Welcome to episode 297 of The Church Digital, where Jeff unpacks how digital strategies can mesh with church leaders’ objectives, the potential of digital communities on social platforms, and how an emerging "introvert economy" could reshape interactions within the church. We'll delve into the importance of crafting social spaces that foster real conversations and how cutting-edge church formats, like microsites and watch parties, can cater to a broad audience.

Join us and learn how to fully engage your calling, impacting lives profoundly wherever you are.

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Welcome to The Church Digital Podcast—your frontline guide as we decode the complex intersection of faith, technology, and ministry in today's digital era. In this captivating episode, host Jeff Reed is joined by insightful and passionate Megan Carter to dive deep into the essential subject of Mental Health Ministry within the church community. Together, they set out on a path laden with personal insights, shared stories, and audacious solutions for churches tackling the urgent matter of mental health with empathy and insight.Venturing through the intricate web of mental health advocacy in a ministry setting, Jeff and Megan challenge the conventional, presenting a layered perspective that marries the spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical facets of wellness. Their open dialogues and combined wisdom reveal the groundbreaking potential of merging scriptural insights with a comprehension of the neural and physiological connections, laying out a comprehensive framework for aiding individuals on their mental health paths.Join us as we navigate the unfolding terrain of Mental Health Ministry, emphasizing the need to dismantle stigmas, mobilize resources, and cultivate a nurturing community of support within church walls. Engage with this episode of TCD as it beckons you to delve into the rich layers of faith, technology, and mental health advocacy, urging you to expand your knowledge and build impactful relationships in the quest for a well-rounded life.

In the Church Digital Podcast, Jeff Reed guides us through the evolving intersection of faith and technology, tackling crucial questions like the feasibility of digital disciple-making and the implications of the metaverse and artificial intelligence in church operations. With a focus on making biblically grounded churches thrive both online and offline, this episode aims to empower churches of all sizes to embrace technological innovations for ministry growth.

In this conversation, Jeff Reed and Barbara Carneiro discuss their personal experiences and challenges related to church communications. They talk about the importance of defining and understanding your audience, and how to humanize the concept of an audience by thinking about who is sitting at your table. They also discuss the tension between who you want your church to be and who you are actually reaching, and the need to focus on the connections you have rather than trying to change and recruit new ones. The conversation explores the tension between who we want to become and who we are currently reaching. It discusses the importance of being intentional in our connections and focusing on a specific audience. The concept of being viral within a small setting is highlighted, emphasizing the power of being clear in our messaging and targeting a specific group. The cost of letting go and the faith required to trust that God will bring the right people to us is also discussed. In this conversation, Jeff Reed and Barbara Carneiro discuss the importance of clarity and language in ministry and digital communication. They emphasize the need for individuals and organizations to have a clear vision and message that can be easily understood and shared. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of fundraising in ministry and the importance of storytelling in casting vision. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the Church Digital's upcoming learning community on church communications. QUOTES "Who's sitting at your table?" "There has to be a table somewhere for that person because God is that good." "The more I can humanize that vision, the easier it will be for me to speak to them." "We can connect with people from different places than just our age" "Accelerating the path towards somebody" "We're trying to find them and they're praying to find us" "I want to be the person that reveals the heartbeat of the people around me." "It's interesting because you're recognizing that different platforms have different target audiences." "If you're not the best at what you do, then you need to find what you're the best at and go do that." TAKEAWAYS Define and understand your audience by thinking about who is sitting at your table Humanize the concept of an audience by focusing on the people you are actually reaching Recognize the tension between who you want your church to be and who you are currently reaching Focus on the connections you have and build relationships with them Be intentional in our connections and focus on a specific audience Being viral within a small setting can be more effective than trying to reach everyone The cost of letting go is worth the payoff of narrowing our focus Trust that God will bring the right people to us when we are clear in our messaging and targeting Control where we show up, how we show up, and how frequently we show up Clarity and language are essential in ministry and digital communication. Having a clear vision and message that is easily understood and shared is crucial. Fundraising in ministry requires casting vision and attaching a story to it. Creating a portable movement allows for growth and expansion beyond oneself. Niche focus and targeted communications are key to success in the digital space. The Church Digital is hosting a learning community on church communications.

