The Church3.0 Podcast

Apollos
  • 4.3 (4)
  • Non-Profit

Welcome to Church3.0, presented by Apollos. This podcast is for church leaders, IT team members, and anyone passionate about the future of faith, community, digital discipleship, and all things church tech. Hosted by Tyler Vance, COO of Apollos, Church3.0 dives deep into the shifting landscape of modern Christian culture. Each episode explores a different facet of both the enduring truths and the urgent challenges defining the current church experience.  Listen in as Tyler sits down with guests from around the globe who are key church leaders and innovators in the faith space. Tune into each conversation as we seek to understand what it looks like to live out a 2,000-year-old faith in a rapidly changing, digital-first world.  From navigating cultural shifts and digital distractions to reimagining community and engagement outside of Sunday service, Church3.0 asks the tough questions about relevance, impact, and Christ-centered hope in the 21st century. If you’re seeking conversations that push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and inspire transformation, this podcast is for you. Discover how leaders are cultivating vibrant communities (both online and in person), addressing real-world issues, and creating a more hopeful future for the church and the world. Church3.0. Push boundaries. Change lives. Create a more hopeful future. For more information visit: https://apollos.com/church-growth

  1. Sep 9

    Justin Reimer: Stop Measuring Church Success by Attendance Alone

    Justin Reimer of Vivid Church shares why measuring church health through fun, love, and truth builds sustainable urban ministry and why sending capacity matters far more than seating capacity. What if the key to sustainable church health has nothing to do with attendance figures or venue size? In this episode of The Church3.0, host Tyler Vance sits down with Justin Reimer, lead pastor and co-founder of Vivid Church. Drawing from over 25 years of ministry experience, Justin shares why he and his wife Jennifer chose to plant in major urban centers like Vancouver, Toronto, and Italy using a non-traditional model centered on prayer, authentic community, and joy. Justin unpacks the three core metrics Vivid Church uses to gauge health: fun, love, and truth. He explains why treating pastoral leadership like event planning causes severe burnout, why sending capacity should always take priority over seating capacity, and how walking every street in a city prepped his heart for long-term urban church planting. What You’ll Learn: 🚀 Why sending capacity matters far more than building seating capacity ❤️ How to measure church health using metrics like fun, love, and truth 🚶‍♂️ What happens when you walk and pray through an entire city before launching 🌱 How church leaders can avoid artificial growth strategies 🎟️ How to build a church culture rooted in hope and hustle 😊 Why joy is essential for sustaining long-term ministry 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Justin Reimer: https://www.instagram.com/justinreimer/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith and technology conversations. #Church3Point0 #ApollosPodcast #ChurchPlanting #ChurchLeadership #MinistryGrowth

    Justin Reimer: Stop Measuring Church Success by Attendance Alone

  2. Aug 26

    Warren Bird: How Megachurches Are Growing by Getting Smaller | Church3.0

    Warren Bird has spent more than two decades researching America's largest churches and has authored or co-authored 35 books on church leadership. In this conversation with Tyler Vance, Warren unpacks the new Mega Church Resurgence study, a survey repeated every five years since 2000, and explains why growth today looks different than before the pandemic. Church leaders will walk away with a clearer picture of what is actually driving attendance, generosity, and discipleship in America's largest congregations. What You’ll Learn: - Why is "resurgence" the right word for what is happening in large churches today, rather than simple rebuilding - Are megachurches really a baby boomer trend that is about to fade? - How did small groups become the top discipleship priority for 94 percent of large churches - What explains the gap between small group intent and actual participation? - Why large churches can innovate faster than smaller churches after the pandemic - How leadership residencies are training the next generation of pastors - Is online giving outpacing attendance growth in America's largest churches? 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Warren Bird: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wbird/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #Church3Point0 #ApollosPodcast #MegachurchGrowth #ChurchLeadership #SmallGroups

    Warren Bird: How Megachurches Are Growing by Getting Smaller | Church3.0

  3. Aug 12

    Mark MacDonald: How Church Branding Drives Ministry Growth

    Mark MacDonald reveals how church branding strategy shifts your messaging from internal noise to external clarity that reaches your community. In this episode of Church3.0, Mark MacDonald, founder of Be Known for Something, joins host Tyler Vance to discuss why churches do not need more noise, they need more clarity. They unpack why sameness is your biggest competition, how Google puts every local church on the same virtual street, and why leading with felt needs is the front door to true spiritual transformation. What You'll Learn: Why sameness is a local church's biggest competition on Google StreetHow to transition from internal kitchen language to clear external communicationWhat is the best framework for church messaging and community reach?Why leading with felt needs creates the front door to spiritual transformationHow to define a custom polygon reach area using CHMS database mappingWhy throwaway header copy like everyone is welcome hurts website conversion🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Mark MacDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beknownforsomething/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #Church3Point0 #ApollosPodcast #ChurchBranding #DigitalMinistry #ChurchGrowth

