Episode 19: Kate Akers | Strategic Services Director, MII
Release Date: 07/08/2024
Episode 35: Jay Kranda | Saddleback
The Digital Ministry Podcast
Ever wonder who's accountable when a campaign fails? In this episode of the Digital Ministry Podcast, Nick Runyon and Jay Kranda dive into the challenges of navigating the digital mission field. They explore the crucial balance between outreach and follow-up in digital ministry. The conversation also unpacks team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. Discover the power of an "owner mentality," where each team member embraces the bigger picture and contributes beyond their defined roles—even within a ministry context. Join Nick and Jay as they share strategies for...
info_outline
Episode 34: Jay Kranda | Saddleback
The Digital Ministry Podcast
Will AI be reframing the future of work and ministry? In this episode of the Digital Ministry Podcast, Nick Runyon and Jay Kranda discuss the significant impact of AI on various aspects of our lives, including our daily routines, jobs, and ministry work. They highlight the transformative potential of AI by exploring specific examples such as Google's NotebookLM, an AI tool designed to summarize and analyze notes, and DeepSeek AI, which could be used for advanced image and video analysis. The hosts delve into how AI is already changing the way we interact with technology and how it could...
info_outline
Episode 33: Bryce Runyon | Gloo
The Digital Ministry Podcast
In this episode of the Digital Ministry Podcast, Nick Runyon invites his brother and Chief of Staff at Gloo, Bryce Runyon, for an insightful discussion about the powerful role of technology in digital ministry. Bryce also highlights AI tools and their current project at Gloo, where they develop a texting app bridging AI tools to help build strong church teams for follow-up and support, further complementing personal connections. Tune in to discover more about this conversation –– how Gloo is shaping the future of communication in churches, the importance of local church engagement,...
info_outline
Episode 32: Joshua Seale | Biblica
The Digital Ministry Podcast
In this episode of the Digital Ministry Podcast, Nick Runyon talks with Joshua Seale, Director of Digital Products from Biblica and a notable leader in Missional AI, a global movement dedicated to exploring how Artificial Intelligence can revolutionize missional engagement. During their discussion, Joshua shares how Biblica, a leading organization that provides widely read Scriptures in over 89 different translations and copyright holder to the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, has helped shape the Bible translation and engagement space. He also highlights the importance of...
info_outline
Episode 31: Rob Hall | Trauma-Free World
The Digital Ministry Podcast
In this episode of the Digital Ministry Podcast, Nick Runyon sits down with Rob Hall, President of Trauma-Free World, to discuss their mission to support caregivers of children affected by complex trauma. Rob explains the various forms of trauma, from acute to chronic and complex, highlighting the critical need for intervention as over a billion children globally are impacted. He introduces TECO, an innovative AI-powered tool developed by Trauma-Free World to deliver trauma-informed resources and real-time support to foster parents, teachers, and ministry volunteers. Rob shares insights...
info_outline
Episode 30: Don Barger | IMB director for Innovation and MX Labs
The Digital Ministry Podcast
In this episode of the Digital Ministry Podcast, host Nick chats with Don Barger, Director of Innovation and MX Labs at IMB, about AI's growing role in ministry. Don’s Journey with AI: He shares his path into AI and how IMB is exploring its potential to support ministry innovation. AI for Ministry: From developers to new users, they discuss the range of engagement with AI tools and the importance of data security in ministry contexts. AI Projects: Don highlights his team’s work, including a secure global chatbot using the Llama 3.1 model and AI-driven ad campaigns. Managing...
info_outline
Episode 29: AI Prayers
The Digital Ministry Podcast
In this episode, Nick Runyon shares his thoughts on the use of AI in digital ministry and prayer. He discusses the rapid advancement of AI and the ethical concerns about it potentially becoming smarter than humans. He emphasizes the importance of human interaction in digital ministry and follow-up processes while acknowledging that AI can be useful in many other areas of ministry. Nick recalls an instance where Justin Murff led a meeting with other leaders using an AI-generated prayer. The prayer received mixed reactions and sparked a discussion about the role of AI tools in ministry....
info_outline
Episode 28: Justin Murff | Strategic Resource Group
The Digital Ministry Podcast
In this episode, Justin Murff shares his journey from media to ministry, offering deep insights into the complexities of faith in the Middle East and the rise of digital churches. Justin highlights the unique challenges faced by new believers from Muslim backgrounds and emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive, safe online communities for spiritual growth. We explore the transformative impact of COVID-19 on digital ministry and discuss how technology has become a powerful tool for outreach, especially in regions where traditional church gatherings are restricted. Justin also addresses...
info_outline
Episode 27: Daniel Hall | One Hope
The Digital Ministry Podcast
In this episode of the Digital Ministry Podcast, Nick is joined by Daniel Hall for an engaging discussion on the role of artificial intelligence in ministry. They explored how AI tools, like Google’s Notebook LM, are shaping the way ministries create and manage content, and how these technologies can assist in scaling personal interactions while maintaining meaningful connections. They also shed light into the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating these tools into the faith space, particularly focusing on how AI can support follow-up processes and digital ministry...
info_outline
Episode 26: Jay Kranda | Saddleback Church
The Digital Ministry Podcast
How do we take digital ministry beyond streaming services and create real community? In this episode, we sit down once more with Jay Kranda, online community pastor at Saddleback Church, to dive into the insights from his latest book Online Church is Not the Answer. Jay also shares in this episode his experience in building a balanced ministry, emphasizing the importance of fostering in-person engagement while leveraging digital tools. From AI-driven discipleship to future digital movements, Jay's ideas will inspire you to rethink online church. Tune in now and discover how to transform your...
info_outlineJoin 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 importance of equipping church members to engage their communities and express their faith. Kate discusses the challenges of digital outreach, creating welcoming environments, and the critical role of personal connections and authentic engagement in ministry.
Discover how digital tools can effectively connect with communities and why testing, iterating, and taking risks in marketing strategies are essential while staying true to the church's mission and values. Don't miss this insightful and inspiring conversation!
Show Notes:
-
Key Art - Artwork that is repeated across media
-
Recommendation engine- a data filtering tool that provides personalized suggestions to users based on their past behavior and preferences
-
Blue Miracle - "Blue Miracle" is an inspiring true story about a guardian and his kids at a Mexican orphanage who join forces with a struggling boat captain to win a big fishing competition and save their home. Together, they face many challenges, forming unexpected friendships and demonstrating hope and resilience. Blue Miracle (2021) - IMDb
MII Website - Media Impact International (mii.global)
MII Youtube- Media Impact International - YouTube
MII LinkedIn- Media Impact International: Overview | LinkedIn
Kate Akers IMDb: Kate Akers - IMDb
Nick Runyon LinkedIn
Nick Runyon Twitter
Nick Runyon Instagram