Advertise on podcast: Pastoring in the Digital Parish

Dr. Deanna Thompson brings a unique perspective to Pastoring in the Digital Parish, having been ministered to through digital means during her ongoing battle with an incurable form of cancer. Dr. Thompson recounts her journey from digital skeptic to advocate. Deanna unpacks the pressing challenges that face young people as they navigate the complexities of online communication without the seasoned guidance of adults, educators, and religious communities. We also explore the responsibility that educators and faith institutions must shoulder in fostering ethical online behavior and community-building. Dr. Deanna Thompson is an author, speaker, and Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community and Martin E. Marty Regents Chair of Religion and the Academy at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Several years ago, she wrote a book called “The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World”. In this episode: (00:00) Exploring faith in the digital world (04:01) Digital skeptic turned advocate for online connections. (06:59) Digital technology as a tool with limits. (10:21) Challenges of online navigation and misinformation spread. (15:37) Challenges of digital pastoral care and advocacy. (18:39) Vulnerability in sickness, online spaces offer solace. (21:37) Discerning digital connection’s role in church mission. (27:12) Church staff adapting to digital skills demand. (30:40) Exploring the complexities of being a digital native. (34:48) Discussing trust and boundaries in online spaces. (38:02) Enhancing dialogue on compassion and ethics online. More from Pastoring in the Digital Parish: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish Pastoring in the Digitial Parish is a production of United Methodist Communications.

On this episode of “Pastoring in the Digital Parish,” we welcome back Rev. Nathan Webb to discuss the innovative approach to bible study outreach being employed by Checkpoint Church. Nathan shares the inspiration behind their unique bible study curriculum, “Jesus Loves Nerds,” hosted on Substack, which draws on trending video games and anime to engage the church community in a fresh and unconventional way. We’re going to get into the reasoning behind the subscription model, the delicate balance of content monetization, and the practical considerations of delivering and processing the material.  Our guest for this session, Rev. Nathan Webb, is the founder and lead pastor of Checkpoint Church, an all-digital expression of church primarily focused on nerd culture and the gaming community.  This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative and strategic process behind building a relevant and sustainable Bible study for the digital culture. So let’s get into it on Pastoring in the Digital Parish! In this episode: (00:00) Nathan Webb discusses innovative bible study approach. (06:29) Creating weekly digital bible studies for nerds. (09:28) Church leaders considering monetizing content, facing pushback. (14:17) Churches seek new revenue sources amid scarcity. (17:41) Connecting with diverse interests, reaching new demographics. (21:14) Delivering weekly content, guiding youth leaders effectively. (23:12) Guided questions, activity, spiritual practice, closing prayer. (27:05) Seeking affirmation for successful usage and expansion. (29:41) Exploring online ministry and community building resources. For more episodes and notes: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish Pastoring in the Digital Parish is hosted by Rev. Ryan Dunn. It is a production of United Methodist Communications.

In this collaboration with the Holy Roast Podcast, pastors Ryan Dunn, Rob Tucker and Rachel Wallace explore the challenges and successes of online ministry and pastoring in the digital age. The Holy Roast podcast equips and inspires local church leaders. This collaborative session covers the importance of maintaining a strong online presence, redefining success metrics for online ministry, and the theological considerations of communion in a scattered church community. We also got into a discussion on personal and professional boundaries in the digital world. There is a lot of valuable insight for digital engagement and pastoral care. Explore more with the Holy Roast Podcast: https://linktr.ee/holyroastpodcast In this episode: (00:00) Exploring digital ministry with Holy Roast podcast. (04:55) Vision casting, skills, practical experience, marketing relationships. (08:12) Lockdown led to rethinking worship and community. (10:42) Discussion about dwindling church attendance and adaptation. (13:51) Pastors moved out of church for community connection. (17:14) Redefining church success beyond traditional attendance metrics. (20:18) Church digital ministry aims for growth and engagement. (25:06) Advocating for hybrid education and outreach opportunities. (26:01) Unanticipated digital presence challenges personal and professional boundaries. (31:21) Defining healthy boundaries in digital presence. (35:43) Churches use platform-specific content to define community. (39:13) Utilize online platforms for church outreach effectively. (48:15) Thanks, friends. Wrapping up digital parish sessions. For more episodes and notes: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish  

We’re kicking off season 8! In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Caleb Lines, a pastor who has led his congregation through a remarkable transformation. Caleb shares the challenges his church faced, from vandalism to financial instability, and how they overcame these obstacles through innovative strategies, including a strong social media presence and creative repurposing of church facilities. Join us as we uncover the power of digital outreach, alternative income streams, and the unwavering commitment to community engagement. Rev. Dr. Caleb J. Lines is senior pastor at University Christian Church in San Diego, CA. He is the author of The Great Digital Commission: Embracing Social Media for Church Growth and Transformation (Cascade Books, 2021), which quickly reached #1 on Amazon’s New Releases for Church Growth.  His views on the intersection of religion and public life have been featured in diverse local, national, and international publications.  Caleb is also the Co-Executive Director and board member of Progressive Christianity.org, treasurer of the national board of Jubilee USA Network, and Co-Host of the popular podcast “The Moonshine Jesus Show“. In this episode: (00:00) “Digital parish offers innovative strategies for ministry.” (05:48) Started with minimal staff, emphasized digital ministry. (08:58) Promoting church online, sharing, and engaging community. (13:17) Social media targets different audiences, builds community. (14:02) Church authenticity problem hinders religious affiliation decline. (19:25) Practicing and advocating for social justice online. (22:57) Think through branding, consistent messaging, diverse content. (27:17) Assessing and improving church finances for survival. (29:22) Underutilized church space leads to strategic planning. (32:05) Considered options, sold land to housing developer. (35:21) Supporting ministry through alternative income streams. (41:09) Adaptation led to creativity and dynamic worship. (42:11) Finding joy in ministry, pursuing dreams. For more episodes and notes: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

What we learned from daily podcasting during National Podcast Posts Month for Pastoring in the Digital Parish. This is episode number 30 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

What worked then in digital ministry and community likely won’t work tomorrow. Let’s prepare for the future of digital ministry. This is episode number 29 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

How can we prepare for the coming twists and turns in the digital ministry landscape? Let’s dive into ways we can prepare for the future of ministry in the digital age. This is episode number 28 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Observing how other organizations manage their digital presence can provide us with new ideas and approaches. This is episode number 27 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

In this #NaPodPoMo mini-episode, let’s talk about how digital ministry can help build safe connections with younger generations. This is episode number 26 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Let’s set up some healthy boundaries and habits that will help you flourish in your practice of digital ministry. This is episode number 25 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

In the fast-paced world of digital ministry, managing time and resources is an acute challenge. Let’s explore doing it well. This is episode number 24 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

User-generated content is a powerful tool for making your congregation easily know-able and sharing your digital ministry’s mission. This is episode number 23 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind of volume and frequency can help to build an audience and a sense of community. Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish at www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish