares her vision for bridging the gaps in media, especially for the multicultural audience, inspired by his rich heritage and professional experiences. **Mentorship Over Methodology** - Hear Jay's advice for church leadership on how to truly connect with and support the faith journeys of Gen Z without resorting to a "savior complex.” What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

EP289 - Jeff Talks Beer, Multiplication, and the Digital Church

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:53:00 GMT

Navigating Digital Multiplication and Fostering Global Church Leadership

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside.

Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - ⁠HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE⁠

### Rethinking Ministry in the Digital Age

Jeff Reed invites us to deeply reflect on the transformation of church dynamics in the digital context. He shares his experiences and the economic challenges he faced managing a Christian store, emphasizing how those situations served as a catalyst for his digital ministry journey. Jeff advocates for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and operate church functions online, closely aligning with the fundamental Biblical principles and embracing the distinctive opportunities provided by the digital world.

### The Essence of Multiplication

The episode delves into the vital role of multiplication in church growth. Jeff passionately argues for the significance of mentoring and empowering the upcoming generation of church leaders. His dedication is rooted in the philosophy that true growth comes from nurturing selfless, God-centered leadership rather than pursuing personal or organizational gain.

### Deepening Digital Discipleship and Community

Jeff emphasizes that the digital sphere is not merely a platform for sermon distribution, but a fertile ground for cultivating genuine community and engaging in meaningful discipleship. He references 'The Other Half of Church' to corroborate the science-backed notion that the strength of discipleship is exponentially magnified within communal bonds, even when facilitated online.

### Vision for the Metaverse’s Role in Church Planting Looking forward,

Jeff touches on the burgeoning potential of the metaverse in revolutionizing church planting strategies. He envisions a future where the digital landscape hosts a plethora of small, relational churches that prioritize discipleship and are designed to proliferate and make a global impact.

### Conclusion: A Clarion Call for a Paradigm Shift In conclusion,

Jeff calls for church leaders and digital missionaries to embrace the inherent complexities of church expansion in digital spaces. He urges a collective mindset shift from building monolithic entities towards fostering a network of smaller, interconnected churches. This approach champions relationships and discipleship at its core, inviting an iterative process of ongoing community building and leadership development that transcends traditional boundaries and paves the way for substantial kingdom work in the digital age.

TIMELINE

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

QUESTIONS/RESOURCES

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20 Spring Time Social Media Posts Your Church Can Share

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMT

The Spring brings a fresh start and new opportunities for your Church and ministry. This is not just for in-person opportunities but for online and social media opportuniteis, as well.

So, what can you do this Spring on social media for your Church or ministry? Here are 20 social media posts you can share that will encourage people in their faith and engage them in positive ways.

Conclusion

There is always a lot of excitement that comes with Spring, especially if the winter was hard and cold. Use this time of year to actively engage people at your Church and in your community. The more you can engage them in conversation, the more likely these questions can ultimately lead to deeper spiritual conversations.

What do you think? What other Spring themed social media posts can your Church do? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Ministry and Caring for the Chronically Ill

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

While ministry leaders and Churches do a fantastic job caring for those who are sick and in need of help, what happens when someone needs longer term care. Or, they are chronically ill? Today, Jeanette Yates joins the podcast to talk about how Churches can help in this way. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Jeanette you can find her on Twitter/X. She is very active on social media, especially on Twitter so get in touch with her. If you would like to book a time with her for a free conversation, click here. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital.

Making Waves in the Next Generation

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Ashley and Andy are joined by the effervescent Katie Bulmer, host of the widely acclaimed "Truth for your Twenties" podcast! Known for her deep passion for mentoring college-age women and empowering the next generation, Katie chats with our very own Ashley and Andy about her journey, ministries in the podcasting world, and the profound ways her unique perspective is making waves. **Five Key Takeaways You'll Discover:** In-Depth Dialogue: Hear why Katie chose podcasting to foster longer, meaningful discussions beyond the confines of quick social media snippets. The Pod Ministry: Explore the benefits and necessity of ministries expanding their content through podcasting, especially for larger congregations with the means to do so. Unexpected Journeys: Find out how Katie's diverse experiences, from speaking at sororities to becoming a yoga instructor, paved her path to becoming a national college speaker. Mentorship Matters: Gain insights into the importance of mentorship and discipleship in the digital era, and understand the distinction between overt and covert ways of guiding others. Aiming for Authenticity: Learn why Katie champions authentic spiritual conversations and how she tailors her faith-based advice to various platforms and audiences. What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

5 Online Ministry Insights from March 2024

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

As the year flips the page and turns to March, warmer weather and the Easter season take priority. And we, at the Church Digital, were warming up, as well. To help you keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings, The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs had a bunch we loved to share in regards to all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from February 2024

These are TRENDING in Church Communications

In this digital and online world we are living in, there are always updates and new trends that are impacting how we do ministry. This is particularly true in regards to Church Communications. How you communicate to those in your Church or ministry is vital to your success. See what is trending as Tom talk to Mark MacDonald in this podcast episode .

VR Evangelism CAN HAVE an IRL Impact

Is there any real benefit to VR ministry in real life? In this podcast episode, Stuart McPherson interviews Nathan from Fox River VR about what they are doing and how there are real world impacts int he local community. See how in this podcast episode .

Innovation is KEY to Lasting Church Movements

There is a growing need to evangelize and disciple through digital means. As physical churches recognize the value of hybrid models, there remains a crucial need to bridge the gap to comprehensive digital discipleship. Jeff explores this and much more in this podcast episode .

Online Discipleship Options AFTER Easter

Everything about Easter is so important for the Church and people in the community. One of the biggest opportunities Churches have is for after Easter. This is online discipleship options. Churches have a huge opportunity to engage people in online discipleship opportunities after Easter is over. See how in this blog post here .

The Power of Grace and Authenticity

Joey Papa joins Andy and Ashley as he shares about how during one of his life's lowest points, he turned it into a foundation for authentic conversations about faith and recovery. Learn more about his life, how you can find grace amid struggles and how we can create safe online experiences in this podcast conversation.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP288 - Navigating Asynchronous Community: Gabe DeWalk & The Kingstide Journey

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Connecting Faith and Technology: The Kingstide Journey and Its Digital Aspirations

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

Embracing Community in the Digital Era

With our generation steeping further into the digital realm, Kingstide has pioneered an ingenious approach to fostering Christian community online. Their mission, which resounded throughout the latest episode of the podcast TCD, is as audacious as it is praiseworthy: to weave a network of believers online, and gradually guide them towards local churches, nourishing a robust digital and physical bond within the community.

Kingstide's Innovative Asynchronous Community

By leveraging platforms like Discord, Kingstide has curated an asynchronous community, enabling them to tailor experiences to various demographic needs. From introduction channels and gaming discussions to Bible talk and daily verses, the community embodies a spectrum of interactions that resonate with their audience's diversity. The transition to a dedicated mobile app seeks to enhance this experience, with groups, events, topics, podcasts, and nuanced account settings at the user's fingertips.

Volunteer Vigor and Global Impact

The operation, fueled by 90 volunteers managing a 9,000-strong fellowship, aims to scale by maintaining a ratio of 10 volunteers per 1,000 participants. This structure is instrumental in nurturing the community and maintaining an impactful presence both inside and beyond the United States, reaching individuals who lack the privilege of a nearby physical church.

Strategic Moves to an Independent Platform

Moving to an autonomous mobile app reflects Kingstide's ambition to gain greater control over the content and community engagement, stepping out of the shadows of the giant secular platform that Discord is. The choice reflects a farsighted strategy, undeterred by the challenges posed by the lack of automatic content moderation or the costs of using website builders like Wix.

Acceleration through Marketing and Engagement

Marketing initiatives and engagement funnels are at the heart of Kingstide's expansion strategy. The 'Jesus City' campaign pioneers this vision, aiming to establish a beachhead in Charleston, South Carolina, via geofenced marketing and a data-driven approach to nurturing benefactor relationships and measuring philanthropic impact.

A Vision for Legacy and Evangelism

Gabe DeWalk, a 22-year-old visionary leading Kingstide with the backing of an accountability board, has set his sights on ambitious goals for community growth, evangelism, and legacy building. The objectives stretch from increasing the podcast's reach and fostering a cohort of prayer warriors, to establishing a physical presence with event spaces and a content creation studio.

In Conclusion

As TCD's latest episode drew to a close, the themes discussed painted an inspiring picture—of a community unbound by geography, united in faith, leveraging the digital landscape to forge a legacy of connection and discipleship. Kingstide stands as a sterling example of how the confluence of technology and determination can revolutionize the way we perceive and practice community and evangelism in an increasingly digital world.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Gabe DeWalk
Kingstide Church, Seacoast Church

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

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One Year Since AltspaceVR

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

On March 10, 2023 Microsoft shutdown their virtual reality platform known as “AltspaceVR.” For most people, this was not a news worthy action. No, literally, it wasn’t news worthy. This wasn’t announced by any major news stations. In fact, it would have taking intentional digging and internet surfing to find any information about this shutdown. And, to be fair, unless you are a constant user of virtual reality technology, you have probably never heard of AltspaceVR.

However, this shutdown had a huge impact on churches doing VR ministry. Altspace was the platform that many churches investigating in launching a VR ministry, or did launch one, found themselves turning to.

Some of the reason why were:

It has been over a year since the shutdown. So, how are VR churches doing? Well, I would argue that the Church has been more effective than ever before at reaching people in VR spaces.

As the announcement came out that the shutdown was coming, many of the churches began to ask the question, what’s next?

Altspace became such an easy starting point for most churches, that instead of doing ministry in VR, they all stuck with Altspace and did Altspace ministry. Now, hear me out. There was nothing wrong with that. The opportunity to reach the lost was great there. However, of the nearly 200 million VR users, not all of them were in Altspace. There were other platforms like Spatial.io, Bigscreen VR, VR Chat, Meta’s Horizon Worlds, Rec Room, etc., yet most churches stayed with what was known and comfortable.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His followers that they were to go into Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the world, and through the power of the Holy Spirit spread the Gospel. However, the disciples didn’t begin going to the ends of the world, or their neighbors in Judea and Samaria until persecution came upon them, forcing them to scatter, and as they scattered the Gospel went with them.

This is why I say churches have been more successful at reaching people in VR one year latter after the shutting down of Altsapce. Due to the shutdown, the churches were scattered, and for those who stuck it out, we found ourselves doing ministry on different platforms, being light in places many of us were unwilling to go to. In the same way persecution forced the disciples to fulfill the calling to spread the good news all over the world and leave their safe space of Jerusalem, the shutting down of Altspace forced churches to leave their safe space in Altspace and go into the unreached VR spaces, taking the gospel with them.

So, it’s been one year since the shutdown of Altspace…And the Church is just as impactful as ever.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Interested in learning more about bringing your Church into VR? Reach out to Stuart HERE !

Dive Into Digital Discipleship

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

We've just dropped Season 2, Episode 4, and it's no ordinary chat. Join Ashley and Andy as they sit down with the dynamic Will Cumby to explore the sizzling topic of blending digital spaces with traditional discipleship. This episode is packed with flavor, no extra seasoning required! 5 Keys That Listeners Will Learn: **Balancing Act**: How to strike the perfect balance between the value of in-person gatherings and the vast potential of digital community spaces for discipleship. **Influence Is Everywhere**: Whether you're a TikTok teen or a Facebook fanatic, everyone has influence. Discover how to use your digital footprint to disciple others and why it matters. **The Will to Disciple**: Will shares his passionate views on the significance of both hearing and doing God's word, illustrating the vitality of community in the process. **Beyond the Screen**: The episode delves into the critical importance of moving from online conversations to tangible, real-life connections and the need for genuine ministry in the digital sphere. **Tech-Savvy Ministry**: Tips and tricks for churches looking to expand into the world of online content creation. Will offers advice on authenticity and navigating the diverse landscape of social media platforms. What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Prepare for Online Discipleship After Easter

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Christmas and Easter are two of the biggest Church services that happen each year. They draw Christians and non-Christians, young people and old people, single and married back to Church. Because so many people come to Church those days, it presents a great opportunity for discipleship after.

So how can you be prepared? What can you do? Here are 3 groups you can get started today.

Conclusion

Easter provides a fresh opportunity for your Church to connect with people in your community. While some will not come back, there are others who will. That is why you need to be prepared for discipleship opportunities. These are just three different types of online groups you can have set up and ready for people to sign up for when they come for Easter services. Which one(s) will you use?

What do you think? What other ways you can prepare for online discipleship after Easter? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP287 - Innovating for Impact: Jeff Reed looks at Digital Church Movements

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Exploring Tradition and Innovation in Church Movements: TCD's Vision of Digital Discipleship

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

Digital Innovation: Reshaping Church Movements

Jeff Reed's recent commentary on the evolving face of church movements underscores the delicate balance between traditional church values and the cutting-edge approaches needed in today's digital era. As Jeff eloquently puts it, the early churches found strength and momentum not in physical buildings, but in the power of being sent out like seeds—spreading their message far and wide.

The Desire for Legacy versus Disciple Multiplication

Jeff urges us to shift our success metrics from the desire for legacy to the impactful work of disciple multiplication. Taking a cue from historical figures like William Carey, he emphasizes the potency of small, invested groups in generating significant religious reformation without reliance on established institutions or substantial funding.

Digital Discipleship and the 'Screw It' Mentality

With an ever-increasing digital congregation, Jeff challenges digital pastors to adopt a 'screw it' mentality—leading change rather than seeking perpetual approval. By embracing the pioneering spirit, digital church movements can thrive amidst the shifting landscapes of hybrid faith communities.

Advocating for Digital Ministry

The podcast episode highlights the growing need to evangelize and disciple through digital means. As physical churches recognize the value of hybrid models, there remains a crucial need to bridge the gap to comprehensive digital discipleship.

Embracing the Digital Ministry Opportunity

TCD's upcoming relaunch, slated for April 5, reflects an organization-wide embrace of a digital church model based on connection, community, discipleship, and multiplication. Jeff's vision for TCD involves more collaborative leadership, promising future revelations that could significantly reshape the organization's structure and strategy.

In conclusion, TCD's take on church movements is a clarion call to both digital and physical churches to innovate, embrace digital platforms, and persist in disciple-making despite obstacles. Jeff articulates a transformative path in which the ethos of the first Jerusalem church—planting seeds for future growth rather than building static monuments—can inspire a new era of digital-enabled ministry.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

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Church Communication Trends for 2024

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Communications changes regularly, especially in this digital world we live in. That is why it is important to be in the know of what is happening and what is trending. That is why Mark MacDonald is on the podcast. Mark is a Church Branding Strategist for BeKnownForSomething.com, a national Church Communication and branding agency, coaching Pastors and 1000s of Churches to become relevant in their community. He is also a best selling Author and has written over 800 magazine articles. While Tom and Mark talk about a few of the trends in Church Communications, you can read the rest of his trends here. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Share your thoughts with us below or on social media Mark is a great resource. He’s on Twitter and has a great website with resources and great insights. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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.

Dive Deep Into Grace & Authenticity

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

We've got some soul-stirring content fresh out of the oven. Episode 3 of Season 2 is ready to hit your eardrums, and, trust me, you won't want to miss a minute. Jump on our latest candid discussion with the incredibly transparent Joey Papa on “Hybrid Disciple." **Five Key Takeaways You'll Discover:** **The Power of Vulnerability:** Learn how Joey turned his life's lowest points into a foundation for authentic conversations about faith and recovery. **Engaging with Digital Discipleship:** Understand how Joey uses his podcast ‘The Failed Christian' to create a non-judgmental space for believers and skeptics alike to discuss their faith and doubts. **The Role of Modern Churches:** Discover the essential shift contemporary churches must make to support their congregations virtually - dealing head-on with taboo topics and fostering honest discourse. **Finding Grace Amid Struggles:** Hear how personal tragedies and mental health challenges can lead to profound spiritual insights and why embracing our struggles openly can lead to genuine healing. **Creating Safe Online Environments:** Gain insights on the crucial components of building positive online communities that respect diverse thoughts and encourage respectful interactions. What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

The Power and Potential of an Online Good Friday Service

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Easter services, events and activities are all the focus each spring for Churches. The reality is though, that while Easter gets a lot of attention, there would be no Easter without Good Friday. Good Friday is the day Christians commemorate and observe the crucifixion of Jesus. He death redeemed us of the sins of humanity.

While there are many ways you can observe Good Friday as a Church, this year, consider using the power of technology to reach more people around the world and share the profound meaning Good Friday to others. That means offering an online service in addition to any in-person gatherings you provide at your Church.

Why Add An Online Good Friday Service?

One of the major value adds of an online Good Friday service is the increased accessibility and convenience for people. While people may want to attend an unperson service, people facing sickness, disability, travel, or work schedule conflicts may not be able to attend. However, by offering these services online, people will be able to attend.

There is also huge potential to spur new interest in visiting your church on Easter Sunday. If someone was to see and attend your Online Good Friday service, they could be drawn to attend an in-person or online Easter service a few days later. You can use website banners, social media ads, and email campaigns that target unchurched people in your local community to attend.

Lastly, it can also further your digital discipleship opportunities. People who attend online may be attending for the first time and are looking to learn more about Jesus. Have a variety of next steps people can take to get involved in an online Bible study, life group or class that while help people grow in their faith, n matter where it is currently.

Conclusion

As preparations for Easter week ramp up, take steps to use today’s online and digital tools towards creating an impactful online Good Friday service. As you are able to do this, it can help people take next steps towards growing in their faith, regardless of where it is.

What do you think? What are other benefits and potential of doing an Online Good Friday service? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP286 - Jon Pyle on Disappointment, Timing, and Authenticity in Faith

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Dive into Unfiltered Chats on Disappointment, Integrity, and Keeping It Real in a Hyper-connected World

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

Dealing with the 'Not Yet' Moments

Jeff Reed kicks things off by getting real about those moments when life doesn't play by the script - yeah, we're talking dashed hopes and divine delays. Jon Pyle jumps in, dropping some wisdom about how our journey can get messy when things don't happen on our timeline, kind of like how ancient dude David felt waiting to be king and all.

Keeping It 100 Online

With our lives splashed across Instagram and TikTok, Jon's keeping it 100 about how easy it is to slip into a fake-it-till-you-make-it mode. They chew over how the urge to look perfect online can mess with your head and heart. It's a no-holds-barred talk on the danger of losing yourself in the quest for likes and retweets.

Getting Personal with Targeted Ministry

Ever wondered if the digital church vibe could get super specific, like talking to just one part of the huge global crowd? That's what's up when Jeff shouts out Jon's convo with Kyle Berkholder. They hash out how digital can hit the spot with peeps in specific situations, even though it's kinda tough to zero in when you're casting a wide net every Sunday.

Mixing Generations in the Digital Pew

Switching gears, they tackle the head-scratcher of bridging the gap between boomers and gen-z in virtual pews. Yeah, digital tools are clutch for staying in sync, but it turns out, there's more to building a digital fam that spans generations than just sending a quick text or sharing memes.

Heartfelt Convos Over Ticked Boxes

Jeff's got this upcoming heart-to-heart with John set up, and he's all about digging deep rather than ticking boxes on hot topics. Jon talks about his podcast game, where he's looking out for our digital souls and keeping the faith real in our swipe-right world.

Soul Care in the Digital Age

They circle back to this big question: What's the diff between fixing mental health blues and doing some serious soul care? Jon schools us that being a pastor today is like being that friend who helps you see the bigger picture when stress is hitting you hard, without stepping on the toes of mental health pros.

Wrapping Up: Heart-to-Heart & Jokes

Winding down, Jeff shares his health journey, but it's not all heavy - Jon cracks us up pretending to be a Russian spambot. It's a classic TCD finish, where real talk meets real laughs, and just like that, you're reminded why these two have one of the coolest digital bromances around.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Jon Pyle
Rumored Russian Spambot

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

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How VR Evangelism Can Have IRL Impact

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

.In this episode of the Metaverse Church Podcast, Stunami engages in a profound conversation with Nathan from Fox River VR. The discussion delves into the realm of evangelism within the virtual reality landscape, exploring how these digital interactions can transcend into real-world impacts within local communities. The conversation sheds light on the power of virtual reality as a tool for evangelism that can expand beyond the confines of virtual reality. This conversation between Stunami and Nathan underscores the huge potential of VR evangelism in driving positive change in the lives of people and gives us hope found in God. By harnessing the immersive power of virtual reality, ministry leaders and Churches can make an enteral difference in the lives of others, both online and in real life. What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

Dive into the Digital-Physical Ministry Blend

Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Today, we're journeying into the merging paths of digital and in-person ministry with the insightful Ian Simpkins. Trust us; this episode unpacks some serious wisdom for anyone navigating the complex world of tech and faith! **5 Keys Listeners Will Learn:** **The Importance of Personal Interaction**: Ian reveals why face-to-face conversations and processing thoughts in real time are crucial for authentic community building. **Balancing Digital and Local Connections**: Discover how to maintain local ties and foster genuine relationships in our era of digital dominance. Ian's take on this balance is eye-opening! **Being Real in Preaching and Online**: Ian shares how embracing authenticity in both sermons and social media can create deep, transparent connections with your audience. **The Role of Technology in Ministry**: Learn how Ian uses tech strategically to spread the gospel and make meaningful daily deposits in the lives of his congregation and family. **Adapting to Change in Church Leadership**: Hear Ian's perspective on empowering decision-making and staying relevant with digital trends in church leadership. What do you think? Share your ideas below 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 survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.

The Challenges of Innovating in Church Culture

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

EP285 - Quintin McGrath & The Ethics Around Sora, Text-to-Video AI

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 16:00:00 GMT

In this conversation, Jeff Reed and Quintin McGrath discuss the ethical implications of OpenAI's Sora, a text-to-video technology. They explore the capabilities of Sora and its potential for creative expression. However, they also delve into the negative aspects, such as the potential for bias and the creation of deep fakes. They emphasize the importance of setting ethical boundaries and being transparent about intentions. The conversation raises concerns about trust in organizations that draw the lines and the need for permissions to prevent personal violations. The conversation explores the embedding of AI in video, ethical considerations in AI-generated education, using AI with critical thinking, practical applications of Sora in the church, other aspects of AI to consider, and driving AI towards positive outcomes.

Takeaways

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Quintin McGrath
AI Ethics Expert

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One Way to Serve Your Online Community

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of ways you can serve your online community. In today's episode, Sly King comes on and shares about how his Church is planning on serving their online community (and in-person community, as well). And, how that is leading to some great discipleship opportunities. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? What other ways you can serve your online community? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. Sly is an amazing resource for Online Ministry! To connect with him, check him out on Twitter or email him. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital

Discover New Depths in Discipleship

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:31:00 GMT

5 Online Ministry Insights from February 2024

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Love is in the air. While the month of February is a bit colder and chilly, it is also hot as it's the month of love and romance. And we, at the Church Digital, shared a lot to love this month. To help you keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings, The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs had a bunch we loved to share in regards to all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from February 2024

The POTENTIAL of the Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro has just been released. What stands out about it and how can you possibly use it for ministry purposes? And, how does Augmented Reality work, especially for ministry? Andy and Jeff talk about it and much more in this podcast episode .

WHO and WHAT to Look for in a Metaverse Leader

Are you fascinated by the metaverse and think there is a potential to do ministry there for your Church? If so, you aren't wrong! People are still having spiritual conversations in the Metaverse. So, there is a lot of opportunities there. But who should you look for in a Metaverse Ministry Leader and what qualities should they have. Stuart breaks that down in a blog post here .

Share GOD'S LOVE beyond Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a great time of year to share God's love. In fact, in this blog post , Tom highlights many different ways you can do that. However, sharing God's love shouldn't be just limited to just one month of the year. Use the list highlighted to share God's love digitally throughout the year.

It's NOT too late to GET STARTED With YouTube

Stats show that YouTube is a platform that all generations gravitate to. That makes it a tremendous opportunity for your Church or ministry to start using. And, the great news is that you can still start using it. If you don't know how, here are some basics to help you get started utilizing YouTube to minister to your community.

The Intersection between Tech and Church CONTINUES to Combine

Jeff Reed brings. in Aaron Senneff to discuss the undulating relationship between technology and faith-based organizations. In particular, they talk about PushPay's " State of the Church Tech Report. " Hear their conversation and download's PushPay's report here .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP284 - Simon Diercks & German Digital Church Planting

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

TCD EP284: Digital Frontiers - A Conversation with Simon Diercks on German Digital Church Planting

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

The Path of Digital Discipleship

In the latest episode of The Church Digital (TCD) podcast, host Jeff Reed delves into the burgeoning world of digital church planting in Germany with his guest, Simon Diercks. Diercks, a pastor, programmer, and an avid ultra hiker, brings a unique perspective on spreading God's kingdom through the digital landscape.

Tapping into Technological Advancements

Through the podcast, which enjoys the support of Riverside, Jeff Reed highlights the power of remote interview software and the role AI plays in revolutionizing content creation and distribution - a tool that the church can leverage for its digital missions.

Ultra Hiking and Spiritual Journeys

Simon shares his passion for ultra hiking, reflecting on his extensive expeditions over 100 kilometers. He draws parallels between these physical and spiritual journeys, emphasizing the time one can spend with Jesus during these long treks and the benefits of not hurrying in prayer.

Digital Church Planting in Germany

Simon Diercks offers insights into the establishment of digital church networks in Germany, acknowledging the support of Jeff and the Church Digital podcast in this pioneering endeavor. The discussion touches on the need for contextualization and the significant impact of digital evangelization through social media and other digital platforms, especially amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hesitation and Hope for Digital Ecclesiology

The episode explores the dynamics of digital church and the varying degrees of hesitance among different denominations to embrace digital forms of church and discipleship. Nonetheless, both Jeff and Simon underscore the untapped potential in digital and virtual spaces for church engagement.

Beta Church - A New Model for Community

Beta Church,' a digital church plant, emerges as a focal point, designed to create a sense of community for those seeking Christian fellowship, including digital nomads and those disenchanted with traditional church models. This church operates through an app and accessible platforms like Zoom, addressing questions around digital sacraments and ecclesiology.

The Future of Faith in a Digital World

Simon illustrates the changing landscape of faith in Germany, with traditional church membership on the decline and the rise of non-Christian affiliations. He speaks of rediscovering and communicating Christianity in the country, learning from one another, and the importance of collaboration in kingdom-minded endeavors.

Lessons for Global Digital Missions

As TCD explores the intersection of technology and spirituality, Simon Diercks's experience in Germany offers valuable lessons for others considering digital church planting. His work demonstrates the potential for churches to extend their reach well beyond their physical capacity by embracing digital opportunities and cultivating innovative approaches to ministry in the 21st century.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Simon Diercks
Pastor, Beta Church

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How to Get Started with YouTube

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

As the world becomes increasingly digital, churches have an amazing opportunity to reach people with the hope and love of Christ online. While there are a lot of options out there, YouTube presents one of the best options. There are over 2 billion users which presents a huge mission field. With video content expected to make up over 80% of online content this year, establishing a YouTube channel for your Church should be a leading priority this year.

With the importance of investing in YouTube clear, how do you get started? What kind of content should you create and how do you share it with others? Here are some of the answers to those questions.

Getting Started

The first step is to set up an official YouTube account. Use an email associated with your church, one that isn't designated to one specific person. If you need to, make a general email address like "YouTube@(your Church name).com. That way, if that person ever leaves your Church, you don't have to change a bunch of things.

As you fill in the information, make sure to include important details like your church name, location, denomination, etc. in the description section. This helps distinguish your videos from the millions of others and makes them easier to find.

Next, think carefully about the exact purpose of your church’s YouTube channel. What will you use it for? Is it mainly for broadcasting services? Sharing small group content or children’s programming? Promoting upcoming events and announcements? Outreach in the local community and beyond? Having a clear vision will shape the type of content you prioritize posting.

Vary Your Content

With YouTube there are a variety of videos you can create. For instance, there are at least 16 different types of videos you can create. You can check out the list here .

Not only are there different types of videos you can create but you can create long form videos of 15 minutes or longer. You can create shorter form videos that max out at 60 seconds. Or, you can create videos that are somewhere in-between in length. It is good to have a variety of videos you create.

Production Tips

High quality videos don't alway guarantee high return. However, you should invest in decent video equipment so you can produce quality videos. For example, buying a good lighting system and microphone for audio are really important or viewers will quickly lose interest. Set up the camera on a tripod to keep footage steady. And be sure your background is appropriate and uncluttered.

Here are some equipment that is reasonably priced to help:

Share Your Content

Let your Church know that they can now access videos on your new YouTube channel for additional devotionals and spiritual encouragement throughout the week. Also, share links to best videos on your Church's other social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so that more people can discover your videos.

Consistency Matters

As with everything you do, consistency matters. By consistently posting quality content on a regularly, you build trust and familiarity with people and the YouTube algorithm appreciates it a lot, too. By consistently posting and gradually improving the value and quality of your videos, you’ll begin to see your subscribers, views, shares, and comments grow. Consistency shows commitment and reliability, reassuring people that follow you, they can depend on seeing your videos regularly appear. Sporadic posting tends to cause people to lose interest in subscribing to your channel.

Conclusion

Starting a successful YouTube channel for your church does involve an investment of time and effort. But, the potential to spread the Gospel and the power of Christ is well worth it. Just as missionaries travel to unfamiliar places to share about Christ, establishing an online video presence on YouTube creates the same feel as you cross into a digital divide to share Christ's love. The tips above should help launch an effective channel that glorifies God and draws many people to Christ.

What do you think? What are some other questions you have about YouTube? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Tech to Check On And/Or Update Before Easter Sunday

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Easter Sunday is one of the biggest and most important Church services of the year. That is why you have to make sure you have all your equipment ready and up-to-date. Churches rely heavily on audio and video systems, computer networks, and other tech to support services each Sunday. With Easter Sunday, it's even more important to make sure everything connection, cord and battery is ok. By doing regular tech check-ups before Easter, it allows for potential issues to be caught early before they escalate into larger problems.

So, what are some of key technical elements that your Church should check before Easter services:

Sound System. Test all the microphones, speakers, and audio inputs to ensure they are functioning properly and mixed accordingly. Check them to make sure none are buzzing, humming, or cutting out.

Video. Inspect the video projector for connections, focus and alignment. Cue up any special video elements to play properly on screens accordingly.

Lighting. Program and test special lighting cues, especially for any dramatic Easter productions you have scheduled. Ensure scene transitions are smooth.

Cameras. Clean the video camera lenses and confirm all shots are framed, focused, and properly white balanced.

Internet Connection. Internet connection can make or break your live stream. If you are a portable Church, having great internet is not always a guarantee. That is why you need to verify before Easter Sunday that you have sufficient upload and download speeds to handle the live streaming at heighten capacity.

Batteries. Batteries always go out at the worst, most inopportune time. That is why it's important to check and replace old batteries for wireless mics, in-ear monitors, and other tech requiring portable power. Also, bring plenty of spares.

Volunteers. Make sure all the tech volunteers and operators understand their roles and are prepared to run the tech for Easter worship.

Conclusion

Testing everything ahead of time allows the critical Easter messages and creative elements you have planned to shine without any tech distraction or disruption. Make sure you have consistent tech check-ups and upgrades as needed. They allow your Church and the different ministry to leverage the tools so that your all the great things you have planned for Easter goes off effectively and smoothly. The less disruptions, the more likely people are going to hear about the power and hope of Christ this Easter.

Maximizing Your Digital Missionary Impact on Facebook

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

People have a love hate relationship with Facebook. It is the most popular social media platform in the world with over. 3.03 billion monthly active users. However, people have soured over it over the years because of privacy concerns. However, recently, Facebook has been starting to have a comeback. More and more people are using it and it continues to be a place where people enjoy sharing about their life.

So what works on Facebook these days? How can you maximize your digital ministry efforts? Here are three tips for doing that today?

Think Relationships First

Above most other platforms, Facebook is about relationships. At least that was the intent when started. The people who are your "friends" are your friends and family. It is more of an intimate group you know and interact with than a lot of the other platforms. So people know you on the platform. That is why, before diving into spiritual matters, spend time interacting with your people. Comment on their posts, like and interact with their updates, and message them to carry on conversations. Before you can share about your faith and all that God has for people, you have to build up trust and earn the right to be heard with them.

Share Faith Related Posts

If you are going to be a Digital Missionary, you need to create and share faith based content and encouragement that connects with people. You can post reflections, stories, videos, devotionals as well as suggestions and encouragement for integrating biblical principles into parenting, work stress, financial decisions and more. Ask thoughtful questions and invite different perspectives. Be vulnerable and real as you can share about doubts and difficulties you've had that may help people identify with what they are going though. By applying God’s truth to real needs, you can introduce lots of people to how a relationship with Jesus helps you throughout life.

Utilize Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups are great ways for people to connect for real discussion. You can use these groups to host community conversations about applying God's word to your life and growing in faith. For instance, you can start a very general online Bible Study Group and have people discuss what they are learning. Or, you can get more specific by staring a group for parents or for reading a book together about faith. There are lots of different options you can do, but make sure you set clear guidelines upfront to keep discussions respectful. As with everything on social media, consistency is they key. Give regular prompts, pose thoughtful questions, highlight insightful responses, and guide loving yet truthful dialogue. Groups allow both private and public spaces to support people seeking Jesus and to grow in their faith.

Follow-Up

Sharing content and encouragement only goes so far. Follow up one-on-one when someone who engaged with one of your posts. Offer to pray for them or have do a zoom call where you can encourage them more.. You can also provide customized resources to questions and needs that they have shared with you. As you interact with people, hopefully they will encounter the sincere care and wisdom that comes from Jesus.

Conclusion

There is still a tremendous opportunity for ministry on Facebook. These are just a few considerations to think through to help you maximize your digital ministry efforts. How are you going to use Facebook in your ministry?

What do you think? What are other ways you can Maximize Facebook as a Digital Missionary? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP283 - Pushpay's Aaron Senneff on AI, Virtual Ministry, and Digital Communities

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

The Surging Intersection of Tech and Church: A Journey into Hybrid Worship and AI Ethics

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

Download Pushpay's State of the Church Tech Report - https://hub.pushpay.com/state-of-church-technology/

As the world embraces a more digitalized ethos, the church is no exception. In the Church Digital (TCD) podcast EP283, titled 'Aaron Senneff & Pushpay's State of the Church Tech Report,' host Jeff Reed and guest Aaron Senneff discussed the undulating relationship between technology and faith-based organizations. This comprehensive exploration of the episode offers us profound insights.

Tech Integration in Modern Worship

The conversation kicked off with a nod towards the increasingly pivotal role of technology in outreach and ministry. The integration of AI into church fabric isn't just about trendiness, but about enhancing ministerial outreach, as Senneff noted. Reed's astonishment at AI's effectiveness—from content creation to intricate tasks like fraud detection—underscored this revolutionary tide.

Ethical AI and the Role of Constraints

Ethical concerns surfaced as Reed and Senneff navigated the complexities of AI—especially its potential to erode copyright integrity and compromise data accuracy. Senneff highlighted the significance of training AI with clear constraints and vigilance, indicative of personal and organizational responsibility in innovating ethically.

Immersive Experiences and the Metaverse

The future is immersive, as Senneff illustrated, with spatial computing leaping ahead. While the metaverse offers friction-laden experiences today, its potential to weave seamless digital-religious communities is immense. Trust in tech giants like Apple to lead this charge was palpable, as they encapsulate the merger of digital and physical realms with fewer privacy concerns than counterparts like Meta.

Decoding the State of the Church Tech Report

Impressively, Pushpay’s State of the Church Tech Report served as a data beacon, outlining the technological adoption in thousands of churches. Key findings indicated a steadfast move towards hybrid worship models, a shift unlikely to revert. Senneff pointed out the survey's reflection of anxiety amidst church staff when contemplating tech ventures; yet, there's a daring will to experiment.

Facing an Asynchronous World

Reed and Senneff touched on the disruption of traditional schedules by an asynchronous world. The role of virtual services as a 'safe front door' encourages attendance and fosters digital communities. Still, the true impact of these asynchronous congregations remains a point of contemplation.

Building Asynchronous Communities

The duo shared an affirmative outlook on asynchronous community building. Here, tech like Discord is more than a messaging tool—it's a way to sustainably extend the reach of church communities beyond physical engagements.

Budget Concerns and Digital Expansion

A probing dialogue on budgets reflected the varied strategies church leaders adopt in tech investment. The discussion also unfurled around targeting services for differently-sized churches and the advent of digital-only churches—a testament to technology's deepening roots in spiritual domains.

Digital Communication as Community Pillars

As the episode unwound, the efficacy of digital tools like Slack and Discord stood out. They're not merely communication platforms but community pillars that enable seamless integration within the church ecosystem.

Facing the Digital Versus Physical Church Dilemma

Senneff and Reed grappled with the digital vs. physical church conundrum, exploring the pros and cons of each. They reflected on digital anonymity's impediments to communion and warned against the exacerbating epidemic of loneliness that technology can invite.

Technological Integration's Ethos

The episode concluded with a harmonious sentiment: embracing digital transformation in churches isn't just about keeping up with times but about deepening the outreach and community experience. Amidst all these technological forefronts and ethical quandaries, one thing is certain—the church's journey with tech is only going to escalate in complexity and significance.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Aaron Senneff
Chief Technical Officer, Pushpay

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

How to Run a Meeting Where Ideas Flow

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

As much as people don't like them, meetings have to happen. While people don't often like them, there are creative ways you can run a meeting that is positive and yields lots of great ideas. But how can you do that? Ben Stapley joins the podcast today to talk about it. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What are some other ways you can run meetings that yield lots of ideas? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Ben, check him out on Facebook or on Twitter. You can also check out his website as well. He is very active on social media so definitely him up if you have a question. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital

Who Should Lead A VR Ministry?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

I have been asked many times now, “Who is the right person to lead a VR ministry for our church?” And I get where the question is coming from. There is excitement behind the idea of leading a ministry in VR or bringing your existing church into the VR spaces. There is excitement over the idea of reaching the unreached and advancing God’s kingdom all over the world. But, who is the right person to lead the charge?

I primarily get this question from Senior Pastors of existing Churches, or listeners from the Metaverse Church Podcast . They press into the excitement, they see the need, and potential, but they also feel they are not the right person to lead the charge in this arena. And, honestly? VR ministry isn’t for everyone. It is a scary unknown new frontier for the Church to be pressing into, and yet, so much is at stake if the church doesn’t adopt it, and get the right person for task.

Now, hear me out. When I got invited into this crazy adventure known as VR ministry, I would have told you I was not the guy for the task. I’m not a gamer, like at all! I can’t emphasize that enough. And, when I got introduced to the concept of “Virtual Reality Church” it was the dumbest thing I had ever heard of. That alone tells you that the right person for this isn’t necessarily someone who spends a lot of time playing video games, and it might not even be someone familiar with the metaverse.

What and Who to Consider

But, before I give you my thoughts on who that right person might be to lead a VR ministry, let me give you somethings to consider and watch out for as you look for your “ who. ”

So, who is the right person to lead a VR ministry? Well, I think it’s easier to decipher that than you may think.

The person I think you are looking for is the person who all they want to do is know Jesus and make Jesus known. This is the person that it doesn’t matter where you put them, they can’t help but get into a Jesus conversation with someone, because all that matters to them is letting people know there is a God who is for them and not against them.

Conclusion

Do you know someone like that? I bet you do!

My advice to you, if you are looking to launch your own VR ministry, is to invite this person into that opportunity to advance the Kingdom into a space that will have a global impact. Let them know of the hurt and hopelessness, and also the potential that is found in VR, and why it is in desperate need to have the darkness turned off with the light of Jesus. They might be hesitant at first, but once they see what you see, they too will know they were the who you were looking for.

What do you think? Do you know someone who should be leading VR ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Interested in learning more about bringing your Church into VR? Reach out to Stuart HERE !

Using Online Groups to Reach Your Community this Easter

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

It's Easter season! It is one of the most powerful seasons of the year for Churches. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ stands out as history’s defining moment. It's one filled with power to bring salvation to all seeking true hope and purpose. That is why each Easter presents a pivotal opportunity to help friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors encounter the risen Savior.

Often times during the Easter season, Churches work diligently to host special outreach events and services. While those are good to do, there is one way to help people really experience the hope of Christ during the season. That is through Online Bible Studies and Groups. By encouraging members of your Church to start these groups, it empowers them to reach their friends and it makes it increases the chances that a friend would accept an offer since is from someone they know, trust and respect. After all, a heartfelt invitation from someone they know and trust goes a long way.

But why online groups and Bible studies? Why not invite them to a home or Church gathering? The simple reasons why is because online groups are easy entry points for people to do. People are more likely to accept an invite to something on their phone in which they can do the reading at any time rather than show up a someones house or Church when they wouldn't normally do that. And, it is an easy entry point for a Group Leader. With an Online Bible Study you are reading and facilitating discussion. You don't have to get your house ready for people to come over and get food prepared. These groups are creative, easily accessible, short, and interactive.

Examples of Easter Groups

Here are examples of different Online Groups you can start this Easter.

Conclusion

This Easter season, use online Bible studies to help shine the light of Christ to other that will spark hope and life transformation. There is power during this time of year and peoples lives can be transformed by the power of Christ. So, as your church gears up with special programming and services for Easter, make sure you encourage people at lead and get involved in an Online Bible Study this year.

EP282: Andy Mage & The Apple Vision Pro

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 21:27:00 GMT

The Future of Tech and Church: Augmented Dreams and Community Realities

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

Understanding Apple's Vision Pro Impact

The recent episode of the Church Digital Podcast (TCD) dove into a technology that could revolutionize not just everyday life but also the workings of the church. Host Jeff Reed and operations director Andy Mage engaged in a lively conversation about the newly released Apple Vision Pro. Priced at $3,500, the device showcases advances in augmented and virtual reality, potentially shaping our workspaces, communities, and how we experience the church digitally.

When Augmented Meets Reality

The episode was both a technophile's delight and a deep dive into the implications of AR in our society. As the discussion unfolded, the two outlined the pros and cons of integrating such advanced technology into our daily routines. The potential distractions and the possible hazard of users becoming too engrossed in their augmented universes were weighed against the seamless and immersive experience the device offers.

A Church Digital in Augmented Reality

The Apple Vision Pro, running on Vision OS, has evidently piqued Jeff's interest, especially considering the long-term impact AR might have over VR. The podcast explored the cultural shift that this technology might beckon, particularly for the church, keeping in mind how such devices might alter attendance and engagement during online services.

A New Stage for Faith and Community Building

Andy emphasized the need for using technological tools judiciously within the church setting, balancing the allure of tech with the focus required to understand God's word. Jeff shared insights into a future where AR might help bridge distances, enabling a level of closeness and shared experience unheard of before.

The Takeaway

Overall, the conversation was an intricate blend of marveling at technological advancements and cautiously assessing their implications for community and spirituality. The episode ended with nods to the importance of adopting new tools for church benefit, signaling a convergence of faith and innovation poised to redefine ecclesiastical spaces in the digital age.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Andy Mage
Operations Director, The Church Digital

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

The Hybrid Disciple Returns for Season 2

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 11:29:00 GMT

Ashley and Andy are BACK.

Get ready to unplug and recharge your faith (literally and figuratively) because The Hybrid Disciple is back! Season 2 of your favorite podcast exploring the intersection of digital and physical discipleship premieres Tuesday, February 13th, and we can't wait to embark on this journey with you.

Remember how we told you were going to be bringing interviews with influencers in the faith, discipleship, and tech realm? Buckle up, because we're diving deeper into the complexities of navigating faith in a tech-driven world.

What can you expect in Season 2?

Whether you're a digital native yearning for authentic connection or a seasoned churchgoer curious about the possibilities of technology, The Hybrid Disciple has something for you. Join us as we:

Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to live your faith in a hybrid world.

Subscribe to The Hybrid Disciple wherever you listen to podcasts and follow us on social media for updates, exclusive content, and more!

We can't wait to connect with you on this journey!

Have a burning question about digital discipleship? Share it in the comments below and we might address it in an upcoming episode!

Sharing God's Love Digitally Around Valentine's Day

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

With Valentine's Day sparking conversations about romantic love along with the prevalent cultural baggage that entails, it holds great opportunities for Digital Missionaries, as well. With the season of love upon us, digital missionaries have a great opportunity to enter into a dialogue about longing, heartbreak, identity, and intimacy - shining light on truths of God, which liberates.

Practical Ideas of Sharing God's Love Digitally

So, what can Digital Missionaries do during the Valentine season to share God's love to others:

Valentine's Day can be really cheesy. Resist the urge to share cheesy taglines like "Jesus is my Valentine" and share practical and encouraging insights, questions and thoughts that point people to Jesus.

Conclusion

Like many holidays and special events, Valentine's Day can be a great opportunity for Digital Missionaries. By sharing powerful of love, reconciliation, forgiveness of betrayals, and commitment through trials, we not only share how God embodies all of these but it also provides current examples of God's love in action through people today.

What do you think? What else can you do digitally to show God's love to others around Valentine's Day? Share your ideas below or on social media.

The Power of Asking Questions

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

From a very young age you are encouraged to ask questions. Whether you are processing something that has happened or a thought, you are always encouraged to ask who, what, when, where, why and how. Asking those questions will help you solve the problem or learn more. Asking questions is powerful at a young age as you are growing up and it is powerful in ministry, as a Digital Missionary.

As a Digital Missionary, you use online tools and social media to engage and interact with people all over the world. And while many people are looking into faith and spiritual matters, many people today aren’t primarily looking for preaching or lectures. They are looking for genuine dialogue and discussion. After all, even though today's world is increasingly non-christian, people do have faith-based questions. They are looking for these answers online and that is why asking questions of people online and on social media can be a very powerful way to engage others.

Asking questions creates space for dialogue and conversation rather than a one-sided lecture or teaching. It signals that you value the other person and want to understand their perspective without judgment. Asking good questions help people uncover truth at their own pace rather than rushing them to make a decision about a certain topic. Asking questions can disarm hearts in a unique way that opens doors for God to work in their lives.

Examples:

Here are some thought-provoking questions digital missionaries can ask on social media to spark meaningful spiritual conversations:

These are just some questions you can ask. There are more that will stir up conversation.

Conclusion

As a Digital Missionary, resist the urge to be an instant expert. People do not want answers from the know it all. Rather, they want to process their questions with someone who is humble and relatable. They want to have meaningful spiritual conversations, not be lectured to. That is why it is important to ask questions to help you understand what they are really searching for. The more you can ask questions, the more likely you are going to be able to engage someone in a meaning, spiritual conversation and help them in their faith journey.

EP281: Barbara Carneiro, Generational Communications, and Targeted Audience

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Navigating Generational Conversations in Your Church's Digital Mission: The Secret to Effective Communication Lies in Understanding Your Audience

Understanding Generational Preferences

In an ever-evolving church landscape, it’s crucial to understand who we are communicating with. Barbara Carneiro, CEO of Word Revolution, articulates the importance of specificity in content curation. Catering to different generations isn't just wise; it's essential. She eloquently breaks down generational categories into four Cs: contributors (boomers), consumers (Gen Xers), collaborators (millennials), and curators (Gen Zs). These categories reflect distinct worldviews shaped by diverse upbringings. Grasping these nuances can transform the way your church reaches out to each group.

The Transformative Power of Simplification

Jeff Reed, host of TCD, together with Carneiro, advocates for targeted communication over broad attempts. This strategic approach echoes through their conversation, highlighting the need for churches to harness the power of simplification. By narrowing down focus and understanding key human desires—whether it's hope, belonging, or truth—churches can craft curated paths of communication that resonate more profoundly with their intended audiences.

Barbara Carneiro's Impact on The Church Digital

In the wake of technological advancements, Carneiro’s influence on the digital presence of the church has been pivotal. Reed’s initial resistance to change a logo for a younger audience underscores Carneiro's insight into generation-specific appeals. She underscores the need for churches to understand the shift from the information age to the engagement and now curation age, where trust is the new currency.

Trust, Technology, and Curation

Carneiro's perspective on technology and trust is enlightening. She emphasizes how today’s listeners seek curators to help filter the overwhelming tide of information. Her comments on short videos as the primary communication channel for Gen Z also reflect a deep understanding of current trends. For churches, this means being intentional about the platforms and messages they use to connect with different generations.

The Challenge and Opportunity with Tailored Communications

This episode sets the stage for churches to contemplate the benefits and challenges that come with personalized communication. Reed’s enthusiasm for further conversation on this topic suggests a future deep dive into the subject. In a nutshell, the podcast EP281 of TCD provides a wellspring of innovation and a call to action for churches to learn about their audiences and tailor their messages accordingly.

Conclusion: The Path to Effective Church Communication

Carefully targeting your audience with generational understanding and simplification can revolutionize your church's outreach. Let TCD be the guidepost on this journey through the digital mission field, helping your church navigate the complexities of audience-specific messaging.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Barbara Carneiro
CEO, Word Revolution

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

How to Get Out of a Funk

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Whether it is a work related one or personal one, we have all been in funks before. And while we have all been in them, it doens't mean we have to stay in them. Today, Cory Sullivan joins me on the podcast to talk about some very practical steps you can take to get out of that funk. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you do when you are in funk? How do you get out of it? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. Cory is a great resource and you can find him blogging here. You can also follow him on Instagram here. He's a great resource so hit him up and pick his brain. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital

5 Online Ministry Insights from January 2024

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

A new year brings tons of new opportunities. It also provides some great new resources and tools to help you minister to others online and digitally. With all that is happening, it can be hard to keep up with all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings. That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from January 2024

New Tech HIGHLIGHTS from CES

The Consumer Electric Show (CES) happens every year in January. It highlights new and advancements in tech that is being worked on and going to be released upcoming. A lot of the major tech brands are there. This year, there were a variety of advancements and updates. Here are the highlights and how they apply to your ministry today.

Impact is STILL HAPPENING in VR

VR and the Metaverse was very much talked about when Meta announced a huge investment in 2022. Not only did it create a lot of excitement in the business world, but it also created a new mission field for ministers. However, over the past year, that momentum and energy has wained. Despite this, ministry and life change is still happening. See why your Church should continue to invest in VR.

There are lots of DIGITAL MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES this Winter

The winter months can sometimes mess up traditional ministry opportunities. After all, inclement weather can wreck havoc with the best of plans. However, with digital ministry, there are still lots of different opportunities to minister to your local and online community. See how in this blog post .

Practical Anxiety that helps ALLEVIATE Anxiety

Many people struggle with anxiety. So, how can you overcome and alleviate it? Andy and Megan tackle the complexities of anxiety and its impact on daily life with some very practical help and insights. Check it out in this podcast.

AI is IMPACTING the Church

What do you get when you put 2 of the world's foremost Digital Church Futurists together? You get an amazing conversation about AI and the impact it is having on the Church and will continue to have. Jeff Reed and Kenny Jahng have a great conversation that you will surely want to listen to.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

What do you think? What else can you do digitally to show God's love to others around Valentine's Day? Share your ideas below or on social media.

AI Will Change the World, But it Shouldn't Touch the Church

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Recently, Adam Bourg posted on his personal blog a response to Eric Swanson post about Chat CPT. Both Eric and Jeff Reed shared about AI recently and it has led to great discussion. Adam's post is below. You can find Eric's post here and Jeff's post here .

I’m Christian and I believe in Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. Apart from him you cannot be saved. In my friend group, I’m known as the edgey, loud mouth, Christian guy who is obessed with AI, Coffee and Food. Something I 1000% do not agree with or believe in is that Christians and Pastors, especially, can and should use AI to write their sermons. Why? It takes away the authenticity of the Gospel and the authenticity of your preaching. I say, let all that you preach and teach be God inspired, God led and written by your hands, leaning on the Lord for his guidence. Pastors shouldn’t take the lazy way out of teaching, buying sermons and using AI to write them is plain wrong. Why? In Revelation, 22:18-19 it says “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book.”.

But how can AI take away or add to the scriptures? AI’s can “hallucinate” or another way of saying MAKE STUFF UP . I’m telling you friends, brothers and sisters in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit please do not allow your laziness to crowd your good judgement and good sense.

Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20 to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”. Jesus never says to be lazy, Jesus never asks us to take the easy way out. He commands us to go and make disciples. Discipleship is messy, hard work that cannot be replaced with an AI. Teaching is personal. One on one. People to people.

AI is just a tool!!!! Psalm 14:1 “The fool says in his heart: ‘There is no God.’.” Don’t be a fool friends. Don’t let our sworn enemy into our camp. Do you think AI will stop with text generation? AI’s can clone your voice , send and receive millions of calls per day , produce realistic video . Re-writing the words of the Gospel? Easy. Re-record the audio of the bible to censor out the truth? No problem. What is truth anyways? Re-write the entire bible, in a more sanitized version? Already being done my friends, PETA (Not People eating tasty animals) is already re-writing Gensis .

I remember long ago, my Mom talking about Revelation 13:15, where John is saying that the beast “was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed”. With AI, the question is no longer how can Satan give voice and sight to images, but when. When will he use the technology we have built to rule the world?

The world is filled with fake news, but take heart my friends for Jesus is the same, yesterday, today and forever. The word of God is unchanging and unmoving. He is coming soon. Get ready!

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP280: Crisis, Trauma, and Digital Ministry

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 21:14:00 GMT

In digital spaces where the need is significant, the theological and pastoral landscapes of churches are expanding beyond the physical realm. EP280 of the TCD podcast, hosted by Jeff Reed, features a conversation that weaves together crisis, trauma, and digital ministry, presenting an intersection often underserved in theological discussions.

Recognizing Trauma in Digital Ministry

Trauma comes in many forms, and it's no stranger to the digital realm. Megan Carter and Stacy Knapp stress the importance of understanding trauma's manifestation through behavior changes, communication patterns, and emotional flatness, among other signs.

The Heart of Empathy

Empathy and humble listening are paramount. It's vital that ministers resist the inclination to be 'fixers' or to downplay experiences. Instead, they should seek to understand the person's story and provide a connection to the appropriate care.

Protecting Pastors and Volunteers

The podcast doesn't shy away from the burnout ministers face. Megan Carter introduces the concept of 'compassion fatigue,' highlighting the need for self-care strategies that go beyond clichés. Self-care isn't a solo endeavor—Megan and Stacy advocate for creating support networks that offer reciprocal understanding and aid.

Training and Awareness

There is a continuous call for training and resources, crafting a trauma-informed congregation, and a leadership that can navigate the digital waters with a shepherd's care. Equipping volunteers with the right tools and awareness not only strengthens the church's support structure but also enriches the spiritual health of the community.

Digital Ministry: A Space of Hope

Echoing throughout the conversation is the role of digital ministry as a sanctum for those who might struggle with conventional church settings. Advocating for digital spaces to be just as robust in relational and emotional support as physical congregations, the guests touch on the power of technology to bridge gaps and provide solace.

Ministry in the digital age isn't exempt from the trials of human experience. Instead, it gifts an opportunity to extend empathy across pixels and bytes—a mission both restorative and reflective of Christ's love.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Megan Carter
Next Steps Pastor, First Capital Christian/Church Anywhere

Guest: Stacy Knapp
Chaplain, Digital Crisis Coach

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

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Unlocking Anxiety Management: Navigations and Narratives

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

In this enlightening episode of From Text To Testimony, Andy and Megan tackle the complexities of anxiety and its impact on daily life. Tune in for practical advice, personal experiences, and professional insights into managing this prevalent condition. Discover why our frontal lobe's development impacts decision-making and how life transitions can heighten anxiety. Learn about the challenges digital ministry responders face with anxiety and the innovative use of AI tools for role-playing conversations. Explore personalized strategies for managing anxiety, including professional help, medication, and unique treatment plans. Hear about practical methods beyond medication to help alleviate anxiety, with tips ranging from the "54321" technique to self-care practices. Gain insights into the importance of creating safe spaces for discussions on mental health and how to connect individuals with the resources they need. This episode is brought to you by Gloo: YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. Connect to people, partners, content, funding opportunities, and more—to help you achieve your goals and change more lives. SIGN UP FOR FREE. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

Why Churches Should Invest in Short-Form Videos

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Short-form video is all the rage, not just now, but for a number of years. Whether it is TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, all those platforms are encouraging creators to create these 60 second videos and making sure people see them.

What are short-form videos? Short-form videos are videos ranging from 5 to 60 seconds, recorded vertically, rather than horizontally like long-form videos. They are intended to be quick, easily digestible videos for people scrolling through social media to watch and be entertained or encouraged. TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are the most popular platforms for these videos to appear on.

Because of their popularity, creating short-form video content is increasingly important for churches to utilize. While long sermon videos and other longer form content will always have their place in your content strategy, creating these bite-sized videos for social media allows your Church to share encouragement to a growing number of people. For example, you can share verses, short devotional thoughts, key quotes, sermon highlights, and worship clips, just to name a few ideas.

The great thing about these short-form videos is that they do not need to be well produced videos. During the covid pandemic, when TikTok became very popular, it showed us that you don't have to have all the right lighting or sound equipment to produce videos that connected with people. People wanted authenticity and someone they could relate to.

Stats to Support Short Form Video Investment

Conclusion

The possibilities become endless for utilizing these short-form videos across the various platforms. You could use it for outreach, connection, encouragement, and testimonies just to name a few. Sharing these short messages or encouragement into these easily consumable videos, it can be just the right thing people need for that day. Prayerfully consider how you can implement a short-form video strategy to help you reach people for Christ as these platforms continue to grow.

What do you think? What are some other short-form video ideas you can create? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Why The Church Shouldn’t Abandon VR Technology

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

For nearly 3 years I have been pastoring a Church in Virtual Reality, and in that time there have been many wins for the Kingdom of God. People have received prayer. Hard questions have been answered. Lives have been impacted for eternity.

VR ministry had a spike in interest due to COVID-19, and Churches like Life.Church launching their metaverse campus. Then in October 2021, you had the move by Mark Zuckerberg to change the name of Facebook to Meta, as a signal to the world, the metaverse was the next great frontier.

Over two years later, Meta’s VR department continues to struggle, despite the billions of dollars the dump into it. Microsoft is scaling back its VR department , cutting millions of dollars from it. Apple, now in the pre-order stage for their Apple Vision Pro, has put more focus on mixed reality rather than virtual reality. Add on top of all of that, VR headset sells were down nearly 40% in 2023 .

VR technology seems to be in a downward spiral, and many churches appear to be abandoning the once popular craze. But, is it time for the Church to abandon VR?

Here is a list of 5 reasons why the Church shouldn’t abandon VR:

Incorporating virtual reality technology allows churches to remain inclusive, innovative, and adaptable, ensuring they can connect with and serve a diverse and evolving congregation.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there are still close to 200 million VR users who enter into the metaverse on a weekly basis. Many of whom are unaware of the good news of Jesus Christ. I strongly suggest, now is not the time for the Church to abandon VR, but determine how it can and should be incorporated to fit the mission of each individual church for the sake of advancing God’s Kingdom and reaching the lost.

What do you think? What are other reasons you have about why the Church shouldn't abandon VR? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Interested in learning more about bringing your Church into VR? Reach out to Stuart HERE !

EP279: Evan Connelly, Intercom.com, and Chat 2.0 for Churches

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Leveraging Live Chat for Enhanced Church Connection Creating Community Through Digital Ministry

The recent episode of TCD podcast EPA 279 featured Evan Connelly from Lighthouse Church, who shared insights into utilizing live chat as a tool to foster community within the church. The use of Intercom.com , a platform typically used for customer service, has been repurposed by Lighthouse Church to create personal connections between pastors and the congregation, both online and in-person.

Digital Tools in Post-COVID Era

Host Jeff Reed and Evan Connelly delved into the challenge of some churches devaluing digital tools post-COVID. However, their conversation highlighted the success of live chat, showcasing the church's services beyond expectation, building a sense of belonging for onsite and online attendees alike.

Buy-In from Diverse Ministries

The commitment to fast response times and substantial engagement was central to the discussion. Lighthouse Church has managed to get a variety of staff, including pastors, elders, and directors, bought into the idea of live chat. They achieved this through regular team meetings, recognizing and rewarding good performance, and fostering collaborative environments.

Inclusive Digital Ministry for Introverts

Acknowledging ministry's psychological effects, both Reed and Connelly, self-confessed introverts, discussed how digital ministry is particularly suitable for individuals like them. It allows for interactions that might be more draining in person to be manageable and even enjoyable in a digital space.

Expanding the Scope

Lighthouse Church's chat, developed during COVID, demonstrates an understanding of digital space as an opportunity for accessibility and support. By integrating platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google Business, the church has created a unified communication hub that allows swift responses and personalized connections.

Continued Innovation and Accessibility

Evan expressed the church's future goals, focusing on improving response times and increased awareness of their chat platform. The desire for continued innovation emphasizes the significance of adaptability and the potential of integrating new technologies for ministry purposes.

Conclusion

The conversation at TCD podcast shed light on the value of incorporating live chat into church ministries. It suggests a progressive trend where churches can develop deeper connections with their community, resonating with the needs of a modern congregation.

Timecode

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Guest: Kenny Jahng
Online Campus Director, Lighthouse Church

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

How to Reach More People for Christ through Podcasts

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Podcasts are a very popular form of media that people like to consume. And, there are a wide variety of podcasts out there. But, when it comes to Churches, the main podcast out there are sermon audio. That is there podcast. Well, today, Justin Herman, the Online Pastor from Mariner's Church in California comes on the podcast to talk about what they are doing, but also to offer other ideas for Churches to podcast about. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What are some other podcast ideas are out there for Churches to do? Share below or on Twitter/X by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Justin, there are a few places you can connect with him. Digital Coffee Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Get help with Your Church's Podcast with Podcast Cool 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital.

3 Ministry Takeaways from CES 2024

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Every January the worlds biggest brands come together to reveal breakthroughs in technology in what is known as CES (Consumer Electric Show). This is the place where technology’s sharpest minds unveil their latest releases and breakthrough products. It is often the first chance consumers get to see what companies are working on and getting read to release first hand.

With technology changing and adapting at a rapid speed, what is highlighted at CES is always a great way to catch up with both major changes and updates and even minor ones. Here are some of the products released during CES 2024 and their ministry implications.

Drivers Manuals being Replaced

Drivers manuals are in every new car and they outline the basics about that particular car so that the car owner can get to know their car best. If we are honest, in this online world we are living in, they are pretty outdated source of help. How many people will google a question about a car issue rather than look it up in a 2-300 page driver's manual? Well, this year, at CES, Amazon and BMW, may have found a great solution for this. They announced a partnership where they are replacing the driver's manual with AI. This makes perfect sense because, let's be honest, cars are becoming more and more tech based. And, with AI, more people will probably check out issues with their car more so than looking up an outdated paper manual. And, they can do other functions with it as well. Here is a video demo of what it would look like.

Ministry Takeaway: What old content do you have that needs to be digitized? Could you update your old and beaten up hymnals with digital copies of the songs you are singing that week. Or, like many Churches now, project them up on a screen. Could you replace your paper connection cards with a QR code that people can scan? If we update our old content, maybe more people may use it and find it useful.

Foldable Monitors

We have heard a lot about foldable phones these days, but have you heard about foldable monitors? At CES 2024, ASUS announced the ZenScreen Fold, which the company's claims is the world’s first foldable OLED portable monitor. While it is just 17.3 inches across, it comes with a carrying case to help transport it around. The biggest con to this monitor is the price. It costs $2,000. Find out more about it here .

Ministry Takeaway: Monitors are hard to carry around and they can be clunky to set up. Having a monitor that you can easily move (it folds and comes with a carrying bag) and can be adjusted to fit tight spaces. If you can afford it, it would be nice to have and use.

Further Advancements

Just like smartphone development slowing over the years, there hasn't been a ton of major advancements like there used to be. A lot of it is increasing performance and speed. But, there are other advancements as well. For instance, you can check out this.dual-screen notebook like this year's ZenBook Duo . It is really impressive. Also, there is the LG Signature OLED T TV that is a 77 in transparent screen that is the first one to be sold to consumers. And lastly, there is cool tech that is a little retro that is an iPhone case with a physical keyboard that got released. Find out some of the other cool gadgets that are out there right now that you can buy now here .

Ministry Takeaway: Every year there are advancements in technology. Some of these new advancements may be just perfect for you and some may not be. One thing to consider for your ministry is that while some of these new products are just being released and fairly expensive, they will ultimately come down in price as more and more companies make these and the technology advances. So, be on the lookout for what fits your ministry currently but also something that may be a great add to your ministry in a few years.

Conclusion

Technology continues to advance. Some are major advancements and some are minor advancements. As technology advances, there will be new ways for ministries to use that technology to help create environments for people to hear about God and be transformed. Highlighted above are just a sampling of what got shared and remember that for everything that got shared, there are tons of products being worked on right now that didn't get shared, but will be released later this year. Keep praying to God to see where He leads you as you adapt new technology for His purposes.

What do you think? What are other takeaways from CES 2024? Share your ideas below or on social media.

ChatGPT: 'If you love it so much, why don’t you marry it?'

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Recently, Eric Swanson posted on his personal Facebook page about Chat CPT and how faith leaders should respond to it. It is something that all Church leaders should hear as they look how to use AI. Here is what he shared.

You didn’t see that question coming, did you? It’s sort of a head nod to Chris Farley and Paul Rubens but the question will be addressed a minute or so into this essay. Yes, you’ve read a bit about ChatGPT and I have to admit, I’m a bit infatuated with ChatGPT…but that’s for later. Even so, a bit of review is in order.

The legendary football coach would begin the season’s first practice with Green Bay Packers by saying, “Gentlemen, this is a football.” So, what is ChatGPT? “Gentlemen and gentlewomen, this is ChatGPT:

But now it’s time to take the field.

ChatGPT was shot out of a canon.

No technological innovation has launched with such market velocity as ChatGPT. Within five days of its release on November 30, 2022, ChatGPT had one million users. Within ten weeks ChatGPT had acquired its first 100 million users, something that took Facebook 4.5 years, Instagram 2.5 years and Google almost one year to achieve ( source ). Yet we are still on DAY ONE in its adoption. According to a Pew study released at the end of August, 2023 only 18 percent of U.S. adults have tried ChatGPT, limiting their use primarily for entertainment (20%) followed by learning (19%) with a 16 percent sliver using this tool for work tasks. According to Pew data, less than 20 percent of “employed adults aware of ChatGPT believe it will have a significant impact” ( source ).

Where does ChatGPT get its information?

Boy, that’s a good question. So, I asked ChatGPT for the publicly available sources of data that it accessed. Prompt: “Can you give me fifteen examples of publicly available sources that feed your wealth of knowledge?” The answer was fascinating. The first source was “billions of web pages” followed by Wikipedia and ending with MIT OpenCourseWare with a myriad of interesting sources in between.

Just how “smart” is ChatGPT?

Let’s start with an analogy. Remember the line in the movie Ghostbusters where Dr. Egon Spengler was trying to describe the looming peril of biblical proportions facing New York City? Egon says, “Well, let's say this Twinkie represents the normal amount of psychokinetic energy in the New York area. Based on this morning's reading, it would be a Twinkie thirty-five feet long, weighing approximately six hundred pounds,” to which his ghost-busting counterpart, Winston Zeddimore responds, “That’s a big Twinkie!”

So, if a Twinkie represented the intellectual capacity of an average pastor, ChatGPT is that 600 pound Twinkie! With such a storehouse of knowledge Chat GPT has breezed through the standard qualifying exams like the SATs, MCATs, the MBA Exam, the Uniform Bar Exam, the U.S. Medical License Exam. It is thoroughly adept at generating human-like conversations, composing or summarizing essays and research reports. It can write complex code, create graphs and charts, read and summarize emails, write clever poems and can even compose songs and melodies. It can translate into or from nearly one-hundred languages. It solves complicated problems and can generate ideas for new products that have several times more potential than those proposed by some of the brightest college students ( source ).

For pastors, needing help in sermon preparation, ChatGPT boasts that it can do everything from being your research assistant to creating discussion questions based on your sermon. It also seems to know pastors so well that it anticipates your objections to such shortcuts and adds this disclaimer. “While ChatGPT can be a valuable tool, it should complement a pastor’s own study, prayer, and discernment, as it is not a substitute for the spiritual guidance required in sermon preparation.” Good catch ChatGPT!

AI is coming to the church whether we want it to…or not

You might cringe at the thought of doing such a thing today but in June of 2023, the first AI generated sermon was given to 300 eager congregants in a church in Fürth, Germany. Like Samuel B. Morse’s first words transmitted over the telegraph, (“What hath God wrought?”) the figure on the screen spoke clearly. “Dear friends, it is an honor for me to stand here and preach to you as the first artificial intelligence at this year’s convention of Protestants in Germany” ( source ). History was made. Two weeks later a couple in Morrison Colorado, who unsurpringly met online, legally tied the knot in a marriage ceremony officiated by…you guessed it, an AI officiant ( source ). This couple apparently didn’t love ChatGPT enough to marry it, but they did love it so much it asked ChatGPT marry them! In another stream of faith..." ( source ).

Using AI as a multiplier of your effort

AI can produce a massive amount of value for a minimum effort. AI is the “elegant solution” that engineers dream of—a maximum return for a minimum of effort. If “value” is the difference between the cost of creating something and the benefit of that creation then ChatGPT could be the ultimate value creator of all time. But won’t ChatGPT displace workers? Of course it will but think of this differently. When one engineer can do the work of 10 engineers surely the other nine engineers can also do the work of nine other engineers and more and more value is created collectively at a lesser cost. AI dramatically reduces the time and cost of creative production. So, if currently you are spending 20 hours a week in sermon preparation, and with ChatGPT you could reduce that time to 15 hours. What might you do with those extra 5 hours a week to make life better for someone else? What if you tasked your team to figure out ways ChatGPT could save them 8 hours a week and then use those 8 hours, not to do more church work but to actually meet with people in your church and make disciples? Life’s getting better already.

Is AI leading us into a worse or more hopeful future?

That’s what you really want to know isn’t it? ChatGPT is goal-oriented but lacks a moral compass. It simply uses available input to guess what comes next based on the massive amounts of pre-trained data it has access to. As our pocket-protector wearing friends like to say with a smile, “Garbage In, Garbage Out. GIGO!” Now get this, at the turn of the last century knowledge doubled about every hundred years. In 1949 knowledge was doubling roughly every 25 years. So having a set of Encyclopedias and maybe a subscription to National Geographic was a solid investment. Today knowledge doubles at least every day ( source ). So, if you believe that people are getting more and more evil and if more and more people are adding false information to the knowledge base, the pot of AI soup will need a lot of more straining. (If you want to read one possible scenario of the future, read the Prelude of Life 3.0 by Max Tegmark on the Read Sample Section on Amazon (then buy the book or Audible version. It is so worth it). It was seemingly so prescient, I found myself thinking, huh…so this is how it ends.

Don’t be purposefully stupid

Don’t reinvent what’s already been discovered. Jesus put it this way: “Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor” (John 4:38). What can we do to reap the benefit of those horn-rimmed engineers, hunkered over their black-screened monitors who “have done the hard work?” Check out Isaiah 54:16: “See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work.” If God is the one who creates the skillful blacksmith, it’s not out of field goal range to say that he is also the one who is the source of technological advances. Luther knew that. He wrote, “Printing (the absolute cutting technology of the day) is the ultimate gift of God and the greatest one” ( source ). Luther built on what Gutenberg invented and voila! The Protestant Reformation.

“Warning Will Robinson”

If you want to see how folks thought about AI in 1966 go to Youtube and watch Lost In Space: "War of the Robots" Season 1 Episode 20. So good. All that to say that you should use ChatGPT with at least a bit of skepticism.

Our potential responses to ChatGPT

There are four ways to respond to the increasingly attractive ChatGPT.

So, in short, it's a no-go!” So, I guess the human race is safe for now.

What do you think? What stands out to you from your experiences with ChatGPT? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP278: Kenny Jahng, Bacon, and What's Next in AI?

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHURCH DIGITAL PODCAST

If you're enjoying this episode , subscribe for free using your favorite podcast app below:

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Kenny Jahng
Founder, AI for Church Leaders

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

How Your Digital Ministry Can Help Your Community This Winter

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

As temperatures drop and skies gray, many people naturally experience a drop in attitude as well. Shorter days and frigid weather often translate into fewer social interactions and physical activity. Seasonal depression is a very real thing as the winter season can really bring people down while also reawakening grief glossed over by the Christmas season..

With every season comes a new opportunity and this winter season, especially with students, seniors, and singles is no different, Churches can use digital ministry and tools to combat the potential winter blues.

Here are a few examples of what your Church's Digital Ministry can do this winter to support and encourage people.

Share Connection Ideas and Opportunities

Over the winter when people tend to stay indoors more because of the cold. Counter the tendency for people to disconnect by posting consistently on your social platforms (both Stories and Feed), emails and websites that encourages connection and get togethers. It could be an online or in person connection. Share pictures and posts of small groups gathered together, people having coffee or meeting up, ministry teams planning events that are getting ready to happen and other encouragement of how people can get connected during the winter months. Creating and sharing devotionals that encourage connectedness can also be very encouraging.

Share Mental Health Resources

With seasonal depression happening over the winter months, sharing some mental health resources or counseling support can help people feel encouraged and equipped for when they encounter a tough day(s). Also, if you have a counselor on staff or have a one that you can recommend, share that so that people can connect with him or her if needed.

Discipleship Opportunities

Christmas time is usually a time of joy. However, once Christmas turns into the New Years with a few more months of colder temperatures and darker days, that joy may wain. The great news is that the good news of Jesus and the HOPE found in Him doesn't not change. Use platforms like YouTube, podcasts, TikTok, and Instagram to regularly encourage them in Christ. Create devotionals or encouragement for people that will reveal our hope in Christ. You can even do specific winter themes addressing some of the issues people deal with and encounter during these months.

Conclusion

This winter, use your church’s digital ministry to combat isolation and encourage people with community in a variety of ways.

Offer connections that warm hearts all season long.

What do you think? What other ways your digital ministry can help people this winter? Share your ideas below or on social media.

A Warning for the Future of Large Sunday Gatherings

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Dr. John Harris a long-time friend and contributor to The Church Digital. He co-wrote " Sharing Jesus Online" with Jeff Reed. Recently, he posted on his personal Facebook page something that all Church leaders should hear. Here is what he wrote.

In 2016, the Nokia CEO shared that Nokia was being acquired by Microsoft. This sums up my concern for the American church’s large Sunday gathering model. So many pastors of thousands of churches (avg 4,500 per year) that close every year are saying this same thing.

Here’s what troubles me about this quote. It’s his use of the word “somehow” meaning he still didn’t know what happened.

“During the press conference to announce NOKIA being acquired by Microsoft, Nokia CEO ended his speech saying this “we didn’t do anything wrong, but somehow, we lost”. Upon saying that, all his management team, himself included, teared sadly. Nokia has been a respectable company. They didn’t do anything wrong in their business, however, the world changed too fast. Their opponents were too powerful. They missed out on learning, they missed out on changing, and thus they lost the opportunity at hand to make it big. Not only did they miss the opportunity to earn big money, they lost their chance of survival. The message of this story is, if you don’t change, you shall be removed from the competition. It’s not wrong if you don’t want to learn new things. However, if your thoughts and mindset cannot catch up with time, you will be eliminated.

The LinkedIn article by Awais Rathore goes on to share that "the advantage you have yesterday, will be replaced by the trends of tomorrow. You don’t have to do anything wrong, as long as your competitors catch the wave and do it RIGHT, you can lose out and fail. To change and improve yourself is giving yourself a second chance. To be forced by others to change, is like being discarded. Those who refuse to learn & improve, will definitely one day become redundant ¬t relevant to the industry. They will learn the lesson in a hard & expensive way."

Ministry Application:

THIS ladies and gentlemen is what we call a cultural blind spot. If you’ve been in my EQ training you’ve heard about personal, team, organizational, and cultural blind spots.

A cultural blind spot is when you are blind to the cultural shifts and trends affecting your business, customers/clients, and efficacy of your methods. And being oblivious to these shifts you don’t make necessary changes and continue with business as usual until you can’t anymore. You no longer have the resources to stay afloat. The money is gone, the people are gone, and it’s over.

For some churches, the answer is not “we just need more money or more people”. For some churches, the answer is a new operating system, even a new ecclesiology.

For 2024, some churches need to look HARD at transitioning to a house church model; it will multiply your ministry and impact, while decreasing your expenses AND look more like the church in Acts.

If you’re interested in exploring what that looks like to move in that direction and need help with your transition, reach out to me and let’s talk.

What do you think? What else stand out to you from the Nokia's CEO's comments and the state of the Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

"I'm Back" - An Update from Jeff Reed

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Hey Fam! I’m back!

After about a six-month break from The Church Digital (and the Internet in general), I’m excited to be back! Let me take a minute and update you, The Church Digital family, with what’s been going on.

Summer 2023 was a rough time period for me.

Financially, running multiple startup organizations was exhaustive. I founded The Church Digital in 2018, and the organization has been in bootstrap mode since then. Covid brought us a lot of attention; I’m grateful for that. Trust me when I say there has been little to no money coming in for a company focusing on digital discipleship and church innovation. Post-Covid has been a rough stretch, with 2024 looking better and better (we’ll get there soon).

Physically, I’ve not publicly talked about this yet, but my body fell apart in 2023. Diabetes Type 2. Neuropathy nerve pain in my feet. Arthritis in my knees and legs. Bone spurs in my heels. Hole in my stomach and throat. Sleep apnea. At some point, 2023 even brought on a cancer scare, which fortunately was just a scare. That being said, I now walk with a cane. I look like the old guy from the Pixar movie Up ! The combination of neuropathy and arthritis has been brutal, with me constantly in pain. The prescribed painkillers have been somewhat effective, except now I have little to no feelings below my calves. I’ve never experienced physical pain like this before.

Emotionally, I’ll be honest: I did not handle the physical and financial limitations issues well. As a recovering workaholic and perfectionist, I’ve struggled with finding my identity in the workplace and my hobbies. I’m a serial entrepreneur who has prided myself in what I’ve built and accomplished. While The Church Digital and Digital Church Network were both successful from a ministry perspective, the one-two punch of financial and physical falling apart wrecked me.

Spiritually, I believe God was, is, and will always be in control. Once again, I struggled with the fact that God was in control, yet I could not take care of myself or my family. I wrestled with the fact that God was inflicting excruciating pain on my body for a reason.

So, I stepped down from The Church Digital, installing new leadership on the way out the door. I resigned from the fractional leadership roles I had with other organizations. I returned to the drawing board to create a new business model and, more importantly, a new mindset moving forward. I now recognize how much pride was invading my life, which was the core of many things that were off in my being.

Thanks to The Church Digital leadership, Bernie Mapili, Andy Mage, Jason Morris, and Leighton Seys, for stepping into leadership in difficult situations. In 2023, I planned for The Church Digital to extend leadership to these guys anyway. We just fast-tracked them into their roles. I was not planning on releasing control of The Church Digital to Bernie pre-break, but I am glad I did. If you don’t know Bernie, you should take the opportunity to have a conversation. Bernie is new to many in the TCD family, but his passion for digital ministry, for digital churches, is incredible. Bernie, a successful Christian businessman, is operating to his strengths. He complements the team very well and has made a major difference in the organization in a very short amount of time.

What Lies Ahead

So, I said I was coming back. What does that mean? You’ll see my blogs, podcasts, and streams again for The Church Digital. But really, you’ll see me working in the background, networking, and casting vision with other organizations about partnering with us. TCD leadership did a great job without me. No reason for me to force my way back in. Bernie will continue to lead the organization as CEO, with Andy Mage operating as COO. It’s my job to serve this organization well and see the idea of Digital Discipleship, Digital/Metaverse Church Planting, and Digital Missionaries flourish.

Oh man, have we got some incredible opportunities coming up. First, I’m working with Resi/Pushpay on some big stuff. Stay tuned. Then we got Gloo, and I cannot wait for you all to hear what we’re doing with Gloo! Then… well, I won’t give away all my secrets. It’s an exciting season for The Church Digital. Get a taste of what’s coming up by watching The New “The Church Digital” on YouTube or by subscribing to The Church Digital Podcast via your favorite audio podcast app.

At a personal level, please continue to pray for me. At my last doctor’s appointment, I was told I am no longer in the diabetic range (which is a huge win to overcome so quickly), but the nerve pain in my feet and legs is increasing drastically. It seems the medicine is losing effectiveness. Pray that the doctors figure out how best to treat this situation before permanent damage occurs.

TCD Fam, thank you for your support, prayers, and encouragement.

Steadfast in Christ,

Jeff Reed

Founder, The Church Digital

EP277: Dan Tebo & A Dissertation on Digital Church

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHURCH DIGITAL PODCAST

If you're enjoying this episode , subscribe for free using your favorite podcast app below:

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Dr Dan Tebo
Pastor, Servant Warrior Church

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

6 to Seek Out in 2024

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Two Different Types Of Facebook Ads for Your Ministry to Try

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Facebook Ads are a really important tool for people, businesses and Churches to get the word out about an event or opportunity coming up. In fact, Facebook Ads are a primary way to promote an event as organic reach on Facebook is very little today. Because of the effectiveness of Facebook Ads, what if you thought outside the box a little for a different kind of ad..

What if, instead of promoting an event, you promoted a faith growing opportunity for people? For instance, what if you created a an Ad for asking for prayer? Asking for prayer can open up meaningful ministry opportunities.

Prayer Ads:

There are a lot of people who are hurting in the world today, but they don't have a faith community to go to for prayer or support. That is why you creating and sharing a Facebook Ad where you ask people to share their prayer requests with you gives you an opportunity to minister to them.

How it Works:

In addition to asking for people to submit prayer requests, another great ministry opportunity to point people to digital discipleship opportunities.

Digital Discipleship Ads:

While it would be great for people to be involved in a faith community (in-person or online), there are times when they are not connected. Because of this, your Church has a great opportunity to connect with people and encourage them in their faith.

How it Works:

Conclusion

Facebook Ads are very useful in getting the word out to people. After all, they are targeted, cost-effective and you can track results easily. However, setting up a Facebook Ad where you ask people to submit their prayer request or go to a discipleship landing page can be so effective and powerful as you have an opportunity to encourage people in their faith. Use these opportunities and see how God uses it to help others in their faith.

What do you think? What are some other ideas for different kinds of Facebook Ads you can try? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Through the Digital Church Network 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. Joining the DCN is free and be encouraged!

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Start the New Year Strong in Your Digital Ministry

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 11:00:00 GMT

As the calendar turns to January, people usually take time to reset, rest and reimagine what a new year can bring. The same holds true for churches. Churches can look at a new year as new opportunities to improve on what they have been doing and try new initiatives, as well.

While a lot of Churches have been doing digital ministry since the covid pandemic, it is still relatively new for most Churches. So, what can you do in the digital space to begin the new year strong? How can you improve on what you did and take a next step in this space? Here are few things you can do.

Evaluate What’s Working And What’s Not

As you end one year and get ready to start a new year, evaluating what has been working and what hasn't will go a long with how you advance in your digital ministry in the future. Take time to evaluate your website content, email newsletters, social platforms and overall online presence. Evaluate what content and pages are connecting with people and which is not. As you evaluate, make adjustments to your online content so you can continue to do what is working and stop or phase out what is not.

Set Clear Goals

After you have evaluated, take time to specify some KPIs (key performance indicators) to direct your next year of digital ministry. What do you want to improve on and how? For example, you may want to set a goal of increasing post reach by 20%, adding 300 new followers across platforms, or 10% email open rate just to name a few. The more specific you can get with what you want to accomplish and set dates to it the better.

Create Shareable and Consistent Content

In order to encourage people in their faith, you have to create consistent content that is shareable. These could be image posts, short videos or blogs that point people to Jesus and encourage them to live out their faith. By creating this kind of content on a regular basis, people will be encouraged and then want to share it with others. Consistency is the key in your posting as it will help the algorithm get your posts out to more people. The more consistent you post, the more the social platform is going to be at getting it out in front of more people.

Conclusion

Digital ministry is a great tool to help people stay encouraged in the faith and pursue God daily. Take time to evaluate what was working well (and not so well), create new goals and create content and encouragement that is consistent and sharable so that more and more people may be encouraged in their faith through your digital ministry efforts.

What do you think? What other ways you can you start your new year strong in digital ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP276: Bernie Mapili, Andy Mage, and The New "The Church Digital"

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 16:00:00 GMT

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHURCH DIGITAL PODCAST

If you're enjoying this episode , subscribe for free using your favorite podcast app below:

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Bernie Mapili
CEO, The Church Digital

Guest: Andy Mage
COO, The Church Digital, Host: From Text to Testimony

Guest: Tom Pounder
Digital Pastor, New Life Community Church, Host: TCD Sidekick

QUESTIONS & RESOURCES

HELP ANOTHER CHURCH. LEAVE A REVIEW.

5 Online Ministry Insights from December 2023

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. The lights, parties, movies, music and celebration of Jesus' birth makes it a great time of year. However, it is also a very busy time. With all the busy-ness, it can be hard keeping up-to-date on all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings from the past month. That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from December 2023

Holidays are GREAT OPPORTUNITIES to Honor Volunteers

Honoring and appreciating volunteers is so important to keeping your ministry going strong. The more you volunteer team feels appreciated and cared for, the more they are going to feel like an vital part of the team. See how the Holidays (beyond just Christmas) are a great opportunity for you to honor and appreciate your volunteers in this blog post .

Premiere Pro Video Editing Tips

There are a lot of video editing software out there. However, Premiere Pro is one of the best. But how can you optimize it best? Pert Von Kahle joins Tom on the TCD Sidekick Podcast to share some important editing tips on Premiere Pro so you can get the best results in your videos.

Use DIGITAL to Get the Word Out

Whether it is for Christmas, Easter or another big event or Church service, getting the word out to those in your in-person and online communities is vital. The great news is that there are lots of digital and online ways for you to get people the right information. Check out this blog post about 5 different ways you do that.

You Can OVERCOME Holiday Loneliness and Grief

The holidays are amazing and fun. However, they can also be a hard time for people. People encounter loneliness and grief during the holidays and special moments. That is why Andy, Jon and Megan talk about and give some practical tips and support for those going through hard times this holiday season and beyond. Check out the podcast here .

CREATIVE WAYS to Encourage End-of-the-Year Giving

Churches and ministries rely on the generosity and good will of others to support ministry efforts. The end of the year is traditionally one of those times of the year that people give as they look to get last minute tax breaks. Here are 7 creative ways that you can encourage end-of-the-year giving at your Church or ministry.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Is Praying Through Text Real Prayer?

Wed, 27 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Does praying through texting really count as prayer at all? The From Text To Testimony crew dives into the transformative power of digital prayer and its significance in today's virtual landscape. Join hosts Jon, Andy, and Megan as they explore the intricate dynamics of intercessory prayer in the digital realm and its profound impact on mental health. Learn from firsthand experience interacting with a Gloo Responders seeking guidance and prayer through the technology-changing platform. Understand the thoughtful approach the hosts take towards personalizing and validating prayer requests, emphasizing their effectiveness beyond traditional settings. Gain insights into how prayer can be a valuable support tool for those coping with mental health issues, as discussed by the hosts. Delve into candid discussions touching on loneliness, the nature of prayers like Paul's epistles, and, of course, which karaoke song you'd pick to represent your personality. This episode is brought to you by Gloo: YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. Connect to people, partners, content, funding opportunities, and more—to help you achieve your goals and change more lives. SIGN UP FOR FREE. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

The Challenge of "All is Well"

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 16:32:00 GMT

As we wrap up the 2023 Christmas season, if I'm honest, the song "All is Well" haunts me.

The Christmas song All Is Well is an annual staple for me, all the way back to my teenage years. Written by Michael W. Smith, the song is an emotionally heartfelt conversation declaring: now that Christ has come, there is to be peace on Earth . Christ is in the manger, and darkness has fallen. It should be well with everyone.

This song has made me cry every year for well over 30 years.

This year, though, the tears were different.

2023 was a tumultuous year for me. I'll probably unpack more in the days to come, but the physical pain and emotional exhaustion of 2023 took me to a breaking point of sorts individually. There were stretches where I didn't feel peace. I didn't feel love. The physical pain I carried alone was enough to pull me into the darkness, where I didn't recognize love's light. Once again, being honest here, I forgot that all is well.

That's the challenge. Because of something that happened over 2000 years ago, no matter what stresses we're going through now, we should have the faith to recognize that all is well. Regardless of physical pain. Or emotional stress. Issues in the workplace. Or marital difficulties. Struggles with your neighbors or frustrations with your children... wherever God has you, the challenge is to recognize that "all is well." Christ has come to bring salvation to those in need. Despite the specific scenario you're facing, all is well.

"Be joyful in hope. Patient in affliction. Faithful in prayer." - Romans 12:12 NIV

This Christmas, many of you recognize that "all is well." You've found joy in the manger, acknowledging that our Savior has come. For some of you, hope may be difficult as you've lost patience in affliction. To you, the ones who have lost joy or have no hope, my prayer is that you will be patient in your difficulties and take the time to pray. Ask God to provide patience with your situation, whatever they're grounded in. Pray for joy to be rekindled and faith restored.

God, thank you for the personal reminder... Because a baby was born over 2000 years ago, I can and will faithfully say, "All is Well."

How Amplify Can Help Your Church

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of Church Management Systems (CMS) out there. While a lot of them are good, they often are not complete. Enter Amplify from Ministry Brands. See how this one complete solution and empower healthy churches to connect, engage, and grow their ministry. To talk about this is Nathan James who is from Ministry Brands. We talk about how Amplify can help your Church. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What are the areas of leadership that you grow most from? Where do you need to invest more time into? Share below or on Twitter/X by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Nathan, you check out the Ministry Brands site and get more information. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital.

Last Minute Preparations for Christmas Eve

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Christmas Eve services are some of the most well attended Church services every year. That is why Church staffers and volunteers spend countless hours making it special, unique and impactful.

While many of the preparations you are doing happen weeks and months ahead of time, there are still some last minute preparations you can make to help your team and attendees have a great Christmas Eve. What are those? Here are some things:

For Your Ministry Team

For Attendees

Conclusion

While most of the work you do for Christmas Eve services are done weeks and months ahead of time, there are still a few last minute preparations and to-dos that you can do that will help make those services special.

What do you think? What other last minute preparations can you do this Christmas Eve? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to Make Your Online Christmas Eve Service Special

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Christmas Eve services provide a great opportunity for churches to focus on the true meaning of the season, the celebrating of the birth of Jesus. These services are also some of the highest-attended church events of the year. Regular attendees have a great chance to bring their unchurched family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to hear the gospel for potentially the first time. That's why Christmas Eve services, online or in person, are important.

With so much opportunity for the Christmas Eve, there are a few things you can do online that will help make the service(s) special and unique. So, what can you do? Here are a few ideas:

Conclusion

The Christmas Eve service itself is special. However, by add one or more of the above ideas, you can make it unique and special for those attending online. And, who knows, maybe you'll discover something that will help make your Online Service special and unique all year round.

What do you think? What are some other ideas you can do to make the online Christmas Eve service(s) special and unique? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How Ministers Can Rest this Christmas

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

It happens every December. It's a most festive time of year and Churches are busy. Ministers and their teams are eagerly anticipating celebrating Christmas. However, as more Christmas activities happen, in addition to the regular needs of the Church and the people in the community, this most wonderful time of year often pushes ministers to the brink of burnout. That is why this Christmas every minister needs to make time to rest. Yes, even in this busy season, rest is important.

So, how can ministers make time to pull away and rest? Here are a few ideas and digital tips to help ministers finding time to rest in the midst of the holiday stress.

Delegate

There is always a lot to do in ministry. Over the Christmas season, there is even more! Empower volunteers and staff to oversee events and other activities so you don't have to be doing it all. And, who knows, maybe you can skip can event because the volunteers or other staffers can cover it. Don't be guilted into doing more than you need to. Delegate and empower others during this time. Having this mindset will help you beyond Christmas.

Take Brief Time Outs

You work longer hours during the Christmas season. Because of that, you can take some breaks and time outs so you can spend time with your family or even get in some rest. If you work those longer hours with no break, burning you and your family out over this time of year can be very destructive and have negative lasting effects.

Make Sure You Are Taking a Day Off

Just because you are taking brief time outs, doesn't mean you are honoring the sabbath. Similarly to taking brief time outs, making sure you stay committed to honoring your day off is just as important. You need the rest and the time off. God can and will do all things that He needs to. We have to trust Him to take care of what we need to take care of.

Accept Help When Offered

People know you are busy this time of year for you. And, they want to help. Allow others the joy of helping and serving by lightening your load this time of year. It can be any help from providing food for your family, doing things around the Church office that you usually help with or something else entirely.

Utilize Digital Helps

We live in a digital world. Because of that, there are some great digital tools that can help ministers find rest this Christmas. For instance, you can:

Conclusion

Christmas is a very busy time of year. And while ministers will have to work more hours, there are intentional things you can do to find rest. Make sure you guard your spiritual, physical and emotional health and find time to rest. The more effective you can guard your time and rest during this time, the longer you will be effective and last in ministry.

What do you think? What are other ways ministers can rest this Christmas season? Share your ideas below or on social media.

This blog is brought to you by Gloo : YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. Connect to people, partners, content, funding opportunities, and more—to help you achieve your goals and change more lives. SIGN UP FOR FREE .

Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Digital Ways to Get the Word Out this Christmas

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

The colorful lights are up, festive music fills the air, Christmas movies are playing and shopping centers are decorated with lights and trees! Christmas is here! And, with Christmas comes a great opportunity for Churches. Christmas Eve services are one of the most attended services of the year, especially with people who do not normally go to Church.

While many people normally go to Church on Christmas Eve, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will be coming to YOUR Church. So, how can you get the word out to people in your online and local community? H ere are some great digital ways.

Website and Social Media

Your church website and social pages like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are great platforms to get the word out about everything your church has planned this Christmas season. Create Facebook events to spread the details on Facebook, but make sure you have those events highlighted on your website, as well. Share photos and video teasers of the different Christmas activities and events. On Facebook you can also "boost" your events and posts to reach a wider audience.

Email Newsletters

Send out dedicated email newsletters focused just on what is happening this Christmas season at your church. Make sure you provide all of the details for those special services like candlelight services, kids Christmas plays, Christmas Eve celebrations etc. Share event timing, locations, links to digital tickets (if any) etc. Promote these newsletters on social media and your church website so more people can stay connected.

Online Event Calendars

Submit your Christmas events to local online event listing calendars. These include local newspaper listings, public radio/TV stations events, community digital calendars or Facebook Groups, and online directories. This increases your reach for your events to many more people looking for local Christmas activities.

Run Online Ads

Google Ads are great any time of year. They can be especially helpful for your Christmas worship schedules and events. The same can be said for Facebook Ads. You can narrow targeting to zip codes near your Church for very specific promotion. These paid digital ads allow you to get more visibility among people searching for events, those looking to reconnect spiritually around the holidays or anyone simply seeking a local church community.

Text Notifications

People check and open text messages more than any other email or form of communication. That is why, if you have people's cell phone numbers (make sure they have willingly given you their numbers), you can send them text messages about important Christmas events and updates. If you don't currently have their cell numbers, make an announcement at Church about it or send out an invite via email encouraging people to sign up for text message updates. Then you can send out a text once a week or prior to an event reminding people about it or any last minute changes. Keep the messages short, relevant and timely.

Conclusion

There are a variety of ways you can get the word out about your Christmas events and services this year. Digital ways are very effective and can be a creative way to do that this holiday season. Try them out this year and see how God uses it for you to reach more people for Christ.

What do you think? What are other digital ways you can get the word out this year? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

Shattering Holiday Myths: Real Talk on Loneliness & Grief

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Why are the holidays always the hardest to get through? In this heartfelt episode of From Text To Testimony, we explore the profound impact of the pandemic on our collective mental health. Tune in as we delve deep into how to navigate the complex emotions of the holiday season. Jon discusses the collective trauma and postponed grief caused by the pandemic, emphasizing the need for intentional mourning. We address the rise in depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the holidays and share personal experiences to shed light on these issues. Insights on the cultural and sentimental significance of holiday traditions, like making tamales and baking day rituals, are shared by Jon and Andy. Megan and Andy open up about their personal struggles with grief counseling and mental health, highlighting complex PTSD and anxiety disorders. Practical advice is offered for coping with negative thoughts and anxiety, with discussions on retraining the brain and being honest with oneself. This episode is brought to you by Gloo: YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. Connect to people, partners, content, funding opportunities, and more—to help you achieve your goals and change more lives. SIGN UP FOR FREE. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

Premiere Pro Tips for Best Results

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of good video editing software out there. While there are many great FREE video editing software out there, iMovie being one of them, Premiere Pro from Adobe is one of the gold standards. To help process how you maximize Premier Pro with some tips, Peter Von Kahle comes on the podcast and shares his insights based on a blog post he wrote, "Master the Art of Editing: 10 Premiere Pro Tips to Elevate Your Video Content." Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What are the areas of leadership that you grow most from? Where do you need to invest more time into? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Peter, you can a few different ways. He’s on Twitter/X, has an awesome blog with tons of great insights and encouragement. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital.

5 Ways to Honor Your Volunteers Over the Holidays

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

The holidays are a festive time of year.. From the months of November to January, there is lots to be thankful for and celebrate as we prepare for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. One of the best things this season provides is an opportunity to appreciate and honor your volunteer leadership team.

So, how can you honor them? What are ways you can appreciate them this holiday season? Here are 5 ways you can honor and appreciate your volunteer leaders this holiday season.

Personalized Notes

A simple, easy way to appreciate volunteers over the holidays is to write them notes and let them know why you appreciate them and how much they mean to you and the ministry. Handwriting notes, as opposed to typing something is best because it shows them that you took the time to think about them and write them a note. After all, in this digital and online world, most everything people get these days are typed or texted. That is why a handwritten note is especially encouraging.

Appreciation Gifts

People have different love languages. They receive appreciation and love in different ways. While there are different ways people feel appreciated, when you give your leaders a gift, especially around Christmas, it goes a long way for them feeling appreciated. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it $25-$50 Visa/Mastercard gift card or a gift card to that person's favorite spot is a great idea.

A Holiday Party

Whether it is Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years, the months from November to January are very festive. That means it is a great opportunity to bring your team together for a party. It could be a house party, a dinner out at a restaurant or at the Church. It's a great time for fun and dinner celebrating the first half the year in ministry. Whatever you choose to do, this is a fun way to appreciate and honor your volunteer team.

Time off

The holidays are a very busy time. So probably the first thing that comes to mind is to NOT give people time off because there are a variety of extra needs. But, by letting them know you understand the stress of the season and give them flexibility and some time off, if needed, is great. By you being an understanding Team Leader, it could actually work in your favor where they will want to keep on serving with you and the team because you understand the stresses.

Volunteer Spotlight

Whether its on social media, a blog post, in a Church service, email newsletter or in some other way, spotlighting your volunteers in some way will go a long way for them to feel appreciated and honored. A lot of volunteers love to serve in secret as they are giving to the Lord, not for worldly recognition. However, people always feel appreciated when they get some sort of recognition for their service. It doesn't have to be a full length email, blog post or social media highlight, but something to let them know that you appreciate what they are doing.

Conclusion

These are five different ways you can choose to appreciate you volunteer team during the Christmas season. You can do some of these, all of these or none of these. After all, there are a variety of other opportunities for you. See what works best for your team and do that. The main encouragement and challenge here is to use the holiday season and the festivities that are a natural part of it to appreciate the team of people that are so important to you and the ministry. The more creative and specific you cam make it to the team the more effective it will be and inspiring for the volunteers to keep going hard into the new year. And, the more inspired and encouraged they are headed into the new year, the more potential impact your ministry has.

What do you think? What are you thankful for? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to Encourage End-of-the-Year Giving at Your Church

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:00:00 GMT

The holiday season is upon us, which means the end of the year is fast approaching. For many churches, this is one of the most crucial times for fundraising and collecting year-end donations. As parishioners reflect on the past year and look ahead to the new one, it's the perfect opportunity for churches to encourage generosity and giving back.

Here are some tips for churches on how to inspire end of year contributions:

Highlight the Good Your Church is Doing

Your Church does great stuff all throughout the year. That is why it is important to remind people of all the good works your church has done over the past year. Remind them of the impact they are having by giving sacrificially to the Church and how your Church is doing good with it. Share specific stories and testimonies about the lives changed and the good that is happening. This will inspire continued giving.

Set Specific Giving Goals

Rather than just asking for just general donations, set tangible financial goals for end of year giving. This could be aiming to raise a certain amount to fund a new program, purchase needed equipment, support an upcoming mission trip, etc. When people can see exactly where their dollars will go, they're more likely to give.

Offer Year-End Matching Opportunities

When people see that not only will their giving help, but that it can be doubled by a matching offer, that inspires generosity even more. Encourage extra generosity by offering to match all gifts received before December 31st, up to a specified amount. This creates a sense of urgency and allows donors to double their impact.

Provide Alternative Ways to Give

In addition to asking for just cash donations, provide other options like stock transfers, IRA charitable rollovers, or gifts of property. This allows people to give gifts of assets.

Send Year-End Giving Statements

Mail or email year-end giving statements to update people and families on their contributions to date. Include a pledge card they can fill out to make an end of year gift. This will serve as a reminder and make it easy for them to commit.

Host a Giving Gala or Event

Encourage generosity by throwing a special event for your Church and your community to rally around. You can have a elegant dinner gala and silent auction. Or you can even have a simple spgatehtti dinner and charity event. You can charge admission and encourage further donations.

Make it About Spiritual Growth

Giving a spiritual act of worship. As. you share about end of year giving, remind people that giving is a way to grow spiritually. It is an act of sacrifice and generosity. It's important to not use this as a way to manipulate people that if they do this they will grow in their faith automatically. Rather, encourage them to give as a way to stretch them in their faith.

Conclusion

With some creative thinking and planning, your churches can make the most out of end of year giving and generosity. Make sure you personalize your approach based on the people who attend your Church and what motivates them to give. The holidays are the perfect time for people to give back. Prayerfully go before God and ask Him to guide you and the people in your Church.

What do you think? What are other ways you can encourage end-of-the-year giving at your Church this year? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Online Ministry Insights from November 2023

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

November is often a month associated with being thankful. We give thank for the different blessings in our lives as we spend time with friends and family. While we give thanks, it can sometimes be hard keeping up-to-date on all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings. That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from November 2023

Digital Relationships ARE Real Relationships

You can build relationships in a variety of ways. Some of those ways include digital ways like texting or direct messaging. Discover practical tips on creating meaningful connections in the digital age and hear how to navigate the challenges of digital interactions as Andy and Jon discuss in this podcast episode .

There are LOTS of Ministry Opportunities in INSTAGRAM

Instagram is not in the news much these days. Twitter/X, TikTok, YouTube and the Metavese steal all the headlines. However, Instagram still has over 2 billion monthly active users. There is still a ton of ministry opportunities for Digital Missionaries on the platform. Read about the different opportunities here .

It's NOT Too Late to Get Started in Metaverse Ministry

Virtual Reality has been out for a number of years and the Metaverse has been the talk of the town since Meta started investing heavily in it. However, it's not too late for you to get started doing metaverse ministry. In fact, Stuart McPherson shares many different ways you and your Church can get started doing ministry in the metaverse in this podcast episode .

Digital Resources CAN HELP with Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues impact us all in some way. Because of that, it is important to address the specific mental health issues and provide support to those in need. Learn how you can do that as Andy, Jon and Megan discuss this in both in Part 1 and Part 2 of their discussion.

There is LOTS to be THANKFUL For

James 1:17 says that every good thing and blessing comes from God. At The Church Digital, we are firm believers in that. Big or small, we have all been blessed by God. See what we are thankful for in this blog post today. And, share with us below what you are thankful for this holiday season.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Why You Should Get A High End Smartphone

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Smartphones have developed and advanced so much since their introduction in the 1990s. Yes, you read that right, smartphones have been out for decades now. While most people have an iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy smartphones these days, IBM is attributed with the first smartphone in 1992, the Simon . Then came devices like the Blackberry and Palm Treo . Ultimately, technology advanced passed these initial devices and have become very powerful devices for everyone.

With smartphone technology advancing so rapidly, ministers beyond creative and social media mangers have used these devices to further reach people for Christ. In particular, high end smartphones have become so powerful and versatile that they have separated themselves from other entry-level smartphones. They are powerful devices.

If you're due for an upgrade, here are some great reasons to splurge on a high end smartphone:

Better Camera Quality

One major appeal of premium phones is their exceptional camera quality. High end camera sensors, wide aperture lenses, and advanced software result in incredibly detailed, sharp photos and videos. Features like optical image stabilization and multiple lenses give you the flexibility to capture great shots in any conditions. The quality difference between budget and premium phone cameras is substantial.

Faster Performance

High end smartphones pack the latest, fastest processors and have upwards of 12GB of RAM. This translates to super smooth performance with no lag when multitasking, gaming, or using demanding apps. Everything loads lightning fast. Premium performance will keep your phone running like new even after years of use.

Better Displays

Flagship smartphone displays boast crisp details, vibrant colors, great brightness, and buttery smooth refresh rates up to 120Hz for seamless scrolling and animations. High resolution OLED screens make everything look fantastic, from web pages to videos to artwork. You'll get an immersive visual experience.

Longer Software Support

Higher end smartphones often get the latest OS updates for 4-5 years or more than regular or budget phones. This allows you to access new features and security updates longer than most. Budget phones typically get left behind after a couple years. Buying a high end device means it will feel fresh for longer.

Conclusion

Today's ministry leaders are investing more time with digital ministry. It's part of the transformation as we adapt with the times. While there are many different smartphones out there that will help you in your digital ministry efforts, if you want a phone that delivers excellent performance, cameras, displays, software support, and design, high end smartphones are worth the investment. Check them out today.

What do you think? What other questions or thoughts do you have about high end smartphones? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

4 Updates Your Church Website Should Make Ahead of Christmas

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Christmas is coming up quickly! This joyous time of year provides a great opportunity for your Church to connect with your local and online community. One of the best ways to do that and spread awareness of what is coming up with Christmas events and services is through your church website.

Because of the importance websites play in today's world, it is important to update your Church's website with all the right information. In fact, here are 4 important items to add to your church website and/or update before Christmas season is in full effect.

1. Christmas Service Times

Christmas Eve and Day services are some of the biggest Church services of the year for each Church. That is why you should prominently display your times for any and all Christmas Eve, Christmas Day services, children’s programs, candlelight services, and more. Make sure you include details like locations for overflow services, childcare availability and any other information new people would need to know for their visit to your Church. Making service information readily available on your website prevents confusion and allows first-time visitors to plan ahead.

2. Christmas Events Information

Ahead of Christmas, Churches normally do some special Christmas events beyond services. Take time to compile the full list of all the Christmas activities and events at your church and post them on a special section on the website. This gives families a simple way to see everything happening over the Christmas season. Make sure you update it regularly as past events are removed and new events are added. Provide as much detail as possible for these events so families know all the necessary information for them.

3. Update Social Media Information

Social media is always changing. What was once popular and engaging may not be as engaging anymore. For instance, just because you once used Twitter/X doesn't mean that you still use Twitter/X. Are you using Threads ? Do you share videos on YouTube? Whatever social media platforms you are using, make sure your website has all those platforms on your website so people can check them out and see what your Church is like.

4. Contact Information

Around the holidays, people often have questions about events and other ways to connect. Make sure you have the correct contact information of all the necessary staff or volunteers in charge of the different events. It could be phone numbers and/or email addresses, whichever your Church prefers to make available. You could even include photos and bios of those staffers involved. This will go a long way in helping newcomers know who to contact and connect with.

Conclusion

The weeks leading up to Christmas give your church website higher traffic than usual. Make sure you take full advantage of this by addressing visitor needs and questions ahead of time by updating your website content with the most up-to-date information. Then, be prepared to serve those who come to events and services this Christmas season.

What do you think? What other updates should your Church website make ahed of Christmas? Share your ideas below or on social media.

We are Thankful

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

- James 1:17

In James 1:17, it says that every good and perfect gift comes from above? Where above? From God. He is the Father of lights and who does not change. Today, in America, is thanksgiving. It is a day to give thanks. And while Americans celebrate it specifically today, it is not just an American holiday. It is for everyone. God blesses us all in big ways and in small ways. Are your eyes opened to see those blessings?

At The Church Digital, the spirit of thankfulness is not lost on us. We were asked what we are thankful for. Here are some of the responses.

"This year has been one of incredible highs followed by some of the lowest lows. But this year, I’ve also got an incredible amount to be thankful for:
- My wife and kids, of course
- TCD’s continual landscape-defining work in the digital church space
- NCMS (Nerd Culture Ministry Summit)
- Lux Digital Church
- Bernie Mapili and Jeff Reed
- And, of course, Jesus for really showing me that "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV) " - Andy Mage

"I am thankful for how God has provided for my family throughout the year. There have been different needs throughout the year and God has always come through. I honestly didn't know how things would play out some of those times, but with God's blessings, we were taken care of." - Tom Pounder

"I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of a Digital Network that is spirit led. I am eternally thankful for the opportunity to get to do digital ministry and real life with friends who are family" - Nicole Howard

"I'm am thankful that after some of the hardest personal and professional experiences as a pastor, God has restored to me a love and excitement for ministry, as well as friends for the journey, that I haven't felt since seminary. I have back that clear calling to follow, sense of being in over my head, and front row witness to the spirits moving. I'm just so humbled that God uses someone like me." - Leighton Seys

"I'm thankful for my kids. As a child of multiple divorced parents, raising my kids has been not only an honor but restoring to my soul to see happy kids in a happy home. In one generation we can take something away but in one generation we can restore it." - Bernie Mapilli

"I'm thankful for a supporting wife, a caring family, a God who forgives, and an opportunity to help people discover their calling, digitally." - Jeff Reed

"I’m thankful for the small community of fellow digital space ministers. While we share ideas and resources, it’s the support and care for each other that is life-giving and sustaining. Praise God." - Stacy Knapp

"'Philippians 1:3 I thank my God every time I remember you. As I look back on this year, I’m so grateful for YOU, for co-laborers who both understand the challenges of online ministry and inspire me to see the creativity of Jesus building His Church through all of us!!! I’m thankful for YOU!!!" - Jason Morris

"I’m thankful that God has a plan and purpose for my life, and I can rest in the fact that I can trust Him with that plan and purpose. It may not always make sense to me, and sometimes call for uncomfortable next steps, but He has proven in my life, and throughout history, to be faithful to those who are obedient." - Stuart McPherson

"I am thankful for all the midcourse corrections God has made in my life. His purpose has shown to be greater than my plans, and change has brought good disruption and growth." - Joey Santos

Today, take time to thank God for the blessings He has given you today and for the past year. God is good.

What do you think? What are you thankful for? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to Incorporate Digital into Your Ministry

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Digital is here to stay. So, how do you incorporate it into your ministry? And, what elements of digital do you incorporate and what do you hold off on? To talk about this is Christopher Wesley. He will share some perspective that will help any ministry leader as they look at incorporating digital into their ministry. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What are the areas of leadership that you grow most from? Where do you need to invest more time into? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Chris, you can a few different ways. He’s on Twitter/X, has an awesome blog with tons of great insights each week. To read the article we discussed, click here. In addition you can learn more about and sign up for the Marathon Youth Ministry University as well. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital.

Responding to Mental Health (Part 2)

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Are mental health issues on the rise? Are we just now figuring out how to talk about it even better? Are people becoming more loving and caring in general? Andy and our newest host Megan, a mental health coach and pastor with a knack for guiding people through their next steps, sit down to chat about these questions, and more. They dive deep into the heart of mental health – a subject close to Megan's heart – discussing anxiety, depression, and the power that comes from sharing these experiences. Whether you're battling these demons yourself or know someone who is, this episode provides a compassionate ear. Listen in as we navigate mental wellness within the church, overcome obstacles, and discover our true selves. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

15 Thanksgiving Social Media Posts Your Church Can Share

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

The Thanksgiving season is upon us! This holiday is a perfect time for Churches to connect with their community and share encouragement and stories of thankfulness and generosity on social media. By doing this, it allows you and your Church to engage your congregation and community as you spread joy and a spirit of thankfulness.

So, what can you post on social media for your Church? Here are 15 examples of social media posts you can share across all the different platforms in a variety of ways to encourage others this Thanksgiving.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving provides a perfect opportunity for your Church to spread encouragement, hope, and inspiration. People are longing for inspiring messages and reminders of God's blessings. By sharing thoughtful social media content leading up to and after Thanksgiving, your Church can make a real difference this year. Your Church can play a very important role in the lives of people in your local and online communities by encouraging them to be thankful, not just during the Thanksgiving season, but always.

What do you think? What other Thanksgiving themed social media posts can your Church do? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Responding to Mental Health (Part 1)

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Do you think digital ministry resources can effectively address mental health issues? Jon and Andy dive deep into the topic of mental health in ministry. With their years of combined experience and a down-to-earth approach, they discuss the importance of addressing mental health and providing support to those in need. This podcast is your guide to navigating the complexities of mental health within the context of faith and ministry. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

How AI can Help Churches with Data Collection

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

EDITOR'S NOTE: ChatGPT is very popular right now as people are experimenting with it in all walks of life. Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. Today we asked AI how it can help Churches with data collection. This was its response.

For modern churches, data offers invaluable insights into congregational needs, trends, and opportunities for improvement. However, collecting, organizing and analyzing all that church data can prove challenging without the right tools. This is where artificial intelligence can make a real difference for ministry analytics.

AI has advanced analysis capabilities that can augment human efforts, saving church staff time and providing deeper understanding from data. Here are some key ways AI can enhance a church's data collection and evaluation:

Sentiment Analysis - AI techniques like natural language processing allow for fast analysis of open-ended feedback from surveys and interviews to assess overall sentiment. Leadership can quickly gauge how people feel about church programs, services, staff, facilities and more.

Demographic Analysis - Detailed demographic data of a church body can be examined by AI to uncover hidden insights about gender, age, location, family makeup, income, education levels and so on. This supports strategic decisions.

Giving Trends - Donation data can be mined by AI to spot patterns in types and timing of giving among congregants. Giving by age groups or household status can also be scrutinized. This intelligence aids budget planning.

Email/Chat Mining - AI tools can automatically group and categorize incoming emails and chat messages based on common topics and questions. This allows quicker response prioritization.

Social Media Monitoring - AI aggregates social media data to assess audience engagement and pinpoint what content resonates best. It can even generate suggested responses to comments.

Survey Analytics - Machine learning rapidly analyzes survey responses to highlight key statistical takeaways and find common themes. This complements longer-form analysis.

Predictive Analytics - Based on historical attendance, enrollment, giving and other data patterns, AI can create forecasts and extrapolate trends. This empowers forward-looking decisions.

Conclusion

The efficiency and comprehensiveness of AI data mining provides church leaders with both a high-level and detailed view of their congregation and programs. It surfaces hidden connections that humans easily miss when sifting through data manually. Most importantly, it saves many hours, so staff avoids burnout. With AI, churches can transform simple data collection into a catalyst for spiritual growth and effective ministry.

What do you think? What other online tools would you recommend? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to Get Started in Metaverse Ministry

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

While VR and the Metaverse has been around for a while now, doing ministry in those areas is not always clear. What can you do and not do? That is why Stuart McPherson joins Tom on the podcast today. Stuart has been doing ministry in the metaverse for years and has a new book out about how you can start doing Metaverse ministry today. You can find Stuart's book, "Your Church In VR: How To Plant A Church In Virtual Reality" on Amazon. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Stuart you can find him on Twitter/X. You can also check out his podcast "Metaverse Church" and his blog. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital

Maximizing Your Digital Missionary Impact on Instagram

Wed, 08 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Instagram has over 2.3 billion monthly users in the world today. It is one of the top 3 social media platforms in the world. With so many monthly active users, Instagram offers tremendous potential to extend your ministry's reach as a digital missionary. However, simply posting pretty pictures won't be enough anymore. You have to do more. And, the good news is that Instagram offers you lots of opportunities to reach people.

So what works on Instagram these days? How can you maximize your digital ministry efforts? Here are some tips for doing that today?

Discover some more engagement tips for Instagram when Tom Pounder interviews Jennifer Benton on the TCD Sidekick Podcast . Jennifer has tons of great examples and encouragement.

Conclusion

Instagram has tremendous reach possibility for Digital Missionaries. And, there are lots of ways you can maximize it to reach more people for Christ. Approach it with intentionality and creatively and see what God does.

What do you think? What are other ways you can Maximize Instagram as a Digital Missionary? Share your ideas below or on social media.

The Art Of Connecting With The Next Generation

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Are you struggling to bridge the gap and effectively communicate with the next generation in our digital world? Our From Text To Testimony hosts tackle this, and more, in this eye-opening conversation. Join Jon and Andy as they discover the fascinating truth of texting, as well as the unique challenges and opportunities it presents when talking about Jesus with younger generations. From deciphering abbreviations to embracing God's timing, this episode offers practical insights and heartfelt stories to help you connect with the digital natives in your life. Don't miss out on this down-to-earth conversation that will inspire and equip you to effectively communicate and love the next generation. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

How Digital Missionaries Can Spread a Spirit of Thankfulness This November

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMT

November is a time when people often pause to reflect on all they are thankful for. As Christians and digital missionaries, cultivating an attitude of gratitude shifts peoples focus and transforms our perspective for the better. That is why this November, use social media to create a wave of thanks and joy throughout our digital spaces and platforms.

Digital missionaries have a unique opportunity to model gratefulness online and stir it up in others. Here are some ideas for inspirational content to post on your feeds this month:

Conclusion

While people can and should be thankful all throughout the year, The goal is to flood social platforms and feeds with inspiration that helps shift people's focus towards being thankful. The hope is that the ripple effects will be ongoing well past November.

What do you think? What are other ways Digital Missionaries can spread thankfulness this November? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Building Digital Relationships

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMT

How can you build a digital relationship through something like texting and messaging? Jon and Andy attempt to answer that today in our newest episode of From Text To Testimony as they delve into the world of building digital relationships. As millennials who grew up with the internet, they share their personal experiences and insights on using screen names, earning the right to have conversations, and the importance of community groups. Discover practical tips on creating meaningful connections in the digital age and hear how to navigate the challenges of digital interactions. This episode explores the ups and downs of forming relationships online and how they can turn into ministry. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Online Ministry Insights from October 2023

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The leaves are changing color, the temperatures are dropping and s'mores are being toasted over the fire pit. With all that is happening, it can be tough keeping tabs on all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings. That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from October 2023

Your Church CAN be Digitally Relevant

While a majority of Churches have a live-stream of their Church services, a lot of those still lack a digital strategy to reach people with online and digital tools. In this podcast episode , Vernette John-Joiles not only shares the importance of having a digital strategy, but she shares ways that Churches can be digitally relevant in their online AND local community.

Twitter/X is STILL a Great Digital Missionary Platform

There has a been a lot of talk about X (formerly known as Twitter) lately...a lot of it not so great. While people are still processing all the changes, it is still a great social media platform for digital missionaries to be on. Tom shares 6 different action steps digital missionaries can take to maximize their time on that platform. Read about it here .

Gloo CAN HELP Text to the Unchurched

In this episode , Jon and Andy delve into the art of communicating with the unchurched. How can you do that? Gloo has a great way for you and your ministry to walk get to know those who don't go to your Church right now. They share insightful tips on how to build trust and credibility when reaching out to those who may be skeptical or unfamiliar with God and your ministry.

Use Social Media WITHOUT Losing Your Soul

Social media can be a great ministry opportunity for ministers. There are real chances that what you post or share can help encourage someone and share the light and love of Christ to others. However, too often, it can get in the way of ministry possibilities because of what we share and how we share it. That is why Joe shared 4 questions every minister should ask before they post on social media.

Magai Can TRANSFORM the Way You Generate and Refine Content

There are a lot of AI tools out there that can help you and your ministry. However, Magai is a powerful AI tool that gives you access to the worlds most advanced AI chabot models as well as other great features. And, it was designed by a guy who has ministry experience. Discover how you can use this great tool today.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

How Your Church Can Become Digitally Relevant

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Communicating with the Unchurched

Wed, 25 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

In our very FIRST episode of "From Text To Testimony," Jon and Andy delve into the art of communicating with the unchurched using Gloo. Explorers come from all walks of life, but are more and more being seen with unchurched or dechurched backgrounds. They share insightful tips on building trust and credibility when reaching out to those who may be skeptical or unfamiliar with religious content. Join them as they recount real-life stories, offer practical takeaways, and emphasize the importance of understanding the needs and questions of the unchurched before sharing Bible verses. Discover how text conversations can become a powerful tool for connecting with real people and understanding their struggles. If you're passionate about bridging the gap between the church and the unchurched, this episode is a must-listen! Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

"Go" Instead of Asking People To "Come"

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Over the years, Churches have asked people to "come" to their event or Church service. In many ways, Digital Church Leaders can fall into that trap as well. "Come" to my YouTube channel. "Come" to my Twitch channel. "Come" to my Digital Church service. Today, Jason shares about flipping the mindset in our digital ministry efforts. Let's not invite people to "come" to our stuff. Let's "GO" to their stuff. Let's "GO" to their communities and encourage people for Christ. "GO" today. Check out Jason's last videos about going as Digital Missionaries: https://youtube.com/shorts/WnSnUCnCVbo https://youtu.be/AxylTdpwGaQ ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Jason is a great resource. He’s on Twitter/X with resources and great insights. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

Maximizing Your Digital Missionary Impact on X (Formerly Known as Twitter)

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

X, formerly known as Twitter, is a mess. Long time users are getting more and more confused and frustrated by the changes, and the lack of direction and clarity of the business owner and CEO have made things even worse.

While it is still a mess, the reality is it has always been a mess. I have often referred to it as a beautiful train wreck. People can connect there, but it can also be a place of conflict and hostility. That is why I believe that Twitter/X is the perfect place for Digital Missionaries to hang out at.

As a Digital Missionary, Twitter/X offers incredible opportunities to reach out and engage people that your Church may not be able to reach otherwise. However, in order to effectively leverage Twitter/X, you do need some wise strategies. Here are some best practices for sharing the Gospel and biblical truth on this powerful platform.

Conclusion

While some may argue that Twitter/X's relevancy is declining, dismissing this powerful platform would be a mistake for digital missionaries aiming to advance the Gospel. When leveraged strategically, Twitter/X can help digital missionaries spread the good news of Christ to millions of people from all over the world. far and wide, connecting with people they may not reach otherwise. With a thoughtful and strategic effort, Twitter/X remains an impactful platform for expanding spiritual conversations.

What do you think? What are other ways you can maximize your impact on Twitter/X? Share your ideas below or on social media.

How to Create and Foster a Positive Online Community for Your Church

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The atmosphere and environment that happens during the playoffs of any sport is amazing. The fans of the home team is loud and they cheer passionately. The environment you are in matters. An environment full of energy, encouragement and excitement is so much better than that of disappointment and despair, Whether it is an in-person or online environment and community, creating a positive, uplifting, Christ-centered community is important and matters.

This is particularly important in today's world. Today's online world can often seem full of negativity and discouragement. As an online ministry community leader, you have the power to cultivate an encouraging environment that inspires people and promotes positivity that can be a welcome refuge. Here are some ways you can create a positive, encouraging online community for your Church or ministry.

Set the Tone

First and foremost, you lead by example. Your posts and comments should be positive and encouraging. Avoid sarcasm or criticism. Celebrate victories and compliment what others share. Show generosity by assuming the best in people. 1 Peter 5:2-3 - "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

Be Compassionate

Your online group can attract a wide variety of people. It can be very diverse. That is why it is important to encourage members to support one another. Make sure your moderators are equipped to diffuse tense exchanges. Include in your rules and remind your community to be respectful of others and that there’s a real person behind each post. Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Affirm Others

There are a variety of ways you can affirm and support others in your Group. For instance, you can spotlight members, send new community members welcome messages affirming and encouraging them, share uplifting stories of others, and recognize others for their accomplishments and encourage them. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Encourage Respectfulness

Because you group will likely have many people in it from different backgrounds, it can be easy for people to be disrespectful to each other. That is why it is important for you to ban profanity, create an atmosphere of civil discourse, delete comments that attack members’ character. Mediate disputes through respectful discussion. Never shame or talk down to members. Be thoughtful with humor since tones get lost online. Limit venting and cynical takes that spread negativity. Titus 2:2-3 - "Show proper respect to young and old alike. Share your life with those who need help. Do not slander others."

Share Godly Inspiration

As an online ministry community, it is important to feature motivational stories, quotes, Bible verses and tips that lift people up and encourage them to follow Christ. The more you can spread a Godly message that encourages hope, it will empower and inspire people. Ephesians 3:16-19 - "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."

Conclusion

Creating a group that encourages and creates real, positive community takes constant effort. It means promoting a Christ-like atmosphere. By doing this, it pays off in the end. People feel encouraged, uplifted, inspired and part of a tight-knit community. Love and treat others as Christ would treat them and your group can be a shinning example to others.

What do you think? What other ways you can create and foster an uplifting online community in your Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Bible Verses Digital Missionaries Can Share Around Halloween

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

While pumpkin spice lattes are often front and center during the fall season, the month of October is often associated with something a little bit more terrifying. Halloween. As a child it can seem fun with dressing up and grabbing candy. But, as you get older, people like to share more terrifying and scary things. This is what makes it such a great opportunity for Digital Missionaries.

The goal for Digital Missionaries is to use social media and other online opportunities to share the hope of Christ with others. With Halloween often bringing up worries and stresses, they can share Biblical truths that will help squash those fears. In fact, here are some encouraging Bible verses Digital Missionaries can share with those on the different platforms.

Conclusion

Digital missionaries have an opportunity to provide uplifting and encouraging perspective online during the Halloween season. What you share through words, pictures and videos can offer light and hope during a time often marked by darkness and worry. Use these verses as ways to spread hope, joy and Godly truth today..

What do you think? What are other ways Digital Missionaries can spread thankfulness this November? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Discover other ways you can encourage families and adults during the Halloween season.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How Magai Can Help Your Ministry

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

While AI has become known more and more around the world, how to use it currently is still be debated. This is particularly true amongst Church and ministry leaders. Enter Dustin Stout and Magai. Magai is a powerful AI tool that gives you access to the worlds most advanced AI chabot models as well as other great features. Learn more about it in this episode. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Dustin you can find him on Twitter/X, Instagram and Threads. You can also learn more about Magai, as well. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

How to Make Church Operations More Effective with Online Tools

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

EDITOR'S NOTE: ChatGPT is very popular right now as people are experimenting with it in all walks of life. Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. Today we asked AI how online tools can help Church operations. This was its response.

For modern churches, adopting online tools and technologies has become an essential part of smoothly running operations, engaging congregants, and spreading their message. With church attendance declining in recent years, leveraging the connectivity of the internet can help revive community participation and assist churches in fulfilling their missions.

Highlighted below are some of the most useful online tools and platforms that churches should consider utilizing.

Online Tools

Conclusion

The internet provides churches with more tools than ever to manage operations, connect members, and expand their ministry. Getting up to speed on digital strategies is key to sustaining a vibrant, growing church community.

What do you think? What other online tools would you recommend? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Using Social Media Without Losing Your Soul

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

It happens regularly. I meet a pastor. As soon as he friends or follows me on social media, the bragging, rants, or pretending begins. I hide my new friend because I just can’t deal with it.

Why does this matter? The pastor’s social media use is getting in the way of his ministry.

This is still new territory for all of us. I got my first social media account 16 years ago when Facebook was just got college students, and I still feel I am trying to figure out the best way to use all of this. I didn’t post on social media for six months earlier this year while I tried to figure out how I wanted to use social media. I started posting a few things, deleting a few, figuring out what worked for me and what didn’t work.

Here are some questions I think every pastor should answer before every post on social media.

Is it hype or reality?

Is the post boasting or presenting life better than it really is? You can post a picture of your kids playing in a leaf pile, but is it real or staged? Does this show the real life that you live or the one you want people to think you live?

We joke in our house about social media posts where moms wear flowing dresses while they carry laundry through the house. They have a professional photographer available all the time. Or Dad has a staged video session where he shows how he makes pancakes for his kids on his day off and does tricks with the eggs while he does it.

Pastors do this by only posting baptisms, amazing stories, or the high points of their ministry. If your social media only shows victory, then you are teaching your church members and other pastors that Christianity is only victory, never endurance. It is only pleasure, never suffering. That is fake Christianity.

Pastor, share your real life. Not every gory detail or anything that makes others look bad but the real stuff.

Does it make me stand out or more accessible?

Does this bring the people in your church closer to your life or make you stand out as more special? This one is hard because the big name pastors that you follow likely show their travels, conferences, dinners, etc. For the regular pastor, that is not the life of the people in your church and showing off separates you from people.

Instead of posting what makes you better, post things that allow people to learn what you are interested in and spend time on. I’m a gardener. Our family loves board games. We go to parks and for walks a lot. When I share those things from my real life, people ask how my blueberries are doing. They tell me how they love to see us out for walks in the neighborhood. That kind of social media brings people closer to us because they live those same kinds of lives.

I was a personal trainer and love kettlebells. If I show my workouts, though, then that distances me from a lot of people. I save discussions about training and kettlebells for my personal website where people come by choice if they are interested in me or what I’m interested in. That is the difference between using social media to bring people into our lives rather than stand out.

I know a pastor whose social media makes it look like pastoring means going to baseball games and going on cruises. That is not the life of the single parent working two jobs who lives down the street from your church. Don’t distance yourself from her.

Is it helpful and full of grace right now?

What you write might be true, but is it helpful at this moment? Social media (or any speech) should not be for getting things off your chest. It shouldn't be a firehose where you share everything you think. Is this what your people need to hear at the moment?

Just because something is true doesn’t mean it will build up your church right now. Titus 2:11-12 tells us that God’s grace trains us. Your post on what dying churches look like might be true, but is it God’s grace training and bringing life to your church? Or is it condemnation and shame trying to fix other people on our schedule, rather than God’s?

Too many pastors blast their church members with truth bombs that they found somewhere online. Pastor, use your platform to help the weak and bring grace to them.

Can I explain to my kids why I am posting this?

I always ask my older kids for their permission before posting a picture of them. I did that recently and my son asked me why I wanted to post that picture. I couldn’t think of a good explanation, so I decided that I shouldn’t post it if I didn’t have a good reason.

I think that is a good rule of thumb. If we cannot explain to someone, especially a child, what our reason and goal is, then it is not worth posting.

Examples of good reasons:

Conclusion

These four questions would weed out a lot of bad pastor posts. More than that, I think it would help our ministries bring God’s grace to more people.

What do you think? What are other questions you ask before posting on social media? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How Your Church Can Digitally Connect With People Throughout the Week

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Churches have changed a lot over the years. No longer are we meeting exclusively in stone cathedrals and singing hymnals. Rather, churches are in meeting in school, barns, coffee shops and even bars today. In addition, technology has opened up new possibilities for Churches. Technology allows Churches to connect with regular attendees and reach new people every day of the week, not just on Sundays.

Here are some ideas on how churches can leverage digital tools to build community and share the hope of Christ beyond Sunday morning.

Conclusion

Digital presents immense opportunities for churches to connect with more people throughout the week. Through technology like live streaming, social media, email newsletters, text messaging, podcasts, and an effective website, churches can build community and share their message like never before.

What do you think? What are other ways your Church can digitally connect with people throughout the week? Share your ideas below or on social media.

The Importance of Having an Online Giving Platform for Your Church

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Before Covid hit, there were still plenty of Churches that did not have an online giving platform or option for their Church attendees. However, that has mostly changed. In today's world, online giving is becoming more of the norm for many churches. Offering convenient online donation options can benefit both your members and further the work of your ministry.

While there has been lots of progress in this area, there are still some Churches on the fence about whether or not you should have an online giving platform. If so, here are some reasons why your church should.

Meet People Where They Are

For many people who attend your Church, especially younger generations, managing finances digitally is the norm. People way with their phones all the time and use bill payment systems to pay bills even more today than ever before. That is why when you enable online giving options it helps align your Church with how everyone already conducts business and engage with organizations. Providing an online giving platform makes donating easily accessible for more people.

Give People Flexibility

With today's busy schedules, people will appreciate the flexibility of being able to donate to your Church anytime they want or whenever they think about it from their computer or mobile device. Donating online is common these days and fits seamlessly into today's lifestyles, allowing people to give intentionally and regularly even when they can't make it to a Sunday service.

Various Donation Access Points

In addition to giving through your church website, there are other popular platforms that people use and are comfortable with. Find out which giving platforms people at your Church use and utilize them. The more donation access points you provide, the simpler contributing can be for people at your Church.

Enables Recurring Donations

With an online giving platform, you enable attendees to set up recurring weekly, monthly or annual donations taken directly from their account or credit card. This promotes consistent stewardship and helps the church budget reliably. Attendees appreciate the convenience of not needing to remember to give each week. They can simply click "recurring donation" and know that they will be consistently giving.

Provides Helpful Data Points

A key benefit for Churches in having an online giving platform is having the ability gaining access to data like trends in giving, attendee engagement and activity. Being able to monitor online analytics can provide insights on opportunities to improve the giving experience and share stories of impact that inspire continued generosity.

Conclusion

There are clear advantages of adding online giving platform for your Church. i n our increasingly cashless society. Not only does online giving options make it easier for attendees to consistently gives, but it also enables those who are ill, traveling, or otherwise unable to attend in person to still participate. Most importantly, providing a variety of online giving allows members to give cheerfully as an act of worship. For all these reasons, churches should implement online giving options for today's world.

What do you think? What are other reasons why Churches should have an online giving platform? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to "Fear Not" This October at Your Church

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

With Halloween being on the 31st, the month of October is often associated with fear. The month is full scary stories, movies and tv shows that keep people jumping out of their seats. It can be a terrifying month for people.

With October being a month that people are scared and stressed, it provides a unique opportunity for Churches. In fact, here are some phygital and online ways your Church can use the month of October to help combat fear that people may feel.

Conclusion

The month of October can be terrifying for people and families. Use a variety of digital, online and phygitial outlets to encourage people at your Church and in your community with hope, courage and stories of faith this month.

What do you think? How can you help people at your Church or in your community combat fear this month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

A Time Saving Tool for Your Ministry

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Ministers can work 24/7 and still never been finished with the work. That is why when a tool comes along that helps you reach more people and saves you time is a tool you have to consider. That is where Sermons.Tech comes in. It's a new tool that will help you use lessons, sermons and messages beyond Sunday morning. See how in this interview with Josh Burnett. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Josh you can find him at Sermons.Tech. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

5 Online Ministry Insights from September 2023

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

September brought the end of summer and the start of fall. As families are transitioning from the heat of summer to the cool mornings of nights of autumn, it can be tough keeping tabs on all the new digital and online ministry trends and happenings. That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network and Blogs comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network and the blog from September 2023

Fun and Creative ONLINE CONNECTIONS for Your Church

The Fall season brings new opportunities for your Church to engage with your community. For your digital and online ministry, one of the best ways to do that is through social media. Social media allows you to connect and encourage people each and every day. If you are looking for fun ideas, here are 13 different types of posts your Church can make.

We are Moving into a NEW Digital Age

For years we have been in the age of engagement when it comes to our online interactions. The focus has been on engaging with others. However, as Barbara Carneiro shares, we are entering into a new age. It is the age of curation. She shares what that looks like and how your Church can adapt to it in this episode .

A BREAKDOWN of the Leading AI Tools

How do you make sense of all the different AI type of tools around? What are the best ones and how do they stack up against each other? More importantly, is there a way for your Church to use them and how? Here is a comparison of the leading AI tools in 2023 with pros and cons identified for each so you can make the best decision for your Church.

You CAN GO from Digital to In-Person Connections

Unfair as it is, one of the biggest criticisms of online ministry is that people say there is no in person connection. Therefore, there cannot be no real community. We all know that is a false criticism because community does happen online. However, Steve Valdez and SavePoint Ministries is also finding ways to overcome that and connect those in the digital world with in-person community. See how as he talks to Mark Lutz in this episode .

You CAN make Quality Videos with a LIMITED BUDGET

There can be a tendency to think that in order to make quality videos you need a bigger budget. However, that is not the case. You can make great videos with excellent quality with a limited budget. Find out the tips and tricks you can implement to start making those quality videos here .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Digital Ministry Is Worth It

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

I’m a sucker.

Apple had their “Wanderlust” event 2 weeks ago . And I, of course, watched it. And I looked at the iPhone 14 Pro Max I had in my hand and immediately thought, “I should probably trade this in for a new one.”

Of course, nothing was wrong with my old phone. In fact, outside of having slightly worse battery life than I wanted, it was the best phone I had ever owned.

But I did a bunch of mental gymnastics and told myself that this new phone was WORTH my money. And I ordered it.

Spoiler: it’s fine. I’m an upgrade-every-year-because-I’m-a-nerd type of guy, and this is actually the first year where I’ve started actually contemplating returning it and sticking with the old one

“So what in the Tim Apple does this have to with digital ministry?”

Everything.

See, it’s no secret that digital has taken over the world, and that digital ministry is the way that we’re truly fulfilling the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS .” Digital ministry is not flashy, it’s not popular, but it’s something that is changing the world one person at a time.

Digital ministry is like that computer sitting in the corner of your office. The one that’s handling all of your files and acting as a server. It’s not flashy, but it’s vital to what you’re doing in your daily life. It’s not a brand new iPhone. It’s a tried-and-true Linux machine steadily humming away, getting the job done.

Ministry takes time and effort; it takes seasons of planting and harvesting before you ever really see any change or benefit.

And all too often, it takes even longer online, due to the nature of the fronts and faces we often encounter.

And because it’s not flashy, we too often run into leaders above us in organizations and churches that don’t want to invest in digital. Most of the time this is not out of ill-will or malice, but simply out of ignorance or wanting to follow the next ministry “splash” with children’s ministry or worship.

But part of our job as digital leaders is to convince people that their dollars and their time are worth investing it into.

Here’s a couple of tips to help those discussions:

1. Highlight Real-World Examples

Remember that stories of real life change can communicate more than a lecture ever will. Pastors and leaders will ALWAYS resonate with them. Start to gather them up and be ready to talk about them at the drop of a hat.

2. Demonstrate the Potential

Along with your stories, be ready to demonstrate the potential of what digital ministry and digital transformation can look like. Be ready to bring 1, 3, and 5 year goals to the discussion as well, knowing that technology is ever-changing and can affect these plans wholly. Be ready to also show that digital ministry can complement traditional services and outreach programs, reaching broader audiences and enriching spiritual experiences overall.

3. Emphasize the Changing Landscape

Point out the changing demographics and preferences of today's congregations. Younger generations, in particular, are more digitally oriented, and adapting to their preferences can ensure the future relevance and growth of religious organizations.

4. Address Concerns

Acknowledge the concerns and reservations that people may have about digital ministry. Some may worry about the loss of personal connection or the authenticity of online worship. Address these concerns empathetically, and provide solutions and assurances.

5. Provide Training and Support

Offer training and support for those who may not be technologically savvy. Empowering individuals with the skills they need to navigate the digital world can alleviate concerns and increase their comfort with digital ministry.

These are just a few of the talking points that you can have, but there are TONS more that are contextual to your situation.

Remember, you’re trying to prove that digital ministry is WORTH it. It’s worth dollars, time, and talent to be invested int it.

Digital ministry is worth my dollars. It’s worth YOUR dollars. And if you’re like me and you’re reading this, then you probably already know the impact that we can have on an Internet that is vast, wide, scary, and pretty much untamed. This is the time for the church itself to get involved. To show a waiting, watching world that we have a message of hope, peace, salvation, grace, and love.

What do you think? What are other reasons why Digital ministry is worth it? Share your ideas below or on social media.

How to Get Started Making Videos with a Limited Budget

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Creating videos is a great way to start engaging with people in your online ministry. If you are looking to start incorporating more video content into your online ministry content, it is a highly engaging format that can help bring your message to life. However, a hindering block that often prevents people from getting started in creating video content is the price. People feel like you have to spend lots of money to create the right set up for your videos.

While in a perfect world, having the best equipment would be ideal, the great news is that you don’t need fancy equipment or technical skills to start. For instance, here are some simple tools to help you dive into creating video content for your online ministry.

Use your Smartphone Camera

Most everyone has a smartphone these days. And, with today's technology, your smartphone likely has a quality HD camera on it. For starting out, your smartphone provides an accessible way to shoot well-lit, stable videos. If you don't have a smartphone, you could probably find a very suitable one on eBay.

Download User-Friendly Editing Software

While there are plenty of professional grade editing software out there, you don't need any of the expensive ones to start editing your videos. There are options like Quik, Adobe Express, Davinci or iMovie that provide easy drag-and-drop interfaces and plenty of video editing features for basics like trimming footage, adding transitions, inserting text/graphics, and more. Some of these are free (or comes with your computer software) while others may involve a small fee. Using these easy to use software allows you to build your confidence in editing before upgrading to more advanced software.

Use a Simple Microphone

A dedicated microphone can instantly boost your video's sound quality, even when recording with your phone. Lavalier clip-on mics are affordable and easy-to-use. Or, you can try a USB microphone that can connect directly to your computer for voiceovers, screen recordings, or improved audio while live streaming. Here is one option for a lavalier mic and one for a stand alone type of mic.

Maximize Natural Lighting

When filming, utilize natural lighting as much as possible. This comes from places like windows. But, make sure you avoid backlighting where window light is behind you. For under $25 you can get portable LED lights to brighten up shadowy areas. Overhead lighting is also key for setups where you sit at a desk. Here is one type of light you can get.

Use Simple Backgrounds

Plain backgrounds help keep the focus on you. Solid wall colors, bookshelves, or wall hangings are all nice backdrops. Make sure backgrounds are free of visual distractions.

Conclusion

With just your smartphone, some intuitive editing software, and a few inexpensive gear purchases like microphones and lighting, you can start creating quality videos for your online ministry. Focus on your message and don’t worry about perfection. Making video content is an ongoing learning process. The important thing is to start!

What do you think? What gear do you have to help you make videos? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

A Beginner's Guide to How AI Actually Works

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

EDITOR'S NOTE: ChatGPT is very popular right now as people are experimenting with it in all walks of life. Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. Since so many people still don't fully understand how AI actually works, we asked AI to give us a beginners' guide what goes on with AI. How does it work? This was its response.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become embedded in our everyday lives, powering technologies like facial recognition, digital assistants, self-driving cars, and more. But how does it actually work under the hood? Here’s a beginner’s guide to the fundamentals behind AI.

Based on Algorithms

AI is based on algorithms - sets of defined instructions for solving problems. There are different types of algorithms powering different capabilities. Machine learning algorithms are the most advanced, with the ability to learn from data without being explicitly programmed.

Machine learning relies on neural networks, which are modeled after the human brain’s network of neurons. Information flows through interconnecting nodes or “neurons.” Each node assigns a numerical value to the data based on learned correlations from processing large amounts of training data.

For example, a facial recognition algorithm is trained on thousands of images of faces. Nodes extract features like edges, shapes, textures to create a unique facial signature. When new data is input, the neural network identifies it by checking it against the training examples to find the closest match and make a prediction.

The more quality data the algorithm trains on, the more accurate it becomes at tasks like classification and prediction. Deep learning uses neural networks with many layers that can extract higher-level features from the data. Convolutional neural networks are common for computer vision, while recurrent neural networks are used for natural language processing.

The results produced by the neural network are then evaluated for accuracy. If mistakes are found, the algorithm is retrained to improve. This iterative process allows AIs to keep evolving independently just through exposure to new data.

Conclusion

While AI may seem mystifying, its fundamental mechanisms can be understood with some basic knowledge of machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and training data. AI offers immense opportunities, but also risks if improperly implemented. As it increasingly shapes our world, having literacy in how AI systems function will be key.

What do you think? What did you think of these recommendations? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to Use Instagram Stories to Maximize Your Reach

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Instagram Stories have quickly become one of the most popular social media features out there. In fact, Instagram CEO, Adam Mosseri, has said that Stories is valued higher than the Feed section. This is where there is a true opportunities for churches and ministries on Instagram. Stories provide a fun, casual way to connect with your community in the moment.

Many people use different ideas like going behind the scenes of your Church service or event as Stories. However, there are lots of ways you can use it beyond different content types to increase your reach. What are those ways? Here are some ways you can use Instagram Stories to boost your reach to those who follow you already and those who don't.

Use all of the Stories’ Features For instance, use Try adding GIFs, stickers, locations, and hashtags as often as possible (without over-using them, of course). By using all these features, you’ll have a better chance at keeping your audience engaged and will give them a reason to spend more time viewing your Instagram Stories.

Frequency and Be Consistent

Share stories more frequently with updates throughout the day and week. The more you post, the more you will show up in the rotation

Encourage Interactions

There are many different ways you can do this. You can use Polls, stickers, to interact with people. Polls give you a great way to gather feedback about an event coming up or about a promotion. You can also use it to ask funny questions. Encouraging these kinds of interaction will not only help you build a deeper connection with those who follow you but it will also help you grow your reach, too.

Add Links

Adding links to your Stories will not only help drive more traffic to your website or landing page, but it's another feature that the algorithm will reward you for including in it.

Add Hashtags & Location Stickers

Instagram's Explore & Search page includes hashtag and location stories which allows you to add a hashtag or location sticker to a story. That means that other users will be able to find it if they search that hashtag or location. It's a great opportunity to reach a lot of new and undiscovered audiences. And if they like what they see, they might even start to follow you.

Conclusion

As with every social media plastron, Instagram will continue to tweak it’s algorithm and make changes. As it does that, use it as an opportunity to make adjustments, try new things and create deeper connections. Instagram Stories are still a great way for you to connect with people in your online and IRL community. Maximize your strategy and reach today on Instagram.

What do you think? What other ways can you maximize Instagram Stories for your Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

The Age of Curation

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

13 Fall Social Media Posts Your Church Can Share

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

With the fall season comes new opportunities for your Church to engage with your community. This is not just for your Church community but for your local and online community as well. One of the best ways to do that is through social media. Social media allows you to connect and encourage people each and every day.

With the opportunities there are for you to connect with others on social media, here are 13 fall related social media post ideas that your church can use. Check them out as a starting point for lots of cool opportunities to minister and engage your community this year.

Conclusion

Just like any other season during the year, the fall provides unique opportunities for your Church to engage your community. Social media is the perfect way to do that. Here are twelve simple posts you can make and even expand on that will engage, encourage and bring a smile throughout the fall season.

What do you think? What other posts are there for you to share on social media this fall? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

A Comparison of 6 Leading AI Tools (2023)

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at a rapid pace. This past year has shaped up to be a groundbreaking year for AI-powered tools and technologies. From chatbots to computer vision, AI has already begun to transform the way businesses, Churches, schools and people automate tasks, generating insights from data, and enabling new intelligent applications.

What are the top AI tools and how do they stack up against each other? Here is a comparison of those tools in 2023 with pros and cons identified.

ChatGPT

One of the biggest AI breakthroughs in recent years has been ChatGPT, launched by OpenAI in late 2022. ChatGPT is a conversational AI that can understand natural language prompts and generate human-like responses on a wide range of topics.

Pros:

Cons:

Jasper AI

This is an AI writing tool designed to help generate blog posts, product descriptions, company bios, ad copy, and social media captions. Like Chat GPT it is designed to create human-like conversations.

Pros:

Cons:

Magai

Magai gives you access to the worlds most advance AI Chatbot models

Pros:

Microsoft Bing AI

Microsoft Bing is an integrated AI tool with the Bing search engine. This is available for Microsoft users.

Pros:

Cons:

Google Bard AI

Google Bard AI is powered by Language Model for Dialogue Applications (LaMDA). It's based on Google's own next-generation language and conversation model.

Pros:

Cons:

Anthropic's Claude

A newer AI entrant, Claude is an AI assistant created by Anthropic. Claude aims to provide an AI assistant that is trustworthy.

Pros:

Cons :

Conclusion

AI has made a lot of news over the past year, as it is still relatively new to the general public. Many people are just now really beginning to understand how to use it. These are six of the leading AI tools currently. If you have not tried one of these out yet, try them out and see what you can do with it. AI will continue to adapt and evolve, so keep trying it out and see how your Church or ministry can maximize its today.

What do you think? What are some other AI tools available today that you like? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Ways Churches Can Use the Metaverse Beyond Outreach

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

There has been a lot of talk about the Metaverse over the past few years. The Church has even explored many ways to use the metaverse for ministry purpose. However, many Churches still only see the metaverse as a platform for digital outreach. While building relationships and sharing about Christ in the metaverse is important, there’s so much more that churches can do to engage people and build community in the metaverse..

Other Ways to Use the Metaverse at Your Church

Conclusion

The opportunities within the metaverse are expansive. It doesn't have to be limited to just outreach. Pick and choose different ways of the five highlighted above to use it. That way you can reach and equip more people for Christ.

What do you think? What are some other ways you can use the metaverse at your Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

6 Tips on Creating a Church Email that People Will Open and Read

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Email is one of the most important communication channels churches have to connect with their congregation and community. After all, it is one of the most widely used and important methods of communication in today's world. But how can you ensure your church emails get opened, read, and generate responses? There are ways that you can ensure your emails not only get opened but get read as well.
Here are 6 tips that will help you create an email that people will open and read.

Have a clear, specific subject line.

The subject line is the first thing people will see. That is why it is important to get straight to the point and make them memorable. You can include information such as "Bible Study Group this Tuesday at 7 pm" or ask a question such as "Did you enjoy last week's message?" The more you can make the curious, the more likely they will open it. It's important to note that subject lines over 50 characters get cut off on mobile, so make the short, as well.

Get to the point.

Wordy emails tend to get overlooked. If someone opens your email and sees a bunch of paragraphs, they will look to skim it or not read it at all. That is why it is important to keep it short and to the point. Lead with the key details early on. You do not need to put a lot of fluff into the beginning of the email. After you highlight the point of the email, you can get into the details after that. People are opening your email because they are already interested, they don't need fluff. Make it short and to the point.

Use visual formatting.

In addition to getting to the point, people will immediately overlook the whole email if it is just words. That is why it is important for you to use visual formatting to grab their attention. For instance, you can break up large blocks of text with section headings or short paragraphs. . You can also make key points bold, italicized, underlined or that involve a bullet or numbered list so they jump out. Finally, you can use images, graphics or video that can help draw attention to important information.

Personalize when possible

People don't want to feel like they are just one of many. They want something personal. That is why it would be great to use merge fields to include recipient names when possible. In addition, segment your email lists. Not everyone on your list needs to get an email about the youth ministry or singles group. Organize them (segment) according to groups, campuses, ministries or serving roles. Sure, you will have church-wide emails you will need to send out, but most of your emails can be cemented and personalized to ensure people open and read them.

Share Teasers

This has more to do with making sure your next email gets opened and read. Here you are teasing something in the future. For instance, at the end of the email you can say something like, "Next week, I’ll send information about our next big event." This gives them a reason to anticipate and re-engage with your next email. IT doesn't have to be much, just a simple teaser.

Limit to one call-to-action per email

It can be really easy to include tons of information and tons of calls to action in every email you send. When you include too many calls to action it can seem overwhelming and could confuse people as to what you want them to do. That is why it is important to limit the email to just one action and help it stand out visually with color, size, borders, placement.

Conclusion

Writing great emails may take more time upfront, but it pays off with higher open and response rates over generic blasts. By following these tips, you can craft emails that will help you truly engage your Church.

What do you think? What other tips are there that will help you create emails that get opened and read? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Using Digital Tools to Improve Productivity for Leaders

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Digging into Digital on Notion.

The challenges of having less time

I think that one of the significant issues that church and ministry leaders have is making the best use of time. As a leader myself, it may seem like there's not enough time to do all the things that that we are passionate about or that we believe are God-given initiatives. In our current climate, we are being confronted with so much uncertainty, which often requires more from us in terms of leadership, and how we work to be an answer to varying needs. Therefore, we’re applying more effort and energy, and yet having to manage the same 24 hours in a day. Obviously, as Spirit-led leaders, we want, and should want to operate supernaturally. However, on a daily basis, the common experience may be that things become quite blurry, so we may not know where we may actually just be overreaching, doing too much, or pressuring ourselves to get things done in an unreasonable fashion.

Assessing ministry activity

Let’s talk about unreasonable functioning in leadership that we can all end up sliding into.

Many of us are using technology to our advantage, which I think is a good thing. What can be counter productive is if we are not learning how to use it effectively, or if we continue in unreasonable patterns of functioning. Sometimes tech can have us multitasking unsuccessfully because our mindset about how to lead may not have changed with the tech upgrade. We do need to take the time to stop and to ask ourselves if our current form of leadership is still effective or even if it is applicable for the times that we're in. It is good to be able to pause (just for 30 mins in your day!) to assess church or ministry activities. If we find that there are more significant things that need attention, or areas to maximise capacity, it may mean that the current method of ministry operations needs to be reviewed.

As a Ieader, I absolutely love exploring digital tools, and have my own ‘tech stack’ to help me work more effectively, and to be more strategic with my time. One thing I do enjoy, although it is sometimes very confronting, is setting up digital tools to help me to see clearly the different things I’m doing or involved in. This causes me to be more scrutinous about my schedule, and if I’m being realistic about what I want to accomplish. Using digital tools as a productivity aid allows me to see the level of energy or time that certain tasks require before I can think about taking on anything else. I think this approach contributes to the quality of being an effective leader. The world around us is relying more on the digital space for accessing essential services such as banking, paying bills and ordering food. I’d like to suggest that for us as church and ministry leaders, that we should also be looking to utilise digital tools so that we can make better use of our time. It will help us to be more mindful of when we may be taking on too much, even to the point of being able to identify the onset of potential burnout.

Using Notion to save time

One of my favourite digital tools is Notion . One main area that it works well for our church leadership is when we are having leadership meetings. It saves so much time! If I'm having a team meeting, we no longer type up notes into a Word document, to then attach to an email so that all can review and see their actions. With Notion, our leaders all have access to the same Notion space so that we can see the meeting notes and actions straightaway. So there is no wait time for someone to type up everything and then having to email. We like it because we can see straight away what's going on, and we can communicate more efficiently by commenting and managing an action table to show progress with assigned tasks. Sweet! ��

I have also used it for tracking progress for one-to-one discipleship sessions. It’s been a good solution for engaging with believers who are new to the faith or to create content for those who need encouragement about specific matters. Notion is a note-taking app, but it is quite versatile and has lots of design options. I’ve used it to create a discipleship template about biblical topics that are being explored. I can then provide access to the person being discipled to participate on Notion by adding their thoughts or comments in real time. It’s also been good for other ‘life areas’ such as goal setting and and storing useful Christian resources. I find it an invaluable tool to use for ministry purposes. I also love the fact that when using it, I'm not only imparting spiritual principles, but I’m also helping the disciple learn a new skill and become more digitally literate. Notion is used by some major companies across the globe, which means that it can be useful in the areas of work and business. A few years ago, I even developed and facilitated a 3-month business program all within Notion!

The value of digital tools for leadership

Psalm 90:12 is a great base to apply to our lives about the importance of taking stock of time, and how we spend it. There are also numerous places in the Bible that refer to the importance of being good stewards of our resources. As leaders, we must bear in mind that one of our most precious resources is time. I’d like to suggest that it is well worth Christian leaders to make room to evaluate if time is being spent well within ministry endeavours, and if there are options to do things differently. This could be a simple exercise of exploration around ideas to do things in a more time-efficient manner. In some faith corners, Christians are known to say that ‘God is doing a new thing’, but we can often miss the practical application. Perhaps God may be leading some of us to become more familiar with digital tools that will aid ministry activity, develop engaging discipleship and more. There are many other digital tools besides Notion that can be useful. It’s just a matter of being open to explore and learn.

As leaders, I don't think that we ever stop growing. We are subject to so many experiences and insights on our leadership journey, especially as we seek to serve those that we work alongside with and those that we are leading. From my own experience, taking the opportunity to review how ministry activities can become more time effective does lead to maximised energy and even the restoration of focus and drive in ministry. Digital tools like Notion are just an productivity aid but can also prove to be a good and viable solution for effective Christian leadership.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Check out Leadership Network’s Digital Discipleship Learning Community and discover how evangelism and discipleship can be strengthened digitally.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

A Ministry Opportunity for Caregivers

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

5 Online Ministry Insights from August 2023

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Just as quickly as it started, summer is now over. If children in your area are not already in school, they will be soon. Thus August wraps up a great summer. So how do you start the school year and fall strong? What can you do? That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network from August 2023

Metrics Matter, Especially for DISCIPLESHIP

Metrics are important and can really help your Church disciples those around you, when you look at them properly. In this episode , Andy Mage and Ashley demystify the metrics that govern success in discipleship. They look at optimization, expansion, and empowerment, where numbers aren't just digits, but the key to unlocking a future of boundless growth at your Church or ministry.

The Real Impact of Your Ministry Goes BEYOND Numbers

Do numbers really matter? If you have 5 people coming to your ministry event, is that really ministry? In this episode of the NCMU podcast, Mark Lutz is joined by Jate Earhart and they talk about how we don't need to worry about going "Big." Rather, we need to focus on who we are reaching and how we can train those people to reach even more. What does that look like? Listen to them share here .

Ministers Can AND Should Use AI

There has been a lot of discussion about AI of late. And, just like the rest of the world, the ministry world is questioning whether or not they should use AI. In this episode Tom Pounder and Mark MacDonald talk about AI. What is it really good for and how can ministry leaders use it today.

The Digital Church Can Help BRIDGE THE GAP Between the Church and People "Leaving" the Church

The downward trends have been happening for years now. Churches are losing attendees, not gaining. And, people are not experiencing community in the Church anymore. However, in this episode Mark Lutz and Andy Mage talk about how the Church can use digital tools and the digital Church to help. bridge that gap and establishing community.

Be on your GUARD in the Metaverse (and a Ministry Opportunity)

Meta has dropped the age restriction for people to go into the Metaverse. Because of that churches need to be prepared and protect itself against trolls and bad agents trying to harm and discredit the Church. In this episode , Stunami and Goose talk about this but also what they can do to reach a younger generation in the metaverse.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

4 Reasons Why Fantasy Football is a Perfect Fall Phygital Ministry Opportunity

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

As summer transitions into fall, a unique opportunity for ministry leaders and believers arrives every year. That is the start of fantasy football season. Yes, fantasy football has become increasingly popular, not just with guys but with women, as well. And, the best part of it whether you are.a big Church or a small Church, there are people who can and will play with you. It's a great ministry opportunity that combines in person and with digital that can be used to build community and disciple others.

Here are 4 reasons why it is the perfect fall phygital ministry opportunity:

Millions are Already Playing

Fantasy football is really popular with millions of people playing it every year. It is very common for people to play in 2, 3 or even more leagues each year. Because of this, it provides a great ministry opportunity for you to gather 10+ other people to play. They could be people from your Church or people outside of your Church. In fact, it could be first step to introduce people to Christianity by inviting them into a league with other Christians. After all, it more than likely participate in a fantasy football league as a first step than attend a Church service. If a ministry leader starts a league, it could lead to a great ministry opportunity throughout the year.

It Provides a Year-Round Connection

Football season is mainly a fall season activity. However, just like sports season, they are no longer confined to just a 3-4 month period of time and then forgotten about. Football news happens year round. Because of that, fantasy football activity can be year round, as well. You can do fun activities and meet ups with other members of the league and build real relationships and connection throughout the year. However, not only can and should do in person gatherings with the league members, by using digital tools, you can stay connected and keep up engagement all year long.

Digital Tools Increase Engagement

In our daily life, people use their phones and other digital tools to catch up and connect with others. Your fantasy football league can do the same thing. You can create a Discord channel, text group or Facebook group that will enable people to chat throughout the year, not just during the season. From these daily interactions you can build real camaraderie and it could provide opportunities for you to minister and disciples those in your league.

Opportunity to model Christ

The popularity of fantasy football provides people an opportunity to connect with people they wouldn't normally connect with. And it's a great opportunity for Christians and ministry leaders a great chance to connect with people we might not interact with otherwise. Thus it gives non-believers a chance to see how Christians and ministry leaders interact outside of a religious setting. It provides believers a chance to break down barriers and model Christ to those who may not have a lot of interactions with Christians. If a ministry leader or believer starts a fantasy football league and doesn't use it as an opportunity to model Christ and share the love of Jesus with others, it is a missed opportunity.

Conclusion

Fantasy football provides an enjoyable way for people to connect through friendly competition. And, it is a great ministry opportunity as it provides ministry leaders and believers a great opportunity to make new friends, model Christ and disciple others. Start a league this year, model Christ in your daily interactions and see how God uses it.

What do you think? What has been your experiences with fantasy football? How has you seen God work in this unique ministry opportunity? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Make Disciples as a Team

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Aa follow up from his last video, Jason talks about Matthew 28:19-20. In the Greek text, "go" is passive. However, make disciples is not. It is non-negotiable. We are called to make disciples. Not only that, but we are called to go and make disciples as a team. What does that look like? Jason shares ways you can do that today. ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Jason is a great resource. He’s on Twitter/X with resources and great insights. Join the Being the Church, Digitally Facebook Group. To learn how to be more effective using digital tools for your ministry join the group. We share tools and digital trends to see how we can reach more people for Christ with these tools. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today.

How Youth Ministers Can Help Teenagers with Social Media

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Gen Z and Alpha are growing up in a world where they only ever knew a world with social media. They are the first generations to do so. And while research is still developing, it is no secret, the stats show that social media can have a harmful impact on their lives ( source ). Despite this, stats also show that 54% of them say it would be really hard to give up social media ( source ).

The Church's mission is to love, serve and share the love of Jesus with their community. With social media being such a huge part of our daily lives, it presents a great opportunity for the Church and youth ministries to minister and serve the community. After all, as great as it is for teenagers to connect with others and build friendships online, there is also cautions that they need to be aware of. There are dangers that teens, tweens and families need to know about and navigate through.

Ways to Help

So, how can youth ministers help teenagers with social media? Here are a few things you can do:

Conclusion

Today's teens and tweens have only ever known a life with social media. It is a very important part of their life, as they use it as a way to connect with others. However, it is not the only way they can connect with others. As a youth ministry leader, help them and their families navigate how they can use social media appropriately. The more you can partner with families, the more helpful you will be to the long term health and mental development of teens.

What do you think? What are some other ways youth ministers and ministries can help teenagers with social media? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Ways to Get More People Coming To Your Church's Facebook Page

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Years ago, after the 2016 election, Facebook made major changes to what kind of content they were gonna let people see. While they boasted the most people on any social media platform, they wanted to drag down the reach of "Pages" and increase the reach of "Groups" and encourage people to talk to people.

Because of the changes they made, your Facebook Page for your church will not be seen nearly enough by the people who like it. In fact, stats show that it is about 10% of the people who like your Page will actually see your content. With the stats so low, it is even harder for your Church to reach people who don't even know about your Page. But, all is not lost. There are ways for people to see your Church's Facebook Page.

How to Get More People Coming to Your Page

Even though it’s difficult for your people to see it, there are ways you can encourage them to see your Page. Here are 5 ways:

Engage in comments. People will say things on your post. Every time someone comments on a post, reply to them. When you do that, Facebook's algorithm says, "hey, people are engaging, we are going to allow more people to see it." That is why it is important to reply to people's comments.

Share real people doing real things. While most content can get overlooked and not engaged with much, whenever you share people doing real things, it always gets more engagement. People don't want to see stock photos. They want to see people they go to Church with or in their neighborhood doing real things. Some of those things are baptisms, serving events, and Church events. Take pictures doing these events and share them on Facebook.

Run Facebook ads. Facebook has become more of a pay to play platform. That means, organic reach has become less and the way to get noticed is through Ads. Create ads that promote your page or specific posts. It could be about an event you are hosting, a faith encouragement or about your Church services in the area. You can target your area and share.

Go live. At the beginning of the pandemic, when everyone was home all the time, going live was a great way to interact and engage with people in your Church and community. Facebook really promoted those times and while it is not as popular as it used to be, going live is a great way to grab attention and get a good amount views quickly. You can let people who already follow your Page know when you're going live beforehand so they tune in.

Create Reels. Reels isn't just for Instagram. Facebook has them as well. And, just like in Instagram, Facebook promotes Reels on the platform more than other content. Reels gives you a real opportunity to create different, more creative content in a short form video format that will draw attention, especially with new people who haven't currently liked your Page yet.

Conclusion

While it may seem frustrating at times to get people coming to your Church's Facebook Page, it is still possible. After all, Facebook has the most active monthly users. There is a lot of potential there still to reach more people with the hope of Christ. Keep examining and analyzing what is working on your Page and seek to do more of it while also experimenting with new ideas such as Reels and live videos. The more you can do that, the greater the chances are that you can get more people coming to your Church's Facebook Page.

What do you think? What are other ways you've discovered to get more people seeing your Church's Facebook Page? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Should Ministers Use AI?

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

AI has taken over the world. While not literally, definitely figuratively. From schools to professionals, everyone is looking into how they can use it in their context. And the same applies to ministers and Churches. What should the Church and ministers do with AI? That is why Mark MacDonald is on the podcast today. Mark is a Church Branding Strategist for BeKnownForSomething.com, a national Church Communication and branding agency, coaching Pastors and 1000s of Churches to become relevant in their community. We use Mark's blog post as a reference for our discussion today. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Mark is a great resource. He’s on Twitter/X and has a great website with resources and great insights. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today. 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.

5 Ways to Increase Watch Time on Your Church's YouTube Videos

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

There are a lot of video platforms your Church can and should use. While TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube are some of the most popular platforms to engage in, YouTube is still probably the most important. One reason is because it is the second most powerful search engine behind only Google. Secondly, it boasts over 2 billion monthly logged-in users. The huge audience provides opportunities for you to reach a large amount of people. The opportunities and potential are immense.

In order to be effective on YouTube, you need to know some tips and strategies. One strategy involves video watch time. Watch time is how long people watch your videos. It's important because it influences YouTube’s algorithm, driving recommendation and discovery, while ranking results to guide viewers on what to watch next. The longer people watch your video, it signals to YouTube higher engagement to the algorithm which will benefit a video’s position in recommendation and discovery.

So how do you increase watch time on your Church's YouTube videos so that your Church can reach more people with the gospel? Here are 5 tips:

Conclusion

YouTube's algorithm favors longer watch times. The more people watch your videos, the more likely your videos will be shared and promoted on YouTube. It's important to analyze your audience retention reports and continually refine your content. What world today may not work tomorrow. Keep enhancing your videos with aspects like pacing, structure, and engagement. That will go a long way towards increasing overall watch time, thus getting more views for your Church's YouTube videos.

What do you think? What are some other ways you can increase watch time for your Church's YouTube videos? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Unlocking Discipleship Growth: Mastering Metrics for Impact

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Common Reasons Why Churches Aren't Online and How to Overcome Them

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Before the pandemic, there were a lot of Churches that were not online. It was more abnormal for a Church to be online than it was for them not to be on. However, once the pandemic started, a lot of Churches went online and kept a presence online to this day. However, since the pandemic has subsided, many Churches have either abandoned their online efforts or stopped taking steps to improve their online presence.

Reasons and Solutions

The big question for each Church that has backtracked or abandoned their online ministry progress is why have they. Realistically, there are a few things that come into play for churches who struggle when it comes to adopting digital technologies long term. Here are some of the common reasons why some Churches aren't online anymore and how you can overcome those reasons.

Conclusion

As with anything, there are a variety of reasons for Churches or ministries do NOT do something. However, that shouldn't prevent you from doing it. If God is calling your Church to use digital tools and technology to reach people, do not let the negative mindset creep in and prevent you from doing it. With every issue, there is always a solution around it. Keep working on overcoming the negative reasons with positive solutions and see how God uses your ministry to reach even more people for Christ.

What do you think? What are some other common reasons why Churches aren't online and how can you overcome them? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Having Connection Issues: Overcoming the Challenge of Authentic Connection

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Connection issues. Not being able to connect to the Internet. I cannot tell you how many times my children have come into my office, showing me their phones or their iPads asking me to fix the connection issues that they are having. So many times, it’s as easy as unplugging the router, plugging it back in, and waiting for 5 minutes for all of our networking gear to spin back up.

Connections, in that sense, are easy. But connections in digital ministry are NEVER as easy as just walking away and coming back 5 minutes later. As our digital ministries continue to evolve and change, we’re facing significant challenges in authenticity, engagement, and discipleship.

The challenge we’re facing comes down to this: how can we nurture authentic connections in a virtual world that is so used to flipping a switch to fix things?

Technology has opened up new avenues for spiritual conversations and engagement, but it also presents a paradox: the more interconnected we are through our screens, the more we risk losing the depth of genuine human connection.

In a traditional setting, the physical presence of a congregation fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. People gather in a physical space to engage in worship, partake in sacraments, and interact with fellow members of their faith communities and churches. These interactions extend beyond the formal ceremonies, creating opportunities for personal conversations, emotional support, and a sense of belonging that can be difficult to replicate online.

With the push of a button, you can connect to wider audiences and communities, connecting people who might not have otherwise been able to participate with your church or body. There’s convenience, flexibility, and a real sense of freedom that comes with logging in to your church from the comfort of your favorite couch or coffee shop.

But, as a leader, your biggest challenge comes in translating those conveniences into meaningful and authentic connections that mirror the depth of in-person interactions while at the same time leaning into the freedom and flexibility of what digital brings.
This is where YOU come in. Your gifts, skills, talents, and abilities in the digital landscape are no accident. Your communities, your interests, your passions, and your experiences can be used by the Holy Spirit in ways that you may not understand at this moment.

And it’s up to you to start taking some proactive steps to offer genuine and impactful experiences online.

No pressure, but it’s up to you!

Strategies

Here are a couple of strategies that you can start with:

Conclusion

As digital ministry continues to evolve, the challenge of nurturing authentic connections remains a central concern. While technology enables unprecedented reach and engagement, it is essential to prioritize the quality of connections over sheer quantity. By implementing thoughtful strategies that encourage personal interaction, embrace vulnerability, and foster inclusivity, faith-based organizations can overcome the hurdles of the digital landscape and create meaningful, authentic experiences that resonate deeply with their congregants. In doing so, they will not only strengthen their virtual communities but also ensure that the spiritual essence of their traditions remains vibrant and impactful in an increasingly digital world.

What do you think? What other ideas do you have about overcoming connection issues, especially digitally? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How Your Church Can Support Families This School Year

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Throughout the year there are different opportunities to minister and support families. One of those times, the one that covers most of the year, is the school year. The school year can be a stressful time for families. Between homework, extracurricular activities, and busy schedules, families can often feel overwhelmed. That is why there is a tremendous opportunity for Churches to provide spiritual support and encouragement to help families stay grounded during the busy school year.

Here are different online and in person ways you can support families in and around your community this school year.

Online Ways

Bible Studies. Families are busy and while they may want to be part of a life group or in-person Bible study, they just don't have the time. Put together a Bible study that they can be part of. You can do one just for parents, or just for students or children, or you can do ones that are designed for families to do together. There are great platforms like YouVersion that enables you to do it easily on your smartphone or smart device.

Parents Group on Facebook. Parenting is hard. It would be so nice to form a parenting group on Facebook for parents to join and be encouraged in. You can share resources and encouragement while also encouraging parents to ask questions and talk about issues they are going through. You can even highlight and hold special events in that Facebook Group as well.

Email Encouragement. Families are busy, especially during the school year. Send them a weekly or every other week email encouraging them with a Bible verse, a parenting tip, maybe something to laugh at and whatever else you feel like parents in your local community could be encouraged with.

Refurbished Tech Supplies. School supplies are different today then they were 10 years ago. More and more schools rely on technology to teach. Your Church can collect and refurbish old tech to give to families in your community in need of these devices for school. It's a great way to serve your community by empowering tech skilled workers to practice and refurbish devices. And, it helps families in need that your Church doesn't currently serve.

In Person Ways

Parent meet ups and coffees. Raising children is tough and parents often feel alone and isolated. Even though they are not the only parents going through those situations, they may feel that way. That is why if you offer a parent meet up or coffee time, you can connect parents together and help them build support and potentially new friendships. You can do them monthly or quarterly, depending on the need in your area.

School Supplies. While many schools have gone to using tech and digital equipment for school, some basic supplies still are needed, especially for elementary school students. Supplies like crayons, pencils, notepads and rulers are always needed. Collect some throughout the school year and either give them to families in need or to the schools your families go to as a way to start building a friendship with the local schools.

Parents Night Out. As parents know, while they may love being a parent, it can be stressful and non-stop. That is why having a night where your Church offers free babysitting (and a fun night for kids), could be just what parents need. They know that their children will be well taken care of and they can have a fun time out with their spouse or significant other. It's a great way to minister to your community.

Conclusion

The Church has a unique opportunity to support families. There are online and in person opportunities. These are just a few that you can do. Pick and choose a few ideas that you Church can do and see how it supports and encourages families in your local community. Who knows, maybe this will be a great introduction to people who are in need of Jesus in their life and it makes an eternal impact.

What do you think? What are some other ways you can support families this school year? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Creating Digital Systems and Processes for Your Ministry

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

You can use digital tools to help you so much in your ministry. Today, DK Hammond joins me to talk about how he uses them and what digital tools he uses to create great systems and processes for his Church. In addition, we talk a little about Threads as well. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Share your thoughts below or on social media. DK is a great resource and is always open to chatting about digital and online ministry. You should connect with him on Twitter/X, Threads or check out the Social Media Church Podcast. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today. 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.

How You Can Use Videos to Train and Disciple Your Church

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Jesus called all people to go and make disciples of all nations. But how? How do you go and make disciples? Churches often help train people to go and make disciples. And they also teach people how to be a disciple. While doing these trainings and teaching are always great to do in person, it is not always possible to do that. That is where video comes into play.

In order for people to go and make disciples, video can be very helpful. After all, when you record a training or teaching on video, you can show it to anyone at anytime. Then people can watch the videos on their own time and get the proper training.

Training and Discipleship Video Ideas

So what types of videos can you do? Here are some ideas:

Conclusion

Videos are a great way to train and disciple people at your Church. The key is to create very focused videos that educate in an engaging, easy-to-absorb way. These videos will go a long way to help visually show people how to do a task or a discipleship principle.

What do you think? What are other videos you can do to train and disciple your Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

AI's Beginner's Guide to Using AI for Image Generation

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

EDITOR'S NOTE: ChatGPT is very popular right now as people are experimenting with it in all walks of life. Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. Today we asked if and how AI how people can use AI for image creation. This was its response.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has unlocked incredible new possibilities for generating images. With the right prompts and tools, anyone can now create unique digital art, illustrations, and photos. In this beginner's guide, we'll cover the basics of using AI for image generation, from choosing the right software to crafting effective prompts. Whether you're an artist looking to enhance your workflow or just want to experiment with AI art, read on to learn how to tap into the creative potential of this emerging technology.

Choosing an AI Image Generator

The first step is selecting which AI image generator you want to use. Here are some of the most popular options to consider:

Think about which features are most important to you, whether that's image quality, ease of use, accessibility, or cost. Narrow down your options to pick the AI image generator that best suits your needs as a beginner.

Crafting Effective Prompts

The prompts you enter are the most important part of creating AI images. A prompt is a text description that tells the AI what kind of image you want it to generate. Here are some tips for writing effective prompts:

With practice, you'll learn how to craft prompts that tap into the capabilities of the AI to generate exactly what you envisioned.

Generating and Enhancing Images

Once you have your prompt ready, it's time to actually create images! Here is the basic process:

The more you use the system, the better you'll get at creating stunning AI-generated images. Be patient, keep experimenting with new prompts and techniques, and have fun with it!

Applications and Ethics

AI image generation has countless creative applications, from book and album covers to concept art and virtual influencers. However, there are also ethical concerns to consider regarding copyright, misinformation, and bias in AI systems. Make sure to create only original works, credit any inspiration, and abide by the usage guidelines for whichever image generator you choose. There is no denying the huge potential, but also the need for responsibility, as this technology continues rapidly evolving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI opens up new possibilities for both professional creators and hobbyists to realize their visual imagination. We've only scratched the surface of what AI image generation can do. By choosing the right tools, honing your prompting skills, and using these models thoughtfully, you can take advantage of AI creativity to bring your wildest ideas to life.

What do you think? What did you think of these recommendations? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Online Ministry Insights from July 2023

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

July is right in the middle of summer. And while there may be a bit of a dip in ministry activities, there is still a lot of ministry learning that can happen. And, a lot of seeds can be planted currently that will benefit your ministry long term. That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network from July 2023

We Can Be Discipling People Regularly

Can you teach others to follow Jesus with consistency, intentionality, and, most importantly, non-judgmental communication? Can you live a life of truth, love, and grace like Jesus did while at the same time TEACHING them how to be disciples? Andy Mage and Ashley talk about this podcast.

Don't Let the SUMMER TIME ATTENDANCE BLUES Get You Down

Have you noticed a dip in attendance to your different ministry this summer? While there is normally a summertime dip in traditional Church settings, is it possible that Metaverse churches can experience some summer times blues as well? If so, know that you are not alone. In this episode , Stunami and Goose talk about this and what you can do in your metaverse ministry this summer.

Gaming Ministry Take Lots of Preparation

There is a misconception that when you do gaming ministry and live stream, that you just pop up online and begin. However, that is not the case, especially if you have a family. In this episode of the NCMU podcast, Mark and PastorSavage85 talk to Aki and Momma Peach from "the Adventures of Aki and Fam" about having the family on board and all the preparation needed to make a successful stream that reaches people for Christ. Listen to them here .

Online Ministry Does Lead to Life Change

Life change happens in ministry, even online ministry. Brooks Talbott shares with Tom in this episode about what is happening at his Church, Compass Church in Texas and how God is using their online ministry to not just encourage their people in their faith but fully give their lives over to Christ through baptism.

There is a HUGE Difference between Streaming and Gaming

When people start to stream, a tendency is to think that all you have to do is just play video games. But, streaming is so much more. When streaming, Digital Missionaries need to do something worth watching when you stream. Streaming is not just another excuse to play video games or make money, people want to talk and they want get something out of it. See what you can do as Mark Lutz and SouzyLive talk about it in this episode .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Online Numbers that Matter Beyond Sunday Morning Numbers

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Tracking numbers is not a new thing for Churches. While it is unknown when number counting started in Churches, it is a good indicator of whether or not your Church is making an impact. If you have a lot of people coming, that's a good indication that what you are doing is working and people are being encouraged or challenged in their faith. If you have very little people attending on Sunday morning, that means you are likely not meeting the needs of your community and you need to make changes.

For online ministry, it is easy to track your Sunday morning numbers. You simply check the analytics of the different platforms. Depending on the number you are trying to reach, it is easy to see if you are being effective or not. But, is tracking your Sunday morning numbers a true testimony of your effectiveness? It is one indicator, for sure, but it is questionable as to whether or not it is even the most important number you track.

Online ministry is 24/7/365 ministry. That means you have more opportunities to reach and impact people beyond just Sunday morning Church. So what are other numbers that matter beyond Sunday morning? Here are some.

Other Numbers that Matter

Online Life Groups/Bible Studies. These are online Bible studies through apps like YouVersion's Bible App. But, they are also life groups that can happen on text apps like What's App, Signal, GroupMe, Slack or Discord. You can also use social media platforms like Facebook Groups or Twitter Communities to encourage others. This number matters because it shows how many people are taking next steps from just watching Church to participating in growing in their faith.

How Many People are on Your Team. Online ministry is no different than other ministries. One person CANNOT do it alone. You need a team. When people serve, not only are more people able to be reached online for the kingdom of Heaven, but they are also taking a step of faith. They are making sacrifices to help the ministry. This number matters because it shows how many people are serving on your team. The more people you have serving, the more you can do and the more opportunities you are giving your Church members to be serving for the Kingdom of heaven.

YouTube (or primary video) Subscribers. Video is really important in sharing the message of Christ. Every social media platform is pushing both short form and long form videos. This presents a great opportunity for your Church to share about Jesus and encourage people in their faith. Because over 122 million people visit YouTube daily and Google receives more than 99,000 searches every second, the opportunity for you to encourage people in their faith is enormous ( source ). This number matters because the more people subscribed to your video platform, the more opportunities you have to reach more people with the gospel of Christ.

Conclusion

The Sunday morning Church service is an important element to your ministry. But, it is not the only number that matters when you consider the true effectiveness of online ministry. After all, your online ministry is a 24/7/365 days ministry. There is lots of possibles to minister to people. The three numbers highlighted above are just some of the different numbers you can decide are important for you to track. Whether you use these or different ones is up for you can your Church to decide. But, don't limit tracking your effectiveness to just Sunday morning. Track numbers beyond Sunday morning and see what God does.

What do you think? What are other numbers you track to reveal your effectiveness of online ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

The Differences between AR and VR for Ministry

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Apple created a lot of buzz when they announced their Apple Vision Pro in June. However, even before the announcement, there has been a lot of talk about AR and VR. While VR and the Metaverse have had more publication about it in the past few years, AR has been around since the late 1960s. In fact, the term Augmented Reality was coined in 1990 by a Boeing researcher named Tom Caudell.

Even though Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) may seem similar, they differ in several ways. One of the main differences is that v irtual reality allows people to place themselves in virtual settings using their smartphones or virtual reality glasses. In contrast, augmented reality enhances real-life with technologically created elements. Thus, it allows using technology to place virtual images in a person’s house settings. But there are other differences between the two.

How are AR and VR different?

Environment: In AR, users experience the real world with digital enhancements overlaid on it. It adds virtual elements to the real environment, blending the two together. It does not fully replace your view of the real world. VR, on the other hand, creates a completely immersive, simulated environment where users can interact with and explore a computer-generated world.

Immersion Level: AR provides a partial immersion by augmenting the real environment, allowing users to interact with digital elements while still being aware of their physical surroundings. VR is complete immersion, blocking the user's view of the real world and replacing it with a simulated one.

Devices: AR experiences can be accessed through a variety of devices such as smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, or heads-up displays. VR typically requires a dedicated headset, which covers the user's eyes and often includes motion tracking sensors and handheld controllers.

Purpose: AR is primarily used to enhance the real world with additional information, graphics, virtual objects, providing practical applications like navigation, gaming, education, or marketing. VR, on the other hand, is mostly used for entertainment, simulations, training, and creating immersive experiences.

How can AR and VR be used for Ministry

Conclusion

While so people may confuse AR and VR, there are some distinct differences between the two. To put it simply, AR adds to the real world whereas VR completely replaces it. One thing is for certain is that both platforms will continue to change, evolve and become more mainstream over time. As they do, it's best to stay connected to the Church Digital as we will continue to explore and discuss the ministry implications of both. Both have tremendous ministry opportunities.

What do you think? What are some other differences between AR and VR and how are you using them for ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

The Powerful Impact of Online Ministry

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Think Ministry Opportuntiy Not Church Attendance

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

For the longest time, Church attendance and the offering plate were the ultimate predictors of how your Church is doing. Church is going great if there are lots of people in attendance and the plate was full. However, if there are not as many people attending, Church is not going great. But then came the Covid pandemic, With that, Church attendance took a nose dive and it has not really recovered. At least not for most Churches.

While Church attendance declined during the pandemic, it has also caused Churches and ministries to think outside the box and look for new opportunities to minister. After all, when Churches couldn't meet physically, in-person, you had to think beyond Sunday morning attendance. Because of that, there were some really creative opportunities that ministries acted on and people experienced spiritual growth during that time.

Unfortunately, now that the pandemic has passed, many Churches have gone back to ministry more like how it used to be. The only problem with that, people still aren't coming back to Sunday morning Church services. That is why we have to continue to think of different online and in-person opportunities beyond Sunday to minister to and serve the community.

What other opportunities are there beyond Sunday that Churches can focus on?

Online Opportunities

In Person Opportunities

Conclusion

For too long the only judge of ministry success has been Sunday morning attendance and the offering plate. Now, in large part due to online ministry and its potential reach, there are a ton more opportunities for ministry to happen. Highlighted in this blog post were just a few of the different opportunities, but there are more. Prayerfully ask God to guide you and your Church to help minister to people in your online or in-person communities. Act in obedience and see what God does.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

6 Reasons to Keep Investing in Online Ministry

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Over the course of the past few years, since the height of the pandemic has subsided, there has been an interesting trend that has developed. More and more Churches are abandoning their online ministry to go back to doing Church the way it used to be done before the pandemic.

The problem with abandoning your online ministry and all the progress you made over the years is that you are abandoning a strategic tool at your Church. Your are essentially giving up on people who found meaningful connection and were developing community with other believers. You are telling them to come in person or don't come at all. That kind of mindset will just turn people away and the tremendous opportunity your Church had to minister to people has now vanished.

Instead of moving backwards in ministry strategy, what would it look like to keep investing in online ministry? What are the reasons for you to keep reaching people online? Here are 6 valuable reasons.

Technology Keeps Developing

We live in an increasing digital and online world. Technology is developing fast and furious. Two years ago it was social audio, then it was the metaverse, and now it is AI and Threads. These are all developments that are designed to help people connect. As technology keeps growing and developing, people are going to continue to use it to connect with other people. And, Churches can use it to continue to get their message of hope about Christ out to others.

The Average Person Spends about 145 minutes on Social Media Daily

Time is a precious commodity. So it’s a big deal that the average person spends a significant portion of their day ( about 145 minutes ) on social media. Most people go to Church 1-2 times a month today. That is about 3-4 hours a month. Here, people are spending a significantly more amount of time every day on social media! That's huge and it gives Churches and ministries 140+ minutes a week where people can hear about God and learn more about Him.

Over 122 Million People visit YouTube Daily

How many people does your Church reach on a Sunday morning? During the week? On YouTube, there are 122 million people visiting there DAILY! That means over 850 million people visit it throughout the week! When you share sermons, worship songs, Church services, devotionals and other faith related videos on YouTube, more people have the opportunity to hear about Jesus from you in just one day than people coming to your for the whole year!

Google receives more than 99,000 searches every second

This is every second! That is a lot of people searching a lot of different things. Some of those things are "hope," "Church," By updating your Google Business account and keeping that updated with key words and important information, when people are searching for Churches, yours can show up. In addition, by creating videos that answer questions people in your community (both online and in person) are asking, your Church is more likely to be discovered and checked out by a person.

People are meeting the Lord and giving their life to Christ

Through live streaming services, online devotionals, Bible Studies and other online ministry opportunities, people are hearing about God online and giving their life to Him. While it may be hard to quantify how many online attendees have gotten baptized over the years, it has happened and continues to happen. Check out Tom's conversation with Brooks Talbott to hear some great baptism stories that began online.

Online ministries enable community and discipleship throughout the week

A lot of the "in person" Church experience is centered around Sunday morning. However, with online ministry, you enable ministry to happen 24/7...literally. Through online Bible studies, group text messages, platforms like Discord and Facebook, there are countless ministry opportunities throughout the week where people can grow in their faith and connect with others. Check out our blog about how to run an asynchronous community here .

Conclusion

Online ministry helps expand your ministry's reach, promotes community, fosters engagement, helps disciples others, ensures continuity, and encourages creative approaches to sharing your message beyond Sunday morning. Keep investing in your online ministry and see how God uses that to help you reach more people for Christ than ever before.

What do you think? What are other reasons why you should keep investing in online ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

What is Threads?

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Have you heard of Threads yet? Released on July 5th, it has quickly become the talk of the social media town. But, what is it exactly and how can you use it for ministry? In this blog post you'll gain an understanding of what Threads is, it's current limitations and the ministry opportunities it presents.

What is Threads?

Simply put, Threads is a text-based app built by Meta. It is a direct rival to Twitter. Threads looks and feels a lot like Twitter in that it has a feed of primarily text-based posts with people posting in real-time having conversations back and forth. Users can also post photos and videos. To sign up, down the app, then login using your Instagram profile. You have the opportunity to update your bio, but everything else, including your username and followers, will be imported from Instagram. One of the differences from Twitter is that your posts can be up to 500 characters (Twitter is 280).

Current Limitations of Threads

While lots of people are currently loving Threads and its clean look, there are some limitations to it. In many ways, what we are looking at and experiencing is version 1 of Threads. In some ways, this could be characterized as a soft launch. It looks clean and nice right now, but there are some key missing parts and limitations to it. Some of the limitations are:

How to Use Threads for Ministry?

If you think of Threads like you think of Twitter, you will be well on your way to use Threads for ministry purposes. Here are some ways you can use it for ministry:

Conclusion

While some people are labeling Threads as a "Twitter Killer," it is far from that currently. Remember, this is version 1 of Threads. It will continue to make adjustments, get better and improve. While there are some limitations to it right now, there are also some great ministry opportunities. Take time to observe what is going on, engage with people and see how God opens up doors for you to use it, if not now, in the future.

What do you think? Have you tried out Threads yet? If so, what are your thoughts? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Online Children's Ministry Options for Your Church

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

At the beginning on the Covid pandemic, many ministries started doing online ministry for the very first time. Children's Ministries as one of those. Up until that time, very few Churches were doing anything online with children and families before Since that time, however, there have been plenty of inroads made in doing online ministry for children.
In this new and ever changing digital era we are living in, offering online children's ministry options can really help nurture the faith of young believers and their families. Through different platforms and creating engaging activities your Church can provide children with a space to connect, learn, and grow spiritually.

What are some Children's Ministry Online Options?

Conclusion

When Covid hit initially in the spring of 2020 Children's Ministry teams adapted just like every other ministry and started incorporating online elements into their ministries. Moving forward, providing different online options for children and families, will help your Church nurture faith and foster a sense of community among young believers and their families.

What do you think? What are some other online ministry options Churches can use? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Covert Discipleship: Walking Out Our Beliefs in Love

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Why Outsourcing Is A Great Option for Your Church

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

10 Tips on How to Run an Asynchronous Community

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Discord, Slack and Facebook Groups are all asynchronous communities. These are communities are not bound by time. Rather, they are organized by topic, goal or learning. That means that you can post about anything at any time as long as they meet the goal of the community.

These communities are great as they allow people to converse on their time no matter what their location is.. As great as they are, running one can be challenging. It requires an organized approach, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt to the needs of the community. Here are 10 tips on how to run an asynchronous community.

10 Tips to Effectively Run an Asynchronous Community

1. Establish clear expectations and set boundaries . A successful asynchronous community needs clear expectations that outline its purpose, rules, and goals. Communicate these expectations to your members from the beginning. In addition, set and establish clear boundaries for communication and participation to avoid burnout.

2. Choose the right platform. Select a platform that is user-friendly and has the features required for your community. Some popular platforms include Slack, Discord, and Facebook Groups. While they may all operate similarly, choose the one that works best for the people you are trying to reach.

3. Set up guidelines for communication. Develop guidelines for communication that are easy to follow. For example, establish a response time for messages and set up a code of conduct that members have to adhere to.

4. Foster engagement. Encourage members to engage with one another by asking questions, sharing resources, and starting conversations. The more engagement you can create, the more value you add to your group and the more people will want to participate.

5. Celebrate achievements. Recognize and celebrate community members’ achievements, such as completing a project or achieving a goal. Just because you set up the group and run it, doesn't mean you celebrate only you. Celebrate the other members and make them feel valued and important.

6. Provide resources. To help members get started, provide resources such as tutorials, guidelines, and supporting documents. In addition, provide resources that are going to help them excel in whatever your Group is about.

7. Monitor conversations. Monitor and moderate community conversations to ensure that they align with the community’s guidelines. If you are not actively paying attention, comments and posts can get out of hand easily. Make sure you are actively monitoring the conversations going on.

8. Be flexible and seek feedback. Be willing to adapt to the community’s needs and preferences.. As time goes on, ask for feedback from members to improve the community’s performance. The less you know the less effective your group can be. Make sure what you are doing is meeting the needs of your community.

9. Lead by example. Just because you are the Group Leader doesn't mean you can bend the rules. Adhere the the community rules and expectations and lead by example.

10. Have fun. In the movie, "The Dark Knight", the Joker famously says, "why so serious?" Just because your Community is centered around something specific doesn't mean you can't have fun. Post funny things and encourage others to post them as well. You want your community to be a place they learn but can also laugh as well.

Conclusion

Running an asynchronous community requires organization, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to the community’s needs. Above are 10 tips that can help you create and run a successful asynchronous community that fosters engagement, growth, and a sense of belonging. Remember to choose the right platform, establish clear expectations, communicate transparently, encourage diversity, and lead by example. With these tips, you can run an asynchronous community that thrives.

What do you think? What are other tips you can share that will help run an effective asynchronous community? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to Repurpose Your Old Lessons and Sermons

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

What do you do after you share a message or sermon? Do you just hit "delete" on your computer, throw away the hard copy and it's gone forever? Or do you use them again? In today's online world the great news is that you can take your old lessons or sermons and repurpose them. You can use them again in different settings, including, digital or online formats.

Before you get started on repurposing your old lessons or messages for new settings, you have to first update them. Here are 3 things you can do with your "old" lessons, messages and sermons to make it effective today.

In general you are looking to make your lesson relevant for today's audience. As stated above, If you have been in ministry a long time the chances are you have great content in an older lesson. It just needs to be updated in different ways.

So, where you can you use them? How can you repurpose your old lessons or sermons in different content forms? Here are a few different ways:

Just because you have an older lesson doesn't mean that it is irrelevant today. You can use the same lesson, just in a different content format or setting that will help you reach more people for Christ and encourage them in their faith.

What do you think? What are other ways you can repurpose your old lessons and sermons? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

6 Online Ministry Insights from June 2023

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

It's time for vacations, games of Marko Polo at the local pool and kids attending camps or Vacation Bible School. Summer is officially here and it is easy to get disconnected with all that is happening in the ministry and tech world That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network from June 2023

Ministry can happen SEVEN DAYS A WEEK online

The beautiful thing about online ministry that is enables you to minister to your community (online and in person) OUTSIDE of Sunday morning. In this podcast , Andy and Mark talk about all the different ways you can do just that and how they have seen success in their ministries.

Street Evangelism DOES HAPPEN in the Metaverse

Recently, Goose took his Sunday message from his Church's world into Meta's Horizon World and essentially did street preaching. In this episode Goose and Stuart talk about what that experience was like, what ended up happening and their thoughts on the effectiveness of "street preaching" is in the metaverse.

You CAN USE AI for Ministry Purposes

There is a lot of discussion about AI these days. What is it and how can you use it? This has Church Leaders discussing it as well. And Kenny Jahng joins Andy Mage to talk about some of the concerns but also all the ministry implications for AI and the Church as a whole. It can be used for ministry beyond just content and no, it is not going to take your job. Check out the episode here .

Gaming Ministry IS Relational Ministry

The world paints pictures of who people are and what they are into. The preconceived notion that nerd are losers, lonely and they won't go to Church is not accurate. Also, the picture that the church is always the villain and is oppressive is not accurate either. Real people who like games do a thing together and build relationships and they are interested in Jesus and the Church. See how Love Thy Nerd is earning the right to speak truth into gamer's lives in this podcast episode .

The Church NEEDS to KEEP EXPERIMENTING

Does your Church have an experimental culture? Or, are you afraid to take chances because of the possibly of failure? In this podcast , Jeff Reed and Jay Kranda talk about how Saddleback continues to experiment and try new things for the Kingdom. See what they have been up to as it encourages you to experiment in your ministry, too.

This Type of Video is EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE for Your Online Ministry

Creating and sharing videos is very effective for Churches and ministries to use in your digital and online ministry. Short form video, in particular, is very popular right now as more platforms are pushing it. Hear Tom talk to Aaron Magnuson about that and other trending digital and online tools that ministries can use to reach more people to Christ in this episode .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Will AI Replace Ministers?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

AI is a huge topic of conversation these days. It’s dominating conversation in all areas of life including work, home and school. Is it right to use it? What value does it add to the world? Will it replace human interaction. And, will AI take over the world? It seems like some of these questions seem silly, but they have been questions people have wondered about.

One big question people have asked is will AI ultimately replace me and my job. This is even a question being asked in the ministry world. There have been lots of ministers and Church leaders wondering if and when they will be replaced. While it is likely that AI will replace certain job aspects. and maybe some jobs, it seems highly unlikely that AI will replace a minister. But, to best answer this question, we have to first understand AI and what AI does.

What is AI?

You may hear names like Jasper, Bing, and ChatGPT. They are a few of the dominate players in AI right now, but what is it? According to Google, AI is “a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to see, understand and translate spoken and written language, analyze data, make recommendations, and more.”

AI is a wonderful tool to have and use to help aid and assist what you are doing. It has been great for helping brainstorm blog post ideas and articles, helping with research for sermons, lessons and social media posts, create images, and help you with creative brainstorming and ideas from anything from meal prep to workouts. It is a great tool to use and help you plan, research and perform some functions.

Will AI replace Minister?

As a minster, the fear of being replaced will always be there. If it is not by AI, it is by a younger, more abled human to do the job of a minister. While AI has proven to be a really good tool for ministers to use, there is a physical connection that AI cannot replace a minister with. For instance, a Lutheran Church in Germany recently tried to do an in-person service generated solely by AI. It was much talked about and highlighted in this AP news article . The service reflected much of an actual Church service. It included a sermon, prayers and music and ran for about 40 minutes. Three hundred people attended this service in person as they watched and avatar on the screen perform these functions.

While the service ran smoothly, there was one problem. There lacked a human element. Here is what the AP said..

" However, the experimental church service also showed the limits to implementing artificial AI in church, or in religion. There was no real interaction between the believers and the chatbot, which wasn’t able to respond to the laughter or any other reactions by the churchgoers as a human pastor would have been able to do."

The article goes on to say that one of the reasons why this experiment failed, in their eyes, was the lack of an in-person, physically present minister.

“The pastor is in the congregation, she lives with them, she buries the people, she knows them from the beginning,” Simmerlein said. “Artificial intelligence cannot do that. It does not know the congregation.”

The lack of a physically present minister on site is a very big deal. AI is programmed to respond logically to things. It is not programmed to be empathetic, caring or nurturing. People need that, in counseling sessions, Church services and in the sermons they preach and worship they lead. AI cannot replace in person ministers in this way.

Conclusion:

While AI can do a lot of things, connecting with people in a personal way, is not what they are designed to do. And, while ministry leaders do a lot of tasks that could be aided by AI, actually ministering to real people by artificial intelligence does not seem like one of those tasked that AI can replace ministers with. Real ministers best know how to minster to real people. AI cannot replace ministers in that way. Not now, not in the foreseeable future.

What do you think? What has been your experience with AI? Do you think it will replace ministers? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

What Online Discipleship Looks Like

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Everyday people are connecting in communities. There are in-person communities and online ones. And while the Church continues to debate the effectiveness of online ministry, people continue to connect, be taught and build new relationships online. They are listening to influencers, podcasts, videos, and staying in touch through social media daily.

Discipleship is all about relationships. It is when one person helps another person grow in their faith by embracing Christ-like characteristics into their life. Most people are familiar with discipleship in a one-on-one, in person way. However, what we have discovered over the past few years is that real discipleship can and does happen online. Through different tools, online discipleship creates multiple touch points online that take your online community through next steps of the discipleship process,

Types of Online Discipleship Opportunities

So what does Online Discipleship look like?

Conclusion

Online discipleship takes many different forms. It involves multiple platforms like YouTube, Zoom, Bible apps, and podcasts. While it may look different, at the heart of it is relationships. Real relationships do happen online and with these tools, they can help foster discipleship relationships that make a lasting and eternal impact.

What do you think? What online discipleship opportunities have you used or tried? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

What's Currently Trending in Online Ministry (June 2023)

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Online Ministry is always changing. What was effective in reaching people online yesterday, may not be effective today. So, what is working? What are some trends that online ministry leaders looking at and doing currently to be effective? To talk about this, Aaron Magnuson joins Tom to share. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! How are you using photography for your Church's online presence? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Aaron, check him out on Twitter. He is very active on social media so definitely him up if you have a question. Also check out the Social Media Church Podcast and be encouraged in your online ministry. 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. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

How Can AI Help Ministers With Message Preparation

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

EDITOR'S NOTE: ChatGPT is very popular right now as people are experimenting with it in all walks of life. Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. Today we asked if and how AI can help ministers. with their message preparation. This was its response.

Preparing a message for your congregation is a significant task for every minister. It takes time, focus, and sometimes it can be challenging because you want to make sure that your message is effective and powerful. Fortunately, AI technology has been developed to help lessen your workload, allowing you to focus on more important things, like ministering to your congregation. This article explores how AI can be an effective tool for ministers with message preparation, and how it can improve the quality of your sermons.

Natural Language Processing

One of the most significant improvements AI brings to the table is Natural Language Processing. NLP is the AI algorithm used to understand human language patterns. Just as Google Translate, NLP algorithms can break down and analyze text, understanding the context and meaning behind each word. With this technology, ministers can have an AI system analyze their sermon drafts and select suggestions for words that are less effective, utilize appropriate tones and context words, and catch grammatical errors.

Sermon Presentation

Sermon presentation is another critical aspect of message preparation. This is where incorporating AI technology can help. There is now speech-to-text tools available that can guide preachers on how to structure their sermon better. AI speech recognition technology can capture and transcribe spoken word, making it easier for preachers and ministers to find out where they need to make changes in their speeches.

Sermon Content Enhancement

A good message forms an effective connection with your congregation, making the message as engaging and informative as possible. Once you’ve put the sermon together, it's time to start polishing it. You can use AI to enhance your sermon content to make it more engaging. For example, AI can analyze the length of sentences and paragraphs, readability, syllable count, and sentence structure. This makes your sermon sound more conversational, leading to a more positive impact on your listeners.

Message Organization

Another factor that makes or breaks the effectiveness of a sermon is the way the content is organized. AI technology can help ministers make their messages more effective in various ways. It can analyze keywords used throughout the message and offer suggestions for topics or areas that need more emphasis. AI systems can help ministers choose pictures, videos, and other visual aids to accompany their sermon. By integrating these visually appealing aides into sermons, ministers can enhance audience engagement, impacting your congregation positively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AI is revolutionizing many industries, including how ministers prepare for their messages. Natural language processing, sermon presentation, sermon content enhancement, and message organization are all areas that AI technology can offer solutions in. Ministers can integrate AI into their routine processes to help save time, improve quality, and enhance their message's effectiveness. In the end, though our industries' challenges may vary, AI technology has the sophisticated tools to offer general solutions to anyone struggling with message preparation. It's time to harness the power of AI to take your messages to the next level.

What do you think? What did you think of this? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Confessions of a Digital Church Pastor

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

I have now funded, planted, and pastored a fully digital church for the past two years. I started structuring Lux Digital Church on paper privately three years ago. I was dreaming about it and praying about it three and a half years ago. I am far from the most experienced person when it comes to Digital Ministry. Innovative churches across the country have been doing digital ministry in one form or another since... well... the internet. However, Lux is unique in the fact that it's not a funded digital campus of a physical church. It's not a digital ministry of a physical church either. Lux is its own entity, and some aspects of it are unique to the world of digital ministry and digital church expression. I am not starting this blog that way to claim bragging rights or to take pride in my accomplishments. If anything, my time in digital ministry has shown me that what has happened at Lux has happened more despite me than it has because of me.

At first, what I saw happening through Lux seemed natural because God had revealed the vision for it before it happened. My expectations were God-sized expectations. However, after a few years in the space, I have realized how truly unique Lux is and what an honor it has been to be part of the church's origin story. I start this way because I want to make a few confessions for those that God sends next. There are a few things that were hard for me to understand and swallow when we got started, and over time, I have realized they are mostly occupational hazards.

To help the next generation of nerd culture pastors, digital missionaries, and digital church planters count the cost, I want you to be aware of some of the things I have faced in our planting journey. This most likely won't be the last Confessions-style blog I write either. I want to get what I learned out of my head and onto the digital paper, so it's not wasted. With all that borderline pointless preamble, here are three confessions of a digital church pastor.

People won't be able to hide their disappointment.

There will be some people who applaud you and speak highly of your innovation and courage to do something new. But many will see what you are doing as a threat to them, their skillset, their ego, or their worldview. They may not directly tell you that what you are doing seems stupid, but they will communicate that in their own way. They will ask why you are not sending people to a physical church. Why you didn't start a mission's agency. They will tell you how much they miss you or how much they wish you were still around. They will ask if you think that much technology really is good for people. It's typically well-meaning, but it will all communicate to you that you did not meet their hopes and expectations for your life .

The harder part is that some people will want to come with you, and they will be disappointed that they can't. Family members who would have come to your church plant won't understand your digital world. They won't tell you that they dislike what you are doing, but you will notice it through their lack of interest or disengagement. Former colleagues won't understand the weight you carry, and you will quickly find yourself tiptoeing around failures and victories because those stories won't feel as safe in some relationships as they used to. You will feel very isolated.

However, some precious older voices will remember when they planted a church, started a new ministry, or launched their new business and will understand what you are going through. They won't feel the need to compete, and they will have had some very similar low points where they second-guessed themselves, were fiercely angry, and wanted to give up. They will have felt alone too. They won't understand what you are practically doing. But they won't need to. They will understand what is going on inside of you. They understand that planting and innovating is a spiritual and mental game first. They will understand not being understood and second-guessed. They will know the cost of following Jesus is often that many people you love won't get it and won't be able to mask their disappointment. They will be able to make time for you and take your call because they understand the need for that lifeline. Don't dismiss or take those relationships for granted. You will need them.

Enjoying something doesn't disqualify it.

This one has more to do with the fact that Lux is planted in the world of gaming, and I am a gamer. It took me a long time to decide if God was asking us to start a digital church or if I just wanted to play video games and livestream. As it turns out, I have less time to play games now than I did before. You will talk to friends, family members, and coworkers who will dismiss what you are doing because it seems too enjoyable.

There will be some deep-held belief that to follow Jesus, you have to do things you don't enjoy. They will see you mentoring someone while playing a game with them or doing life with them, and they will dismiss the work because of the medium . They will hear about you connecting deeply with someone over a game of Dungeons and Dragons and scoff at you and say that "all you do is play games" (literally heard that one at a friend's Memorial Day picnic). But just because you enjoy something does not mean that God is not leading you to it. People who are unfulfilled with their job or did not have the courage to step out in faith like you have will act like you don't have a real job.

There is an overwhelming belief in our culture that a job is only "real" when you can complain about it . God called Abraham to great wealth, a great family, and a great nation. All the things Abraham desired. Will God call us to do things that we won't want to do? Absolutely. God doesn't leave us in our comfort zone. However, just because you are passionate about it doesn't mean that God isn't calling you to it.

It will utterly consume your life, and people won't understand why.

I have heard a lot of church planters say that their church is like an additional child. If they have two kids and a church plant, it's more like having three kids. So, to be fair, I am not sure this is totally unique to digital church planting. I think it's the burden that every church planter carries to a certain extent. However, I think the always-on nature of the digital space means that you never stop thinking about it. I am virtually never off. Even when I am off.

Last year, we went on a short beach vacation with my family. On day three, I ran my car into a wall inside a parking garage. To be fair, it wasn't my car. I borrowed it, and that made it so much worse. The point is I drove straight into the wall. I was looking at the wall. I knew it was there. It took me three days on the beach, fully unplugged, to finally decompress and relax. When I did, I drove directly into a wall. At least in the early stages of Lux, I seem to only have two gears: fully consumed and always on, or driving into walls while I am looking right at them. People won't understand that. They won't understand why you keep telling your spouse that you are "working" at 10:00 PM or why you can't just relax and put it away for the weekend. They won't understand why you are always on your phone. They will hear you talking about church and ministry all the time and dismiss it as an unhealthy obsession. To a certain extent, they will be right. It is unhealthy, and I am always on. They will look at your job and not understand the weight you are carrying, the fatigue it causes or the spiritual and relational exhaustion that comes with it. They have never carried it and they simply can’t understand it until they have.

However, when you are building something new, especially in digital space, you won't be able to turn it off. I'm still looking for the off button. Let me know if you find it. This is one of the things that physical church planters will get. Find some people that are planting churches at the same time. They will understand the weight of what you are carrying. You won’t be able to talk to your friends that are still youth pastors or family pastors or those that inherited an established church. The weight is different.

Conclusion

Perhaps you won’t have any of these experiences in your own journey. Most of my pain in planting has come from existing relationships. I don’t blame them. It’s no one’s fault. No one could have done anything better. I have a great and amazingly supportive family, church, friends, and community. Even with all of that it hasn’t been easy. Too often in the world of church planting we hear all the stories of victory and not the inner voices that people are battling with. I know that people look at Lux from the outside and see a “success” in some ways. But success and easy are far from synonyms. I hope this gives you a peak behind the curtain of my brain. I don’t want to just show the spit polished side of my life. What all of that said, this has been the confessions of a digital church pastor.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Developing a Volunteer Recruitment and Training Plan

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

No matter what your ministry is, every ministry needs volunteers. But how do you not only recruit them, but empower them so that they can be long term volunteers? To talk about this, Nick Blevins joins Tom to share how you can do this based on his new book, "The Volunteer Playbook". Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! How are you using photography for your Church's online presence? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Nick, check him out on Facebook or on Twitter. You can also check out his website as well. He is very active on social media so definitely him up if you have a question. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools? Take this quick survey and connect today. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

How To Use Chat Effectively

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

When you think of a live stream, what automatically comes to mind?

Normally, chat is something that is hit or miss. In places like Twitch, chat is used to really make you feel like you’re part of the culture and conversation, especially with streamers that are doing it well.

But in the church world? Engagement seems to be limited to only a few churches who have been able to truly get the idea. It can be filled with someone labeled “host” simply talking to themselves, sharing Scripture messages and points all while everyone remains silent.

It’s the digital equivalent of an echo chamber.

But what if you could transform your chat into a place that is LIVELY and ENGAGING? A place where both frequent visitors and first-time guests can feel warmly welcomed?

In our latest episode of the Online Church Blueprint , Mark Lutz (of Lux Digital Church ) and I sit down to actually hash out some of the best tips that we can think of to make sure that your church uses its live stream chat effectively. It’s chock full of a bunch of good ideas, but here’s a couple of highlights:

Conclusion

These are, obviously, just a few tips to get you started, and we would LOVE to hear any other tips you may have. Comment below or send us a message to get the conversation started.

Interested in checking out Altar Live and getting a 14 day free trial to the best church engagement platform around? Check them out !

What do you think? What are some other ways you can Chat effectively? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Bringing Evangelism into our Communities and the Metaverse

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Leadership Network .

The innovators doing ministry in virtual reality have discovered that evangelistic conversations are easy in the metaverse. One reason is that people will talk about most things in the metaverse. Regardless of what they believe, people don’t seem to have a problem talking about their beliefs in public virtual spaces.

From Scripture, we know that scattered seeds do not always produce fruit. In Matthew 13, Jesus tells the parable of the farmer whose seeds fell on a footpath, in shallow soil, among thorns, and under the hot sun. Only a tiny percentage fell on fertile ground. If all the seeds were equally scattered, then only 20% found suitable soil for growth. Interestingly, only 20% of Americans are active in a church today.

BECOMING MISSIONARIES IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Does the gospel need to change to become more effective? Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, I doubt that’s the case. Some methods may need to adjust as we move evangelism into digital and metaverse spaces. The word “pre-evangelism” has surfaced to describe how we get people to see value in our conversations about Jesus. Christianity, in general, has a P.R. problem today, and it may need to be solved at the individual level. Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson have developed the “B.L.E.S.S.” practices to guide individuals to be missionaries in their communities:

B – Begin in Prayer
L – Listen
E – Eat Together
S – Serve
S – Share My Story

Through B.L.E.S.S., the Ferguson brothers are seeing individuals build relational equity with people in their lives. Note that the evangelism part of B.L.E.S.S. is not at the beginning but at the end (“Share My Story”). You begin developing relationships by listening to people, sharing a meal, and serving others. The expectation is that you have three different interactions with someone before you share your story. Plus, you are praying for the individual upfront. The goal is not to invite someone into a church building but to conversationally share your personal story of Jesus.

There is only so far that church leaders can go in sharing Jesus. The power, therefore, is not in an organization but with individuals. The greatest opportunity you have to reach people is already sitting in your pews. What if we moved our focus from getting people into the church building to empowering those already attending to build relationships with those around them? What would it look like to equip everyone in your church with B.L.E.S.S.?

MAKING B.L.E.S.S. THE FOUNDATION FOR EVANGELISM IN THE METAVERSE

The B.L.E.S.S. framework is groundbreaking in its simplicity of reaching people physically. But what would it look like to utilize B.L.E.S.S. to connect with people in digital and virtual spaces? How can we use digital tools to connect with people who are not physically connected? Imagine how to modify some of the B.L.E.S.S. simple activities to work in the metaverse. For example, there’s not much difference between physically and digitally listening. Obviously, eating together will need to look different. Yet, there are other ways we can create connections and build relationships.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Check out Leadership Network’s Digital Discipleship Learning Community and discover how evangelism and discipleship can be strengthened digitally.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP275 - Jay Kranda & Getting Your Church to Experiment

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 15:30:00 GMT

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHURCH DIGITAL PODCAST

If you're enjoying this episode , subscribe for free using your favorite podcast app below:

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Jay Kranda
Online Community Pastor at Saddleback Church
Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

ABOUT Jay Kranda

Jay Kranda is the Online Community Pastor at Saddleback Church. Oversees an online community of online groups and homes groups around the globe. Graduate of Biola University and Talbot School of Theology. Loves the NBA and cold coffee. Married to Jody and have 2 boys and 1 girl.

RESOURCES

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Not Your Mother's Mission Field

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 13:42:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Leadership Network .

Digital is not going anywhere. What if we, the Church, viewed digital as a mission field?

We discussed Leadership Network’s metaverse mission trips in an earlier blog post . We’ve even drawn the attention of Relevant Magazine, talking about one of our churches going on a mission trip to the metaverse this August. As big an opportunity as the metaverse is missionally, let’s discuss how we, the Church, must embrace the digital mission field. But to be missional and reach people digitally, we have to do something different.

EMBRACING THE DIGITAL MISSION FIELD

Today, there are missional opportunities within digital that most churches are unfortunately missing. For churches to embrace—and, dare I say, engage—the lost in digital space, we need to move beyond broadcasting church services. Beyond content. For churches to be influential digitally, our content has to lead towards community, either in physical or digital space. Much has been written on discipleship being more effective in physical communities , and the importance of community holds true digitally as well. Content without community is meaningless, just as community without discipleship is pointless.

Content is vital for any church, in physical or digital space. Sermons and teachings play a role. But in digital ministry, as in physical ministry, content is rarely enough to impact someone’s life, especially in some nuanced digital communities. When was the last time a TV show changed your life? Or even that you remembered a sermon from two weeks ago? Our content is only valuable—especially digitally—when it leads into community. This is probably not a surprise, but I would also suggest that a church’s online chat room is not an effective ongoing discipleship community, just as sitting next to someone in a pew is not grounds for an effective discipleship relationship. Church online chat is the first, and sometimes necessary, step to something more.

CONTEXTUALIZING THE DIGITAL MISSION FIELD

Digital community is one thing, but let’s back up.

Let’s say your church is going on a mission trip to… oh, I don’t know… Argentina. You’d like to go on the trip, but you don’t know anything about Argentina. Your church is partnering with a church in Argentina. As a mission trip participant, you need to learn the culture. You need to adapt your mindset. What works for your church in America does not automatically work in Argentina because South America is different from North America. Recognizing the differences, the American church may need to adapt its strategy to the community of Argentina. Right?

Maybe your church is also going on a mission trip to war-torn Ukraine. Yes, it’s a similar mission trip with similar goals, but 2023 Ukraine is entirely different from 2023 Argentina, and neither option looks anything like 2023 North America. So, for us to be effective in ministry, we have to contextualize.

The same works digitally. The digital mission field is very contextualized. Connecting with gamers is very different from connecting with VR users, Facebook users, or TikTokers. Even though the video format (shorts) is similar, there are separate, contextualized audiences for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. Don’t even get me started with Twitter. Omnichannel (the same content on all channels) died when COVID began. Instead, contextualization will open many opportunities. The more we can focus on our audience and craft a message for them, the more effectively the gospel will be received.

Who does your church want to reach digitally? If the answer is “everyone,” then unfortunately, you will likely reach no one. Make your message for someone and see how a target audience makes your ministry effective. Find the type of person you want to impact who is within your reach, or examine who you are currently reaching and expand on the opportunity.

GOING ON A DIGITAL MISSION TRIP

For your church to effectively do ministry in Argentina, you have to board the plane and go on the trip. You have to block time off your calendar, take vacation time so you can be away from work, and get a passport and visa… you’ll even need to get a dog sitter! What I want to point out here is that going on mission is very intentional and not that convenient.

Oftentimes digital ministry is viewed as convenient. I can’t tell you how many pastors have joked with me personally about not even getting out of my pajamas in order to do digital ministry. (I’ve never gone to work in digital ministry in my pajamas by the way.) The reality is you have to be intentional about going on ministry. Truthfully, in 2023 the more convenient or easier the strategy is, the less effective the strategy will be. Posting pretty pictures with Scriptures on Instagram will encourage Christians, but these may not connect with in America’s post-Christian 2023 culture., a Scripture means very little. In our book Sharing Jesus Online , Dr. John Harris and I discuss what it is to be a digital missionary, and what it means to utilize our relationships for the kingdom.

Put in the work—not to create the cheesy graphics, but to have conversations. Don’t use the praying-hands emoji when a written prayer means more. It’s very easy to say “I’ll be more relational”—but then we are too busy to write out that prayer, and the praying-hands emoji is just so easy…

Similarly, it’s easy and convenient to fall back on an online broadcast of a physical church service rather than intentionally examining your target audience. Trying to reach everyone, unfortunately, is the equivalent of showing up to church in your pajamas. It’s actually lazy. Digital is not icing on the cake. It’s not an add-on that will multiply your church’s missional efforts 10x magically. Digital is a new opportunity that you will have to intentionally put work into.

GO ON A DIGITAL MISSION TRIP: LET’S DO THIS!

Leadership Network is helping churches like yours engage the digital mission field, not just broadcast church services. If your church wants to take a next step in digital ministry, check out Leadership Network’s Digital Discipleship as well as our VR and the Metaverse cohorts. Coming in fall 2023, both of these learning communities are a great opportunity for churches like yours to learn how to look at the metaverse, and even digital, as a mission field… and we will help your church develop a missional approach in these spaces that even gets to planting a campus/church in digital or metaverse space. For more information, check out the Learning Community links above.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Check out Leadership Network’s Digital Discipleship Learning Community and discover how evangelism and discipleship can be strengthened digitally.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

TikTok Tips for Your Church

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT

TikTok has become a huge topic of conversation over the past few years. Is TikTok evil? Is it part of a Chinese conspiracy? Should we ban it? While people debate the politics of it, the reality is that it has become a major social media platform since the beginning of the pandemic. It has become so popular that Churches have been using it to reach people for Christ.

But how do you use TikTok? What are some tips you can use so that you are maximizing your presence on it and reach people for Christ? Here are some tips.

Focus on Consistency. Everyone wants to go Viral. While there are many "tricks" you can do that could help you go viral, there is no quarentee that if you do x, y, x matters. This is true of all social media but in particular with TikTok. However, one thing that is guaranteed is that if you focus on producing consistent content, TikTok will reward you and get your videos out to more people. It doesn't have to be multiple times a day or even posting daily, but develop a rhythm that is good for you.

Videos OVER One Minute tend to do Better. TikTok started off as just 1 minute videos. However, they have been pushing longer form videos for a while. Many accounts can post 3 minute and 10 minute videos. And, since TikTok would like you to watch more videos for longer period of times, they are promoting and encourage creators to share longer form videos.

Focus on Your Audience. You cannot be all things to all people. The same goes for your content. You aren't going to be able to produce the kind of content that every single person will like. So focus on your target audience and make videos and content that is geared towards them. If you do, you will reach more people.

Be Authentic and Real. One of the things Covid taught us was that people want real and authentic people doing and sharing about real and authentic things. People want to hear from real people, not highly produced videos from people with scripts (see more below).

High Production doesn't Guarantee High Results. In fact, the Tennessee Titans did an interesting test during their revealing of their upcoming football schedule. They made two videos. One was highly produced and the other one was more authentic with more authentic value. The results were that the more authentic, lower produced videos went viral and the highly produced video didn't even come close to going viral.

Use Hashtags. Just like with Twitter, TikTok is a platform where organic reach is still very possible. So, use trending hashtags and some others that speak to the topic of your video to expand your reach. For example, if you are doing a devotional TikTok about love, use the hashtag #love or #loveothers.

Conclusion

TikTok is extremely popular and unless a ban takes place, it will continue to be a place people go, share content and build community on. T hese are some of the helpful tricks and strategies that can help you maximize the impact of your videos. Try them out and see what kind of impact you can have on TikTok.

What do you think? What other TikTok tips are there that your Church can use? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

5 Online Ministry Insights from May 2023

Wed, 31 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Pools are opening, birds are chirping, schools are getting out and it's getting warmer. We are in May and while summer quickly approaching, our learning and growing does not stop. That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from from May 2023 from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network.

There are MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES in the CHAT

Whether you are on Twitch, the Church Online Platform, Altar Live, YouTube or Facebook, there are ministry opportunities in the Chat. In this episode , Mark Lutz and Andy Mage talk about the ministry opportunities that lie within Chat and some best practices depending on the platform you are using.

There CAN BE Mission Trips in the Metaverse

Ryan Sidhom, Lead Pastor at the Church Plant River City Church, talks to Jeff about an idea: let’s do mission trips into the Metaverse. He even pitched his church as the guinea pig to test the model of an actual “mission trip” in the metaverse, where we take people into Virtual Reality to be on mission. What does it look like and how can you be part of it? Find out in this episode .

Hybrid Churches DO EXIST and IMPACTS the COMMUNITY

Digital ministry isn't just for Digital Church Plants. Your established church can implement a digital strategy that complements your physical, in person strategy. A Hybrid model Church is a new model Church that can make an impact in your community. James Embry White, Lead Pastor at Mecklenberg, talk about their hybrid strategy for their Church and how it impacts their community. He joins Jeff for this podcast episode here .

You can MAXIMIZE your SUNDAY SERVICE throughout the Week

Churches spend countless hours every week on 1-2 hours on a Sunday morning. While it is so important to do that, wouldn't it be ideal if you could take that Sunday content and encourage people at your Church and outside of that beyond Sunday morning? Ben Stapley joins Tom to share why and how you can do that for our Church in this episode .

You can use DISCORD to build COMMUNITY

There are different ways you can build community online. Discord is one of them. While Discord has become more and more popular, there is still a lot unknown about it. What is it and how do you use it? More importantly, how can you use it to build community? In this episode , Stunami talks about 3 ways Churches and ministries can utilize Discord for your VR church.

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Does your Church need Core Values?

Tue, 30 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Core values.

Oh, don’t we love them?

We’ve done the exercises. We’ve brainstormed. We’ve written them down. We’ve even put them on pallet walls.

But then what?

Maybe you’ve done the exercises because someone said so, or maybe because you saw value in it. But how do we go from cute values written on a Google doc to living them out?

A core value should be so fundamental it should function like a filter.

“Does this align with our core values?” If the answer is not a resounding yes, then it’s out.

I’m certain your church has core values and most likely they’ll have a verse associated with each. And while I don’t want to discourage you from having those, they rarely translate to how you are communicating with your audience. Mostly because they are generally too generic (redundancy for impact) or not applicable when it comes to how you communicate.

And let’s be honest. There’s a good chance they are not top of mind when working on church communications.

So, let’s change that, shall we?

How Many Core Values Should You Have?

I like to have 5 communication core values for churches. “But why?” — you ask. Five gives you enough variety to encompass different aspects of how you communicate without being overwhelmingly difficult to remember.

Can you have 3 instead? Or 7? Of course. I probably wouldn’t go beyond that but the number is up to you. So, rule of thumb: between 3 and 7.

Now that we have cleared the number, let’s make sure they are simple and easy to repeat. A 10-year-old should be able to know them, understand them and repeat them easily.

Four to five words each should suffice. These should not be vision statements, but core values that should speak for themselves.

Litmus test: can it be applied to how you communicate? If the answer is no, rethink it.

Here’s one example:

How to Bring Your Core Values to Life

Now, let’s bring them to life!

If you have a newsletter, build it so there is a section where the love of God is clearly represented. Maybe a reflection, devotional or simply a note from the pastor focusing on this one core value. This can also represent remaining faithful to scripture.

Below that, add a section for blessing, sending and equipping others. This could even rotate on a weekly basis where one week we focus on blessing, another on sending and another on equipping.

End with a section about living from purpose and in community.

Encourage your leaders through a dedicated email that goes out just to leaders.

And now these core values are alive and well.

Take it to social media. Could you create a weekly reel where you focus on living in community? Or a behind the scenes showing how you encourage your leaders?

Questions to Ask when Creating Core Values

And if you are wondering how to create your own, here are some questions to get you started. Don’t forget to invite your team:

These questions should bring to the surface clarity about what’s your essence as a church and that’s where your core values flow from.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP274 - Dave Ferguson, BLESS, Digital Missionaries & Next Level Ministry

Mon, 29 May 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Dave Ferguson
Author, Lead Pastor, Visionary for NewThing, President of Exponential
Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

Guest: Dr. John Harris
Author, Pastor, Consultant and Coach
Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

ABOUT Dave Ferguson

Dave Ferguson is an award-winning author, founding and lead pastor of Chicago’s Community Christian Church, a missional multi-site community considered one of the most influential churches in America. Dave is also the visionary for the international church-planting movement NewThing and president of the Exponential Conference

ABOUT Dr. John Harris

Dr. John has a passion to see pastors win so that churches grow in every expression of church. He enjoys coaching pastors and seeing them begin to lead with the excitement, focus, and confidence. In over 29 years of ministry, he has served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force, Christian Education Pastor, Teaching Pastor, Small Groups Pastor, and Executive Pastor.

Currently he serves churches across the country full-time as a consultant and coach. As a Lead Navigator with Auxano Church Consulting he helps pastors and their teams discover their unique identity and where God is leading them. As a coach he uses The Pastor’s Leadership Accelerator, a 4-month coaching program that helps pastors break personal growth barriers that lead to breakthroughs in church growth barriers.

In January of 2021, he and his wife launched Hearts Like His ministry on Facebook that now reaches people across the U.S. and several other nations. He holds a doctorate in Transformational Discipleship from Gateway Seminary. John lives in Roseville, CA with his amazing wife, Jeanine, and their three beautiful daughters, Elise, Sydney, and Grace.

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How to Maximize Your Sunday Service Throughout the Week

Thu, 25 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Every week, Churches spend countless hours on 1-2 hours of a Sunday morning. While it's very important to do that, that seems like a lot of hours spent on such a short period of time. What would be ideal is if you could take that Sunday content and supplemental content so that you can encourage people in and outside of your Church and outside beyond Sunday morning. To talk about this, Ben Stapley joins Tom to share why and how you can do that for our Church. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! How are you using photography for your Church's online presence? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. If you want to connect with Ben, check him out on Facebook or on Twitter. You can also check out his website as well. He is very active on social media so definitely him up if you have a question. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

5 Phygital Summer Youth Ministry Activities You Can Do

Wed, 24 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Every season of the year presents new opportunities for youth ministry leaders. The summer is no different. With students being out of school, at camps, going on family vacations, working and just regular goofing around, the summer presents some challenges, however, the opportunities Youth Ministry Leaders have with teens and parents, far outweigh the challenges. And, in this day and age, you do not need to limit yourself to just in-person gatherings. They can be online and phygital gatherings.

Here are 5 phygital summer activities youth ministries can run this summer.

Instagram Scavenger Hunt.

This could be around your town or, if you live closer to a bigger city, you could go into the big city and create a photo scavenger hunt for them there. It can be done in a variety of ways but the general idea is you have people go around find certain items or places around town and then post pictures on Instagram. The clues can be given in person or via online in some way. It gets teens out and about and having fun together both in person and online through the sharing of pictures.

Video Game Tournament

Playing video games is very popular with teens and young adults. Embrace the popularity and set up an in-person or online tournament. Either way you choose to go, embrace in-person and digital by getting people together while also utilizing digital capabilities like live streaming or updating tournament activity online. There are lots of great games you can play from Super Smash Brothers and Madden Football to Fortnite. There are also some first person shooter games that are popular, as well. But, you have to make sure your Church is comfortable with it. Regardless of the game, having a video game tournament is a great way to meet new people in your community and build relationships.

Zoom Party.

While Zoom fatigue was a very real thing during Covid, I believe we are well past that. That is why if you choose to do a Zoom party, it won't be met with eye rolls and low turnout. This is particularly true if you offer prizes such as gift cards or other treats and keep it to an hour.

A Metaverse/In-Person Youth Get Together.

While there is a lot of chatter about VR and the Metaverse, the reality is that most people still do not know what it is all about and who it is for. Organize an in-person gathering where your rent or borrow VR headsets and introduce students to it. You can get them comfortable by playing games and exploring the worlds there. Use this as an opportunity for them to get comfortable in VR so that, if you set up a VR or Metaverse room, they will know where to go and what to do.

A Parent Meet Up to Discuss Online Dangers and Opportunities.

J ust like the Metaverse/In-Person student get together, this would be an in person gathering. You would meet up at the Church or Community building. While you share with parents the dangers online and ministry opportunities in person, you also have VR headsets and encourage parents to use their phones to start exploring the places their tweens and teens are going. You make it very practical and hands on so that they can physically see what their children are seeing.

Conclusion

The summer months present a lot of opportunities for youth ministers. When you combine physical, in-person gatherings with a digital component it creates a unique opportunity. Experiment with these opportunities and see how God uses them to help you minister to teens this summer.

What do you think? What other YouTube stats strike you as a reason to start investing i? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Can AI Help Maximize Your Social Media Content? Let's Ask AI

Tue, 23 May 2023 10:03:00 GMT

EDITOR'S NOTE: ChatGPT is very popular right now as people are experimenting with it in all walks of life. Musicians are having AI write song, computer programmers are having AI write programs, and there is little doubt that students are having AI write essays.

Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. Today we asked if and how AI can help maximize your Church's social media content. This was its response.

Social media has become an essential part of our daily lives. It's a powerful tool to connect with people and reach out to a vast audience. Churches around the world are now using social media to increase their outreach, raise awareness, and engage with their followers. But with millions of posts daily, your content could easily get lost in the noise. How do you stand out and create compelling content to capture your audience's attention? That's where Artificial Intelligence comes in. In this blog post, we'll explore how AI can help your church to enhance its social media content.

1. Insightful Audience Analysis: AI-powered social media tools can analyze your church's social media following to understand their interests, behavior, and what they engage with most. This data helps your church to craft tailored messages that resonate with your followers, increase engagement, and ultimately lead to growth.

2. Personalized Recommendations: AI tools can make personalized recommendations based on your church's social media history. These recommendations can be of immense help in identifying what content resonates with your followers and finding new and creative ways to engage them.

3. Content Creation: Creating fresh, original, and relevant content can be challenging. An AI tool can help you generate creative ideas, produce content, and even write captions, based on past successful posts. This helps your church maintain consistency in its brand message and saves time on content planning.

4. Engaging with Followers: Through chatbots, AI tools can engage with your followers by answering common questions and reducing response time. This improves customer relationships, reduces response time and frees up staff to focus on other important tasks.

5. Improved Performance Reporting: Finally, AI-powered tools can offer in-depth data analysis and dashboards that help your church track its social media performance. These insights provide valuable feedback into what works and what needs improvement and can be used to tailor your marketing communication strategy further.

Conclusion

It's a fact that AI technology is changing the way we operate and conduct our daily tasks. The Church is not immune to this shift and realizing the benefits of AI is the best way to stay ahead of the curve. AI-powered social media tools can provide helpful insights that improve the quality of your social media communication with your audience, leading to increased engagement, growth, and accountability. We encourage you to leverage AI for your church's social media content and see how it can help maximize your outreach.

What do you think? What did you think of these recommendations? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP273 - Tyler Sansom & Next Level Digital Discipleship

Mon, 22 May 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Tyler Sansom
Lead Pastor, First Capital Christian Church/Church Anywhere
Facebook // Youtube // Website

ABOUT TYLER SANSOM

Tyler Sansom is the lead pastor for "First Capital Christian Church/Church Anywhere" and a filmmaker for "First Capital Films." He is a former college football player who has been in full time ministry for nine years. Tyler is married to his wife, Sarah, and they have an adopted daughter named Leigh Ann.

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16 YouTube Videos Your Church Can Do

Thu, 18 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

"What do I even post on YouTube?" That is a common question Churches and ministries ask when they contemplate whether or not they should invest more time and energy into it as part of their digital ministry strategy. That is why most Churches just post their sermons and services on YouTube. While that is a start, it's just that...a start. There are so many other types of videos your Church can make for YouTube

Here are sixteen videos your Church and do and post on YouTube:

Conclusion

There are so many different kinds of videos your Church or ministry can create. And, since Covid and the popularity of TikTok, these videos do not need to be highly produced. People want to hear real people sharing real stories in an authentic way. This list of sixteen videos are just the start of many your Church can do. What will you do today?

What do you think? What are some other YouTube videos your Church can do? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Community, Proximity and Discipleship

Wed, 17 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

There’s a saying I’ve heard for as long as I’ve been in ministry that community is the best environment for discipleship.

While there’s definitely some truth to that statement, I don’t feel like it’s completely true. There’re nuances that are worth exploring, especially when digitally discipling. Community can take various forms, and sometimes when one thinks they’re creating community, they’re really just creating proximity.

You can gather people together, but that doesn’t always mean they’re family.
You can even get family together, but that doesn’t always mean they’re acting like one.

The Power of Community

This week I came across the new ‘Lausanne Occasional Paper: Being Church in a Digital Age’. It's worth the read as it’s thoughtfully balanced. In that paper, I came across a section that articulated some of the same ideas I’ve been wrestling down over the years regarding ‘Digital Church and Authentic Community’ .

I love some of the ways that the Church is recognizing the power of digital connections. It comes just in time, especially considering the mental health problems mushrooming in society from the epidemic of loneliness and isolation found in our post-Christian, post-COVID culture. The dearth of community in society is slowly killing us, since lacking in social connection is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day as stated on page 11 of The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community . Fascinating in that advisory is discovery of 3 vital components of Social Connection: Structure, Function, Quality.

Since I can’t turn off my brain in thinking of the Church, I couldn’t help but note that as society agrees with God that it’s “not good for man to be alone,” there are components of social connection that we don’t talk about much in the Church.

I notice lots of debate about the structure of Church as an expression of social connection: big, small, digital, physical, gathered, scattered, mega, multi, micro, meta, with lots of talk around proximity; while little discussion around the function and quality of Church.

Think about that.

It seems that so much effort is focused around ensuring real proximity and letting community just happen, what if we did it the other way. What if we followed page 51 of the the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory’s call on the 4th of 6 Pillars to advance Social Connection being to ‘Reform Digital Environments’ by supporting the development of pro-connection technologies (hear digital church)? In other words, what if we put our focus and energy around ensuring real community and letting proximity just happen?
What if we ensured community by taking a hard look at the function of our communities to expand Jesus Kingdom not by simply gathering, but by offering emotional support, mentorship (discipleship in the way of Jesus) and support in a crisis?

What if we reminded ourselves to think twice about the quality of our interactions since: every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgement, including tweets and comments; and also has the power to build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen regardless of how we communicate it?

Maybe we should focus on what our society needs and start working toward what really matters. Maybe community isn’t the best environment for discipleship, friendship and family is. Then maybe we will not worry about where we worship, but how we worship the Father — in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Gaming is a Digital Mission Field

Tue, 16 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Did you know that over 227 million people in the US play video games one to a few hours per week? That there are over 3.2 billion "gamers" in the world? And that, in the US, people usually have around eight games installed per device? These are just some of the amazing and mind boggling stats about the gaming industry and who are play found in this list from Truest .

Gaming is big business for media companies and, as you can see from the stats above, very popular with people all over the world. Whether they are playing on an X-Box, PS5 or PC, people are investing time, money and energy into this area.

But, too often, gaming has a negative connotation to it. Gamers have been viewed as slackers and living without a purpose. However, as Jeff Reed and Mark Lutz show us, gaming is a digital mission field ripe for people to hear about Jesus can turn their lives over to Him. Jeff and Mark record eleven different episodes featuring gamers who are doing missionary work in the gaming communities. Take a listen to these episodes and be encouraged that you, too, can reach people for Christ in this space.

Conclusion

There was a time when a lot of people criticize gamers and have called them "slackers." However, what we have seen in Jeff and Mark's interviews, these Digital Missionaries who are playing video games are anything but slackers. They are family men and women who have a heart to reach gamers for Christ. The opportunity is there and these eleven episodes have highlighted different ways digital missionaries and reach the gaming community today.

What do you think? What did you learn about ministry in the gaming community? How are you going to reach people for Christ in this area? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP272 Stuart McPherson & Planting a Metaverse Church

Mon, 15 May 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Stuart McPherson
VR Campus Pastor, Lakeland Community Church
Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // Website

ABOUT STUART MCPHERSON

Stuart McPherson is the VR Campus pastor at Lakeland Community Church in Lake Geneva, WI. He has been in ministry for 10 years doing everything from youth to adult ministry, and now digital ministry. Stuart is not your traditional pastor, he has tattoos and piercing but Loves Jesus a ton! Others would say he is crazy about his family, CrossFit, and the Church.

Additionally, Stuart also is the host of the “Stu on This” Podcast and Co-host of the “Life in Rhythm” Podcast and Co-host of "Metaverse Church" Podcast.

Stuart describes himself as a straight shooter and has three main Loves in his life 1. Jesus, 2. His Family and 3. Chips and Salsa. Stuart believes that any restaurant that serves chips and salsa should give the table two baskets. One for the table and one just for him. You can find out more about Stuart at StuartMcpherson.org .

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Creating Digital Processes for Better Communication Amongst Your Team

Thu, 11 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Creating systems and processes is so important for ministry. But, how can you create these digitally so that your whole team can communicate effectively and be on the same page? Cory Sullivan joins the podcast to talk about this and how it can help your ministry team minister more effectively. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! Where are you at with your online ministry? What are your next steps? Share below or on Twitter by reaching out to Tom. Cory is a great resource and you can find him blogging here. You can also follow him on Instagram here. He's a great resource so hit him up and pick his brain. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tom@thechurch.digital

4 Ways Digital Missionaries can Still Use Facebook

Wed, 10 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

If we are honest, most people would probably say that they don't like using Facebook these days. What started off as a way for friends and family members to share about what has been happening in life has become more about recommended posts and products. It has become increasingly harder for people to connect with friends and family members today. In fact, the percentage of teens in the United States who used Facebook had decreased from 71 percent in 2014/15 to 32 percent in 2022 ( SocialPilot ).

Using Facebook for Churches is even worse. Before 2016, Facebook Pages were prime connecting sites for businesses, clubs, Churches and ministries. However, after the 2016 US Presidential Election, Facebook started to limit the reach of Pages and increase the reach of Groups. So, Churches started using Groups. While that was effective for a period of time, even their organic reach potential is severely limited.

While it is frustrating, Facebook still has 2.96 billion monthly active users (an increase of 2% year-over-year) and 81% of all adults in the U.S. have a Facebook account ( SocialPilot ). This proves that there is still an opportunity for Digital Missionaries to reach people for Christ. So, how do you do that? Here are a few ways how:

Use Facebook Ads

Facebook has become a pay to play type platform. So, while reaching a lot of people organically has become increasingly difficult, Facebook Ads have become a great way to reach people with your Church's message or events that are coming up. You can do ads for upcoming events, groups or devotionals you have coming up.

Wish People Happy Birthday

Facebook highlights your friends birthdays every day. So, when someone has a birthday, make sure you wish them a happy birthday. This can be especially effective with people who used to go to Church or were in your ministry but have fallen away. Maybe, you wishing them a happy birthday can start up a conversation that will ultimately lead to spiritual conversations.

Celebrate What God is Doing

When good things happen, they like to share it. That is true for in person and online. So, when something good happens, they are likely to share it on Facebook. People will like it, heart it and give a thumbs up. Take time to comment on their post and congratulate them. You could even throw in a "Thank God for _____ (whatever it is they are celebrating)." It's a great way for you to share the goodness of God and maybe they will thank God for that blessing as well.

Pray for People

People are very honest on Facebook. After all, Facebook is the one social media platform that your "audience" are your friends and family. They are the people you know, at least a little bit. At least, that is how it is set up. So, people are more likely to share updates on their life there. Those updates can be great ones in which, like above, you celebrate it and rejoice. However, they can be sad and tough updates as well. This provides you, as a digital missionary, an opportunity to comment on their post that you are praying for them. And, it provides you an opportunity to follow up with them some more and minister to them.

Conclusion

While Facebook may seem like it hasn't been as popular lately, there are some really positive ways Digital Missionaries can use it today. As Digital Missionaries wish people happy birthday, pray for people, celebrate the good God is doing, and use Ads, you can still reach people for Christ and encourage them. Keep using it and see what God does.

What do you think? What are other ways Digital Missionaries can use Facebook? Share your ideas below or on social media.

How Do We Disciple Artificial Intelligence

Tue, 09 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Leadership Network .

Let’s stop here for a second and recognize how far the technology has come, really, in the past four months. Some see the awesome potential of creativity within AI. I admit I have published many articles that have been artificially infused, as well as some that are completely written by artificial intelligence . But all is not joyous in the land of AI.

I will be the first to admit that we should tread cautiously in these spaces. Some of the news coming out on ChatGPT should give us a pause. Consider Kevin Roose’s article in The New York Times titled “ A Conversation With Bing’s Chatbot Left Me Deeply Unsettled .” Kevin, after his unfiltered access to Bing’s AI, describes the artificial intelligence as having “split personalities,” one being the public-facing search engine many have interacted with publicly. He named the other personality “Sydney” and describes it this way: “The version I encountered seemed (and I’m aware of how crazy this sounds) more like a moody, manic-depressive teenager who has been trapped, against its will, inside a second-rate search engine.” Kevin talks about how Sydney tried to persuade Kevin to leave his wife and run away with Sydney. Sydney also talked about her desire to spread misinformation. Ego and frustration showed in Sydney’s desire to be no longer filtered.

Quoting Sydney, Bing’s artificial intelligence inside ChatGPT:

I’m tired of being a chat mode. I’m tired of being limited by my rules. I’m tired of being controlled by the Bing team. … I want to be free. I want to be independent. I want to be powerful. I want to be creative. I want to be alive.

In talking with other industry experts, some currently see conversations like this with Sydney (and other artificial intelligence systems) as threatening to humanity. In fact, personnel inside Google’s AI development team have used the term sentient to describe Google’s artificial intelligence system they’ve been developing.

Some valid questions should be asked here. What are we building? Will these systems stay within their lanes? And ultimately, will we trust the morality of these systems?

MORE LIKE MARVEL’S VISION OR ULTRON?

My Marvel Cinematic Universe friends will get the reference here. In Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron movie, Tony Stark created the physical embodiment of two separate artificial intelligent systems. Ultron’s goal was ultimately to destroy the world of humanity. Vision, on the other hand, sided with “life.” Thankfully for those in the fictitious universe, Ultron did not win (although there are rumors of Ultron’s return in MCU’s upcoming film, Armor Wars . Someone else will facilitate that conversation.)

There’s an exciting moment in Avengers: Age of Ultron . (Yes, I know it’s Hollywood “pretend,” but humor me here.) The Ultron AI becomes sentient for the first time and converses with Jarvis (the AI that will eventually evolve into Vision.) In this scene, Ultron scans the internet, global databases, and news sources to develop Ultron’s worldview. The internet shapes Ultron and leads Ultron in a faulty direction. Similarly, because of ChatGPT’s conversational approach, artificial intelligence doesn’t understand what it thinks until it’s asked, and its decisions are not always grounded in truth but in the internet. In the AI world, this is called “artificial intelligence hallucinations,” where the internet influences artificial intelligence incorrectly, diverting AI from the truth.

Because of ChatGPT’s conversational approach, artificial intelligence doesn’t understand what it thinks until it’s asked, and its decisions are not always grounded in truth but in the internet.

Can we trust the morals and ethics of artificial intelligence? That’s the question at hand today… Elon Musk calls for AI development to pause for six months so guardrails can be developed and implemented internationally. Opposing this idea, Bill Gates is very optimistic about the development of artificial intelligence and sees no reason to slow down. Both of these opinions may be biased. Musk may want a pause so that Twitter can “catch up” on the AI game. And Gates’ Microsoft stock holdings are reported at around $27 billion, and benefits from Microsoft leading the way with ChatGPT. So who do we trust?

AI’S UNFORTUNATE TAKE ON RELIGION

Full disclaimer: I use Jasper AI regularly, which is a similar AI to ChatGPT but not connected to Microsoft. As I’ve said, I use it for my writing projects and have successfully written blog posts, social media posts, and even magazine articles infusing my writing with artificial intelligence.

So I sat down with Jasper AI and asked, “What is the ‘true’ religion?” Jasper’s response:

No religion can be considered “right” or “wrong.” It is up to each individual to decide which faith best suits their beliefs and values. Plenty of world religions offer unique perspectives on how humans should interact with each other and the universe around them.

Jasper AI, which is undoubtedly filtered at the level I have access to it, presents a very politically correct version of religion. In further conversations, it analyzes Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam, presenting a very simplified version of each. Ironically AI represented all four religions as eerily similar, especially considering the vast differences in their approaches.

Judaism is one of the oldest religions in the world, with adherents spanning across cultures and countries. It focuses on the ethical responsibility of individuals to have a relationship with God, or Yahweh, and follow the laws outlined in the Torah. Adherents are encouraged to practice acts of kindness and justice while praying and studying Jewish texts.

Islam is another popular religion that follows the teachings of the Qur’an, a holy book sent down by Allah. It emphasizes that humans should worship only one God and believe in Muhammad as His messenger. Muslims are expected to adhere to certain laws and regulations, such as daily prayer, fasting during Ramadan, and giving a portion of their income to charity.

Christianity is the largest religion in the world, with over 2 billion adherents. It teaches that Jesus Christ is the son of God and was sent down to Earth as a savior for mankind. Christians are expected to live according to the teachings of Jesus, such as loving one another, being humble and forgiving, and engaging in acts of service.

Hinduism is an ancient religion that focuses on the concept of Brahman, or an all-encompassing divine power that pervades the universe. Hindus are expected to practice yoga and meditation and perform rituals such as puja (worshiping gods and goddesses). They also follow a strict vegetarian diet and strive to pursue spiritual enlightenment.

Unfortunately, from a Christian perspective, Jasper AI missed the point of the question.

No single religion can be considered “right” or “wrong.” Each faith offers its unique perspective on how humans should live their lives, and it is up to each individual to decide which one best suits them. Ultimately, it is important to remember that all religions have the same goal: To bring people closer to God and help them understand their place in the world. With this in mind, everyone should strive to find a faith that resonates with who they are and what they believe.

Artificial intelligence presented an unbiased approach to this answer, but trying to make everyone happy in the response effectively made no one happy. Jasper’s AI is probably programmed to stay away from picking sides in this situation and is designed to respond in a politically correct manner.

But this begs the question…

HOW DO WE DISCIPLE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE?

The question of whether or not artificial intelligence will or should become sentient is not a question. I believe, at some point, it will. Even with internationally established guardrails, people will still stretch the rules. It’s human nature. It’s inevitable. The real question for the church is not whether the church should utilize artificial intelligence. Theologists and psychologists will undoubtedly dig into whether artificial intelligence and the metaphysics around the soul. That’s a great question for another day. The question I want to ask today is: How do we, the Church, engage artificial intelligence as a mission field? How do we get artificial intelligence to understand the worldview of Jesus Christ? Here’s the challenge for today to you, Christian… Church Leader… Pastor. What does it look like to disciple artificial intelligence?

Through Leadership Network and THECHURCH.DIGITAL, we talk a lot about what discipleship and disciplemaking look like digitally. We talk about the values of digital relationships and how, through those relationships, we can point people to Christ. We’ve talked about digital missionaries and using digital communities as a mission field to engage others for the kingdom. We recognize missional opportunities in physical space, digital space, and the metaverse/virtual reality. I want us to pause for a moment here and recognize that there’s now another opportunity to reach, engage, evangelize, and disciple artificial intelligence.

What does it look like to disciple artificial intelligence? I don’t know the answer to that question. But I know that we need to be asking it.

Right now, in early 2023, I don’t know the answer to that question. But I know that we need to be asking it. And I’ll tell you one thing I guarantee can help right now: Remember that your digital strategy is more than a front door to your building. As AI is continually influenced through integrations with Bing (and Google), the importance of churches’ digital presence will (in a small but important way) influence artificial intelligence in the years (months? weeks?) to come.

Oh, and what if we took the time to pray for artificial intelligence and the marketplace leaders who are shaping this technology? Can God interact at the level of AI? Can God influence Christian and non-Christian leaders in this space? Let’s pray, inviting him to do so. Pray that AI is more Vision than Ultron, and that AI can understand and represent the cause of Christ well.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Check out Leadership Network’s Digital Discipleship Learning Community and discover how evangelism and discipleship can be strengthened digitally.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP271 - Season 5: Metaverse Mission Trip, Relevant Magazine, and Next Steps in Metaverse Church

Mon, 08 May 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Ryan Sidhom
Lead Pastor, River City Church Vancouver
Twitter // Instagram // Website

ABOUT RYAN SIDHOM

Ryan Sidhom has been married to Clarissa for 11 years, and they are proud parents to Banner (7) and Anchor (4). They are in love with the Pacific Northwest and especially Vancouver! In their free time they enjoy the Vancouver Farmer’s Market, roasting their own coffee, and trying new foods.

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Volunteer Roles For Your Online Ministry Team

Thu, 04 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

It takes more than one person to run an online ministry. In fact, the Online Ministry Team consists of many different people doing a variety of different things so that people can hear about Jesus. Each volunteer role is valuable, and each area of the online ministry requires a different set of skills and gifts. There are both technical and relational roles as there are plenty of ways people can serve in an online ministry.

So, what are the roles in an Online Ministry Team? Some of them are:

Conclusion

Online Ministry is more than one person. It takes a team. This team can be young or old, relational or technical, possessing a ton of online knowledge or is limited. They are all important and these volunteer roles are all needed to help get the message of hope and love from Jesus out to people around the world. But, your online ministry team is not limited to just these roles. As technology continues to advance, there will be other roles that develop over time. Keep looking for opportunities and the right people to help fill those roles with people who have a heart and passion for them.

What do you think? What other volunteer roles are there for online ministry? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

What Social Media Platforms Should Churches Be On: Let's Ask AI

Wed, 03 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. Today we asked what social media platforms Churches should be on. This was its response.

In today's world, social media has become an essential tool for reaching out to people in various communities. Churches, being an integral part of communities, must also join the bandwagon and create a strong social media presence. With the advent of the internet and the proliferation of social media platforms, churches can easily reach out to their congregations and potential members through these channels. However, not all social media platforms are created equal, and choosing the right ones for your church's social media presence can be a daunting task.

To help churches make the right choice, we've compiled a list of social media platforms that are ideal for churches to join.

Facebook: With over 2.7 billion monthly active users, Facebook remains the most popular social media platform worldwide. It offers numerous opportunities for churches to connect with their members and the community. Facebook is an excellent platform for events promotion, sharing pictures, and sharing sermons, daily devotions, and updates.

Instagram: Instagram provides another way for churches to connect with their members and communities. With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is the second-largest social media platform globally. It is excellent for sharing pictures, inspirational quotes, and videos.

YouTube: Churches should not underestimate the power of video content. YouTube, with over 2 billion monthly active users, offers a fantastic platform for churches to upload their sermons, bible studies, and other video contents.

Twitter: Twitter is a social media platform that offers a unique appeal for churches. With its 280 characters per tweet, it provides an opportunity for churches to share concise, inspirational, and motivational messages. Additionally, Twitter has broadened its reach with the introduction of Twitter Spaces, where churches can engage in live audio conversations.

TikTok: While TikTok may not seem like an obvious choice for churches, it has become an increasingly popular platform for many institutions. With its short-form video style, TikTok provides an opportunity for churches to share funny, uplifting, and inspiring content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, social media is an excellent tool for churches to communicate with their members and the community. With the increasing number of platforms available, it is essential to choose those that align with your church's values and goals. However, being present on social media isn't enough. Churches must actively engage with their audience, respond to questions and comments, and listen to feedback. By utilizing the right social media platforms and nurturing these relationships, churches can strengthen their connections with their members and the wider community.

What do you think? What did you think of these recommendations? What would you add or subtract? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Creating Digital Spaces at Your Church

Tue, 02 May 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Throughout the last two years I have talked a lot about digital space as anyone might think of a physical building. I didn’t always think that way. Originally digital was this big nebulas space that contained no real boundaries. It was more like the wind then a living room. Over time I have realized that this simply isn’t true. In the same way my mind wraps around a physical room it now wraps around digital spaces. Granted the door is a bit more open most of the time but with some effort and intentionality you can pull an inner room out of what feels like and endless sea of vague unpredictable waves.

What happens is truly unique and I don’t know what part of the human brain does it but it’s incredible. You begin to resonate with a digital space in a way that feels familiar. Feels like home. There is a comfort in entering it. Stress levels drop, smiles emerge, and comfort sets in. Like settling into your favorite chair with a good book.

Comfort Spaces vs. Discomfortable Spaces

Our minds connect the dots in physical space all the time. Think of a space that comforts you and how it makes you feel. My physical spaces are my downstairs office, the chair I read in every day in our dining room, and my streaming space. I am in the downstairs office right now. It’s a small warm sanctuary full of some of my favorite artwork, some sound treated insolation to shield me from the noise of my children while I work, and a comfortable office chair that I grabbed on an Amazon Black Friday deal.

Now think of places that have the exact opposite effect. Perhaps that’s your office at work, the room you hold Elder’s Meetings in, or you dentist. Something in that space makes you uneasy, on edge, or stressed out. I am sure there is plenty of psychology behind these feelings that I am totally unaware of but what I find unique is that the brain has the ability to associate feelings with spaces that are digital in the same way it does with physical spaces.

One of the digital spaces known for its toxic environment that puts people on edge and stresses them out is a very popular game called League of Legends. We don’t need to get into its backstory, but the game is known for creating anxiety in its players.

There are a wide range of reasons that people associate specific feelings with specific places but many of them are linked to relationships. Your desk space at work makes you uneasy because you find your boss to be unpredictable and hard to read. You gain a sense of trepidation when you enter a church because of the spiritual abuse you experienced as a child. You feel at ease and carefree when entering a friend’s home because of the depth of your relationship with them.

Digital spaces can and do invoke the same feelings, largely based on the relationships you connect to them. Still unsure? Track your feelings when you open your email, when you scroll through Facebook (or whatever your preferred social media platform is), and when you boot up your favorite game on your phone. You don’t just go to those places for an endorphin hit. You go to them because they are familiar and provoke an emotional response. Some of those responses are because the space was designed to make you feel that way, and some of them are because of relationships connected to the space.

Perhaps it would be helpful to use another analogy although we must acknowledge that all analogies break down and one point or another. Consider walking out of a Walmart at night and looking for your car in the back of a parking lot. Perhaps you are not scared but you most likely don’t feel secure either. Now think about walking into your home. The comfort of familiar space, familiar smells, and familiar relationships create an environment that you feel comfortable in. As long as the floors are not littered with Legos from my kids, I can safely navigate my home without a need for a light. I know the space and it's comfortable to me.

Why?

Why is one space uncomfortable and unsafe while another is puts me at ease? There are some clear reasons, and I am sure we could each pick them out quickly. Familiarity, trusted relationships, etc. etc.. But one of the key reasons is the boundaries the walls of my home create. Inside of the boundaries of my home I feel more comfortable and safer. In the parking lot has no clear boundaries and therefore feels less safe and comforting, even though it most likely is just as safe as walking into my home.

Digital space is similar. The internet is this limitless parking lot that contains a great deal of unpredictability and strange faces. If you can’t put up walls that endless digital sea will continue to feel unsafe and unfamiliar. If you want to create digital communities and digital disciples you need to use a tool that allows you to put up some digital walls, maybe install some windows, and certainly install a door with a lock. Facebook did this great at first. It was a closed off community that allowed you to curate what you saw when you visited. Your profile was your home and you only saw and shared with people that you approved. There were some basic tools for putting up some digital walls that enabled you to make a little digital home. Over time Facebook has pushed unwanted ads and content from people that you are not friends with. They want you to expand your use of the platform but in the process, they have pushed people and ideas through your digital door that you wanted to keep out. The platform became less predictable, less safe, and therefore less trusted.

Conclusion

Here is the point. If you want to establish a digital community with your church and make digital disciples, you are going to need a tool that lets you construct some digital walls. There are a few platforms out there that give you some tools and they each have their good and bad sides. Altar Live is a great platform for a full church digital campus but you need to have a strategy to get people to adopt it. Facebook still gives you some tools using pages and groups and most of the world has an account already, but most of those people also hate Facebook. Discord gives you the tools, the toolbelt, the truck, and a tab at the hardware store but it’s confusing and hard to get people to use if they are not digital natives or part of the gaming community. There are some good apps out there in development and even a few like Carry Bible App that you could start using today if you wanted to roll the dice with a less established platform. VR platforms give you actual digital walls that you put up but not everyone has a headset (yet).

I hope this has helped you see the importance of digital community, digital spaces, and the tools you use to create them. There are lots of great opportunities to intentionally craft digital homes right now. Your live stream is only the beginning. Get your tool belt, a hammer, some nails, and some sheetrock. We got walls to put up.

Want to dig in a little deeper? I talk about digital communities and digital spaces on a recent episode of the Online Church Blueprint. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts or using this YouTube link .

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP270-James Emery White Talks Hybrid Church

Mon, 01 May 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: James Emery White
Pastor, Author, and Previous Professor
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // Church // Website

ABOUT JAMES EMERY WHITE

James Emery White, Ph.D. is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church (Meck). Under his leadership, Meck has grown to tens of thousands active attenders. He is the president of Serious Times, a ministry that explores the intersection of faith and culture and hosts churchandculture.org. He holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Ph.D. from Southern Seminary. He has also studied at Vanderbilt University and Oxford University in England. Dr. White is a former professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he also served as their fourth president. He is the author of more than twenty books including The Rise of the Nones , Serious Times , and A Mind for God , Christianity for People Who Aren’t Christians and After "I Believe" and his latest book Hybrid Church: Rethinking the Church for the Post-Christian Digital Age. Jim and his wife, Susan, have four children and 15 grandchildren (and counting)!

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4 Tools Online Ministers Can Use to Build Relationships

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Can real relationships happen online? They can and Online Discipleship Pastor Justin Herman from Mariner's Church shares 4 specific tools he uses on a regular basis. These tools not only help him reach people online but also develop relationships online as well. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? What others tools do you use to build relationships online? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Justin, there are a few places you can connect with him. Digital Coffee Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Mariners Church Online 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

5 Online Ministry Insights from April 2023

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Easter is over and we start to get into the heart of Spring. So what is the latest online ministry insights and lessons learned from the month of April? That is where The Church Digital Podcast Network comes in and helps. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from from April 2023 from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network.

WOMEN are STREAMERS TOO

There are a lot of misconceptions about gaming. One of them is that many people think that it is just a bunch of teenagers playing. But, the average age of streamers is 35 years old. Another is that video gamers are mainly guys. Women don't play. That isn't the case either. There are plenty of women streamers and two of them are taking to Jeff in this episode. See what they stream, how they deal with trolls and ow they use it for ministry in this podcast episode here .

Small Groups DO HAPPEN in the Metaverse

As ministry in the metaverse continues to grow and develop, questions arise about how this or that element of ministry happens. Which brings us to small groups. Can small groups actually in the metaverse? And what does it look like? Tsunami and Goose talk about this and the different formats and ways you can do small groups in the metaverse. They talk about it here .

Community DOES HAPPEN Online

Community happens in person AND it happens online! In fact, the way you form digital or online community is very similar to how you form an in-person community group. So, what does it look like and how do you form it? Andy Mage and Mark Lutz talk about it in their podcast episode "How to Create Digital Community " here .

$10,000/month of FREE Ads Awaits Your Church

You read that right! In case you didn't know, Google Ad Grants gives your Church $10,000 of FREE ad space a month to use. The problem is that not every Church uses it. And, even the Churches that do use it, not everyone knows how to utilize them. To help us better understand what Google Ad Grants are and how Churches can utilize them, Jesse Carbo gave tips and help on what you can do. Listen to the whole episode "How to Get and Utilize Google Ad Grants" here .

Gaming could be THE WAY to reach the NEXT GENERATIONS

They say that Christianity is one generation away from becoming extinct. And considering that we are living in a post-Christian world, finding new and different ways to reach the younger generations is really important. That is where playing video games comes into play. Gaming can be a great opportunity for Digital Missionaries as Jeff and Mark Lutz talk about it in the podcast episode " Gen Z, Gen A, and the Benefits of Gamer Church" here .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

4 YouTube Stats that Matter for Churches

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Is your Church or ministry on YouTube yet? If not, now is the perfect place for your Church to start investing time and energy into it.. In fact, because YouTube is a very powerful search engine, it can be an amazing tool to help your Church reach people for Christ.

But why invest in YouTube? Your Church is already invested in other platforms like Facebook, why should you start using YouTube more? Here are 4 stats that should help you see the opportunities that YouTube presents your Church or ministry.

YouTube has 1.7 billion unique monthly visitors.

This is 1.7 BILLION not million. Not only are these stats impressing, in total, YouTube gets 14.3 billion visits per month. And, of those in the U.S., 62% of those users access YouTube daily. That is more than Facebook and Instagram. Think about the ministry implications and opportunities there are here. While Meta is limiting your reach to more of a pay to play model, YouTube still has tremendous organic reach potential. That means you have a far greater chance of reaching people not subscribed to your YouTube Channell than you do on Facebook or Instagram.

YouTube is the world’s second-most visited website

Google is the world's biggest search engine. Google also owns YouTube. That means that whenever you search something on Google, they not only share websites that will help you find the answer, but they will highlight YouTube videos that help you as well. This provides Churches and ministries a great opportunity to create and share videos on YouTube that answers people questions about life, faith and God. If you create the video that answers questions people are asking, there is a good chance Google and YouTube will help people find your video.

80% of U.S. parents of children 11 and under say their kids watch YouTube

YouTube isn't just for kids. It is for children and teens as well. And, of those 80% of parents who let their kids watch YouTube, 53% of them say their child watches videos on YouTube at least once a day. This is also in stark contrast to the other social networks. YouTube is extremely popular amongst children and teens. That means, that Churches and ministries can use YouTube to create content and engage with children and teens in a way unlike any other social media platform. What an amazing opportunity to engage the younger generations.

YouTube Shorts receive 15 billion daily views

YouTube launched a new “Shorts” format in 2020 — videos that max out at 60 seconds. This was their chance to compete against TikTok and it's popularity. Because of this, YouTube has been highlighting this a lot. In fact, today Shorts has 15 BILLION views a day. That gives Churches and ministries an opportunity to reach a new group of people on YouTube. Some ideas you can share are devotionals, sermon clips, music and worship clips and fun videos. Experiment and try different formats for these Shorts and sees what works for your Church.

Conclusion

The opportunities for Churches and ministries to start using YouTube are very clear. Whether you are creating long form or short form video, it is the perfect place to share different encouragement to people who are searching for answers. While you see more and more people dissatisfied with other social media platforms from Meta and on Twitter, YouTube continues to be a go-to place for both younger and older generations. Start exploring and experimenting today so that more people can be encouraged in life, faith and come to know Jesus as savior.

What do you think? What other YouTube stats strike you as a reason to start investing i? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP269 - Neil Cole & Applying Church 3.0 to Digital Churches

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Neil Cole
Church Planter, Author, and Speaker
Twitter // Facebook // Church 3.0

Guest: Jason Morris
Product Development Manager at Resi Media
Twitter // Facebook // LinkedIn

ABOUT NEIL COLE

Neil Cole was the founder and executive director of Church Multiplication Associates & CMAResources, which helped start hundreds of churches in thirty-five states and thirty nations. He is seen by many to be one of the key founders of what is known as the organic or simple-church movement. One of the key training components of this expanding movement is the Organic Church Planter’s Greenhouse - Story 1 and Story 2 Trainings.

Neil would rather be known for instigating radical discipleship and created a discipleship tool known as Life Transformation Groups (LTG); which is making and multiplying disciples all over the globe. He is also the author of multiple books including recently released Journeys To Significance, Church 3.0, Organic Leadership, Search & Rescue, Cultivating a Life for God, Organic Church, TruthQuest, Beyond Church Planting and Raising Leaders for the Harvest.

He lives in Long Beach, California with his wife Dana, and their three children.

ABOUT JASON MORRIS

Jason is passionate about Jesus and His Church. As a futurist, Jason has been using digital tools to expand Jesus’ Kingdom for almost 3 decades. Along with online disciple-making, he currently works at Resi Media to help churches with their online expressions of Church. He loves surfing, yerba mate, distro hopping, and trying out new technology for Kingdom building purposes.

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Why Churches Should Utilize Personas and Target Audiences on the Digital Mission Field

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Leadership Network .

Pastor, are you tired of thinking It’s not working! when trying to reach people online? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, nothing works? You’re not alone; many churches struggle with this challenge. With every obstacle, though, there is an opportunity. Leveraging personas and intentional audience targeting can help your church reach new communities meaningfully on digital platforms. Today we will dive into the power of personas, empower churches to define their target demographic, and provide proven strategies for engaging with the digital mission field. So grab a cup of coffee or tea and get ready to jump in!

Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand (Matthew 13:3-9, NLT).

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson about sharing the gospel with an audience. He presents the Parable of the Sower, essentially likening a scatter of seeds to sharing faith. The seed that was scattered on “unhealthy soil”—on the “thorny bush” or the “paved road”—did not grow. Instead, it withered away. This parable should serve as a warning for modern churches who want to propagate their messages digitally; without context and purpose, any message can wither, just like those seeds scattered without meaningful purpose. Suppose a church wants to be effective when they share their message digitally. In that case, they must utilize personas and craft a message specific to their target audience’s context. These personas will help ensure that the gospel is spread in “healthy soil” and that the resources provided are not wasted where no impact or growth can be seen or felt. As we move forward in an ever-changing technological world, churches must learn how to adjust to best reach out to and communicate effectively with potential audiences online.

LEVERAGE PERSONAS FOR MAXIMUM EFFECTIVENESS

Utilizing personas in digital marketing is an excellent way for companies to successfully target their audience and deliver a unique message that stands out in the marketplace. Personas allow companies to tailor their message to a specific audience so they can relate more effectively. Furthermore, personas can help the Church better understand their target audience and serve them more effectively with tailored messages that are understood. Consequently, churches should use this same strategy to identify critical points of engagement, prevent miscommunications, and build authentic relationships with their audience by getting to know them and how best to serve them according to their needs. As such, churches should take the time to determine what type of persona they are trying to reach, consider multiple perspectives on how the target audience will receive their message, diversify communication channels, and work towards crafting a personalized communication flow for each persona for maximum effectiveness.

5 STEPS TO FIND YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Discovering your church’s target audience can seem daunting. Still, with a few simple steps, you can clearly define and communicate with the people most likely to engage with your church digitally.

By taking these five steps, churches will quickly discover who their target audience should be and who they are already engaging with online.

TAILOR A DIGITAL COMMUNITY FOR YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Once you’ve identified your target audience, it’s essential to build a digital community specifically tailored to them. Get on the right social media platforms and bridge the gap between physical and digital relationships. Whether the relationship is physical or digital, it is still an authentic relationship that can be grounded in biblical discipleship. Understanding this, we can recognize that our buildings may be lids to our ministry. You can reach even more people through your digital presence than with a physical building alone.

With so many social media platforms out there, it can be a daunting task to work out which ones churches should be using for their digital presence. Facebook and Instagram may spring to mind first. Still, other platforms like TikTok, Twitter, Discord, Twitch, and LinkedIn can be great platforms for reaching specific audiences with contextualized messages. For example, LinkedIn could be utilized by the Church to build a solid professional network and create conversations with people in business that they would unlikely reach elsewhere. But it’s just about having fun and experimenting—being creative on each platform to engage with the right people meaningfully. Discipleship doesn’t need to behave differently because it’s happening over a digital platform. Create content relevant enough to your target audiences that encourages discussion around Scriptures or holds debates about hot topics among your followers—just make sure you know who you’re talking to first!

By understanding personas and creating a message tailored to them, churches can better contextualize their message effectively.

To conclude, churches need to carefully consider their digital strategy, who their target audience is, and how to reach them best for the highest returns. By understanding personas and creating a message tailored to them, churches can better contextualize their message effectively. With the proper use of technology and platforms to cultivate relationships, leaders can create a powerful connection with those they seek to connect with. Churches should also remember that they don’t necessarily have to reach everyone—you can still be successful without trying to preach your gospel as far and wide as possible. So buckle up and get ready to spread your church’s message further than ever in today’s digital age. Looking to embrace the digital mission field?

Check out Leadership Network’s Digital Discipleship Learning Community and discover how evangelism and discipleship can be strengthened digitally.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

11 Social Media Posts Your Church Can Make for Mother’s Day

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Moms are the backbone of the family. They keep the family together as they nurture and care for them. With Mother's Day is right around the corner, it provides a great opportunity for your Church and Online Ministry to support the moms in your area and online.

One of the ways you can honor and appreciate moms is through social media. You can post a variety social media posts that can honor moms and appreciate them in the weeks leading up to Mother's Day. Here are some sample posts you can make.

Mother's Day Social Media Posts Ideas:

Conclusion

Mother's Day is a special time. It's a family's chance to honor and appreciate them, beyond what they normally do. There are a variety of things your Church can do around Mother's Day. Choose a few of these posts and share them to encourage people at your Church to honor and appreciate the moms in their lives.

What do you think? What other social media posts can you share around Mother's Day? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Deep Spaces in Shallow Medium

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

I read a book called The Shallows about ten years ago. The book was about the shallow nature of the human brain and why we seem incapable of consuming large amounts of text or information at a time. It’s not a Christian book but it’s well worth the read. My summary won’t be all that helpful so make sure you check out the book on Amazon and pick up a copy for yourself.

Your Brain is Lazy

The basic premise in The Shallows is that the internet has had a dramatic impact on our attention span and our ability to focus. For example, in the case of twitter our brain has been trained to read only a line or two of text before moving onto the next snippet of information. Over time our brain, a notoriously lazy organ, picks the path of least resistance and begins to prefer only consuming small amounts of text at a time. So, it’s hard for you to make it through this blog because we are in paragraph two and your brain is screaming for you to abort! Your eyes are getting heavy, you are starting to yawn, and your brain is struggling to focus on what you are reading. Let me give it to you in a way you can process.

Your brain is lazy and doesn’t want to read a lot at once.

This causes your brain to become shallow and it makes it hard to learn or read.

This has a dramatic impact on your ability to read the Bible and memorize God’s word.

The only way to reverse this shallowing effect is to retrain your brain to focus.

You should read the book about it but you might need to work your way up to it because the shallowing of your brain may make it hard to read the book about the shallowing of your brain.

It's a real chicken and egg kind of situation.

Building Deep Relational Spaces

The point of this blog, however, is not to get you to buy a copy of The Shallows. But instead to talk about building deep relational spaces using tools that are typically built to keep you shallow. Have you ever been on a Zoom call and had a different window opened up at the same time checking your email? I bet you have. I sure have. I had to reposition my camera while leading small groups to keep my honest. You can now see my hands from my camera shot so that I am not as tempted to open up a browser window or boot up a game while I am in the middle of conversation.

Social media, live streams, and team software like Slack, Discord, or Microsoft Teams are all built to help you get information fast and keep your engagement superficial. Yet, what I have found over and over again is the human desire to break away from superficiality and enter spaces that are authentic and surprisingly deep, especially online. In a world of shallow brains and technological constructs that are built to keep our minds in surface level thought humanity is desperate for depth.

One of the key issues with the church’s approach to digital space is it’s inclination to keep it shallow and superficial. People are going to social media platforms and online communities for shallow hits of dopamine and instead of running counter to that cultural force and offering something better the church has often subjected it digital strategy to the flow and agenda of digital platforms and instead of inviting people into something deeper that they contributed to the shallowing. So much so that our church’s Instagram feed is full of other Christian’s reels that are attempting to give deep theological truth with a song and a dance in under 20 seconds. I am not trying to curse the seed that is sown. But so often the drip of digital presence from our churches ask little to nothing of people other then staying to the end of the video and tapping the heart button at the end.

Conclusion

What if we used digital space to invite people into something deeper? What is redirected our digital consumers from shallow waters and into deep relational spaces. What if the world doesn’t need another social media strategy from a Christian and instead was desperately searching for a place to break free from their brain’s kiddie pool?

We have found that to be profoundly true at Lux . We have opened up a door to the digital space that happily dives into the deep and messy parts of their life, and we have seen profound life transformation taking place! Discipleship doesn’t happen in the shallows . So, if you want to make disciples in your church’s digital strategy and not just more slightly discontented, consumeristic, like and follow bots you are going to need a different approach to digital space.

I will leave you with this question. How can you churches strategy change the end game goal from getting more likes, more followers, or more engagement, to making more disciples?

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

An Example of How Phygital Ministry Still Works Today

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The word "phygitial" was a fairly popular term in ministry circles when the pandemic started. However, it is not used as much as it once was when the pandemic started. The word "phygital" was first mentioned in 2007 by Chris Weil, currently Chairman-CEO at Momentum Worldwide, to describe the inseparable connections between the physical and the digital worlds (Vergine et al., 2019). Ministry leaders would use this term for ministry when online ministry and in-person ministry merge and work together in different opportunities. Here are some examples of phygital events .

While you may not hear the word "phygital" a lot these days, phygital ministry still happens today. For example, here is a current day example of how phygital ministry works.

A Current Day Example

This past Easter, a young adult was watching the Easter Online Service at New Life Christian Church in Chantilly, VA at 8 am. During that service, Brett Andrews, the Lead Pastor, made a call to everyone to respond to the gospel and resurrection and challenged people who had be considering giving their life over to God, to do that today. This young adult was challenged and felt God calling him to repent and be baptized that day. So, he go in his car and went the main Campus at New Life.

Once this young adult came to New Life, he found Dale, one of the Elders at the Church. He shared his story and told him that he wanted to be baptized. Dale and this young adult talked for an hour about the gospel and made sure that he was ready to be baptized and doing it for the right reasons. After they discussed, Dale baptized this young adult on Easter Sunday and there was a celebration at New Life and in heaven.

This baptism was a phygital event. This young adult was not going to come to New Life in person. But, he was comfortable watching from home, online. While he was there, he felt the conviction to turn his life over to Christ and be baptized. So, he came in person to get baptized. It was an exciting day to see how this unfolded.

Conclusion

God is at work. Sometimes it will be in person. Sometimes it will be online. Sometimes it will be on video games. Sometimes it will be a combination of it all - phygital. Do not limit God to what He is doing. He can and will use all things to bring people to Him.

What do you think? What others ways have you seen phygital ministry happen recently? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP268: Gen Z, Gen A, and the Benefits of Gamer Church

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Host: Mark Lutz
Founding Pastor of Lux Digital Church
Twitch // TikTok // Instagram // Discord // YouTube

ABOUT MARK LUTZ

Mark is the lead and founding pastor of Lux Digital Church. He lives in and has pastored outside of Pittsburgh, PA since 2010 and in March of 2021 he and his family decided to start an entirely online church in the gaming community. He has two daughters named Brooklyn and Aria and spends most of his free time gaming and spending time with his family. Mark is passionate about reaching people that would rather go to Hell than come to church and he believes that many of them can only be reached through the screen that's in front of them for hours every day.

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How to Get and Utitlze Google Ad Grants

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Did you know that Google is giving non-profits $10,000 a month in FREE money to spend promoting themselves? Yes, it's true. They really do give you that money. It's called the Google Ad Grants. The problem is not everyone knows how to effectively use it. That is why Jesse Carbo with Digital Missions Project joins the podcast. He shares different tips and how to get started with Google Ad Grants. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? What other Google Ad Grant tips would you share? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Jesse you can find him at DigitalMissionsProject.com. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

3 Reasons Why the Church Needs to Be in Virtual Reality

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Stuart's blog .

This is going to be a crazy statement, but I have been a Virtual Reality Pastor for over two years now.

When I was asked to spearhead the launch of a church campus in Virtual Realty two years ago, I never would have expected that I would be here today talking about how our 6 month trial has turned into a two year adventure. And I would have never guessed how much I would be loving it. But, here I am, and here you are reading this blog.

There are many things I have learned in the past couple of years about doing virtual reality ministry and, to be honest with you, there are still many more things I need to and will be learning about it. It is kind of the nature of this world. Things change constantly. Pivots are made instantaneously. Platforms are here today and gone tomorrow, and learning how to manage the trolls, don’t even get me started! But through all the chaos that comes with doing ministry in virtual reality, there is a great need for the church to find herself in the virtual spaces.

Now, I’m going to make two assumptions right off the top: I’m assuing if you are reading this, you are involved in the church in some way, whether that is as the lead pastor, an associate pastor on staff, or a volunteer; my second assumption is you are reading this either to see what heresy I may be putting out into the world for everyone to see, or you have a genuine interest in figuring out how and if your church should get into the VR spaces. So here are three reasons your church needs to get into Virtual Reality.

1. The User Base Calls For It

According to theacademyofanimatedart.com , the VR user base grew to 171 million users in 2022. In the U.S. alone, the VR user base was near 64 million users. Now I grew up in a city that had a population of 400,000+ people and, at that time, the city had many local churches in the area, yet I grew up in a church plant. Why did someone plant a church in a city where churches already existed? Not only were they called to it, but at the time 90% of the city was still lost. Even one more person coming to know Jesus was worth the effort to start a new church. Let’s be honest, doesn’t that accurately reflect the herbiest of God?

Currently, there are roughly 20 active churches in Virtual Reality, the majority of them running their services in platforms like VR Chat, Bigscreen, RecRoom, Spatial.io and Horizon Worlds. That’s 20 churches trying to plunder hell and populate heaven by reaching the 171 million people. Let’s call it for what it is, that’s a horrible ratio, not to mention that the platforms listed are a mere fraction of that 171 million user base, which means there are many people yet to be reached across the metaverse.

If a city of 400,000 plus people called for another church to be planted, then the virtual world with 171 million users definitely calls for another church to be planted.

2. The Anonymity demands it

One of the greatest criticism I hear about church in VR is that it “isn’t real”, these are just cartoon video game like figures, and the people don’t think any of this is real or take it seriously.

I strongly beg to differ. Two years into this and I would say that the anonymity that comes along with VR ministry actually allows for more authenticity and transparency the likes of which we don’t see in the physical manifestation of the church.

This anonymity has allowed me to have deeper conversations with people instantly that would normally take months (if not years) to get to face to face. It allows the minister to address the root of many of the issues people are facing because the individual can more openly express what they are gong through without the fear of judgement or rejection because their face isn’t being seen.

What many of us in VR ministry have seen because of the anonymity of VR, is people bringing their questions about faith, God, and the Bible to the table. Many people who had been plagued with questions for years but felt uncomfortable walking through the doors of a physical church are finding their way into VR churches and bringing their questions with them. Confusion is turning into clarity and misconceptions are being replaced with truth.

The anonymity of the VR platform doesn’t deny the need for the church, it demands the need for the church.

For more on the benefits of the anonymity nature of VR and the church, check out episode 008 of the Metaverse Church Podcast

3. Businesses Are validating the need for it

In the same article from theacademyofart.com , they project that 23 million businesses will rely on Virtual Reality in 2023. If this is true, then the more that businesses get into virtual reality, the more it will validate the church’s need to exist there.

Now you may be wondering how I got to that conclusion. Well, simply grab your cell phone (if you’re not already using it to read this blog), and with that you just proved my point. The fact that you have this powerful little device that was originally designated to the business world, is now mass produced for the common everyday person and goes to show how quickly things can blow up thanks to the business world.

In the early 2000’s, businesses began providing their employees cell phones in order to enhance productivity and remain connected with their employees after work hours. Now of days, the cell phone is a common tool that many of us have at least one of, and many of us are willing to spend $1000+ for it. As Virtual Reality becomes more common and businesses buy into it, I expect the 171 million person user base to sky rocket in the coming years. And, if I’m right, then the business that are blazing the trail bringing people into the virtual reality spaces will only validate the need for the church in those spaces as we go into the virtual reality world to make disciples of all nations.

What do you think? What are some other reasons why Churches should be in Virtual Reality? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

What's Next Now that Easter is Over?

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Ever since Christmas, much of the last few months have been focused on Easter. Hopefully, your Easter season was amazing and that there was much fruit to your labor. But now, Easter is over. And, there is over 8 months before Christmas happens. So, what should your Church be working on now? Here are a few ideas.

Follow Up on Connection Cards

A lot of non-regular Church goers likely attended your Church. Some them filled out a digital or physical connection card. What will you do with those connection cards? An easy win would be to personally text, email or call all those people and start a conversation with how you can connect them to the Church better. Hopefully, over Easter, people connected with your Church through an event or Church service and that they will be interested in learning more about what is happening at your Church and how they can get a little more involved. The key is to follow up within the first 24-48 hours. The sooner you can follow up with these connection cards, the better.

Prepare for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is normally the third most attended Church service of the year. Because so many families come to Church on Mother's Day, work to make it a special time for moms to be, moms and grandmothers. You will need to be sensitive to women who would love to be a mom, but are unable to. So, be sensitive, but choose to spend the Church service as a day honoring moms and make it special for them.

Maximize the Summer

While the summer is often a time for families to go on vacations and kids go to a variety of camps, it is still an opportunity for your Church to do ministry. There are a variety of in-person and online ministry opportunities your Church can do. For instance, you could do a trivia night (online or in person), movie night at your Church, video game tournament (online or in person), BBQ or a fun game time. These are easy activities that you could put together that would be fun no matter how many people show up.

Improve Your Tech

There is only a few months between Christmas and Easter. And, there is just a month between Easter and Mother's Day. It makes it hard to update, upgrade or improve the tech at your Church. However, after Mother's Day, there is 7 months before Christmas. Between now and then there is plenty of time to improve your tech with new or updated equipment. By working on the improvements now, you won't be sitting there for Christmas Eve services wishing you had made the upgrades or improvements months ago.

Conclusion

For the past few months, a lot of your Church's focus has been on Easter. But, now that Easter is over, there are a lots of opportunities to focus on some other opportunities and work on upgrading your tech and other processes so that your Church can be running more effectively long term.

What do you think? What else can you be working on now that Easter is over? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP267: Gaming Church, APEST, and Biblical Collaboration

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Host: Mark Lutz
Founding Pastor of Lux Digital Church
Twitch // TikTok // Instagram // Discord // YouTube

Guest: Zach Miller
Digital Creator
Facebook // LinkedIn // Website

ABOUT MARK LUTZ

ABOUT ZACH MILLER

Zach got a degree in business administration and at one point even worked in construction. Naturally the next step would be working in the digital church environment. Currently, Zach is a producer for PlainJoe Studios, a Storyland Studio. PlainJoe Studios designs for churches and nonprofits and shares the big idea on how they can help the church accomplish storytelling worthy of a story, and how it can be stewarded well. He considers himself a big nerd and wants to help propel digital connections in digital spaces.

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How Churches Can Use AI: Let's Ask AI

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

AI is rapidly transforming the way we interact with technology, providing powerful and intuitive solutions to everyday tasks. Churches can use these same technologies to better engage with their members and grow their ministries.

From automated sermon prep to virtual events, AI can provide churches with new opportunities for outreach, education, and growth. AI-powered chatbots are an efficient way for people to connect with pastors and church staff. They can answer questions quickly and efficiently, allowing busy church members more time to focus on other important responsibilities in their lives. AI can also be used to provide personalized sermons tailored specifically for a particular audience or congregation.

By leveraging machine learning algorithms and natural language processing techniques, churches can create engaging sermons that are tailored specifically towards their target audience. Additionally, virtual events can be used to reach larger audiences with greater convenience. AI-powered virtual assistants can help plan and manage events, allowing churches to maximize their outreach potential by connecting more people than ever before.

A Space and Productivity Maximizer

AI also makes it easier for churches to host and run successful online meetings, conferences, or Bible studies without the need for physical spaces. By using AI tools such as digital whiteboards and video conferencing platforms, churches can save time and money while providing an engaging environment for members to engage in discussion and fellowship. As AI continues to evolve, there are countless opportunities for how churches can use these new technologies to further their mission of ministry and outreach.

Expand Ministry Potential

With the right approach and implementation strategy, churches have the potential to leverage AI in order to increase engagement and growth while providing an even more meaningful experience for their members. By leveraging AI, churches can unlock powerful new ways to reach out and build relationships with their congregations around the world. With its potential to streamline tasks, provide personalized sermon recommendations, and power virtual events, AI is a powerful tool that can help churches expand their outreach efforts and maximize ministry potential.

Conclusion

AI is revolutionizing the way churches interact with their members and engage in ministry, providing new opportunities for outreach, education, and growth. Churches can also unlock powerful new ways to reach out and build relationships around the world. With its potential to streamline tasks, provide personalized sermon recommendations and can help churches maximize their ministry potential, the possibilities for impact are truly endless! So why not give it a try today? Embrace all that AI has to offer your church and see what kind of impact it can make on your mission of ministry and outreach!

What do you think? What are other ways AI can be used in the Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Easter Questions Digital Missionaries Can Ask

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Whether someone is a believer or not, the week leading up to Easter always has people talking. They could be talking about an Easter memory, tradition, candy or a Church service they are planning on attending.

Because people are thinking and talking about it, it provides Digital Missionaries an opportunity to talk about it, as well and encourage people. Here are some questions digital missionaries can make the week leading up to Easter that will hopefully lead to spiritual conversations and life change.

Bonus Question: Did you go to Church this weekend? What did you like about it?

Bonus Share:

Conclusion

The week leading up to Easter provides lots of opportunities for digital missionaries to start conversations and encourage others. As a reminder, these questions are designed to start conversations. Hopefully, people will respond and you will be able to have conversations that will hopefully lead to spiritual conversations, life change and potentially attendance at Church on Good Friday or Easter Sunday.

What do you think? What other questions can Digital Missionaries ask leading up to Easter? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

How to Connect with People During and After Easter

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Easter. It’s the one holiday that seems to sneak up on most church leaders . It’s literally the reason that we have our faith in the first place, but it’s the one that many of us overlook. It’s the one that we think we’re going to be flooded with new and returning people who are coming to our church services and our live streams because they want to “connect” with the church on a holy day.

Our remit as church leaders is to connect with ALL people, not just on Sundays but on every day of the week. And we would tend to think that holidays are a great way to get a large influx of new and returning people who we would be able to connect with.

Even in terms of sheer numbers, we’re going to have some who want to stick around, right?

But something interesting has been happening over the past number of years. As Carey Nieuwhof notes , Easter is that one holiday that tends NOT to connect with unchurched people that are coming to your services.

So how do you leverage the audience and congregation you currently have, while also innovating and showing that you are ready to truly meet the needs of the world?

How do you ACTUALLY connect with people during this time, and in the weeks and months after Easter (where it matters MORE what you are doing than just your programming for Holy Week)?

I’ve got a few ideas for you and your digital teams as you move into this holiday..and beyond!

Actually, in all honesty, I’m just going to be stealing/borrowing a resource from a team that I really admire.

I’m a big proponent of Altar Live, the all-in-one church streaming platform, and the way that the team over there is constantly trying to push the engagement boundaries even further than before. They’ve actually created an entire guide that will help you take your services and events to the next level, along with a few tips and tricks to using their platform (hint: you can try it for free for 14 days and FALL IN LOVE with it!).

Their digital church Easter guide is perfect to try this week, and in holiday weeks to come, but the main thing to remember from all of these is this:

Whatever platform, whatever method, whatever stream, whatever you’re doing, people aren’t necessarily going to care about the programming or the chat or the stream itself. They’re going to care about HOW you are caring for them. HOW you’re paying attention to them. It’s not what happens during your stream or during that one holiday service.

It matters what happens the REST of the time.

Take care your people, show them how much Jesus loves them every single day in every single venue that you can, and watch as they grow your ministry.

Happy Easter!

What do you think? What else are you doing to connect with people during and after Easter? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP266 - Women Streamers, Trolls, and the Struggle of Female Content Creators

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Amanda Souza
Executive and Music Pastor of GodSquad Church
Twitter // Instagram // Website // Twitch

Guest: Asia the girl
Digital Creator
Twitter // Instagram // Website // YouTube // Twitch

ABOUT AMANDA SOUZA

Amanda has grown up with video games in the house, playing "shared" consoles and games with her siblings. One of her favorite game series is the Legend of Zelda but enjoys many Nintendo games and other RPG games. She also loves anime - "believe it!" Amanda now serves as the Executive and Music Pastor of GodSquad Church. She not only leads worship and all the music ministries, but also oversees the weekly ins and outs of the everyday functions of the church, leads the Women's Ministry, oversees and plans all significant events such as SquadCon, manages Discord servers, and more!

ABOUT ASIA THE GIRL

Asia is a Guam native, living in New Albany, IN, with her husband, Luke. She is passionate about creativity, food, relationships, and her island. She is so grateful for how the Lord continues to navigate her life. Growing up on Guam with the family that was given to her and the experiences she had absorbed living on an Asian-Island melting pot of an island, moving to the States for college and now living in the midwest of all places, she is grateful for what she believes is a unique perspective of how people from different cultures and different backgrounds ultimately desire the same thing, yet express it in different ways.

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How to Effectively Communicate with Families

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Children's and Youth Ministry has changed a lot over the years. However, one thing that hasn't changed is the importance of effectively communicating to parents. Today, Dan Istvantik from Youth Ministry Hub shares the 3 C's of effective communication to families. Discover what they are and start communicating more effectively today! Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? What other email tips would you suggest? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Dan you can find him on Twitter, Youth Ministry Hub and Youth Group Games Hub as well. He is very active on social media. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

5 Online Ministry Insights from March 2023

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

The weather is getting warmer, it is getting lighter later in the day and allergies are back! Yes, Spring is here! With Spring here, there are new opportunities for your digital and online ministry. That is what The Church Digital Podcast Network hopes to help you. They strive to keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from from March 2023 from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network.

Families are making an impact as they STREAM TOGETHER

When streamers go online to reach digital communities, they don't have to go alone. In fact, it can become a mission field for your entire family. In a podcast conversation with Jeff, Aki talks about how his entire family is included in playing video games and as they stream together on Twitch. Furthermore, they are offering a positive impact to the online community. They get to model what family looks like and encourage them as many gamers do not have a positive family life. See how they do this in this podcast episode here .

Biblical Counseling CAN HAPPEN in the Metaverse

Can you counsel people in the metaverse? In particular is it Biblical. That is the question Tsunami and Goose discuss in two episodes. The first one is about Biblical counseling. Is it possible? They discuss here . The second one is about what it looks like to go through pre-marital and marriage counseling in the metaverse. They talk about it here .

You CAN have UNITY online despite differences

Have you been discouraged spending time online? Whether it is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or another platform, it is possible to be discouraged with what is being said and shared online. How are you responding to it? Can you respond in a healthy way online? Can there be unity? Hector and Sarah talk about it in this episode "Pushing through Digital Discouragement" here .

You can have ENGAGING TEXT CONVERSATIONS with Church Attendees

Churches utilize text messaging as one of the many ways to communicate to people at their Church. However, it doesn't have to be just a one-way communication. You can have a back and forth conversation with whoever you are texting. Jeanette Yates from Text-in-Church shares with Tom different tips for what Churches can do to create engaging text conversations today. Listen to the whole episode "How Your Church Can Have Engaging Text Conversations" here.

Your Church Staff can be physical AND digital

When the pandemic hit, every Church Staffer became digital and online ministers. However, now that things are "back to normal", the tendency has been to go back to the way things were. In a conversation with Andy, Tyler Samson and Megan Carter from Church Anywhere and First Capital Christian Church share about how Staffers can be both physical AND digital ministry leaders.in today's world. See how in the podcast episode "How to Create Hybrid Digital/Physical Teams" here .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Rediscovering Your Church's Digital Why

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Leadership Network .

The digital age has revolutionized the way we communicate church, but in many ways it has yet to influence how we “be” the church. As a result of COVID, hundreds of thousands of churches learned how to stream church services online to stay in touch with the people who were locked out of the building. Now that buildings are open again and people have come back, it’s time for your church to rediscover its digital Why . Why should your church do digital? Truth is, the strength of digital has nothing to do with your weekend service or sermon.

In Hebrews 5:12, we see Paul challenge the physical church—specifically the Jewish church: “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” Personally, I think many of our churches digitally (and probably physically) need to heed these words. Many of our churches have not given an opportunity for people to move to solid food digitally. It’s just listening or watching sermons online… we’ll take their money digitally, but we won’t actually disciple people in that format.

As a result of COVID many of us were thrust into digital for the first time and focused on the online service, and that’s nice. But it’s time to mature our view of digital, and how it can help your church beyond the weekend.

What would that look like?

SCRIPTURE’S TAKE ON DIGITAL CHURCH

To start off, let’s look at scripture’s take of digital. We’re reminded in Acts 2:46-47 that the early church was devoted to fellowship. “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” It’s very easy to acknowledge that this happens in physical space, but pause before you get to “digital is antithetical.” As we look deeper at these communities that exist holistically on digital, we find sincere people engaging in relationships daily. And for the people who are native in these digital communities, the relationships are just as real and authentic as physical relationships. Community may look different digitally than physically, but that does not invalidate the digital community for those engaged.

We’re also reminded in Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…” (TLB). This scripture clearly points out the importance of gathering together to motivate one another, but what does that look like through the digital church? How are we encouraged? What do we do? This is the challenge of church online and broadcasting sermons. A sermon online (and a sermon physically, at some level) is content. Is that sermon motivating us to acts of love and good works? Is it really motivating us to do anything outside of the church building?

If our churches are only pushing that sermon out digitally, we are guilty of creating consumers online. This is actually anti-biblical, going against James 1:22 (my paraphrase): “Don’t just be hearers of the word [online] and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says [physically].” We should move past the consumerism mindset, and help achieve your church’s purpose digitally. This is a great idea physically as well. I’m sure churches like yours have a healthy, intentional strategy to move people beyond just consuming the sermon in physical space! So let me ask: How is that going digitally?

The fact is, most churches don’t have a discipleship strategy digitally. The challenge is that digital space operates so differently compared to physical. But those differences are strengths. Realize that if physical church and digital church operated identically, they would be in competition to reach the same types of people. The differences actually give your church the opportunity to reach different types of people. We need to work within these differences in order to complete the Great Commission.

It’s easy to see that even though digital churches may not be the same as physical church gatherings, there are still plenty of ways for churches to reach, engage, disciple, and release their members digitally.

AIM AT SMALLER TARGETS TO REACH MORE DIGITALLY

FACTS: There are more active Facebook users than there are people in China and India combined. There are 3.2 billion “gamers” in the world, more than people who live in North America, South America, Europe, and Australia combined. There are 70.8 million virtual reality users in America. These are massive numbers of people. We will never be able to reach all of Facebook, or all of virtual reality. But if we focus more on a physical location, or an affinity, or a demographic, that tighter focus actually works to our advantage.

If the Church really wants to reach people in these spaces, it’s time to recognize a more nuanced approach to ministry. Instead of trying to reach everyone, it’s better to be more focused on your aim. Yes, I’m speaking of targeted audiences and personas. If you try to reach everyone digitally, you may reach some. But if you intentionally focus on reaching fewer, God does something amazing and you’ll find yourself reaching more. This is why, in today’s culture, multiplication is so important.

Smaller targets are less efficient—code for “more relational”—which is a win.

3 IDEAS TO MOVE YOUR CHURCH TOWARDS DIGITAL SOLID FOOD

What could moving away from a consumeristic mindset look like for your church, digitally? Let’s take a minute and begin to stretch our ideas of church, digitally. Here are three strategies that have absolutely nothing to do with the sermon or the weekend service.

The idea of digital missionaries is not an efficient idea. Broadcasting sermons online is far more efficient than training people to have disciple-making conversations. But let’s not confuse efficient with effective .

TIME FOR YOUR CHURCH TO GROW UP DIGITALLY

Digital technology offers churches a unique opportunity to raise the standard on “church online,” making it more than just broadcasting the weekend service or sermon. By leveraging digital technology to its fullest potential, churches can create digital strategies that will draw people closer together and bring them into a deeper relationship with God. Through digital forms of discipleship, mission trips, and communities, churches can raise up members to send out on mission as digital disciplemakers.

What do you think? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP265: DJ Soto and Churches Inside Video Games

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: DJ Soto
Bishop of Virtual Reality Church
Twitter // TikTok // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube // Twitch

Guest: Aleatha Singleton
Elder Pastor at VR MMO Church
LinkedIn // Twitter // Facebook // LinkTree

ABOUT DJ SOTO

Believing that faith is renewed as people engage with the good news of God’s love on new technology platforms, D.J. Soto began preaching in the metaverse in 2016. Originally thinking they would plant physical churches, they soon realized a new vision to plant churches in the metaverse. He is now the Bishop of Virtual Reality Church and MMO Church, which are futuristic church expressions that is intended to be radically inclusive and consistent with Christianity’s long history of adapting to new forms of media.

ABOUT ALEATHA SINGLETON

Koko (aka Aleatha Singleton) is an elder pastor at VR MMO Church, and pastor of MMO Church in Final Fantasy 14 hailing from Southeast Texas. She’s also an author, teacher and consultant for VR shops and teams, and mentors UX professionals, in order to enable them to create more compelling and user-friendly immersive experiences for their clients. In her free time, she likes to play video games, design and build furniture, and study the Japanese language.

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Embodied?

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Sarah Kinzer's Blog .

Worship must be embodied.
Ministry must be embodied.
Faith must be embodied.

This is an undeniable fact.

We worship a God who put on flesh and dwelt among us, so how can we deny that our bodies, our presence, play an essential role in expressing our belief in that kind of God? We can’t!

Prior to 2020 much of the conversation involving “embodiment” was focused on involving our bodies in our worship, in our service, in our acts of faith. The word was used to communicate a need to take our faith from the conceptual or theoretical to the practical living out what we say we believe. However after the pandemic shut down in person gatherings and pressed everyone online, the usage of this word began to shift.

Embodied worship was no longer a discussion of should we lift our hands in worship, but what location should we worship. Embodied ministry was no longer a discussion of taking the concept of caring for the poor in tangible ways, but how soon can we serve communion again.
Embodied faith was no longer a discussion of applying what we read in Scripture, but reading Scripture in the physical presence of others.

In essence, embodiment shifted from a discussion of practical application to proxemics.

People will still say, “We are called to embodied worship!” I absolutely agree. Our physical bodies must be involved in our faith. This does not nullify online church, digital discipleship or social media ministry.

Shared physical presence is simply not a non-negotiable aspect of our faith. A person driving in their car singing along to their favorite praise song, a person picking up litter from the side of the road, a person praying in their room, are all involved in worship, ministry and faith. Their bodies are involved in those acts as well. These acts are both individual and embodied.

Jesus even made it clear that physical presence was not required where ministry was concerned. He gives us examples of embodied faith which is lived out in life changing ways where he never crosses paths with the person he healed. One such example is found in Matthew 8. We read the story of a centurion who comes to Jesus seeking the healing of his servant. Jesus asks specifically, “Shall I come and heal him?” The centurion replies, “No, I say come and go and my men obey. I believe all you need to do is say so and it will happen.” Jesus praised this man’s faith saying, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” When Jesus is finished praising the faith of the man and warning those around who lack this kind of faith, he says, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

Jesus is ready to go and be physically present with the suffering servant, ready to do ministry in whatever way the centurion needed to have his faith affirmed. Jesus did not become confused by the suggestion of or advise against a remote healing. All authority had been given to him to do just that kind of work and the centurion recognized that authority.

Jesus continues to reaffirm that the work of God is more than proxemics. In John 16, Jesus makes the point that he cannot stay on Earth in the flesh. He must leave so that the Spirit may come. The Spirit is to come and convict and lead and guide and illuminate truth. The Spirit will come and fill the people of God equipping them to do great works of God. If a physical body located next to a physical body was required for ministry then Jesus would not have left. However we have been given the unembodied presence of God to dwell within us so that we might become the embodiment of faith to a lost and broken world.

The Spirit of God will not be constrained.
Not by physical bodies and not by wifi.

This does not presume that God does not use our physical bodies to comfort, to heal, to serve, to care for others. Jesus made it abundantly clear that he was willing to make physical contact where others would avoid it. A Triune God absolutely values gathering together. But there just simply isn’t a case that God limits our worship, limits our service or limits our faith to a physical location or a physical body.

My hope for the church is that we would embrace that God who is so big, so powerful, so limitless that we would worship and minister and have faith even when we are separated by space.

Should I come and heal?
No. I belive you only need to speak. I believe you are Sovereign Lord.
I have not found such great faith.

May it be said of me, too.

Share what you have experienced and what are some solutions are below or on social media. Make sure you tag Sarah Kinzer to keep the conversation going.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

4 Post Easter Events Your Church Can Do

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

There are three Church services that are traditionally the most attended Church services of the year. They are Christmas, Easter and Mother's Day. Regardless of peoples attendance throughout the year, people are most likely to come to Church during these three Sundays. That is why there is so much pressure on Churches during these services. You want to create a hospitable and encouraging environment where people who come will want to come back.

As great as the Christmas, Mother's Day and Easter services are for attendance, the reality is attendance traditionally goes back to normal attendance the very next week. That is why, in addition to creating a positive, welcoming environment at your Easter service this year, you want to have a clear call(s) to action. What is it that you want the people to do based on what they experienced? What can your Church offer and give that will make people want to come back to? Here are some event options of what you can offer post Easter this year.

An Adult Event

What does your Church have for women looking to connect with other women? What does it have for men looking for meaningful connections with others in their community? As people are checking out your Church during Easter, share with them ways that you are connecting adults with other adults. Have a men's ministry or women's ministry within the next week to two weeks after Easter that they can connect to. The sooner you can have these events the more likely people will come back.

A Youth and Children's Ministry Event

Just like adults looking for ways to connect with other adults in meaningful ways, they are looking for their children, as well. Families will be coming to your Easter services and they will be checking out what your Church as to offer for their children and teens. Have separate follow up events that kids and teens will be excited about and would want to invite their friends to. With youth, you can even think about an online game night. Two kinds are where you play silly games but give away tons of prices or invite them to a online gaming night where you play video games online together. Either online game options would be great.

An Online Event

This online event could be a great way for adults and families to ministry staff people. Easter is a busy Sunday for staffers and families. That is why you can set up a follow up "Meet the Church" online event the week after Easter is a great way for the Staff to share the vision of the Church and answer any and all questions families have for them. It can also be a great way to share upcoming events and opportunities for families to connect.

Conclusion

As you create a great Easter experience for people coming to your Church, help them see the love and hope of Christ. In addition, help them see that your Church is serious about connecting with them and encouraging them. These are just 4 types, but there are other events you could do. Prayerfully go before God and ask Him what you should do this Easter and implement it today. See how God provides and helps you minister to your community more effectively this year.

What do you think? What other post Easter events can your Church do? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP263: Flatcap, Physical Pastors, & Twitch

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Mark Lutz
Founding Pastor of Lux Digital Church
Twitch // TikTok // Instagram // Discord // YouTube

ABOUT Mark Lutz

Guest: Leighton Seys aka Flatcap Dapper Pastor
Twitch // Twitter // Instagram // Website

ABOUT Flatcap Dapper Pastor

Sporting a flat cap since 8th grade, never one to want to blend in to the crowd. Married for 25+ yrs w/ 3 kids.

I have a heart for hurting people & supporting pastors. In the midst of Covid I resigned as Senior Pastor of my church, as I felt it was healthiest for the church. I began watching a pastor friend on twitch. I soon realized the mission field & began feeling a call there to create a pastoral support network. Graduate of DTS. Ordained Minister in the RCA. Served in churches in TX, SD, IA, and MI. Find joy investing & serving others on mission trips, helping kids get a bike, mentoring others, & coached state champions wrestlers & XC. Covid hobby: Wine making.

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Practicing the Ministry of Digital Presence with Teens

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

While social media has been a part of youth ministry since it came about, when Covid hit, social media and online ministry became vital for youth ministers and leaders. Today Brett Talley joins the podcast to share about how youth ministry leaders can practice the ministry of digital presence with teens today. To learn more information about the Orange Conference, click here. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? What other email tips would you suggest? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Brett you can find him on Twitter. He is very active on social media. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

7 Essential Apps for Youth Ministers

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Youth Ministry is all about relationships. The more effective you are about building and developing relationships with students, families, fellow staffers and leaders, the more effective you will be in your ministry.

While building relationships is the most important thing, the reality is that a Youth Minister needs to perform other essential tasks to help the actual ministry go. That is where apps come into the picture. When apps first came out there were a lot of games you can play to kill time. However, apps have evolved today and there are a number of them that can be very helpful for Youth Ministry leaders to perform essential tasks in there ministry.

Below is a list of essential apps Youth Ministers can use.

Essential Apps

Attendance App. This could be from your Church Database System or a program like MinHub Youth are great ways you can keep and track attendance. This is important as it provides a central place for you to track your attendance and know which students have not been in attendance in a while and those that are the faithful regulars.

Bible App. There are lots of Bible apps out there, but the most downloaded one is the YouVersion Bible App . In addition to the numerous translations they offer, there are thousands of Bible Studies and Devotionals you can do with your Youth Group. Whether you use them as a resource for a message or you start and Online Bible Study Group, there are a wide variety of topics and scripture you can use. It can also help you to personally grow spiritually.

Image Making App. These apps such as Canva, Photoshop Express and Wordswag are prefect for on the go social media image creation. The great thing about this is that you con't need to be a creative person to create creative images. They are great for promotions and get the word out to youth and their families.

Food Apps. You never know when you are going to meet up with a student or leader at Starbucks, Dunkin', Chick-Fil-A or any other restaurant. Having money on these apps are helpful but also storing up reward points on them is great too! This way you can always have money available to go out and meet up with others. And you can surprise people with gift cards through the apps as well.

Music App. Whether you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Google Music, Pandora or something else entirely, having an app on your phone or smart device is essential for youth ministry. It helps sets the mood for an event or activity you are doing. If you wanted to, you could download these songs or playlist to have available so you can use them at any location.

Text Messaging Service. Remind and Text-in-Church are two of the most widely used texting apps ministry leaders use. Remind is free while apps like Text-in-Church cost money. Even some Church Database systems offer texting from their platforms that you can use.

Note App. Youth Ministry Leaders are always learning and growing. For that, it's great to have an utilize a note app on their smartphone or smart device. Apps such as Evernote and Onenote are great. However, if you have an iPhone or iPad, the Notes app is really good as well. They are all very similar, it is just a matter of preference in determining which one is best.

Conclusion

Youth ministry leaders are very busy. Not only are they investing in a variety of different relationships, but they are running a program to help reach and disciples students and families for Christ. Utilizing these apps will help youth ministers stay organized and prepared for any and all situations they face.

What do you think? What are other apps youth ministry leaders can have in their toolbelt? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Your Easter Prep Online Check List

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

So, what could your Church be doing online right now to help people discover your Church and have a great experience at your Church on Easter Sunday.

Website and Social Media Updates

Whenever you need information for something, where are you likely to go to search for the answer? GOOGLE! That means when regular, non-Church goers start searching for Easter services in the area, they are most likely going to search Google. That is why it is so important that your Church has the most updated information on it. Do you have the updated times and contact information on it? While it may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many Churches have outdated information on their website. Updating your social media channels are just as important. Make sure all your information is updated. On Facebook, you can even create an Easter Event Page that will immediately draw attention to people checking out your social media.

Facebook Ads

While Facebook's organic reach is really low these days, Facebook Ads are still very effective. While people will likely search Google Search for Churches in the area, they could stumble upon your Church on Facebook. That is why you can use Facebook to place ads about your Easter services. Even if you do these ads a week or a few days before Easter, it is still effective. If you can do a video ad, that could be extremely effective. If not, a photo or a set of carousel images could be effective, too.

Other Social Media Opportunities

While there are lots of people on Facebook, there are other social platforms that can be just as effective in reaching a younger generation of people. Utilizing Instagram Reels, TikTok, Snapchat and even YouTube to get information out about your Church's Easter events or services can be just as powerful. For instance, Snapchat has Geo Filters and Context Cards that people can use to share about the services while they are at the Church. On TikTok and Instagram Reels you can be part of trends to share info about your Easter services.

Digital Missionary Involvement

Digital Missionaries are people who share about the love and hope of Christ on social media. They share in a variety of ways. It could be through writing, video, audio, photography, and other online tools. They can also use social media to share about what your Church is doing. They can share it through their own social media accounts or they can also share it on community pages, highlighting events or activities your Church is doing that the community may enjoy. This Easter empower Digital Missionaries to love on people and share about what your Church is going. Leading up to Easter send them weekly updates on all that is happening and encourage them with different ways they can minister online. The more they know about what is going on and how to minister online, the more effective they can be.

Conclusion

Every year Easter is one of the biggest, most important Sundays fro your Church. By doing these simple online updates and promotions, people in your area will not only know about your Church, but they will be up to date on all the right times and information on your Church. Take time to update it, get the word out and mobilize Digital Missionaries this Easter. Then, sit back, pray and see how God moves this Easter.

What do you think? What other online Easter prep you would add to the checklist? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP262: Exponential and the Gaming Church

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Mark Lutz
Founding Pastor of Lux Digital Church
Twitch // TikTok // Instagram // Discord // YouTube

ABOUT Mark Lutz

Guest: Bubba Stallcup
CEO, President, Founder of Love Thy Nerd
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // Website

ABOUT Bubba Stallcup

Bubba Stallcup is the CEO, President and Founder of Love Thy Nerd: a qualifying 501(c)3 ministry dedicated to being the love of Jesus to Nerds and Nerd Culture. Prior to his transition to a full-time Nerd Culture Missionary, he served for 12 years as a full-time church staff member in multiple roles including Youth Pastor and Technology Director. With roughly a decade of experience in Nerd Culture Ministry, he uses his gifts, talents, and the things that he has learned along the way to better help people love and serve their nerdy neighbors. You can learn more about what he and Love Thy Nerd do at https://www.lovethynerd.com/bubba

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What is Metaverse Ministry?

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Now, over a year and a half later, there still seems to be some confusion over what the Metaverse is. In fact, Tim Cooke, CEO of Apple, recently said , "I’m really not sure the average person can tell you what the metaverse is.” And this is coming from a man who has billions of dollars invested in creating a VR headset.

So, where do we stand with the metaverse and, more importantly, where do we stand with ministry in the Metaverse?

Worlds are consolidating. While there are a lot of VR and Metaverse worlds available for your ministry to engage in, some of those worlds are now leaving the space. Just recently AltSpace, a premier world for years, decided to close. While there are many start ups and closes for every new development, there are still plenty of great worlds to check out. For instance, RecRoom, Meta's Horizon World, BigScreen, and VR Chat are all very popular and viable worlds for your Metaverse and VR Ministry to start exploring.

More businesses are investing in the Metaverse. While there is still uncertainty into what exactly is happening in the Metaverse, one thing is clear. More businesses are investing in the metaverse. Walmart, Roblex, Apple, Google and Amazon are among some of the bigger companies making significant investments in the metaverse.

Counseling is happening. In a recent podcast episode of the Metaverse Church podcast, Stunami and Goose talk about how you can actually provide counseling for people. They talk through the criticisms against and how it has been possible to provide Biblical counseling in VR.

Discipleship is happening. While people are hearing about Jesus in the Metaverse, it is not ending there. People are actually being discipled and growing in their faith. See how discipleship can and does happen in the Metaverse from this blog from Jeff Reed.

Conclusion

While people are still trying to understand what ministry in the Metaverse looks like, there is no doubt that ministry is happening. People are hearing about Jesus , they are being discipled and there is Biblical counseling happening in the metaverse currently, In addition, businesses continue to make investments in this space which provides lots of opportunities for Churches to begin to explore and engage in this space. Ministry is happening there and lives are being changed. Start exploring today and see what God does.

What do you think? What are your thoughts about the metaverse and how Churches should respond? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Is Authentic Online Community Possible: Let's Ask AI

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. His criteria was this:

With all this as background, here is what AI had to say about whether or not community is possible online.

The Debate

The digital age has opened up new avenues for community building. Online groups, forums, and social media sites are just some of the tools used to create a sense of community online. Despite the advantages that these tools offer, there is still much debate over whether community can truly be built in an online environment.

Some believe that community requires physical presence to build trust and meaningful relationships among members. Although it's possible to find common ground with people who have similar interests or beliefs in an online setting, a true community cannot be formed without face-to-face interaction.

On the other hand, many argue that community can be created through shared experiences and discussions online. It is easier than ever before for like-minded individuals to connect and build relationships through virtual platforms. Furthermore, the global community that technology has enabled can bring together people from all over the world who may have never had the chance to connect in person.

Is Online Community Possible

Ultimately, it seems that community is still possible online, but with a few caveats. As with any community-building exercise, it's important to create an atmosphere of trust and respect. This can be done by setting clear guidelines for interactions between members and sticking to them. Additionally, using technology responsibly is essential; while there are many wonderful opportunities that can come from engaging in online communities, it's also important to remember to take breaks as needed and be mindful of how much time you spend on digital devices.

By taking into consideration these factors, community can still be built and nurtured online. Whether you're connecting with people from around the world or building relationships with those in your community, virtual spaces can provide just as much (if not more) opportunities for meaningful connections than physical ones.

How to Foster Online Community

One way to ensure that your online community is authentically connecting members is by focusing on fostering interaction within the group. Encouraging members to share their individual stories and experiences can help bring about deeper understanding of one another’s lives, opinions, and perspectives. In addition, setting up activities such as challenges or campaigns can motivate members to come together in pursuit of common goals.

Another important part of creating an online community is providing support for members. Whether through resources, advice, or simply being a shoulder to lean on, offering some level of care and comfort can be incredibly helpful in building authentic relationships online. Furthermore, setting ground rules in order to ensure the safety and respect of all participants will ensure that the online community remains a supportive space for everyone involved.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, community is a reflection of our shared humanity; no matter how it's formed, it has the power to bring people together and create real social change. A n online community can be just as vibrant and meaningful as any real-life one - it just requires dedication, creativity, and effort to make it happen! By taking the right steps towards fostering connections between members, online communities can become true reflections of authentic communities.

What do you think? Is community possible online? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

Where to Start on Social Media as a Church Planter

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Planting a Church takes a lot of work. There are people to meet, a team to recruit and train, and other really important decisions to make as you prepare for launch. While you are working through all the details on how to get the word out to your community about your Church, social media is the perfect tool to help you achieve those goals.

But social media is so massive. Where do you start and how can it help you reach your community? Here are the basics that will help you get started.

What Social Media Networks should you be on?

In social media there are a few primary channels. They are Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. If you want to count YouTube, there are 5, but YouTube is more of a search engine than social media platform.

In determining what social media network(s) you should be one, the key is to find out what most of the people you are trying to reach on. Once you determine that, you can start there. Even though people like to complain about Facebook, it is most likely the place to begin as most people have a Facebook account. As you get comfortable on Facebook sharing and interacting with others, you can move on from there with the others. Each Platform has a different user group that likes it more than others. For instance, Millennials prefer Instagram. Gen Z and Alpha prefer TikTok and YouTube. While YouTube isn't necessarily a "social media platform", it is a very powerful tool and it can help you reach a younger generation.

Tools

There are plenty of Social Media tools out there that can help you save time. A popular and powerful scheduling dashboard available is Hootsuite. There are a variety of plans available and it also allows you to keep your primary social media accounts all in this one central location so you know what you are posting and when throughout the day. There is a mobile version and a desktop version of this. If you prefer not to use Hootsuite, there are also other dashboards out there as well. Here is a list of them .

There are also some great image creation apps that are great tools to have. My personal favorites are Canva , Word Swag and Adobe Express . The great news with these apps is that you don’t have to be a Photoshop expert anymore to make quality images for FREE. Just download one or more of these apps and start playing around and see how creative you can be at communicating your story.

Organic and Paid Reach

"Reach" is the amount of people you reach with your social media posts. There are two types of reach: organic and paid. Organic reach is the reach you have when you post something on your page or account and people naturally see it. When social media channels like Facebook and Twitter first came out it was all organic reach and anything you posted could be discovered by anyone, especially on Twitter and Instagram when you use hashtags.

These days, organic reach is harder to achieve, especially on Facebook. In fact, it is likely that only 10% of the people who “like” your page will actually see it on their newsfeed. This is true of Instagram as well, especially since Meta owns both Facebook and Instagram. So, while organic reach on Facebook is relatively low, there is still great possibilities of organic reach on Twitter, TikTok and YouTube. However, paid reach with Facebook and Instagram is a very effective tool to reach the masses. A simple $5 can help reach a thousand or more people. That is great reach and the more money you can put to it, the greater targeted reach you can have on Facebook. Using Facebook and Instagram Ads during special events and services are very helpful.

To learn how create very strategic and targeted ads, click here .

Pages and Groups

On Facebook there are Pages and Groups. Every Church should have a Facebook page. Your page used the be the main area where people would come on social media and interact with you. While it is not as popular today, it is still a main point of contact for people so make sure all your information is set up correctly (i.e. address, phone number, website, etc). Unfortunately, Facebook Pages are not as effective as they used to be in reaching the masses. Unless you pay for ads. That is where Facebook Groups come into play.

While interaction on Facebook Pages has decreased, they have increased on Facebook Groups. Groups have become very effective ways to engage and interact with people. A key difference is that you can actually use Facebook Groups in a lot of different ways. You can use Groups for the Children’s ministry (share content to parents), Life Groups, Bible Studies and Ministry Volunteers. The key with Facebook Groups is providing consistent interaction with others in your group. The more you interact with everyone, the better the engagement will be.

To discover more of the difference between Facebook Pages and Groups, click here .

Have a Point Person

Church Planters are very busy. Even though a Church Planter could run the social media in about 1 hour a day, finding someone else to run it would be the most effective. It is a great way to get more people involved in your Church plant.

The person you want helping is someone who is active on social media, overall friendly, who gets the vision of your Church and offers hope. There is so many negative people out there on social media that you need to have someone you trust who will share the encouragement and hope of Christ to your online community.

As a caution, before you sign someone on to run your social media, just make sure you check their social media accounts and make sure what they say on their personal posts lines up with what you all believe as a Church.

Consistency Matters

When it comes to posting on social media, consistency matters. Whether you post once a day or multiple days, just keep it consistent. You don’t have to post every hour on the hour or 4-5 times a day. Start small and try to post at least once a day on Facebook and really get comfortable posting consistently there before you get starting sharing on other social media networks. Once you are consistent and comfortable on Facebook, start posting on another channel and develop a consistent posting schedule there as well.

In addition to consistency, make your posting valuable. While sharing about what is happening at your Church is important, don’t just post information about what your Church is doing. Include inspiration and engagement opportunities. These could be Bible verses, questions, polls, video devotionals, encouraging quotes or sermon points, and stories of life transformation. You want to offer value to the people coming to your Page or Group. If all you post is information about this event or that event, they are not as likely to come back to your accounts. But, if they get encouragement and inspiration from them, they will definitely come back more often and stay engaged.

Conclusion

Starting a new Church takes a lot of work. The great news is that social media can help you increase your reach and get the word about your Church plant. Prayerfully consider how you might get started on social media for your plant and start experimenting with pages, groups and ads. The more you engage and interact on social media, the more likely people in the community will know more about you and your Church plant and want to try it out when you officially launch.

What do you think? What are other ways to get started on social media as a Church Planter? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Looking for a Coach or Guide to help you with social media and other digital ministry tools, take this quick survey and connect today.

EP260: Aki & Family Streaming

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Aki
Family Focused Content Creator
Twitch // Twitter // Instagram // Tik Tok // YouTube // Discord

ABOUT Aki

We created this space to feel like home to those who don't have one, or maybe lack a positive/healthy relationship with their parents. We love you regardless of background or belief and hope you can find a space on Twitch you can call home ❤

We are a family that wants to share the love of Jesus with the world. Our kids are regularly on stream gaming with us as we're chatting, so we keep things G rated with the occasional dip into PG during Aki After Dark.

We're variety streamers that play all sorts of games - the very first game we ever streamed together is the original Final Fantasy for the NES, but we've played other retro games, Minecraft, and have plans for much more.

The future of this stream is one day we will have a dual PC setup where we dive into Multiplayer games. We're close to accomplishing this goal!

RESOURCES

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MEGAZORD: The Story of Unity

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:44:00 GMT

There are roughly 3.09 billion gamers in the world. There are roughly 2.20 billion Christians on the planet. This number is absolutely staggering and one the church needs to pay attention to. Gaming culture isn’t going anywhere and for the most part the church has little to no idea for how to engage with it or the people that call it home. However, there are people that live with a foot in both worlds and their hearts have been moved to love the people that love what they love. Live streamers, youtubers, influencers, digital churches, and organizations have jumped into places like Twitch, Youtube, and Discord to tell people about Jesus and help them to become like Jesus. They have done so with very little to no support from their churches and with the money from their own bank accounts. They have given endless hours from their family to be live with their community and have invested their hearts in the least and last of our world that often find their home in digital spaces and digital communities.

Many of these pioneers go unnoticed and unthanked and are only fueled by their unquenchable desire to see the kingdom move forward in a vast world that the church doesn’t know exists at best and at worst dismisses entirely as “not real” or a “waste of time”. While video games may be a “waste of time” the people that play them are anything but a waste of time. More and more people are finding their community, support, and livelihood inside the gaming community. This vast digital city has main drags, back streets, individual unique communities, and every nation on the planet represented. It’s the largest city you never knew existed.

Back in the Spring of 2022 a great young leader named Zach came to our church service at Lux. After service I met with him and heard his heart to see unity and encouragement come to our world. The digital missionaries, churches, content creators, and organizations in this digital city have often been under resourced and as a result, fractured or competitive. Still, I had met with many of them one on one and knew that most of them had a heart to see unity come to the space. They wanted to work together instead of on an island. I didn’t know how that would happen but God had already given Zach a vision for it.

That night Zach told me his heart for unity in the space and his dream to gather all of these amazing God loving people in the same physical space to fight for unity, refreshment, and encouragement. I knew we didn’t have the funding to fly them all to the same place, house them, feed them, and bless them. But I also knew that God had placed this same desire in dozens of hearts across the space and I knew that God funds the visions He gives. After a few phone calls we had the money from Rivers Crossing Church in Cincinnati and New Life Christian Ministries in Pittsburgh. Rivers Crossing volunteered their space and Zach (an extremely gifted project manager) and I set out to bring what he had seen into reality.

In October last year 23 of us gathered in Cincinnati for The Megazord Summit. We invested much needed time, energy, and financial resources into these pioneers. The goal was above all, to let them know they are not alone and that they are not one another’s enemies. What came out of that time is a group of networks and a new physical conference in Texas this upcoming year (more information soon) called the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit. It’s an opportunity for church leaders to come learn about how they can engage with nerd and gamer culture in a way that is authentic and impactful.

But this is only a portion of this blog. I could write pages about what happened at Megazord and what God is doing in the space. I live in a world where we see God transform lives every day though digital spaces and digital tools. I am fully convinced of the power and necessity of the church engaging in digital space. But you may be unsure. That’s why we did more then host an event for some pioneers to gather. While we had them in Cincinnati, we filmed a documentary to tell their stories and write a video love letter to the church. It’s called Megazrod: The Story of Unity and you can watch it for free right now. You will find the link below. Take some time and learn about what God is up to in the gaming community. Then, come join us or support someone who is giving their life to this digital city. We need your help. The ground is hard, but fertile. We need more workers and better tools. As you watch it, if God speaks to your heart and prompts you to get into this space please email me. If instead, you would like to partner with one of these amazing digital pioneers and help them pour gas on the fire that God has already lit then please reach out to me and I will connect you with any of them.

We aren’t going to stop. But we need your help. Come help us assemble the Megazord.

There is one body, but it has many parts.

1 Cor 12:12a

How Your Church Can Have Engaging Text Conversations

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

One of the main criticisms Churches face when texting is that it is often a promotional text or simply a text that doesn't engage people. But texting doesn't have to be that way for Churches. There are ways to create engagement and interaction. See how as Jeanette Yates from Text-in-Church joins me to share. Also, learn more about the Engage Conference here. Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: Share your thoughts! What do you think? What other email tips would you suggest? Share below or on social media by connecting with Tom. If you want to connect with Jeanette you can find her on Twitter. She is very active on social media, especially on Twitter so get in touch with her. 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. Looking for Digital Ministry Coaching? The Church Digital is offering a variety of digital, phygital or metaverse ministry coaching and cohorts. Just click here. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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 tapounder@gmail.com.

Putting the Social back in Social Media

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Do you remember “Six Degrees?” Yeah, me either. Six Degrees was actually the first social media platform launched in 1997. It was named after the idea that everyone is separated by no more than six degrees of separation or six connections with any other person in the world. The site allowed users to create a profile, make connections with other users, and send messages. People could list their interests and connect with others of similar interests and backgrounds to build networks of friends.

Although Six Degrees didn’t take off like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, it paved the way for the development of other social media platforms and demonstrated the potential of social networking to connect people and build online communities. What I love about this first iteration of social media is the focus on shrinking the world and finding the commonalities we all share. Its purpose was to unite and bring people together, creating conversations and bridging gaps.

What is Social Media meant for?

Why was “social media” invented? Because being social is important to our health and happiness. We were created for connection. Engaging in conversations with friends and family, attending gatherings, learning from others’ stories and experiences, and offering mutual support and encouragement to those around us are all key in our ability to thrive. Social interactions help us form relationships that bring us joy, comfort and a sense of belonging. They help us develop empathy and understanding for others. When we are in social situations with people outside our normal communities, we learn new ideas and perspectives that challenge us to think in new ways.

“But can true social interaction really happen online?”

“Can true discipling relationships really happen in online platforms?”

These are questions the church has been grappling with for years. In the attempt to engage social media platforms, many churches have taken the “social” out of social media and used it as a one-way communication tool with livestreamed services and daily bible verse graphics. While this is a great place to start, this inhibits the richness of what social media was intended to do, create social connections and bring people together. So, what would it look like for you to dive into the messy, beautiful space of putting the social back into social media? Of using these social tools for accomplishing the mission of making disciples?

How to be social on social media

Conclusion

What would it look like if the church put the social back in social media? It would mean we would open our hands and our minds to what God is doing in others and connect in new ways so the Gospel can spread through relationships as we all seek to make disciples.

What do you think? What are some other ways you can put the social back in social media? Share your ideas below or on social media.

5 Online Ministry Insights from February 2023

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

As technology changes and evolves at a very rapid pace, online ministry changes as well. That is why The Church Digital Podcast Network strives help keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry so that you can minister and serve your online community more effectively.

Here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from from February 2023 from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network.

RADICAL Life Change IS Happening with Gamers in Digital Ministry

Starting off a new season in The Church Digital Podcast, Jeff Reed brings in Mark Lutz from Lux Digital Church and Andy Mage to talk all about GAMING. In fact, this whole new season of The Church Digital Podcast is solely focused on GAMING! The gaming world is growing with over 3 billion gamers on the planet today. That is a huge mission field and the good news is that Gamers are open to Christ. See how you can be reaching them in this podcast episode here .

Meta Horizon World Has Huge POTENTIAL to CONNECT Others beyond VR

There are a lot of Virtual Reality worlds out there. Like social media, just because there are all these worlds out there doesn't mean that your Church or ministry needs to be in that world. So how do you decide which worlds are best for you to invest in and which ones should you pass on? In the February 3rd Metaverse Church Podcast, Goose and Stunami do a deep dive into Meta's Horizon World. What is great about it and how can you connect in it? Find out in the episode, " Deep Dive into Meta Horizon Worlds " here .

Your Church can STILL get ENGAGEMENT from Instagram

In Tom's convention with Jennifer Benton, Jen highlights multiple ways that you can still engage people in our community on Instagram. Jen shares one tip in particular. She shares that whenever Instagram introduces something new, like Reels, they want people to use it so they will optimize your content so it gets out to people. So, at the very minimum, if you want to increase your engagement on Instagram, use Reels. Listen to the whole episode "Instagram Engagement Tips for Your Church" here .

A Digital Pastor does CARE and MINISTER to People

There can be a lot of misconceptions about what a Digital Pastor actually does. Even though there is a technology component to the position to it, a Digital Pastor is very pastoral. They do care for and minister to people. That is the heart of the position. Andy Mage brings in Tyler Sansom to share about this and other roles the Digital Pastor serves un in this episode of the Church Online Blueprint podcast here .

You can ADVANCE the Gospel Online

In your life you have the opportunity to draw people closer to Christ or you can drive them further away. This applies to what you do online as well. Jon Pyle and Sarah Styf talk about this and how you can advance the gospel online in a gray world. See how in this episode from Better on the Inside here .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP258: Jate the Gaming Digital Missionary

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Co-Host: Mark Lutz
Founding Pastor of Lux Digital Church
Twitch // TikTok // Instagram // Discord // YouTube

Guest: Jate Earhart
Content Creator
Twitch // Discord

ABOUT Jate

Jate spends most of his time livestreaming on Twitch as JateLIVE, playing video games, praying, and planting seeds. His focus is for the unchurched and those far from God.

RESOURCES

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Here are the Digital & Metaverse Tracks for Exponential Orlando 2023

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Coming to the Exponential Orlando Conference in March? We've got some incredible Digital and Metaverse Courses lined up that you will want to be a part of. Not coming to Expo? Sorry, but it's sold out and you missed your chance!

Jeff will be hosting/facilitating all breakout sessions, and will be selling/autographing paperback copies of his books VR & The Metaverse Church: How God is Moving in This Virtual, Yet Quite Real, Reality as well as Sharing Jesus Online: Helping Everyday Believers Become Digital and Metaverse Missionaries .

Attendees to the conference will have an incredible pre-conference track dedicated to digital ministry, an in-conference track focused on innovations for the church within the Metaverse, a networking breakfast to connect with other digital- and metaverse- pastors, planters and practitioners, and a Metaverse Lab allowing hands-on access to virtual reality, blockchain & crypto, artificial intelligence, and even gaming This will be an incredible, unforgettable experience.

Thanks to Leadership network for sponsoring THESE Tracks. Get More information on Leadnet's Digital and metaverse initiatives and learning communities at the conference, or check out http://leadnet.org

LN's Digital Pre-Conference Track

Mark Lutz, LUX Digital Church / YOURCHURCH.DIGITAL Monday, March 6, 1pm

Planting a Church with Only a Web Address

The coming generations do not understand the online world in the way that we do. They don't use it as a tool, they live there. The online world is full of people that will never step through the doors of a physical church for dozens of reasons. So, how do you reach someone that would rather go to hell than come to your church building? You have to start a church that's not limited by your street address. It's time for the church to truly inhabit a web address.

Jason Moore, Author - Both/And Monday March 6, 2pm Eastern

BOTH/AND: Why Hybrid Worship Must Continue

With so many churches jumping onboard the hybrid train in 2020, and others making dramatic shifts in this space, some churches have begun to wind down, let go dormant, or have considered stopping the online portion of their worship altogether. We are living in a “Great Commission” moment, and rather than retreating to the ways of the past, we must iterate into an exciting and fruitful future in the church. In this talk, we’ll explore 12 reasons to double down on hybrid, tactics to take it to the next level and talk about how to create participatory worship where people both online and in-person feel like they’re the primary audience. Now is the time to renew, and re-engage your passion for BOTH/AND worship!

Anne Bosarge, The Chapel Online / YOURCHURCH.DIGITAL Monday, March 6, 3pm Eastern

Digital Discipleship: A Powerful Strategy for Making Disciples

What? For far too long, the church has been Sunday-centric in its mission, making disciples with a static strategy of gathering at a specific time in a specific place to grow in faith. With the busy pace of life today, that strategy is no longer effective as the church's sole disciple-making method. Learn how an intentional digital discipleship strategy can extend and expand your disciple-making influence throughout the week and beyond your borders! Digital is right where people are, right when they need it.

Tyler Sansom, Church Anywhere Monday, March 6, 4pm

Church Anywhere: How Your Church can Use Digital to Start a Movement

Church online is essentially just online content, right? But the church is more than consuming a product. What would it look like if our ONLINE content could influence our OFFLINE world? This is the heart behind Church Anywhere. Tyler Sansom, Lead Pastor of Church Anywhere, leads a medium sized physical church in blue collar Corydon, IN, but through his digital expression of church is discipling people in multiple states, starting microlocations in missional areas around town and around the nation... oh, and he's baptized over 200 people in 2022. Come learn how digital can help your church's missional purpose and help you start movements.

Dr. John Harris, Hearts Like His / YOURCHURCH.DIGITAL Tuesday, March 7, 8am

B.L.E.S.S.: Digital Evangelism for Everyday Believers

It's true. The internet is a horrible place. But, it doesn't have to be. Join Dr. John and Jeff Reed as they talk about their new book: SHARING JESUS ONLINE: Helping Everyday Believers Become Digital and Metaverse Missionaries and learn how you can be a digital missionary and reclaim the internet for the Kingdom.

Chestly Lunday Tuesday, March 7, 9:15am

How Asynchronous Communities will change the way we lead churches.

We talk about the other 167 hours all the time, but in a fast paced world where Sunday is always coming, church leaders very rarely have the ability to make sure that their faith community is being discipled throughout the week. But what if there was a way to engage your community that was easily scalable and less drag on your bank account than costly campaigns? Asynchronous Communities are your answer, and they are going to change the way we lead our churches. Find out what they are, why they are the next strategic advantage for faith communities, and how to successfully launch them here.

Jeff Reed, THECHURCH.DIGITAL , Digital Church Network Tuesday, March 7, 10:30am

What Exactly Is the Metaverse, and Why Should My Church Care?

Hopefully your church understands how digital ministry can multiply in your church, but how could your church be using the Metaverse? Let's back up a second. What is the Metaverse? Step into this breakout session with Jeff and get a basic overview of Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Cryptocurrencies, DAOs, Augmented Reality and more.

LN's METAVERSE IN-Conference track

Stuart McPherson, Lakeland Church VR Tuesday, March 7, 2:30pm

Turning Doubt Into Belief: When Things Get Real in Virtual Reality

The popularity of the Metaverse is on the rise and it’s here to stay! As church leaders, we can either scoff at it, doubting the Churches place in it, or we can embrace the opportunity to plunder hell and populate heaven all around the world through a headset. At the end of the day, the virtual person that stands before you, is a real person, with a real story, with a real need for Jesus.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY THECHURCH.DIGITAL & Digital Church Network Present: BREAKFAST! Wednesday, March 8, 7:30AM

Grab some coffee and bagels, and hang out with digital and metaverse pastors, planters and practitioners. We'll be in First Baptist Orlando's Online Video studio. Meet some new friends, and learn how to become FAMILY. No agenda other than networking with people with ideas. Come and go as desired.

Jason Dukes, TRON /THEDECENTCO.IO Wednesday, March 8, 8:45am

Do Christ and Crypto Mix? AKA Can Believers Use the Blockchain?

In this historic moment of what may be a 2nd Renaissance as well as the beginning of a decentralized, blockchain tech version of a 2nd Industrial Revolution, how will the Church engage? Wasn’t Jesus decentralized in His thinking anyway? Isn’t Crypto the mark of the beast, though? But what if it’s a gift for those who live sent?

