Looking to revitalize your church’s digital presence for the new year? In this episode of MyCom, host Ryan Dunn shares practical strategies and insider insights to help you grow your ministry and foster authentic connections online. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to level up your church’s social media, you’ll learn actionable tips for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube—with special focus on creating engaging content, leveraging platform algorithms, and tailoring your message for specific audiences.

Discover how to:

• Build a welcoming and knowable digital church identity
• Turn your congregation into brand ambassadors for greater online reach
• Create share-worthy content that gets noticed in algorithm-driven feeds
• Use stories, reels, and long-form videos to deepen engagement
• Optimize your church’s video and search strategy for lasting impact

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction: New Year, New Social Media Strategy 02:25 — Ryan Dunn’s Journey: From Ministry to Digital Communications 03:31 — Setting the Table: Goals for Churches on Social Media 05:01 — Best Practices: Being Knowable & Engaging Online 06:25 — The Golden Rule: Serve the Platform and the Audience 08:06 — How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Ministry 09:02 — Facebook: Empowering Brand Advocates & Targeting Current Members 11:27 — Key Content Metrics: What Really Drives Sharing 13:06 — Instagram: Reels, Stories, and Engaging Younger Audiences 15:26 — Making Stories Work: Tips & Tricks 18:00 — Avoiding Story Overload & Measuring Success on Instagram 20:06 — TikTok: Reaching Young People, Search Trends, and Strategy Limitations 23:17 — Hashtags, Personal Accounts, and Maximizing Reach on TikTok 25:50 — YouTube: Video Search, Long-Term Value, and Organizing for Seekers 28:29 — Platform-Centric Content: The YouTube Approach 29:18 — Four Trends for 2025: Search, Long-Form Video, Quality, and Personal Approach 32:45 — Final Encouragement & Resources for Ongoing Growth

Find more episodes and resources for your ministry: ResourceUMC.org/MyCom-Podcast

Unlock the power of data in your church communications with this episode of "MyCom Church Communications and Marketing" Lauren Miers, Senior Communication Specialist of the Missouri Conference of The United Methodist Church, joins host Ryan Dunn to explore practical, actionable ways data can transform your ministry’s messaging and outreach. Whether you serve in a local church or a conference office, you’ll learn how to use both qualitative and quantitative data to make smarter decisions, reach the right audiences, and give your congregation what they truly need.

In this episode: 00:00 – Introduction & Why Data Matters in Church Communications 02:01 – Lauren Miers’ Background & Journey 03:54 – Defining Data Driven Communications 06:11 – Measuring Value & True Impact with Data 08:41 – Matching Content to the Right Platforms 10:07 – Communication Planning & Feedback Loops 14:40 – Workflow: Building Habits for Reviewing Data 21:00 – The Tools Behind Effective Data Collection 23:01 – Postmortem Data: Pivoting Your Ministry Plan 26:26 – Pet Data Points & What They Reveal 29:00 – Using Data to Truly Know Your Audience 30:50 – Easy Ways to Start Implementing Data Practices 33:27 – Bringing Others on Board with Data Insights 36:19 – Final Thoughts & Open Source Resources

If you want your ministry to work smarter and have a bigger impact, watch this episode and discover how data can help you connect, adapt, and grow. Don’t forget to subscribe for more practical episodes on church communications and marketing! Episode notes and more: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

This episode mentions these partner links: United Methodist Higher Education Foundation: www.umhef.org United Methodist Communications Giving Tuesday: www.umcom.org/GT2025

With endless digital content competing for our focus, let's explore the impact of technology on church engagement, share practical strategies for creating meaningful connections online, and invite churches to become sanctuaries for attention—places where people's presence is honored rather than exploited. Whether you're a church communicator, leader, or just curious about ministry in the digital age, this episode offers thoughtful ideas and actionable tips for making your church story stand out with purpose and peace.

Get ready to rethink church communications and ministry! In this episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast, host Ryan Dunn sits down with the leadership team from First United Methodist Church of San Diego to explore their journey of transformation in the aftermath of the pandemic. Discover practical strategies for "rewilding" your church—embracing digital innovation, shifting mindsets, and inviting your congregation into the future of ministry.

Joining Ryan in this episode are: - Rev. Trudy Robinson, Lead Pastor - Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka, Pastor of Discipleship - Rev. Brittany Juliette Hanlin, Pastor of Connection and Care - Meghan Claussen, Director of Communications

00:00 – Introduction & What’s “Rewilding” the Church? 02:26 – Meet the FUMC San Diego Leadership Team 04:15 – The Catalyst for Change: Shifting Church Culture 07:47 – Visioning Process: How the Journey Began 10:08 – Proposals for Ministry Innovation 14:10 – From Bible Study to Podcast: Transforming Discipleship 18:00 – Digital Evangelism, Workshops & Empowering Congregants 22:33 – Overcoming Resistance & Building Buy-In 26:39 – Key Performance Indicators: Measuring Engagement 29:04 – Defining and Celebrating Success in Today’s Church 33:49 – “Rewilding”: Following the Wild Spirit 36:29 – Lessons Learned & Language Barriers 41:43 – Empowering All Generations for Change 44:36 – Takeaways & Next Steps for Your Ministry

Find more episodes of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

This episode is sponsored by: - wearesparkhouse.com - umcom.org

#ChurchCommunications #ChurchMarketing #DigitalMinistry #RewildingTheChurch #MyComPodcast

Discover how to build a vibrant digital church community that thrives beyond traditional walls in this inspiring episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast! Host Ryan Dunn sits down with Erin Beasley and Sean Stanfield to unpack the story behind The Vine United Methodist Church, a digital United Methodist faith community born out of disaffiliation. Whether you’re starting an online ministry, seeking fresh discipleship strategies, or looking to deepen authentic connections in a digital world, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, innovation, and hope for the future of church communications.

Connect with The Vine: https://www.thevineumc.church/

⏰ CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction: Reimagining Church After Disaffiliation 01:45 – The Origin of The Vine: Meeting a Real Need 04:14 – Going Global: Leveraging Social Media for Outreach 06:08 – Creative Content: Short Sermons, Podcasts, & Tough Topics 08:59 – Building Community: Engaging Feedback & Discipleship Pathways 11:53 – Online Communion: Creating Sacred Moments Virtually 16:40 – From Viewers to Disciples: Inviting Deeper Connection 18:38 – Vulnerability Online: Why Digital Spaces Foster Openness 21:06 – Branch Groups & ‘Branch Managers’: Small Group Strategies 23:10 – Digital Church Planting Models: From Branches to Congregations 26:18 – Hot Topics: Church Hurt, Justice, and Connecting the Margins 29:30 – Lessons Learned & Advice for Aspiring Digital Ministers 33:37 – What’s Next for The Vine? Dreams and Missional Expansion 38:06 – Social Media Tactics: Growth on TikTok & Instagram 41:09 – Key Takeaways & Episode Close

This episode brought to us by:

RootedGood.org

Cokesbury.com/Call-Response

🔗 Find more resources & episode notes: https://resourceumc.org/mycompodcast

Let's embark on a virtual "road trip" with the creative team from First United Methodist Church Richardson in Texas. Joined by Creative Director Rohini Drake, Engagement Coordinator Mallory Pickering, and Technical Director Tyler Payne, the group shares insights from their summer worship series, "Road Trip," where they traveled to places of spiritual connection—like Hot Springs, Arkansas and the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville—capturing prayer moments, stories, and immersive worship content along the way. Together, they discuss the power of taking church outside its physical walls, forging new connections, and using digital storytelling to engage both local and online faith communities. Buckle up as we dive into inspirational stories, practical content creation tips, and the heart behind connecting congregations in fresh, meaningful ways.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

• How a multi-stop road trip became an immersive worship series called “Road Trip.”

• The art of capturing unplanned, authentic faith moments—rain, gratitude toads, and all!

• Creative techniques for sharing stories across online and in-person platforms.

• Insights on breaking the walls of the church building and experiencing God’s presence wherever you are.

• Tips on community engagement and keeping your congregation connected, even from afar.

See how the community around FUMC Richardson is engaging project: www.fumcr.com/roadtrip

See episode notes and explore other episodes of MyCom: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

This episode is sponsored by:

www.RootedGood.org

The Progressive Planter: https://www.cokesbury.com/The-Progressive-Planter

Unlock practical strategies for digital ministry in this episode of the MyCom Church Marketing and Communications podcast! Host Ryan Dunn sits down with Olivia DiAgostino, executive for United Women in Faith Digital, to explore how United Women in Faith is building a thriving online community for women of faith.

Whether you're a ministry leader, church communicator, or simply passionate about community building, this episode is packed with real-world insights on human-centered design, creating meaningful online connections, and sustainable community engagement.

Chapters & Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview 01:28 – Meet Olivia DiAgostino (Role and Digital Community Scope) 03:25 – Building Digital Community & Why UW Faith Went Digital 05:20 – From Content to Community: What Changed? 06:45 – Making Community Engagement Work & Tips for Consistent Participation 08:40 – Organic Leadership & Member-Driven Moderation 11:39 – Creating Groups: Organic, Intentional Growth Strategies 12:58 – When Digital Community Crosses Into the Real World 16:07 – Rituals of Welcome: Bringing Hospitality to Online Spaces 19:42 – Navigating Tech Resistance and Platform Fatigue 22:08 – Maintaining a Trusted, Respectful Digital Environment 24:09 – Moderation Guidelines: Sisterhood of Grace 26:03 – Why Mighty Networks? Choosing the Right Digital Platform 27:02 – Practical Advice for Ministry Leaders Starting Digital Communities 28:55 – Open Invitation: Who Can Join UW Faith Digital? 30:27 – Closing Thoughts & Resources

Find episode notes and more: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast #ChurchCommunications #DigitalMinistry #CommunityBuilding #MyComPodcast #UnitedWomenInFaith

Struggling with stagnant social media engagement in your ministry? You’re not alone! In this episode of the MyCom Church Marketing & Communications Podcast, host Ryan Dunn unpacks practical strategies to breathe new life into your church’s social media presence. Whether you’re a church leader, communicator, or volunteer, you'll discover actionable insights to boost engagement, connect with your community more meaningfully, and expand your digital reach.

Learn why likes and reach might not be the best metrics, how to create content that platforms and people love, and why stories and DMs can become secret weapons for authentic connection. Plus, find out simple ways to make your church more visible and supportive in your digital neighborhood.

Key Insights:

• Rethink your metrics: Focus on shares and link clicks for real impact

• Make the most of Instagram Stories to engage your community (with or without sound!)

• Use direct messages strategically to deepen relationships

• Become an active digital neighbor to boost your church’s visibility

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction: Facing stagnant social media 01:23 – The truth about engagement & platform algorithms 03:21 – Rethinking success: Likes, reach, and real value 06:06 – Why "prayers get shares" and event promotion tips 10:00 – Maximizing Stories: Format, features, and engagement hacks 15:04 – Harnessing DMs for meaningful connection 17:49 – Be an active digital neighbor: Community engagement 18:42 – Recap: Takeaways for revitalizing your practice of ministry

Subscribe to stay inspired and get more tools for transforming your church’s communications strategy!

Find more resources for your ministry at resourceumc.org.