In this episode, Jeff Reed and Andy Mage discuss the concept of asynchronous community and its potential for churches. They define an asynchronous community as communication that does not happen in real time, such as through text messages, social media, or online forums. They emphasize that asynchronous community goes beyond simple conversation and engagement, fostering deeper relationships, support networks, spiritual growth, and involvement in service. They share personal experiences, forming meaningful relationships through online gaming and message boards. They also address whether these relationships are real and argue they can lead to discipleship and authentic community. In this conversation, Andy and Jeff discuss the importance of building real relationships in the digital space and the role of asynchronous communication in creating community. They highlight the need for churches to embrace hybrid models that combine physical and digital interactions. They also emphasize the value of personality and humor in building community and the importance of listening and engaging with people in digital spaces. The conversation concludes with previewing upcoming events and initiatives in The Church Digital Discord server. QUOTES Paul was doing asynchronous community 2,000 years ago." "Asynchronous community is that thing that we try to derive from in all of our church engagements." "I had some of the most deep conversations that I've ever had in my entire life over a headset on my Xbox controller." "There is no barrier between digital and physical. What they see on their phone, what they grew up with, that's what they know." "The connections that we have should be led into community, and within that community is where we see discipleship happen." TIMELINE 00:00 Introduction and Overview 12:53 Defining Asynchronous Community 26:25 Are Online Relationships Real? 33:01 The Potential of Asynchronous Community for Discipleship 36:59 Building Real Relationships in the Digital Space 43:28 The Importance of Community and Discipleship 48:03 Finding Community Before Finding Christ 52:27 Taking the First Step in Building Community 01:03:56 Setting the Example for Asynchronous Communication 01:09:19 The Vision for The Church Digital Discord

Navigating the Digital Landscape: The African American Church's Path Forward

How the Digital Church is Reshaping Worship, Community, and Engagement in the African American Context

The African American church has long been a cornerstone of community, spirituality, and resistance. However, as the world shifts towards a more digital-centric approach, these churches face unique challenges and opportunities. In episode 292 of the TCD podcast, hosted by Jeff Reed, guest DK Hammonds sheds light on the state of the African American digital church, emphasizing the potential for growth and the need for a nuanced approach to technology.

The Digital Divide and Community Engagement

One of the pivotal points discussed by DK Hammonds is the "digital divide"—the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don't. African American churches, often at the heart of communities with limited technological resources, find themselves on the challenging side of this divide. Hammonds underscores the importance of acknowledging this gap and taking proactive steps to bridge it, not only through investment in technology but also through tailored digital discipleship programs that meet community members where they are.

Hybrid Models: Integrating Digital and Physical Spaces

Hammonds advocates for the adoption of hybrid models, which blend online and offline interactions to enhance the worship experience. This approach not only helps in reaching a broader audience but also supports church members who may prefer the convenience and accessibility of digital services. A notable example is the "Barbecue Church" led by Clarence Stowers and Andre Anderson, which successfully integrates physical and digital elements to create a vibrant community space.

Quality of Digital Worship

The conversation also delves into the quality of digital worship experiences, where Hammonds stresses the need for high-quality video and sound. The effectiveness of a digital sermon, he notes, depends significantly on how well pastors can engage with their audience through these mediums. Not all pastors may naturally excel in this space, suggesting a need for training and development to help clergy adapt to these new forms of engagement.

Moving Forward: Embracing Change

In concluding, Hammonds calls for senior church leadership to embrace technological change actively. He emphasizes faith, calling, and the global outreach of ministry as core aspects that can guide African American churches as they navigate this digital transition.

Conclusion:

As African American churches map their digital pathways, the road ahead involves more than just adopting technology. It requires a clear vision for how digital tools can enhance spiritual practices, community engagement, and worship quality. The insights shared by DK Hammonds during his discussion with Jeff Reed on the TCD podcast highlight not only the challenges but also the profound opportunities for growth and outreach. Through a thoughtful and inclusive approach, the African American digital church can continue to be a powerful beacon of hope and connectivity in an increasingly digital world.

TIMECODE

0:00 Introduction, Live Recording

13:15 African Americans prefer diverse or specific worship.

16:06 Inclusion of diverse African diaspora in America.

23:42 Prioritize helping those less financially fortunate.

28:20 Many African American churches use live streams.

36:10 Promoting local church, fostering community, digital integration.

41:47 Creating digital church with real community challenge.

42:34 Hybrid model for church embraces digital services.

52:45 Have faith, be called, find passionate partners.

58:33 Understanding, empathy, truth, risky, allyship, internal work.

01:03:07 Explore podcasts, ask for guidance, do the work.

01:04:57 Sharing resources, wrapping up podcast recording. Goodbye.

The Evolution of Digital Ministry: Celebrating Milestones and Embracing the Future

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside.
Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - ⁠http://thechurch.digital/riverside

As we mark the five-year anniversary of The Church Digital Podcast and the 24-year anniversary of Jeff Reed's first digital ministry venture with ebeliever.com, it's a time of reflection on the leaps and strides made in integrating technology with faith practice.

In January 2000, Jeff Reed embarked on an ambitious project to create ebeliever.com, a pre-social media online Christian community that offered connection through discussion boards, music, and sermons – all at the frontier of digital technology. They were the trailblazers in using technology to foster spiritual community, encoding sermons and conducting online Bible studies long before channels like YouTube became the norm.

The podcast announces the Resilient Church webinar series, focusing on melding connection and community through digital means, an essential conversation in our increasingly online world. Digital ministry is forward-thinking, and these webinars will highlight vibrant discourses from April to September, paving the way for more inclusive and technologically adapted church practices.

Jeff Reed shares his vision of a distributed podcast network, which eschews the expansion of a single podcast for a collaborative, wealth-distributing model. This revolutionary idea emphasizes leadership that seeds and nurtures multiple platforms, resonating with the biblical principle of growth through multiplication.