    Mark MacDonald: How Church Branding Drives Ministry Growth

  4. Jul 29

    Alan George: Reimagining Discipleship Beyond Sunday Gatherings | Church3.0

    What does discipleship look like beyond Sunday mornings? In this episode of Church3.0, Alan George shares why the future of the local church may depend less on programs and more on relational discipleship, everyday faith, and communities that truly know and love one another. As a leader at BattleCreek Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Alan George has spent years helping churches navigate digital ministry, organizational scale, leadership, and innovation. In this conversation, Alan George explores what he learned from pastors in Egypt, why discipleship must move beyond strategy, and how churches can cultivate rhythms that resemble the life of Jesus. Tyler and Alan George dig into leadership, digital ministry, and the tension between organizational scale and relational discipleship. It's an honest, unscripted conversation about Sabbath, prayer, parenting in the faith, and why the local church's real work happens far beyond the Sunday service. What You’ll Learn: 👥 Communal Relational Discipleship: Discover why Alan George believes authentic discipleship is born out of daily relationship rather than institutional strategy. ⏳ The Rhythm of Jesus: Learn to embrace holy interruptions in your leadership calendar instead of over-scheduling for maximum efficiency. 👁️ Vision vs. Mission: Unpack insights from Dallas Willard and Isaiah 6 on keeping your eyes on God rather than getting lost in ministry execution. 🙏 The Power of Digital Prayer: Find out how the Apollos app features help make mega churches feel small by humanizing local communities. 🏡 Faith at the Dinner Table: What is communal relational discipleship, and how can we successfully bring everyday faith expression back into our neighborhoods? 🌍 Global Ministry Perspectives: Hear inspiring stories from Alan George’s recent journey to a pastors conference in Egypt and the Middle East. 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Alan George: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanvgeorge/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #AlanGeorge #BattleCreekChurch #Discipleship #ChurchLeadership #FaithAndTechnology #DigitalMinistry #ApollosPodcast #Church3Point0 #Tulsa #ChristianLeadership

    Alan George: Reimagining Discipleship Beyond Sunday Gatherings | Church3.0

  5. Jul 15

    Justin Dean: How Churches Can Lead with AI, Marketing & Innovation | Church3.0

    What does it take for the Church to lead culture again instead of following it? Justin Dean joins Church3.0 to unpack the future of church leadership, AI, digital ministry, and innovation in a rapidly changing world. Justin Dean is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, fractional CMO, and former communications leader at Mars Hill Church and Tithe.ly. In this conversation, Justin Dean shares lessons from scaling large ministries, navigating church growth, leveraging AI, and helping churches think differently about technology, discipleship, and community. As AI reshapes search, content creation, and digital engagement, Justin Dean challenges churches to move from being consumers of culture to creators of culture—and to lead the conversation around technology with wisdom, creativity, and mission. What You’ll Learn 🚀 Justin Dean's leadership journey from corporate marketing into church ministry 🤖 AI for churches: How artificial intelligence is changing ministry strategy 📈 Church growth systems: Why scale exposes culture, leadership, and process gaps 🎯 Church marketing strategies: Moving beyond content distribution toward connection 🏛️ Mars Hill lessons: Insights on leadership, growth, and organizational complexity 🌐 Digital ministry innovation: How churches can lead instead of lag behind technology 🤝 Hospitality and discipleship: Why community remains the Church's greatest opportunity 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Justin Dean: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinjdean/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #JustinDean #ChurchLeadership #DigitalMinistry #FaithAndTechnology #ArtificialIntelligence #ChurchInnovation #ChurchGrowth #ChristianLeadership #ApollosPodcast #Church3Point0 #ChurchCommunications #Discipleship

    Justin Dean: How Churches Can Lead with AI, Marketing & Innovation | Church3.0

  6. Jul 1

    Lauren Bercarich: Building a Digital Ministry Team for Massive Engagement | Church3.0

    How do you transition from a broadcast news career to leading one of the most innovative digital church departments in the country? In this episode, Lauren Bercarich shares her journey of building a unified digital team at Liquid Church and the strategic shifts required to prioritize digital ministry in a post-pandemic world. Lauren Bercarich discusses the vital importance of breaking down organizational silos and why "leading up" to senior leadership is the key to unlocking digital growth. You’ll learn how Liquid Church integrated their app, website, and pastoral care to create a seamless hybrid experience that has facilitated over 1.7 million prayers. What You’ll Learn: 📈 Organizational Strategy: How Lauren Bercarich restructured IT and communications to create a unified digital products team. 🤝 Leadership Alignment: The secret to "leading up" and building trust with senior leaders like Tim Lucas. 📱 Digital Engagement: Why Liquid Church prioritizes digital prayer and scripture engagement over mere viewership metrics. ⛪ Hybrid Assimilation: How to build a "Digital Front Door" that leads to physical church community and leadership pipelines. ⚖️ Work-Life Integration: Honest insights on balancing high-level ministry leadership with the calling of being a parent. 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Lauren: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenbercarich/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations.

    Lauren Bercarich: Building a Digital Ministry Team for Massive Engagement | Church3.0

  7. Jun 18

    Nils Smith: Rethink Innovation, First Principles, and the Future of Church Apps | Church3.0

    In this episode, digital ministry Nils Smith joins us to discuss the fine line between healthy innovation and stagnant tradition. As the VP of Marketing for Faith Driven Entrepreneur, Nils shares why "we've always done it this way" is the most dangerous phrase in leadership and how to reclaim your organization's "why." Together, we explore how faith-driven innovation can help the Church stay effective, relevant, and mission-focused in a world shaped by platforms, algorithms, and AI. What You’ll Learn: 📉 Why churches lose innovation when they say “we’ve always done it this way” (Nils Smith insight) 🧠 How Nils Smith applies “first principles thinking” to church leadership 📱 Why Nils Smith says not every church should build an app 🌐 The difference between rented vs owned digital platforms in ministry 🔁 Why returning to the “good old days” can limit church growth 📊 How data and user-generated content transform discipleship strategy 🚀 Why Faith Driven Entrepreneur is mobilizing a global movement of entrepreneurs 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Nils Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilssmith/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #NilsSmith #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #Church3Point0 #ApollosPodcast #DigitalMinistry #ChurchLeadership #FaithAndTechnology #Innovation #ChurchGrowth #RedemptiveLeadership #KingdomBusiness #FirstPrinciples

    Nils Smith: Rethink Innovation, First Principles, and the Future of Church Apps | Church3.0

  8. Jun 3

    Conrad VanLandingham: Building the Future of Church Tech in the Age of AI | Church3.0

    How should churches think about AI, digital ministry, and human connection in 2026? In this Inside Track episode of Church3.0, Tyler sits down with Conrad VanLandingham, Chief Product Officer at Apollos, to explore how AI is transforming church technology, product design, and spiritual engagement. Conrad VanLandingham shares how Apollos is reimagining digital ministry tools for the future of the Church — from AI-powered software development to creating meaningful community experiences that help people move from spiritual curiosity to spiritual habits. Whether you lead a church, build technology, or care about the future of faith and innovation, this conversation offers practical insights into how thoughtful product strategy can deepen human connection. Churches today face a growing challenge: how do you create authentic community in an increasingly disconnected world? Conrad VanLandingham explains why Apollos focuses less on “widgets” and more on outcomes — helping people pray together, become known, and build life-changing community through digital experiences designed with intention. What You’ll Learn 🚀 Conrad VanLandingham on AI and church technology — how AI is accelerating product development in ministry 🧠 Product taste and decision-making — why asking “why?” matters more than ever in AI-driven software 📱 Digital ministry strategy at Apollos — designing church apps for spiritual growth and connection 🙏 Prayer and community engagement — how churches are using Apollos to deepen relationships 🔥 Faith and technology innovation — the future of church software in 2026 👥 How churches help people move from zero to one spiritually through intentional design 🌎 Church leadership and community building in Dallas, Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth  🔗 Connect with Conrad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradvanl/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #ConradVanLandingham #ApollosPodcast #Church3Point0 #FaithAndTechnology #DigitalMinistry #ChurchLeadership #AIInMinistry #ChurchInnovation #PrayerEngagement #ChristianLeadership #ChurchTech #Apollos

    Conrad VanLandingham: Building the Future of Church Tech in the Age of AI | Church3.0
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4.3
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Church3.0, presented by Apollos. This podcast is for church leaders, IT team members, and anyone passionate about the future of faith, community, digital discipleship, and all things church tech. Hosted by Tyler Vance, COO of Apollos, Church3.0 dives deep into the shifting landscape of modern Christian culture. Each episode explores a different facet of both the enduring truths and the urgent challenges defining the current church experience.  Listen in as Tyler sits down with guests from around the globe who are key church leaders and innovators in the faith space. Tune into each conversation as we seek to understand what it looks like to live out a 2,000-year-old faith in a rapidly changing, digital-first world.  From navigating cultural shifts and digital distractions to reimagining community and engagement outside of Sunday service, Church3.0 asks the tough questions about relevance, impact, and Christ-centered hope in the 21st century. If you’re seeking conversations that push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and inspire transformation, this podcast is for you. Discover how leaders are cultivating vibrant communities (both online and in person), addressing real-world issues, and creating a more hopeful future for the church and the world. Church3.0. Push boundaries. Change lives. Create a more hopeful future. For more information visit: https://apollos.com/church-growth

Information

  • Creator
    Apollos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Church3.0 Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Church3.0 Podcast