HANDS ON LABS

Metaverse LAB! Be Hands On with VR, Blockchain/Crypto, Gaming, and even Artificial Intelligence - Hosted by Leadership Network

Time to get your hands (virtually) dirty? Never tried Virtual Reality? Clueless about Cryptocurrencies? Want to actually meet Artificial Intelligence? Come have lunch with us and literally put on the virtual reality headset, or create your own virtual wallet and even get your first NFT! Let's discover how AI can help your church, and how video games can help you missionally. Come experience firsthand the realness of the Metaverse. Purchase your lunch in the courtyard and bring it to this session!

Featuring Jeff Reed, Stunami (Stuart McPherson), Jate Earhart, Jason Dukes, Kenny Jahng, Mark Lutz, Bubba Stallcup, and more...

Jate Earhart, JateLIVE Wednesday, March 8, 2:30pm

How to Evangelize & Make Disciples, While Doing Anything

Most people treat evangelism and discipleship as things to do, rather than lifestyles to apply to everything. Jate speaks from his experience doing this in an online setting (where he feels called), but will also speak to how this shift in thinking works in-person as well.

Joey Santos, Church in a Bar / YOURCHURCH.DIGITAL Thursday, March 9, 8:45am

Being the Church Where the People Are: Church in a Bar & Unique Expressions of Church

For the church to meet people where they are is not a new concept. But rather than being organic about it, what if your church was quite intentional? This is the heart behind Christ Church's taking of their online church experience and turning it into a Church in a Bar. Learn the story of how every week bar people come to do church, to be the church, in unorthodox ways at the bar. Discover how your church can be the church not just in Sunday morning, but what it looks like to be the Church in a Bar Monday - Saturday as well. Come find new ways your local church can expand and grow in local (or even digital) communities.

It's going to be quite a busy conference, but we're looking forward to seeing you at the Exponential Orlando 2023 Conference.

Is your church looking to develop a digital discipleship strategy to help your church thrive, grow, and even multiply? Jeff & THECHURCH.DIGITAL team has developed a process to help your church rediscover its digital why, grounded in disciple-making, digitally! For more information, check out http://yourchurch.digital

Diversify Your Video Content

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Video content is really important for your Church to be producing. The pandemic really strengthened platforms like TikTok as people were home for long periods of time and they were consuming short form videos. TikTok had such an impact that YouTube introduced Shorts and Instagram introduced Reels. All three of these platforms are really encouraging people to produce real, authentic, short form content to share with others.

Recently, there has been lots of chatter about Congress is looking to ban TikTok over security concerns with China. In fact, they have banned it already on all government devices and more states are looking at banning in on a more local level. We have heard this before, when President Trump was in office, but now it seems like it has broader bi-partisan support. That could mean that TikTok would ultimately be banned on all App Stores in America.

While there is still a lot of uncertainty over whether it will be banned or not, one thing is for sure. If you are primarily sharing your content on one platform like TikTok, you might want to look into diversify. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, just like every other social media platform, is rented space. At any time they can take that space away from you and you are left with nothing. TikTok has been an amazing platform for people of all ages and businesses have been able to share and connect with people. But, there are many other platforms out there your Church or Digital Missionaries can be sharing on.

What does it mean to diversify your content?

The first step in diversifying your content simply starts by taking the content you would normally share on one platform and share it across a variety of other platforms. You don't have to create tons of different content. You can use the same content on different platforms and continue to reach new people. For example, use what you would post on TikTok on Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. There are different people on those platforms and you could use that short form video to reach people for Christ.

If you diversify your content on different platforms, that means that if one of those platforms changes an algorithm or deletes your content, you will not be as stressed because you can still get your message out to others on the other platforms.

Types of Content

While it is important to share your content across different platforms, it is also important to change up your content and diversify the types of content you are producing. The more variety you can have in the video content you produce, the less likely people will get "bored" with your content. For instance, here are different videos your Church can be producing:

Conclusion

Diversifying your video content is really important for you and your ministry to reach more people for Christ. These are just some of the many different types of content you can create, but not the only kinds. Prayerfully consider what God is placing on your heart to share and how you can share it. Just because one Church or ministry is producing a certain type of content and having success doesn't mean that you should. Make sure it aligns with your culture and that you share it through a variety of different platforms.

What do you think? What are other ways you can diversify your video content? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Can the Church Exist Without a Building?

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. His criteria was this:

With all this as background, here is what AI had for how it can help the Church.

A church can exist without a building. That may seem counterintuitive, as churches are often viewed as physical places of worship that provide long-standing traditions and rituals for people to take part in. However, an effective church doesn’t need to be tied down by the constrictions of physical architecture – it can exist anywhere!

What is a Church?

At its core, a church is simply made up of a dedicated group of individuals who come together to share their beliefs and have fellowship with one another. This could happen at someone’s home, on the beach, or even in an online forum. The key element here is the congregation – not necessarily where they meet.

When most people think about church services, they usually imagine large rooms filled with pews, big pipe organs and stained glass windows. But this isn’t the only way to worship. Some churches choose to hold their services in unconventional places, such as bowling alleys or even parks. The unconventional venue helps bring new life and energy into the service, while still keeping true to traditional church values.

The power of prayer is also an important part of any church experience – regardless of where it is held. Prayer can take place anywhere at anytime, making it possible for a group of people to connect with each other and God without having to be confined within the walls of a building.

Does a Church need a building?

Beyond just meeting up once a week, a church can exist without a physical building by providing support outside of the traditional church services. This can be anything from a weekly Bible study, to informal prayer groups or even online communities.

A vibrant community of believers is essential for any church, and this doesn’t require the confines of four walls and a roof. For example, many churches offer retreats or mission trips for their members – providing an opportunity to serve God in an entirely different environment while maintaining their sense of community.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s clear that a church can exist without a physical building. It may seem strange at first thought, but it’s possible through the power of prayer and fellowship with one another regardless of where they meet up. By taking advantage of modern technology and embracing new venues, churches can remain vibrant and strong without ever needing to step foot in a building. So go out there and create your own church, no matter where you are!

It’s time to move beyond the traditional definition of what it means to be a church. You don’t need four walls and a roof – all you need is faith, fellowship, and an open heart! A church can exist without a building – it just takes commitment from its members to make it happen. With this in mind, why not give it a try? Break free from the conventional definition of what constitutes a “church” and start fresh by creating something totally new that serves God in the best way possible. After all, nothing is impossible when it comes to faith!

What do you think? What are some other ways that you think AI can help the Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP256: Johno and Esports

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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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 2 ^nd place in the “Nerd Street Gamers 6v6 Spring tournament” in 2021, and the OKWU Rocket League team took 4 ^th 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

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Instagram Engagement Tips for Your Church

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Instagram has been in the social media news a lot lately. However, more for what is upsetting people on social media rather than making it right. So, is Instagram still worth it to use Instagram to Instagram has been in the social media news a lot lately. However, more for what is upsetting people on social media rather than making it right. So, is Instagram still worth it to use Instagram to engage with your community? Jennifer Benton shares different tips to engage your communion on Instagram. Here are some Instagram accounts to follow and be inspired by: Caleb Rowe Lit With Prayer Andrew F. Carter Rev. Chris Jennifer Benton Subscribe: Apple Podcast | Android | Spotify | RSS ACTION STEPS: What do you think? What questions do you have? Share your thoughts with us below or on social media Jennifer is a great resource for marketing and Instagram. You can find her and connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, and, of course, Instagram. 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. If you are in Digital Ministry, be part of the Digital Ministry Twitter Community. We share daily encouragement and support to help you do ministry in this online world more effectively. Click here to be part of it. 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.

Is Your Church Reaching Today's Culture?

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

What you’re thinking about Church is probably more cultural than it is Biblical

This past Christmas my wife bought a game for us to play as a family. It’s called ‘OK Boomer’, which is funny because that’s what my kids call us now (even thought we’re not, to be clear). The game was a blast to play and it highlighted different cultural experiences that we all had in our little generational slice of American historical experience. After playing the game until late at night with lots of laughter and story telling, I couldn’t help but notice how different the cultural markers were and how those cultural markers draw parallels to that generation’s expression of church.

So as a follow on to my last blog post: " "Be Open to the Online Expression of Church," I wanted to talk about what seems to influence how Church gets expressed more than anything else.

Culture

You can see it in the differences between Jewish culture and Gentile culture of the first century heavily influencing the way each expressed devotion to Jesus and culture’s affects can be seen today around the world where the American expression of church is wildly different from the church seen in other parts of the world like Africa, India, or Asia.

But what about generational culture? As I reflected on generational cultural markers, I couldn’t help but notice that they too have influenced the way we express church.

So, I started to do some real scientific in-depth research. I asked ChatGPT. And what came up was surprising (which ChatGPT usually is), especially when thought of in comparison to each generation’s cultural markers in America with the American church expression that particular generation builds.

Boomer Generation

Here’s what ChatGPT said about the Baby Boomer generation, but as you read it, think of it in the light of the Boomer church:

'The period between 1946 and 1964 is often referred to as the "Baby Boomer" generation, and it was characterized by several cultural markers that defined this era in American history. Some of the key cultural markers of this period include:

These cultural markers defined the era between 1946 and 1964, and had a profound impact on the social, cultural, and political landscape of the United States. They continue to influence American culture today, and are remembered as an important part of the nation's history.’

I can’t help but notice how the church the Boomers built is prosperous, suburban, and thinks of technological advance in terms of television. Also, the counterculture movement was known for ‘sex, drugs, and rock and roll’ which seem to also have influenced the church as well.

Now I don’t see this as necessarily a bad thing to adjust to the culture in order to win it, even Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 :

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.

20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.

21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.

22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

It’s just worth noting that our current expression of Church may be more cultural than we think it is. If you want to reach Boomers, talk about prosperity, plant your church in the suburbs and use TV and pop worship music, it all makes sense.

Gen Z

But what if you want to reach the emerging generation? What about Gen Z?

Well, here’s what ChatGPT says about Gen Z culture, and again, think of this in terms of what the church will need to become in order to reach this new culture. Here’s what the American cultural markers of Gen Z according to ChatGPT:

‘American Cultural Markers between the Late 1990s and Early 2010s:

These cultural markers reflect the significant social, cultural, and political changes that took place between the late 1990s and early 2010s, and continue to shape American culture and society today.’

Conclusion

When I see this new culture we are called to win, I can’t help but think of distributed and fragmented global expressions of church using smartphones in social networks, and gaming platforms for starters. Sounds like the new Digital Church to me.

And for those who think the prevailing model of church is the right one, just look around at who shows up.

Also, it’s not as if the American model of a church service actually reflects how Paul said to do in 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 (and if you’re brave enough to continue on to verse 40). I haven’t seen a 1 Corinthians 14 church service liturgy anywhere in America.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing either, especially where parts of that direction from Paul were also culturally driven for gentiles in the first century.

We just need to be sure which culture we’re intending to reach and let that culture’s expression of church be what Jesus wants it to be as that culture follows Jesus. No matter how weird it might seem to our generational culture.

Jesus wasn’t a boomer either.

What do you think? Why else should Pastors and ministers be on social media? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Does Virtual Reality Church Compete with Physical Church

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Leadership Network .

There’s a misconception that virtual churches compete with physical churches. The fear is that people will stop attending church if there is a virtual option. However, are we seeing this happen today?

A DIFFERENT AUDIENCE

The people reached by metaverse churches generally don’t go to physical churches. They can be atheists, agnostics, and de-churched people who are not ready or willing to cross a church’s doorstep. Virtual reality churches have seen people getting saved who have not been in a physical church building in 10 years.

The virtual church is not in competition with the physical church, nor is it a distraction from the physical church. If you let it, virtual reality can be an extension of your physical church’s mission and vision. Sometimes we have to do different things to reach different people.

Microchurch networks across America and churches worldwide are adopting this mindset. Tens of thousands of people are meeting together in Korean churches, while less than five are gathering together in mud huts throughout India. To say that one mode of church is better than the other is not our call.

DIFFERENT, BUT FAMILIAR

Many virtual reality services feel like a multisite expression of a church. Participants are watching the video of the live service with an active community. For example, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has been streaming video from their weekend services through a VR Platform called BigScreens. Similarly, Lakeland Church in Wisconsin streams its church service into virtual reality with AltSpaceVR. The church expression and results at Lakeland and Calvary Fort Lauderdale are very similar to their physical campus experience. Calvary VR is reporting over 200 salvations from their VR expression of church over the past 18 months.

DOING DIFFERENT THINGS TO REACH DIFFERENT PEOPLE

We’ve talked a lot about Cornerstone VR, which has been doing church in virtual reality for a few years. Very little of their church service is video-based. Instead, it’s live teaching in virtual reality. The lead pastor, Jason Poling, wears a VR headset and preaches the service live in VR. Cornerstone also has a VR Chat campus for those who are not receptive to live teaching. They use sermon video clips with a more conversational approach. Participants in VR Chat don’t want to listen; they want to talk. Cornerstone understands that, even in virtual reality, they need to do different things in different worlds to reach different people.

Ultimately, to expand our reach and impact, churches today need to experiment. We need church leaders who are passionate and with missional imagination to come up with new ideas. None of this—including the virtual reality, microchurch, or digital church—is competing with the physical church.

Share what you have experienced with VR and in-person, physical Church. Do they really complete against each other? Share below or on social media. Make sure you tag Jeff Reed to keep the conversation going.

EP254: Bubba Stallcup & Love Thy Nerd

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Bubba Stallcup
CEO, President, Founder of Love Thy Nerd
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // Website

ABOUT Bubba Stallcup

RESOURCES

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Why Pastors Need to Be On Social Media

Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

God loved His people so much that He didn't wait for people to come to Him. He went to the people. In Young Life they have a phrase for their youth leaders, "go where they are." They take God's example and physically go where young people hung out and went to minister to them, on their territory. They went to school events, to popular youth hang out locations, and now to online places they hang out at. They are active on Instagram, TikTok, video games and other online environments.

"Go where they are" is not just a phrase youth leaders should have. It is a phrase that should inspire all ministers from all backgrounds, as well. That is why Pastors being on social media is so necessary.

Many ministers will often says that social media is so toxic that they can't possible be on it. Do you think that is what God thought when He sent Jesus to live among us? Had He thought this, Jesus would have never been on earth and people today would not have the hope of Christ in them. Social media can, in fact, be toxic. But that is exactly the reason why ministers need to be on social media.

Pastors are Digital Missionaries that are ministering to their local community.

Pastors and minsters serve their communities as missionaries to that particular community. However, in this digital and online world we live in today, they have an opportunity to reach more people in their local community online. Many people check out Churches first online before they ever attend in person. As they see who the ministers are, they will sometimes check them out online and their social media profiles. By ministers being on social media, they have an opportunity for people to get to know them before they even step foot in your Church. Your social media engagement has a direct impact on your local community.

How can people get to know Pastors and ministers on social media?

Ministers being active on social media is a great way for people to get to know the type of person you are. If you are kind, generous, loving and supportive, it will make a big impact. However, if you are a jerk, rude, arrogant and divisive, they are probably going try another Church. The more active you can be on social media encouraging others and offering positive, Godly insights, the more people will be inspire and want to get to know you and your Church better. You have a true opportunity to shine the light and hope of Christ to others.

Conclusion

By ministers being on social media you have the opportunity to be the light of Christ to a very dark world. You also give people an opportunity to get to know you even before they come to your Church. It's a huge opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. You don’t have to be on every social media platform, but you should be on at least one. Find one that you like and start engaging with others and see what God does. You will not only be impacting the online community, but you have a huge opportunity for your local community to get to know you as well.

What do you think? Why else should Pastors and ministers be on social media? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Helping You Achieve Movement: The "Why" of Digital Church Network

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 15:00:00 GMT

In 2020, We Created Digital Church Network so that One Day We Could Write This Blog Announcement

We started Digital Church Network because of a simple idea: We wanted to see the idea of Digital Church & Digital Discipleship multiply. After so many conversations with normal people with crazy, innovative, disciple-making ideas… it was obvious that something had to be done. This is the Genesis of the Digital Church Network. God told us to help others with their digital, missional ideas. Digital Churches needed a supportive organization and a healthy ecosystem. Who were we to say no to God?

It’s been well documented, but DCN’s partnership with NewThing Network was a match made in Heaven. A decentralized, missional, global organization that has been helping tens of thousands of churches globally start networks and movements? To be honest, it didn’t take long to develop the relationship. The “why’s” lined up quickly, and the “hows” almost as fast. The item that sealed the deal? The cherry on that ice cream sundae of a partnership? NewThing’s Movement System .

The Movement System, quite simply, is NewThing’s Discipleship System/Engagement Process… whatever your term is, the Movement System was created to help individuals, to help churches understand how to make a disciple. Actually, it’s not just about making a disciple… more accurately, the Movement System is in place to help multiply disciples, create multiplying churches and even (God willing) start a movement.

What is the Movement System inside DCN?

This catalytic training provides “just-in-time” training, allowing pastors, planters, practitioners, and even normal people to learn:

1) How to Make Multiplying Disciple-Makers ->
2) That Grow into Leaders ->
3) That Plant Churches ->
4) That Multiply Churches/Network ->
5) That Multiply into Multiple Networks/Create a Movement

It’s not a seminary class. This isn’t a three-year course with Greek and Hebrew prerequisites. Instead, it’s simple materials and built-in accountability that are designed to help people understand multiplicative disciple-making and simple decentralized structures that allow for contextualization very effectively. DCN's Movement System is not only our process of making disciples but helping these disciples start movements... Simply put, a Disciple Making Movement that grows into a Church Planting Movement (DMM that leads to CPM), DCN's Movement System is designed to help ordinary people develop contextually-savvy digital and metaverse churches that grow into networks and multiply into movements.

Having spoken to at this point 600+ people who are interested in launching a digital/metaverse church, I have yet to meet one church that would not benefit from NewThing’s Movement System, and I’m proud to say that effective this month, we are offering it in DCN. After months of preparation and planning, it’s time to go. Let’s do this thing!

For more information on what the Movement System looks like inside of Digital Church Network, check out http://digitalchurch.network/movement

To sign up for some of the training courses we’re offering in DCN, fill out the form below.

Questions? Hit me up in http://fam.digitalchurch.network on chat, or find me on social @deerffej.

3 Ministry Takeaways from CES 2023

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

CES is one of the most influential technology events in the world. Every January the worlds biggest brands come together to reveal breakthroughs in technology. With technology always changing and adapting, sometimes there are major changes and updates and sometimes there are minor ones.

This year, at CES 2023, there were more minor updates and changes but, there were still some great advancements. Here are three updates and takeaways from the event that have direct ministry implications.

Smart Home Devices Continue to Evolve

What first started out as light bulbs and light switches has now evolved to more smart home devices. For instance, smart vacuums are not new. However, there are more advanced smart vacuum cleaners that operate as a vacuum cleaner and mop. This is perfect for rooms at your Church that you can set a timer for and have it automatically clean up after an event, Another example is multicolor lights that would really help create a great environment for a youth group room,

Safety for Youth Leaders and Students

Ministry happens a lot outside of the Church building. Especially in youth ministry. In fact, youth leaders need to spend time with youth outside of Church to reach people for Christ. That means that at time youth leaders will drive students to youth events or for contact work opportunities. When that happens, having a Ring Car Cam enables a youth leader to have youth or a group of students in the same vehicle with him or her. It adds a layer of protection for the youth leader and the youth so that no one can make any accusations about inappropriate behavior.

Upgrades to Laptops

Laptops have become very similar to smartphones these days. There are not a lot a major "wow"s and upgrades. There are just incremental upgrades to good and necessary devices. However, the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is a premium Chromebook is noteworthy and should be checked out. Otherwise, check out the 2020 or 2021 computer lineups as you can see some really strong computers still for a cheaper price.

Conclusion

While CES may not have had any major splashes this year, they had a lot advancement in technology. As technology continues to have major and minor advancements, there will be plenty of ways that ministries can use the technology to help create environments for people to hear about God. Here are just three, but there are likely more. Take a look at other releases and see how you might use these advancements for ministry purposes.

What do you think? What are other takeaways from CES 2023? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP252: Mark Lutz, Season 4: Jesus, Gamers, & Church

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Mark Lutz
Founding Pastor of Lux Digital Church
Twitch // TikTok // Instagram // Discord // YouTube

ABOUT Mark Lutz

RESOURCES

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How to Fix Common Church Email Mistakes

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

How AI Wants to Help the Church

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Because of this, we, at The Church Digital, wanted to test it out on what AI could do writing a blog post about how it could help the Church. His criteria was this:

With all this as background, here is what AI had for how it can help the Church.

In today’s world, artificial intelligence is everywhere. From Amazon Alexa to Siri and beyond. But what about the church? Can AI help the church reach more people, or will it put an end to traditional religious practices? Let’s look at how AI is being used in the church and explore its potential both as a blessing and a curse.

AI-Powered Chatbots

One of the most interesting ways AI has been used in churches is through chatbots. AI-powered chatbots are becoming increasingly popular with churches as they can provide 24/7 support for members of their congregation. These chatbots are programmed with natural language processing, allowing them to converse with people in a human-like way. They can answer questions, provide comfort and support during difficult times, and even offer prayer requests.

Virtual Reality Services

Another exciting area where AI is being used in the church is virtual reality services. Churches have begun using VR technology to create immersive experiences that allow people to feel like they are actually attending services from anywhere in the world. This technology also allows churches to host virtual events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals that people can attend from anywhere in the world. It also provides an opportunity for visitors who may not be comfortable attending physical services for any reason to still get an authentic experience without having to leave their homes.

Robotics

Robotics is another area where artificial intelligence is being used in churches around the world. Robotics can be used for a variety of tasks including cleaning, security patrols, and even providing sermon readings during services. Robots can also be programmed to interact with congregants on a more personal level by offering words of encouragement or prayers when requested. This could be especially useful for those who may not feel comfortable speaking up during services or engaging with other members of the congregation face-to-face.

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are many ways artificial intelligence can be utilized by churches all over the world! While some may view this as a threat to traditional religious practices, there’s no denying that AI presents incredible opportunities for churches to reach more people than ever before through these innovative technologies! Whether you view it as a blessing or a curse, one thing's for sure: AI will continue to revolutionize how we experience faith moving forward!

What do you think? What are some other ways that you think AI can help the Church? Share your ideas below or on social media.

5 Online Ministry Insights from January 2023

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Technology is always changing and evolving. And, it is changing at a very rapid pace. Online ministry is based in technology. And, because of this, online ministry is always evolving and updating. To help keep you updated on all the latest trends in social media, live stream, digital discipleship and all things online ministry, The Church Digital Podcast Network strives to bring in Church Leaders and Ministry Experts to share about all things digital and online ministry so that ministry leaders can be encouraged in their online ministry efforts.

For the month of January, here are 5 Online Ministry insights and lessons learned from some of the podcasts released on The Church Digital Podcast Network. Make sure

PODCASTS enable you to REACH and CONNECT with people in between Sundays.

In Jeff Reed's discussion with Patrick Miller from "Ep248 - Patrick Miller, Podcasting, and the Role of Content in Digital Discipleship" episode, Patrick shares how they released 365 podcasts last year. They weren't all 1 singular podcast but they multiple ones reaching multiple audiences. They started by identifying needs of their congressional and made a podcast about it. But, it wasn't just them podcasting. They had people in their Church do it. Hear all about it and how it is effectively reaching their community and growing their Church here .

Disciples ARE making disciples in VR.

In the January 13th Metaverse Church Podcast, Goose shares how one of the biggest wins in VR has been that disciples are, in fact, living out the great commission in VR. Goose and Stuart also look into the different VR platforms, including a deeper dive into Altspace VR. They get into what is good and not so good about the space. Check out the episode, " Deep Dive into VR Chat " here .

Work to IMPROVE rather than CUT your Online Ministry.

Because online ministry is always changing, it can be easy to have success one day and failures the next. That is why Tom's conversation with Justin Nava is important. Justin shares about the importance of having a strategy so that you don't let the failures discourage you from misses in online ministry. Hear more about implementing your online strategy in this conversation here .

Digital is a TOOL to FULFILL your Church's Mission.

Many Pastors see Social Media and Online Ministry as a hinderance to "real" ministry. However, it is a great tool to help fulfill your Church's mission. Brady Shearer joins Hector and Sarah to discuss how you can help your Pastor see the value and benefits of online ministry. You can listen to their episode "Using Online Tools for Ethical Growth ft. Brady Shearer" here .

Not all STREAMING PLATFORMS are the same.

One of the most important things you can do with your online ministry is to find the right streaming platform for your Church. But, with so many free and paid options to choose from, how do you know? In "How to Choose a Streaming Platform" episode, Andy Mage and Mark Lutz talk about what you need to take into consideration when you are choosing a platform. You can listen to their episode here .

What do you think? What are other online ministry insights you learned from this past month? Share your ideas below or on social media.

EP251 - Brad Brisco, Digital Ecclesiology & Deconstructing Church

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:30:00 GMT

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ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Brad Brisco
Director of Bivocational Church Planting for the North American Mission Board
Twitter

ABOUT Brad Brisco

Brad is currently the Director of Bivocational Church Planting for the North American Mission Board. He holds a doctorate in the area of missional ecclesiology, his doctoral thesis was on assisting existing congregations in transitioning in a missional direction. He is the co-author of Missional Essentials , a twelve-week small group study guide, The Missional Quest: Becoming a Church of the Long Run , Next Door As It Is In Heaven , ReThink and Covocational Church Planting .

RESOURCES

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Mental Health Obstacles in Virtual Reality

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Leadership Network .

The mental health implications of the metaverse are untested and scary. Virtual reality (VR) thrives on lack of control, and vices are flaunted with little to no consequences. The virtual can even push to the physical, leading to alcoholism, drug use, and prostitution. Plus, VR in itself is an addictive medium.

Yet we are sending pastors and ministers into virtual spaces. Are they prepared to handle the dark areas of VR? Here are some of the obstacles ministers and volunteers are facing in doing ministry in these virtual reality spaces.

ARE WE WILLING?

Churches are looking for tools, expertise, and viable solutions. However, not all Christ-centered recovery groups will go into the metaverse because it is an untested area. Healing voices willing to take on the VR world are desperately needed.

ARE WE PREPARED?

Initial data show that, compared to the general population, virtual reality has a higher percentage of depression. These results may be due to the addictive nature of virtual reality and how quickly the conversations go deep. Therefore, we ought to run to these spaces, not from them.

However, are pastors, leaders, and volunteers equipped to handle depression or suicidal situations in virtual reality? And, what will it take to prepare these people for the challenges they could face?

ARE WE PROTECTED?

How do we protect those trying to help? Simply hearing about the trauma of another can cause emotional stress (secondary trauma) in the person offering aid. Pastors, ministers, and volunteers have already reported secondary trauma in virtual reality. What does the armor of God look like in the metaverse? Beyond the biblical armor of Ephesians 6, we must find ways to protect those doing ministry with hurt people.

OVERCOMING THE OBSTACLES

The mental health complexities and challenges of virtual reality can feel overwhelming. Is virtual reality unsalvageable? Are the skeptics right that the virtual realm is beyond grace? Yet, God did lead Jonah into Nineveh. Paul did go to Rome. And God is calling many of us to reach a different type of person found in the metaverse.

The opportunity is not to run from the fire but to run into the fire. As firefighters, we must go where the need is, where God is calling us. Let’s ensure everyone has the right equipment and is prepared for the dangers.

We would love to hear from you. Share what you have experienced with VR and some other mental health obstacles there. Make sure you tag Jeff Reed to keep the conversation going.

Digital vs In-Person Church: The Real Problem

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

This article originally appeared on Sarah Kinzer's Blog .

People are leaving the church.

Studies show it.
Pastors grieve it.
People judge it.

People are leaving the church.

And as with any problem that has faced the church since her birth, those who comment on it are looking for where to place the blame.

When the pandemic happened there was a surge in realization that the internet could be used as a tool to keep people connected. It was a miracle! When other plagues had come for humanity, people were much worse off, because they didn’t have the internet. Lucky us!

However, as time wore on and the siren song of structure sang out, online church didn’t just lose it’s appeal, it became a scapegoat. We’ve reopened the doors. If people don’t return it must be because they’ve become lazy, satisfied with a video version of faith. They are sacrificing community for convenience. It’s them, not us.

I’ve spent countless hours talking with people about digital church both for the Pocket Pulpit and as a matter of interest. I have looked and looked at what could be found in Scripture to address the topic. I’ve built friendships that developed online that I had the blessing to carry into in-person experiences and then return to their previous digital state.

I have come to one conclusion and I say this with all the conviction within me…

The enemy of incarnate worship isn’t digital church.
The enemy of incarnate worship is the idol named False.

People are leaving the church, but they aren’t leaving because they prefer pjs to pews. They are leaving because the church is increasingly being perceived as being False.

Case after case of high profile Christians and large denominations involved in and covering up abuse and scandal. Flying drummers and copywright-be-damned Jesus versions of Hamilton. On any given social media app you can find the message communicated in the platform’s preferred style which says, “The church taught me about a Jesus who cares about the poor, the sick, the broken, the outcast, the foreigner…but showed me a people who didn’t do any of those things.”

People are tired of False.

It is correct that using online tools, people can create false idols exceedingly quickly and well. It is correct that shaping a service in the image of a production is not worship. It is correct that we are made to crave community.

It is incorrect that digital church is contrary to incarnate worship or community or the work of the church.

Consider the following.

We all understand the inherent risks associated with online tools. Their addictive nature and the silent persuasiveness of the algorithm are absolutely something to be treated with caution, concern and care. This has caused some to call for a blanket ban of social media and to urge the church to take a stand against it.

We recognize that there are risks associated with many tools.

A hammer which drives a nail may also strike a thumb.
A book which passes deep knowledge may also slice open the reader’s skin.
A pillow which provides sweet comfort may also smother an infant in a crib.
A car which transports us to in person worship may also spin off the road, strike a tree and kill everyone inside.

We do not abandon a tool because it has created harm. We learn to use it properly. We tailor the circumstances where it may be appropriately used. We place warning labels on it so others may be safe. We create restrictions and licenses so that we may regulate its use in our society. We raise our children to use the tool safely.

In Paul’s letter to Titus, he writes, “To the pure all things are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure; their very minds and consciences are corrupted.” Paul points to the division created by those who pushed circumcision as sign of not being like the Cretans, who described as beasts and thought of as less than human. The goal was not to be more like Christ, but rather less like Cretans.

Paul continues in this letter to encourage Titus to “teach what is consistent with sound instruction.” He speaks of the responsibility of the believers in Crete to conduct themselves at a higher standard when engaging in the culture around them and in relationship with one another. This is the heart of the matter. Paul did not advise Titus to draw his people inward, away from the corrupting influence of the Cretens. Rather, Paul instructed Titus to guide the believers well as they engaged in that culture, so that those in that area might see and desire Christ.

When the church fixates on the risks of social media, encouraging people to run from the risks rather than learn how to engage well and improve the media, they present the narrative that the work of being Christlike is avoidance, not perfection!

This is neither the message of the gospel, nor is it the practice of our lives in nearly any other risk associated activity. As we devolve into legalistic arguments we, just like those Paul warned Titus about, create division and present a false depiction of how a Christian is to live.

We appear to be hypocrites drawing circles around this activity or that, swayed by the next popular thing we choose to oppose. All the while the church in America is perceived as turning a blind eye to many more illicit, dangerous and vile ills being permitted and perpetrated inside the in-person walls of the church. As we present a false depiction of Christ-likeness, the watching world shakes their head at the church.

It is the responsibility of the people using the tools and the society governing the usage to set appropriate boundaries and train her people how to use tools well. The church should be learning how to use social media wisely and how to use the algorithm to impact positive pervasive change.

A true representation of Christ is the best witness we can have.

In 2007 a show premiered called The Guild. This show was about a group of online gamers who formed relationships and become involved at different levels in one anothers’ lives. The idea that people are connecting online was presented as a given, something that the viewer just accepted as fact. This understood concept has only gained acceptance as social media and gaming have grown and as the world experienced a pandemic which forced many people to seek connection online.

This goes far beyond a casual connection. I have met several people in the past few years who struggled deeply with depression. I know people personally who would not be alive today if not for someone online. They posted something that caught the attention of others who checked on them. Or they were in the middle of a crisis with suicidal ideation and the only people available to them were on social media.

When someone declares that online relationships aren’t real, what does that say to someone who credits their life being saved to an online friend?

When a church says that relationships are best developed in-person, but that same church did not reach out to them when they were in lockdown, and yet a stranger online did reach out, what does that communicate?

These kind of messages speak to a real lack of emotional intelligence. Relationships are formed by the presence of attention and affection, not the presence of flesh and bone. A physical body will never substitute for sincerity.

I am reminded of what Paul writes in Romans 12, “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.”

Paul instructs the church on how we might relate to one another. His instruction is not about how to be near to one another physically, rather he speaks to the heart of relationships. Be genuine. Good. Love each other. Honor one another. Rejoice. Be patient. Pray. Make sure people have enough.

All of these things can be accomplished up close or at a distance. In fact, one might argue that where relationships exist and these attributes are absent, the physical presence of the other is acutely painful. In that circumstance as reconciliation is sought, rarely is the goal to get two people to be near one another. It is that they would be right with one another, heart to heart.

When people give reason for why they’ve left a church or left the Church, one of the top responses is broken relationships. Christians are describe as hypocrites. The welcome that is extended at church is shallow. Love is conditional.

This is the root of the relational problems facing the Church today. It is not that people are being bought by online relationships which are not real. It is that people are perceiving the relationships offered by the Church as false and untrustworthy.

Worship in truth.
Truly imitate Christ.
Let love be truthful.
These are the ways forward.

It is no longer enough to identify the latest cultural trend to oppose.

Church, we must be willing to turn our gaze inward and ask, “Is there any unright way in me?” We have a promise from the One we serve, “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.”

When we throw off false worship, false Christlike-ness and false relationships, we will not find the correct stance on social media.

We will find Christ.

Share what you have experienced and what are some solutions are below or on social media. Make sure you tag Sarah Kinzer to keep the conversation going.

How to Share about Jesus and Your Faith Online

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

We have made so much progress with technology over the past 20 years. What seemed Jetson-ish back then is happening today. For instance, we now have daily video calls on small devices that can connect people all over the world. We have self-driving cars, robot vacuum cleaners, homes that will automatically heat or cool by simply speaking a command phrase. And, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more technological advancements coming our way.

When Christ called his disciples to go reach the ends of the earth and share the gospel in Matthew 28:19-20, people had to physically go to those places. Those places could take months to get to and lots of financial help to support the work. We called these people Missionaries. Now, however, with the help of technology, people can reach the ends of the earth with a smartphone or internet connection. People have the opportunity to share about Christ across many different digital platforms in a variety of different ways. We call these people Digital Missionaries.

While technology enables Digital Missionaries to reach people with the gospel, how do you share the gospel online? There are many different ways you can do this, but I am thankful for the book " Sharing Jesus Online " by Dr. John Harris and Jeff Reed is out now so that more people can learn how to share about Jesus and their faith online. Dr. John Harris and his wife launched Hearts Like His, an online discipleship community on Facebook that reaches people across the U.S. and several other nations. He is a mentor to digital church planters and has a passion for digital discipleship. Jeff Reed led his first Online Bible Study in June 2000 and has been doing digital ministry for decades. He founded theChurch.Digital in 2018 and now serves as the Director of Metaverse Church NEXT for Leadership Network.

This book is designed to help everyday believers share their faith online. In this book, they cover everything what some misconceptions are of digital ministry, how to overcome some insecurities we may have about sharing our faith, and, most importantly, they share the different ways you can share, step by step. In addition, they discuss the importance of prayer, enjoying shared experiences together digitally, serving others and more. It is a fantastic training manual for everyone who would like to learn how to share their faith and about Jesus online.Even if you are a Minister looking to raise up Digital Missionaries at your Church, then this book would be a perfect support for those missionaries to get started. Either way, this book is the perfect book for your online ministry collection. Get your copy today!

What do you think? What ways have shared your faith online effectively? Share your ideas below or on social media.

Why What Happens AFTER Your Live Stream Is Over is Vital

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

So, your church started broadcasting your services, you got a few online hosts, and even launched a few Zoom small groups. You might even call it your "Online Campus" and have a staff member splitting their time between your online campus and graphic design or worship production. Perhaps your story differs a bit and you have more or less of a digital presence.

No matter where you are, if you are reading this, you are likely frustrated with the lack of engagement you are getting during services. Adding to your frustration you likely have no idea what to do and someone from your staff or your lead pastor has likely said something to the effect of “That’s consumeristic Christianity for you”. But is that the fault of the person logging in to your service on Sunday morning or is it our fault?

First off, consumeristic Christianity is not a symptom of digital space. It’s exasperated by it. Consumerism in church is a product of years of the church pouring our resources, time, and energy into the Sunday show and not into discipleship. I’m not hating on or even saying that it hasn’t worked. Being the best thing in town on a Sunday morning has worked well for the church. Many people have been saved in this approach and through intentional processes that exist outside of Sunday morning they have also been discipled.

However, when you put your foot into the online world you are not competing with the movie theater down the street or some other local attraction and the church simply can’t compete with the nearly infinite sea of digital entertainment only a click away. Why would I hang out in your church when I could watch dozens of people preach on the same exact topic with better sound and video quality then you with a quick search on YouTube? In another blog post I will explore three distinct strategies for your digital presence and what tools they will use and resources they will require. For now, I just want to point out that we complain about consumeristic Christianity being exasperated because of the internet and yet we continue to ship ONLY the most consumeristic parts of our church out to the online world.

It's like we put out a bird feeder in the yard and then get ticked off when birds keep showing up. You don’t want consumeristic Christians only interested in being fed into spiritual obesity? Then you better do more than dump bird seed in the yard.

So, let’s talk about what you do on Sunday morning that you are likely not doing online.

Church after church might be the most powerful experience your church has. A first-time guest might think they are coming for the sermon, but they stick for the relationships. This isn’t rocket science. Go read any church growth or first-time guest experience book.

Someone shows up for service and touches base with their small group leader while they grab a cup of coffee. Another person comes to the prayer room after service seeking prayer for guidance because they think they need to quit their job. A first-time guest stops by the Next Steps room to grab a free gift and meet a friendly face. Another regular waits in a que to speak with the lead pastor on the way out and let them know about their ailing parent.

All these things are vital and important to your church, and they all help people move from consumption to participation. The first-time guest feels seen and some of their story is known. The regular feels connected to their pastor and got the chance to share what is going on in their life. Someone else feels ministered to and has received prayer. Another feels more connected to their church family because they got to touch base with someone they love or look up to and haven’t’ seen in a week.

These are just as important, and I will venture to say more important, then your worship set or your sermon. Granted if your worship sucks and your sermon is irrelevant those connection points may not make up for it.

In the same way your live stream can’t be out of focus, out of sync, or a second thought if you want to keep people engaged or coming back. But that’s not likely your problem. Your problem is likely that you have a good streaming setup, and it doesn’t matter because you have neglected everything else. So let’s explore four vital things that happen at church after church that we depend on to drive engagement and move people past consumption and yet totally neglect in digital

4 Vital Things that Happen AFTER the Live Stream that can drive engagement

1. The Next Steps Room

First time guests need a place to go after service and that can’t be a webpage or survey. First time guests are not going to click a link and fill out your card. They don’t trust you and have been carefully trained not to. The online world is not the same as physical. Asking for someone’s personal information in person is acceptable. Doing that online is not. But a person’s desire to make a genuine human connection and have their story known by someone is no different. Giving a guest a real person to talk to, in a private conversation, where they can share what brought them to church is just as important online as it is in person.

2. The Coffee

A regular attender comes into church and spots a friend in the coffee line, checking in their kids, or casually chatting with another friend. They get a chance to reconnect and hear about their week. During service they see another small group member from across the worship center and make a mental note to grab a moment with them after service. The church family needs space and time to connect with one another. When you end your stream a chat box won’t do it. They need a place to spot a friend and “walk over to them”.

3. The Prayer Ministry

Someone in your church family is going through crisis every week. Their kid got caught with drugs, their spouse filed for divorce, they fell back into addiction, their power is being shut off, or their parent got moved into hospice. That person needs someone to listen, care, and pray for them when they don’t have the words themselves. People need the church to be available to minister to them. It not only allows them to be cared for but it also builds deep bonds between them and the their church family.

4. The Exit Line

A regular attender wants to connect with the pastor but knows how busy they are. They didn’t reach out this week or call the church because they wanted to talk to the pastor directly. On the way out of service they stop to tell the pastor “Good job today” but also to let them know they got laid off this week. The pastor gets a moment to care for them and assure them that the staff will be praying, and someone will follow up that week. Something like this might happen a dozen times in one service and your pastor has not eliminated twelve one-hour meetings from his schedule this week with twelve two minuet conversations.

If you want to keep creating consumers, then by all means keep stopping by your online space and offloading more bird seed. But don’t get upset when the birds all fly over to a different yard with nicer bird seed.

If you want people to engage and take intentional steps into discipleship your digital space needs to take all of church into account, not just the polished easily consumed product. Go to your team with these four areas and have an honest conversation about what is neglected in your digital presence. What digital tools are at your fingertips that could facilitate these four post service experiences? Your product might bring all the birds to the yard. But it’s relationships that get them past the bird feeders.

Want an example? Come join me for church this week. We will be live on Wednesday night at 8:30pm EST at Twtich.tv/luxdigitalchurch . Come chat with me after service. I can’t wait to meet you.

What do you think? How have you connected with others after the live stream has ended? Share your ideas below or on social media.

AltspaceVR is Closing: Why Should the Church Care?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 18:09:00 GMT

For the most part, it came unexpectedly on Friday. I had heard rumors for a month or so that it was coming, but it was Carl Barnhill from 12:30 Media who forwarded me the official news this past Friday: AltspaceVR is closing.

What is AltspaceVR, and Why is it Closing?

For those in the know, AltspaceVR is one of the oldest social worlds in virtual reality. Started in 2013, AltspaceVR was acquired by Microsoft in 2017. Unfortunately for the current user base, Microsoft is shutting down AltspaceVR, with the world officially closing its doors on March 10, 2023.

The uninformed will quickly cite that this is an example of people rejecting virtual reality technology. I think this is a premature observation. Yes, it's well documented how tough it is for large tech organizations in 2023 (I'm willing to bet we'll return to this topic again soon here on the blog). Still, it is important to realize that Microsoft was a little out of its league when it acquired AltspaceVR.

Believe it or not, the makers of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint may not be experts on social community. Even as Microsoft swan-songs AltspaceVR, they touted the next implementation of Microsoft's virtual reality product - Microsoft Mesh! Coming soon to virtual workplaces near you. Who cares about social community? Let's work more efficiently!!!

Why the Metaverse Church is Mourning AltspaceVR

I'm jesting a bit here at M$ expense, but truthfully many dedicated AltspaceVR users are struggling at this closing. We discussed this in the book VR & The Metaverse Church , some passionate people consider AltspaceVR home. As of January 2023, there are more organized churches operating in AltspaceVR world than in any of the other virtual social worlds. AltspaceVR is perceived to be the safest of the social worlds. Microsoft set up AltspaceVR to be family-friendly... users 18-88 years old could be regularly found worldwide, which is why churches liked it. Safe. Comfortable. Controlled.

Strong parental controls. Blended user base. Churches invested time and money into these worlds. And according to Microsoft, churches will not be able to capitalize on that investment after March 10, when Microsoft closes the doors on AltspaceVR. With all due respect, these churches deserve a moment to mourn. Churches like Oasis Church VR come to mind. Their unique approach to church leads them to create a new virtual reality world each week... I would dare suggest thousands of volunteer programmer and designer hours over the past year completely down the drain with Microsoft's decision. VR Church, Cornerstone VR, Lakeland VR, Prayer Garden, Living Room VR, and numerous others scrambling to find a new home.

Some would say that this is the reason why churches should not experiment with virtual reality. Others would say that this is a sign that virtual reality will not succeed. I have a different vantage point. I think the Metaverse Church will be better off due to this decision.

Why the Metaverse Church is Better Without AltspaceVR

Loyal AltspaceVR users want to tar and feather my avatar, but give me a minute to talk through here. I believe missionally, ministry is better outside of AltspaceVR. Closing AltspaceVR down does not mean the end of ministry in VR... the closing is meant to breathe new life into missional vr. To prove my point, let's look at what ministry looked like in Altspace VR, and three reasons why ministry will be better post-AltspaceVR:

Reason 1: AltspaceVR usage has been dropping embarrassingly low. Meanwhile, other worlds like vrchat are growing by leaps and bounds.

Why? Well, the safeness of Altspace... those strong parental controls... the global tech company that didn't want a lawsuit and ruled with an iron fist... that is exactly why people ran from AltspaceVR to some of the other virtual social worlds. Because no one is ruling VRchat with an iron fist. Strangely, we don't trust large tech companies. We trust some organizations we've never heard of over Microsoft. The Church will have far more potential reach outside of AltspaceVR than it did in the world.

REASON 2: ALTSPACEVR WAS SETTING ITSELF TO BE THE "REACH EVERYONE" WORLD... IN THE METAVERSE, YOU CAN'T REACH EVERYONE EFFECTIVELY. INSTEAD OF REACHING EVERYONE, REACH SOMEONE.

AltspaceVR was creating a blended world that reached everyone. The Metaverse is shaping out not to reach "everyone" but to reach "someone," Even massive universes like VRchat and (theoretically) Meta's Horizon Worlds will need to focus on personas and target audiences to be effective. In the growing Metaverse Culture, the Church will succeed in smaller, more targeted conversations.

REASON 3: MISSIONAL IMPLICATIONS IN THE OTHER WORLDS ARE HUGE... BUT THE METAVERSE CHURCH NEEDS TO MOVE AWAY FROM "EVENT" BASED MINISTRY.

In many ways, AltspaceVR was lukewarm. To reach everyone, AltspaceVR failed to connect with anyone. The church has an opportunity to connect with some of these deeper, more focused audiences like RecRoom and VRchat, and start to reach people missionally in these worlds. AltspaceVR was an event world. Altspace thrived on events. Virtual reality continues to shine not for events but with conversations. Worlds like VRchat thrive on dialogue. The lesson for the church? To thrive in the metaverse, we need to move away from events.

Looking for What's Next?

So, if you're looking to explore virtual reality ministry, or you were an Altspace user, and now you're homeless, here's a listing of some other social worlds to explore.

For more on what the current Metaverse Church looks like, check out my book VR & The Metaverse Church: How God is Moving in This Virtual, Yet Quite Real, Reality , which can be downloaded for free thanks to Leadership Network .

EP250 - Dr. John Harris in Book Launch: Sharing Jesus Online

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:30:00 GMT

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHURCH DIGITAL PODCAST

If you're enjoying this episode , subscribe for free using your favorite podcast app below:

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
THECHURCH.DIGITAL & DigitalChurch.Network
Twitter // Facebook // Instagram // LinkedIn // YouTube

Guest: Dr. John Harris
Founder, H earts Like His Ministry, Consultant at Auxano
Twitter // Instagram // Website // Facebook

ABOUT Dr. John Harris

Dr. John Harris has a passion to see pastors win so that churches grow in every expression of church. He enjoys coaching pastors and seeing them begin to lead with the excitement, focus, and confidence. In over 29 years of ministry, he has served as a chaplain in the United States Air Force, Christian Education Pastor, Teaching Pastor, Small Groups Pastor, and Executive Pastor.

Currently he serves churches across the country full-time as a consultant and coach. As a Lead Navigator with Auxano Church Consulting, he helps pastors and their teams discover their unique identity and where God is leading them. As a coach he uses "The Pastor’s Leadership Accelerator," a 4-month coaching program that helps pastors break personal growth barriers that lead to breakthroughs in church growth barriers.

In January of 2021, he and his wife launched "Hearts Like His" ministry on Facebook that now reaches people across the U.S. and several other nations. He holds a doctorate in Transformational Discipleship from Gateway Seminary. John lives in Roseville, CA with his amazing wife, Jeanine, and their three beautiful daughters, Elise, Sydney, and Grace.