Reflecting on a harrowing server crash in 2003 that brought down ebeliever.com, Reed highlights the importance of partnership. The path of innovation can be isolating, so finding colleagues like Ray, who supported him through tough times, underscores the importance of community—not just in building a digital church but in the personal lives of those leading the way.

The podcast looks forward to divergent conversations with thought leaders like Peyton Jones on virtual reality church planting, offering listeners a glance into how conventional church planting paradigms are transforming in the modern age.

As we surmise from the narrative of The Church Digital Podcast and ebeliever.com, the intersection of technology and spirituality has indeed seen a paradigm shift. From mere supplemental tools for ministry, digital platforms have burgeoned into central pillars supporting the spread of the Gospel and the cultivation of community. Still, challenges such as technological hiccups, resistance, and the critical need for strategic partnerships remind us that the journey is a continuous learning process.
And so, as we tune in to upcoming interviews, discussions, and webinars, we do so with recognition of the past, appreciation for the present, and eager anticipation for what lies on the horizon for digital faith communities. Cheers to 291 episodes, and here's to the countless more that will continue to inform, inspire, and connect believers across the digital universe.

05:42 Resilient Church webinar for physical church utilization.
13:59 Embracing distributed leadership for Metaverse church director.
16:08 Choosing digital church was a unique move.
23:06 Ed Stetzer success story: started pre-COVID, soared.
27:19 Major tech issues during worst presentation ever.
34:45 Celebrating podcast anniversary and 24-year business milestone.
38:44 eBeliever.com created youth group websites, online Bible studies.
46:49 Smuggling Bibles in various countries, exciting stories.
50:24 Jim Tomberlin, a multi-site movement pioneer.
57:06 Supportive wife, family judgment, seeking empathy.
01:00:13 The eBeliever.com Story

Navigating Digital Transformation: TCD Unveils a New Online Era

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside.
Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - http://thechurch.digital/riverside

In an age where digital presence has become integral to every organization, TCD is no exception.

Ep290 of TCD podcast reveals a transformative period for our digital church. Helmed by host Jeff Reed and his leadership team including Andy Mage, Barbara Carnero, JMO, Jason Morris, and flat cap Layton, TCD is marching into a new era of online engagement and spiritual outreach. The unveiling of our new website, the move to Discord, and an invigorating branding overhaul highlight our renewed commitment to fostering community and faith in the digital realm.

Recognizing the importance of an updated online home, TCD has launched a new website designed to streamline our digital presence. Since 2018, the website had not seen significant updates—until now. Barbara Carnero was pivotal in understanding and crafting a web design that reflects TCD’s vision. By incorporating people-focused elements and reducing clutter from multiple calls-to-action, we aim to create a simplified, direct path to community building. This is a space where technology doesn't overshadow human touch, where images of life within our digital community take center stage over excessive digital effects.

In a strategic move to enhance interaction and fellowship, TCD transitions from Mighty Networks to Discord. This new platform choice reflects a keen understanding of demographic preferences, particularly the adeptness of Discord users with technology. With the launch of our Discord server, we invite our community to engage more deeply and dynamically. This innovative approach is a testament to our adaptability and commitment to leveraging modern tools for spiritual connection.

In this episode, Jeff Reed shares a personal, poignant narrative of health struggles and the mental battle with theodicy. His transparency shines a light on the all-too-human aspect of leadership and underscores the need for a distributed, supportive community within TCD. The commitment to power through challenges and the surprise announcement regarding leadership hint at exciting developments, reinforcing that our mission is not mere branding, but service unto God.

Jeff Reed elaborates on the importance of allowing technology to further the mission of the church. This episode celebrates the collaboration with Riverside for superior recording quality, a move that represents TCD’s investment in high-caliber content delivery. With the livestreaming capabilities on Discord, the podcast aims to transcend cultural and environmental barriers, bringing the message of TCD to new digital frontiers.

As TCD aligns its leadership and community strategies with the digital church framework, we are setting the stage for a new chapter characterized by connection, discipleship, and multiplication. The podcast concludes with Jeff encouraging patience as we engage with the beta phase of new digital endeavors and draws parallels to Gmail's humble beginnings. His call for equipment and experimentation within our digital model signifies a bold willingness to redefine what church looks like in the 21st century.

• 05:26 Streamed on Tuesday, celebrating community changes. Check it out.
• 12:32 Busy morning with unexpected online interactions.
• 20:03 Welcoming new team member creates strong connection.
• 24:08 Mixed feelings about switching to Discord from Facebook.
• 31:46 Reaching new people digitally, time for change.
• 32:51 Paused streaming to find Luke 647 in Bible.
• 38:36 Requesting login. Digging unsuccessful. Found imposter on TikTok.
• 48:05 Struggling with health, fatigue, and uncertainty about diagnosis.
• 54:29 Expressing gratitude and excitement for future prospects.
• 01:00:01 Contemplating symbolism, purpose, and the team's direction.

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital