The Digital Ministry Podcast
Welcome to the Digital Ministry Podcast, a conversation with the world’s leaders combining faith and technology. 🎙️ Each week we’ll talk with church and Christian ministry leaders who are using technology in new ways to reach the world with a message of hope and love. As the digital media landscape rapidly shifts, The Digital Ministry Podcast continues to explore how advancements in technology can lead to opportunities for digital ministry.
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Episode 35: Jay Kranda | Saddleback
05/12/2025
Episode 35: Jay Kranda | Saddleback
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 fostering effective teamwork and elevating your ministry. They highlight the value of clear communication, constructive feedback loops, and a shared sense of responsibility in achieving ministry goals. Show Notes Connect with us on our socials! Jay Kranda Jay Kranda Jay Kranda Jay Kranda Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon MII Website - Media Impact International MII Youtube- Media Impact International MII LinkedIn- Media Impact International
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Episode 34: Jay Kranda | Saddleback
02/17/2025
Episode 34: Jay Kranda | Saddleback
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 redefine our future in dealing with ministry in a more authentic way. Don’t miss out on this deep dive conversation about the challenges and opportunities of an AI-driven future. Show Notes - a research and note-taking tool from Google that uses artificial intelligence, specifically Google Gemini, to assist users in interacting with their documents - a Chinese artificial intelligence software company Connect with us on our socials! Jay Kranda Jay Kranda Jay Kranda Jay Kranda Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon MII Website - Media Impact International MII Youtube- Media Impact International MII LinkedIn- Media Impact International
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Episode 33: Bryce Runyon | Gloo
01/30/2025
Episode 33: Bryce Runyon | Gloo
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, and how AI can enhance ministry without replacing the human aspect of communication. Show Notes - a tech-driven organization in Colorado, focusing on leveraging data and AI tools to empower churches, ministries, and organizations to support their mission in engaging and serving communities effectively Parachurch - are organization, groups, or networks that stand alongside the church to engage in social welfare and evangelism - it is a survey on VanderWeele's flourishing measure, which concentrates on 6 domains: (1) happiness and life satisfaction; (2) mental and physical health; (3) meaning and purpose; (4) character and virtue; (5) close social relationships; and (6) financial and material stability. Connect with us on our socials! Gloo AI Bryce Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 32: Joshua Seale | Biblica
01/21/2025
Episode 32: Joshua Seale | Biblica
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 offering translations, most especially to the under-represented languages, and notes that AI has helped them immensely in accelerating the process of Bible translation. A global summit happening this coming April 8th to 10th at Plano, Dallas, is also one of the key events that Joshua has been working on. It is focused on tackling and sharing more insights for different ministry leaders, discussing more about using technology to enhance the Bible translation and engagement space. For more information about this event, visit missional.ai and check out their last year’s summit videos. Tune in to discover more about Biblica and Missional AI and learn how they are transforming the Bible reading experience. Show Notes - it is a global ministry focused on incorporating innovations to reach more people with the Bible through their different Scripture translations - a global movement dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence can revolutionize missional engagement New International Version (NIV) - the most widely read translation of the Bible in contemporary English, officially published in 1978 with its latest revisions released in 2011. Connect with us on our socials! Joshua Seale Biblica Biblica Biblica Biblica Biblica Missional AI Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 31: Rob Hall | Trauma-Free World
11/15/2024
Episode 31: Rob Hall | Trauma-Free World
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 into the challenges of training AI to handle sensitive topics safely, the importance of cultural awareness, and the organization's commitment to feedback-driven development. He also outlines their collaboration with agencies and nonprofits to expand TECO’s reach, encouraging churches and ministries to explore how TECO can help in trauma care. Tune in to discover how Trauma-Free World is transforming trauma-informed care for children worldwide. Connect with us on our socials! Rob Hall Trauma-Free World Trauma-Free World Trauma-Free World Trauma-Free World Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 30: Don Barger | IMB director for Innovation and MX Labs
11/04/2024
Episode 30: Don Barger | IMB director for Innovation and MX Labs
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 AI Expectations: They cover the challenges of AI's rapid evolution, its impact on expectations, and the need for a strategic approach. Future Vision: They explore AI’s power to automate tasks and free up resources, allowing people to focus on what matters most. Join us for a closer look into how AI is shaping the future of ministry! Links for other sources or information mentioned IMB: Prediction Guard: Synthesia: Llama 3.1: Connect with us on our socials! Don Barger Don Barger Don Barger Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 29: AI Prayers
10/24/2024
Episode 29: AI Prayers
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. The episode delves into the debate over whether AI-generated prayers are appropriate or if they diminish the role of the Holy Spirit. The core question centers on whether the person leading the prayer is Spirit-led. Join us as we explore this topic, returning to the Bible to examine the connection between God and humanity and the roles of humans in ministry and the Holy Spirit in prayer.
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Episode 28: Justin Murff | Strategic Resource Group
10/18/2024
Episode 28: Justin Murff | Strategic Resource Group
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 the cultural and political divides that affect church attendance, explaining how digital platforms can bridge the gap and even inspire physical church planting. Join us as we delve into the evolving landscape of digital churches, the crucial role of digital missionaries, and the potential for greater collaboration across church networks to support faith communities around the globe. Connect with us on our socials! Justin Murff Justin Murff Justin Murff Anglican Office for Government & International Affairs Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 27: Daniel Hall | One Hope
10/03/2024
Episode 27: Daniel Hall | One Hope
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 engagement. Throughout the episode, they address common concerns about AI's limitations. They also speculate on the future of CRM systems, AI integrations, and how technology can help streamline ministry efforts without losing the human touch. Whether you're a ministry leader, tech enthusiast, or curious about how digital tools can enhance outreach, this conversation provides valuable insights into the future of AI in faith communities. Join the conversation as Nick and Daniel share their experiences, hopes, and even skepticism around the impact of AI on ministry, offering practical takeaways for using these tools to spread the message of hope in today’s digital world. Show Notes Notebook LM by Google: All-In Podcast: Mearsheimer AI: Connect with us on our socials! Daniel Hall Daniel Hall Daniel Hall Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 26: Jay Kranda | Saddleback Church
09/13/2024
Episode 26: Jay Kranda | Saddleback Church
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 church’s digital strategy! Show Notes: - is a newly published book written by Jay Kranda challenges the common approach of streaming church services as the main form of digital ministry. The book encourages churches to think more strategically about integrating digital tools in ways that complement in-person ministry. - a generative artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Google. Connect with us on our socials!
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Episode 25: Kim Tarlton | Church Communications Group
09/04/2024
Episode 25: Kim Tarlton | Church Communications Group
In this episode, we sit down with Kim Tarlton, General Manager for Church Communications Group, to discuss the most effective ways churches can leverage digital platforms. Kim shares her expertise on understanding your target audience across platforms like church websites, social media, and apps. She introduces the concept of the "three rings of marketing," which involves communicating to your church community, reaching those seeking a church, and engaging with individuals who have a felt need. Kim provides practical advice on tailoring your church’s messaging and resources to each of these groups, with a special emphasis on creating a welcoming website homepage for first-time visitors. We dive into the critical role of digital presence, exploring how blogs can boost SEO, and how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube can showcase church life and engage potential visitors. We also discuss the shift from in-person to online church attendance, the importance of clear calls to action, and the future of the church in a digital world that longs for more intimate and community-focused gatherings. Tune in for valuable insights on how to enhance your church’s digital strategy and make a meaningful impact online. Show Notes: Three rings of church marketing -it involves communicating to your church community, reaching those seeking a church, and engaging with individuals who have a felt need. Previously Adwords, now known as Google Ads, is an online advertising platform developed by Google. It allows businesses to display ads on Google's search engine results pages and other sites in the Google Display Network. - was an American advertising company that specialized in providing internet ad serving services from 1995 until it was acquired by Google in March 2008. - is the first multi-season TV series that tells the story of Jesus' life, offering a unique perspective by showing Him through the eyes of those who knew Him. Connect with us on our socials!
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Episode 24: Natchi Lazarus
08/23/2024
Episode 24: Natchi Lazarus
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 landscape. He also highlights the potential of AI in social media management, particularly for enhancing Youtube channel impact and efficiency. Tune in for valuable insights on integrating AI into ministry effectively! Show Notes: is a platform that uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing (NLP) to answer user queries in a question-and-answer format. It helps users find information quickly and efficiently, similar to a search engine or virtual assistant. now known as Google Ads, is an online advertising platform developed by Google. It allows businesses to display ads on Google's search engine results pages and other sites in the Google Display Network. is a novel by Jack Carr is the seventh installment in the James Reece series. The novel features former Navy SEAL James Reece as he faces a rogue Chinese submarine armed with nuclear missiles, a tech mogul advancing quantum computing and AI, and a politician under foreign influence. A crucial quantum computer named "Alice" may either save or doom the country is an Artificial Intelligence, trained by Anthropic using Constitutional AI. Like ChatGPT, Claude is an AI chatbot with a special large language model (LLM) running behind it. a type of artificial intelligence technology that broadly describes machine learning systems capable of generating text, images, code or other types of content, often in response to a prompt entered by a user. Connect with us on our socials!
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Episode 23: Be Social
08/15/2024
Episode 23: Be Social
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, likes, and shares are crucial for your content’s visibility and success. Being Responsive: Find out the importance of engaging in both public and private conversations, enhancing your relationships with followers. We also cover the use of chatbots to help maintain timely responses and keep your audience engaged. As we wrap up, we’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback! Your engagement is vital, so don't hesitate to connect. Tune in and elevate your social media strategy to new heights! Show Notes: Vanity Metrics- A vanity metric in social media is a metric that measures the popularity or engagement of a social media account or post. Chat bot- A chatbot is a software that mimics human conversation with users. While not all chatbots use artificial intelligence (AI), more advanced ones now use techniques like natural language processing (NLP) to understand questions and automatically respond. Being Responsive: Find out the importance of engaging in both public and private conversations, enhancing your relationships with followers.
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Episode 22: Overcoming Challenges in Marketing Tech Stack with Nick Runyon
08/08/2024
Episode 22: Overcoming Challenges in Marketing Tech Stack with Nick Runyon
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 time, and learning from failures. I look forward to you participating in the conversation and sharing your experiences! Show Notes: Marketing Technology Stack- This refers to the collection of technological solutions utilized for marketing purposes. These tools can range from digital asset management systems and marketing automation platforms to chatbots and social media monitoring tools. User Journey- The sequence of interactions a person experiences with a product or service, starting from their initial engagement and continuing until they achieve the desired outcome. Hotjar- A comprehensive platform offering five key tools, including heatmaps, funnels, and surveys. It uses AI to generate surveys, automatically summarize survey results, and conduct sentiment analysis. GDPR- a regulation that aims to protect the data privacy and rights of European citizens. If your organization interacts with individuals based in the European Union, you likely have responsibilities under this regulation. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers-) a non-profit organization that coordinates and manages the Internet's domain name system (DNS) and the allocation of IP addresses. It focuses on facilitating access to registration data related to generic top-level domains (gTLDs) while complying with privacy laws. Connect with us on our socials!
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Episode 21: Raouf Rafla | CRU
08/02/2024
Episode 21: Raouf Rafla | CRU
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. Raouf also offers insights into his work at Cru, explaining how he uses his marketing experience to support ministries. He emphasizes the importance of setting objectives and measuring results in advertising campaigns, and praises the positive culture and flexibility at Cru that allow him to thrive. Tune in for an awe-inspiring story of God’s providence and how He orchestrates every aspect of our lives, like Raouf Rafla’s. Show Notes: an interdenominational Christian parachurch organization, founded in 1951, that aims to proclaim the Gospel throughout the world - a French sporting goods retailer known for offering a wide range of high-quality, affordable sports equipment, apparel, and accessories. a Swedish multinational company specializing in affordable, ready-to-assemble furniture, home accessories, and kitchen appliances. Connect with us on our socials!
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Episode 20: Nils Smith | Amplify Social Media
07/18/2024
Episode 20: Nils Smith | Amplify Social Media
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 about US politics, campaigns, and their influence on technology and social media. If you’re leading a digital ministry, don’t miss their insightful discussions on the importance of awareness, leadership adaptation, thoughtful content creation, and more! Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of navigating the complexities of today’s digital and political landscape. Show Notes: - Head of Innovation at Dunham+Company, Founder of Amplify Social Media, and Co-Founder of TVApp.Church and Crossover Collectibles. - a digital marketing agency that offers a wide range of services to help businesses succeed online. Scotus Article on Social Media Content Moderation: on him believing Tiktok will soon be banned in US - a 4-time New York Times best-selling author - what Nils Smith believes to be the most powerful platform in American politics today Connect with us on our socials! Nils Smith Nils Smith Nils Smith Nils Smith Nils Smith Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 19: Kate Akers | Strategic Services Director, MII
07/08/2024
Episode 19: Kate Akers | Strategic Services Director, MII
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 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. MII Website - MII Youtube- MII LinkedIn- Kate Akers IMDb: Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 18: How to Train New Digital Teams
06/25/2024
Episode 18: How to Train New Digital Teams
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, decide, act. This episode encourages ministry professionals to harness free online resources to stay ahead of technological shifts and enhance their impact. Show Notes: Hubspot Academy - is the worldwide leader in free online training for inbound marketing, sales, and customer service professionals. Google Analytics Academy - helps you learn about Google's measurement tools so that you can grow your business through intelligent data collection and analysis. Meta Blueprint Certification - become a Meta-certified marketing professional with Meta Blueprint and get recognized through the best of Facebook and Instagram advertising solutions. OODA Loop - Orient, Observe, Decide and Act Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 17: Understanding Digital Ministry
06/20/2024
Episode 17: Understanding Digital Ministry
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 centered around the ideal persona, identifying their challenges, and crafting solutions to meet their needs. This episode equips ministry teams with a model for enhancing digital outreach, prioritizing audience experience, and providing actionable suggestions for applying these concepts. Show Notes: The Persona-Driven Value Proposition Framework - intended to help ministry teams develop more impactful digital outreach through a persona-focused, value-centered approach Strategy is the “Where”, “What” and "When" Persona is the “Who” Reaching that persona involves understanding what problems they face and how the ministry can directly address those problems through solutions. Developing an effective strategy starts with the persona and involves determining where they spend time online, what content would be most relevant, which channels to use, and how to test efforts. Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 16: Josh Burnett | Church.Tech
06/13/2024
Episode 16: Josh Burnett | Church.Tech
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 ethical considerations, emphasizing AI as a support tool that enhances rather than replaces human intuition. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the future of AI in ministry, only here in The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: - CEO and Co-founder of Church.Tech - AI tools for your church Sermon Copilot - An ethical AI-augmented sermon writing tool (currently on the works) Josh Burnett Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 15: Marc Pierce | Warm Springs Production
06/07/2024
Episode 15: Marc Pierce | Warm Springs Production
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 of adaptability in this dynamic field. Discover Marc's strategies for prioritizing video content and crafting effective social media plans. Plus, learn how churches and nonprofits can harness the power of video to connect with their audiences and make a lasting impact. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with valuable industry knowledge and practical advice, only here at The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: - Owner of Warm Springs Productions with Chris Richardson, aiming to build a company that celebrated creativity, consistency and healthy work-life balance within the production space. - is a turn-key production company, a team of 80+ full-time staff that specialize in creating captivating television from start to finish. Marc Pierce Warm Springs Production Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 14: Brad Hill | Gloo
05/31/2024
Episode 14: Brad Hill | Gloo
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 their congregations. With initiatives like the State of the Church 2025, in collaboration with Barna, Gloo is at the forefront of proving empirically that spiritual flourishing leads to overall life improvement. Join us as we dive into the transformative potential of digital media in fostering authentic connections and nurturing thriving communities within the church ecosystem, only here at The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: - Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo. - an all-in-one marketplace with everything leaders need to do ministry better, faster and with more impact. - is a Christian research organization that provides data and insights on the trends affecting faith, culture and ministry today. Gloo is partnering with Barna on the State of the Church 2025 project, which aims to survey 100,000 churches to compare their well-being with those who are not connected to a gospel community. Brad Hill Brad Hill Brad Hill Gloo Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 13: Beau Coffron | Life.Church and @lunchboxdad
05/23/2024
Episode 13: Beau Coffron | Life.Church and @lunchboxdad
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 utilization of personalized interactions, this conversation uncovers the transformative power of digital ministry. Tune in to gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring anecdotes that will empower you to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving landscape of social media ministry, only here at The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: - the Central Team Leader Social Media at Life.Church and Content Creator at Lunchboxdad - a diverse group of people meeting in cities across the United States and around the world - helping you make lunchtime fun, connecting with your kids, and showing you products that make your life as a busy parent easier - an all-in-one social media management platform that unlocks the full potential of social to transform not just your marketing strategy but your overall digital persona - a new social network with integrated text and video chat to meet people and make friends with strangers. Beau Coffron Beau Coffron Beau Coffron Beau Coffron Lunchbox Dad Life.Church Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 12: Robert Rouse | Viz.Bible
05/10/2024
Episode 12: Robert Rouse | Viz.Bible
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 storytelling and media in promoting spiritual exploration and fostering trust in ministry context. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of data analysis and technology in deepening connections with faith, only here at The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: - an Analytics Strategist at Action Analytics and the brains behind Viz.Bible. - showcases data visualizations, infographics, and illustrated diagrams that inspire people to know God more fully. - is the representation of data through use of common graphics, such as charts, plots, infographics and even animations. Robert Rouse Robert Rouse Robert Rouse Viz.Bible Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 11: Kenny Jahng | AI Next
05/02/2024
Episode 11: Kenny Jahng | AI Next
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 and collaborations in tech to elevate digital ministry conversations. Learn how churches can implement marketing funnels and content to demonstrate relevance in their communities. Discover more opportunities to gather ministry leaders and share best practices that are making an impact with technology, only here at The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: Ministry leaders need to shift their mindset and view technology tools as accelerators rather than expenses. Collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing are crucial for ministry leaders to stay updated and leverage the full potential of technology tools. Sustainable and community-led approaches to ministry can have a greater impact and create lasting change. Tools like Mailchimp and texting platforms offer more than just basic functionalities and can be used for advanced workflows and guest follow-up systems. Education and understanding of technology tools are essential for ministry leaders to fully utilize their capabilities. Churches can use technology and adopt a marketing operations approach to be more relevant and engaged in their communities. Social listening tools allow churches to monitor and engage in conversations happening in their communities and provide valuable resources and support. Webinars, seminars, and lead magnets can be used to attract and engage with people on topics that are relevant to them. Sharing success stories and case studies helps demonstrate the value and impact of these strategies. Kenny Jahng Kenny Jahng Kenny Jahng Kenny Jahng Kenny Jahng Kenny Jahng Kenny Jahng Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 10: Daniel Hall | One Hope
04/25/2024
Episode 10: Daniel Hall | One Hope
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 understanding each user needs and how your content can align with those. The conversation highlights tensions between operational efficiency and creative experiences in ministry offerings. This episode will definitely give you valuable insights for any ministry seeking to strengthen their digital presence and connect with audiences where they are. Tune in now, only here at The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: - a Christian evangelical organization based in Pompano Beach, Florida - Director of Digital Program Development of One Hope Customer Relationship Management or CRM is a process in which a business or other organization administers its interactions with customers, typically using data analysis to study large amounts of information - your ministry’s conversation in one place. Daniel Hall Daniel Hall Daniel Hall Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 9: Nils Smith | Amplify Social Media
03/15/2024
Episode 9: Nils Smith | Amplify Social Media
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 TikTok and how you can further venture into optimizing landscape videos for your content. If you're leading a ministry into the digital era, this episode offers valuable insights on authenticity, relationships, and effectively leveraging AI tools. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on navigating the intersection of technology and spirituality in the digital age. Show Notes: - Head of Innovation at Dunham+Company, Founder of Amplify Social Media, and Co-Founder of TVApp.Church and Crossover Collectibles. - a digital marketing agency that offers a wide range of services to help businesses succeed online. - Nils’ latest book; outlines practical tips and tried-and-true strategies to optimize your social media presence. - a book on educating non-profit leaders on how blockchain technology and cryptocurrency can empower the mission of your organization. Connect with us on our socials! Nils Smith Nils Smith Nils Smith Nils Smith Nils Smith Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 8: Jon Ralls | Kavanah Media
02/22/2024
Episode 8: Jon Ralls | Kavanah Media
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 safeguard online ministry operations. Beyond security, Ralls also emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships for outreach and advocates for embracing failure as a pathway to innovation. Tune in to gain practical insights into striking a balance between digital ministry efforts and ensuring robust online safety, only here at The Digital Ministry Podcast. Show Notes: - is the founder and owner of Kavanah Media. He has been working with clients and college students for the last 20 years in the Communications and Media Industries. - specializes in helping Mission Teams and Churches find seekers in their context. Specializing in paid advertising, web development, and digital strategy coaching, we work with you to make the most of your advertising budget. - a security system that requires two separate, distinct forms of identification in order to access something. The first factor is a password and the second commonly includes a text with a code sent to your smartphone, or biometrics using your fingerprint, face, or retina - is a mechanism for creating a secure connection between a computing device and a computer network, or between two networks, using an insecure communication medium such as the public Internet. Connect with us on our socials! Jon Ralls Kavanah Media Kavanah Media Kavanah Media Kavanah Media Kavanah Media Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 7: Katie Allred | Church Communications
02/15/2024
Episode 7: Katie Allred | Church Communications
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 ministry, discussing strategies for authentic social media use to share faith, foster relationships, and engage new audiences. Tune in for a compelling discussion for those seeking to enhance their community engagement through digital platforms. Show Notes: - is a Christian organization dedicated to empowering churches with expert advice, educational resources, and consultative support in the field of church communications. - founded ChurchCommunications.com and manages the Church Communications Facebook Group that serves as a resource on marketing and communication strategies for over 30,000 church leaders. Connect with us on our socials! Katie Allred Katie Allred Katie Allred Katie Allred Katie Allred Church Communications Church Communications Church Communications Church Communications Church Communications Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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Episode 6: Steven Earp | Elevate Church
02/08/2024
Episode 6: Steven Earp | Elevate Church
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 of the gospel, this episode explores the nuances of effective online engagement. Tune in for valuable insights that will equip your ministry to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital outreach and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those seeking hope and connection. Show Notes: - is a global non-profit working to see more people in unreached areas brought into God’s kingdom and growing in their faith, the effective utilization. - is an exciting, life-giving church located in the heart of Old Town Moore. "Mission is about drawing near to the Lord. It's not a transaction, it's a feeling.” -Steven Earp “I think it's possible we can see the gospel get to every tribe, tongue and nation. And it will largely be due to digital efforts and social media online reach. We have an incredible tool right in our hands. incredible opportunity, like the Church of Jesus has never had before." -Steven Earp Connect with us on our socials! Steven Earp Steven Earp Steven Earp Elevate Church Elevate Church Elevate Church Nick Runyon Nick Runyon Nick Runyon
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