The Digital Ministry Podcast

In this episode Natchi Lazarus explores emerging trends and future potential of AI in ministry. He discusses the critical role of AI tools like custom GPTs and AI agents, appealing to ministry leaders to stay informed about both the benefits and risks. Natchi draws parallels between generative AI and the Biblical concept of creation, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking to navigate the AI l...

In this episode, we pinned down the critical role of social interaction on social media platforms and how to build meaningful connections with your audience. Join our host as he explores three key strategies for effective engagement: Responding to Comments: Learn how to craft a solid engagement strategy that encourages dialogue and interaction. Understanding the Algorithm: Discover why comments, l...

Join me as I quickly share practical advice for digital ministry teams on dealing with the uncertainties and challenges faced with your marketing technology stack. In this episode, I'll emphasize three tips namely: to eliminate distractions, to avoid false precision, and lastly, to keep moving forward.  This episode highlights the importance of focusing on what is known, making single changes at a...

In this inspiring episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast, guest Raouf Rafla shares with host, Nick Runyon, his journey of moving from Egypt to the US and back again, detailing how he navigated job opportunities and relationships along the way. He generously recounts his love story, including his decision to move to the US to be with his girlfriend, now his wife, after receiving a job offer at Cru...

Join Nils Smith and host Nick Runyon on The Digital Ministry Podcast as they dive into the potential future of digital ministries amidst a possible government-mediated social media content moderation. Discover how these changes might impact free speech and trickle down to the individual level and even to businesses and ministries. In this episode, learn as they engage in a nuanced conversation abo...

Join us for an engaging episode with Kate Akers, MII's Strategic Services Director. Kate shares her extensive marketing experience with a large church as well as with Sony Pictures, including her work on the film "Blue Miracle" and the role of key art in Netflix's recommendation engine. Explore the similarities between church marketing and working with parachurch organizations, emphasizing the imp...

Join host Nick Runyon as he dives into the vital importance of continual learning for digital ministry teams.  In this episode, Nick highlights how tools like Hubspot Academy, Google Analytics, and Meta Blueprint Certifications can streamline onboarding and sharpen skills. He emphasizes the need for adaptability in the ever-changing digital landscape using the "OODA loop" approach—orient, observe,...

Join me as I dive into the intricacies of effective digital ministry, sharing his extensive experience in building successful marketing teams and applying those insights to nonprofit work.  In this episode, I'll emphasize the importance of understanding your target audience and defining value from their perspective. Let's outline a strategic framework for developing digital ministry strategies cen...

Join tech-savvy ministry leaders Nick Runyon and Josh Burnett in a fascinating podcast episode as they explore the intersection of AI and church ministry.  Josh, CEO of Church. Tech, reveals how AI can revolutionize church operations by streamlining tasks like sermon preparation and social media content creation, allowing leaders to focus more on community engagement. The discussion dives into eth...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Marc Pierce, a seasoned producer in the entertainment industry, as we delve into the world of video content.  Marc emphasizes the crucial role of authenticity and compelling characters in creating engaging television, exploring both scripted and unscripted production styles. He candidly discusses the inevitable challenges of failure and the importance...

In this episode, Brad Hill, Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo, takes us on a journey through the shifting landscape of church engagement, emphasizing the importance of digital outreach and genuine community building.  Through Gloo's pioneering approach, Brad showcases how data-driven insights are revolutionizing ministry priorities, empowering pastors to understand and meet the holistic needs of the...

Join Nick Runyon as he engages in a profound dialogue with Beau Coffron, the innovative leader behind Life. Church's social media strategy.  Together, they explore the intricacies of building a vibrant online community, fostering genuine engagement with followers, and ultimately, spreading the message of hope embodied in Christ.  From the captivating success of Lunchbox Dad to the strategic utiliz...

Nick Runyon sits down with Robert Rouse, the mind behind Viz. Bible, for a captivating discussion on data visualization in ministry.  Explore the concept of a minister of data and how visualizing data can inspire and educate the church community. Dive into the future of technology, including AI and contextual databases, and their potential in shaping the ministry.  Discover the vital role of story...

Guest Kenny Jahng joins host Nick Runyon to discuss how churches can leverage technology to amplify their ministry.  Join the conversation on how you can explore the landscape of marketing tools available and know more strategies to shift perspectives from expenses to investments. Kenny and Nick also share examples in using social listening and messaging platforms to scale personal relationships a...

Daniel Hall joins Nick Runyon to discuss the latest trends in digital ministry and how organizations can effectively engage seekers online.  In this discussion, they explore influencer strategies, video content, artificial intelligence tools, and community platforms that can help elevate your digital presence. Hall shares his experience innovating at One Hope and emphasizes the importance of under...

Join Nils Smith and host Nick Runyon on The Digital Ministry Podcast as they unpack the latest trends in digital ministry and AI technology.  Nils shares his approach to staying informed through Twitter and LinkedIn trends and discusses his strategic use of YouTube for learning. Dive into this lively debate about the rise of long-form videos on different social media platforms like YouTube and Tik...

In today's episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast, host Nick Runyon engages in a compelling discussion with Jon Ralls from Kavanah Media, exploring the pressing security challenges confronting digital ministries.  From navigating complex terms of service agreements to implementing essential security measures like password managers and two-factor authentication, Ralls offers invaluable advice to s...

Description In this episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast, host Nick Runyon engages in a dynamic conversation with Katie Allred, the founder of the popular Church Communications Facebook group.  Together, they explore the nuances of digital outreach and community building within the realm of 'church communications'. Katie shares her experiences navigating the evolving landscape of online ministr...

Join us in the latest episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast as we dive into a compelling conversation with Steven Earp on harnessing the power of social media for digital ministry.  Steven illustrates the transformative potential of platforms like TikTok and Instagram in connecting spiritual seekers with local Christian communities. From addressing people's needs to offering the hope and peace o...

In today's episode, Adam Silverness, Area Director of Young Life, shares compelling insights on harnessing the power of social media for youth ministry.  Dive into this conversation about how Young Life builds relationships and fosters community among local high school students through the infamous visual-based social media platform, Instagram. Discover key strategies from Adam as he shares real-l...

Join The Digital Ministry Podcast as Mark unveils the intricacies of BGEA's expansive global digital outreach initiatives, spanning and involving over 1,600 volunteers across 40 countries in employing websites and social media to share the message. This conversation dives deeper into  Nick and Mark, also the adaptation of Billy Graham's proven evangelistic model to the digital era, exploring the n...

Join us on a riveting new episode as we sit down with Jeff Gowler, a key figure at Global Media Outreach, to unravel the intricacies of reaching people digitally.  In this insightful conversation, Jeff shares his wealth of experience and expertise in leveraging technology for global outreach. From innovative strategies to the challenges faced in the digital evangelism space, we explore the transfo...

In this episode, we delve into the dynamic world of digital ministry at scale, exploring how Heinz Oldewage and his team at Christian Vision is leveraging technology to spread the message of hope and faith globally.  Gain unique insights into the challenges and successes of navigating the digital landscape for ministry, and discover the transformative power of technology in fostering spiritual gro...

What happens when traditional ministry meets digital discipleship? In today's world, social media and other digital technologies have emerged and have been taking up most of our lives. It gets distracting at times, but there are also advantages to having these technologies; it's just a matter of how you can integrate them into your everyday lives to maximize productivity. Join this conversation in...