Pastoring in the Digital Parish United Methodist Communications

In this session of Pastoring in the Digital Parish, we’re going to talk about the challenges and successes of cultivating a digital congregation, the impact of traditional liturgical expressions online, the use of AI-generated tools for social media engagement, and the evolution of pastoral care in a digital context.

Our adjunct professor for this session is Sherry Hietpas, the associate pastor of digital ministry at Andrew Chapel United Methodist Church in Vienna, Virginia. She is also the founder of Encounter–an all-digital expression of church. And she does all this while living with her family in Thailand.

In this episode:

(00:00) Digital ministry leader discusses challenges and successes.

(03:46) Small church adapts to pandemic with outreach.

(07:42) Recording travels across Asia, exploring, worship, growth.

(11:34) Offering liturgical connection for global communities via YouTube.

(16:39) Exploring sacred digital worship and prayer practices.

(17:57) Embracing tradition while engaging with digital audience.

(20:42) Automates episode promotion, saves hours of work.

(24:08) Digital communication vital for remote church engagement.

(27:28) Enhancing digital engagement through comments and discussions.

(30:42) Encouraging feedback for future ministry content.

For notes and more episodes: resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Pastoring in the Digital Parish is a production of United Methodist Communications.

Let’s get to know the Rev. Bethany Peerbolte and hear how it started and how it’s going in her online ministry, called “Our Tapestry.” Bethany shares how her digital ministry journey started somewhat mistakenly through some viral TikTok videos. She shares stories and practices of building community in digital spaces, increasing online engagement in church, and connecting with people beyond the church.

Bethany is a pastor in the Presbyterian Church, USA. She currently runs the all-online expression of church known as Our Tapestry–which is a plant of the Denver Presbytery. She seeks to support people in “theological deserts” and give everyone access to pastoral care, faith formation, and loving community.

In this episode:

(00:00) Explore digital ministry by learning from experts.

(03:33) TikTok algorithm shows concerning Christian content.

(08:51) Providing pastoral support online.

(10:30) Started small text chain, expanded to Discord.

(15:52) Rethinking church practices in the digital age.

(17:34) Discussing church leadership and financial questions.

(20:21) Intentionally scrolling for viral content, finding storytelling inspiration.

(28:40) Progressive Millennials and Gen Z embrace social justice.

(33:20) Creating safe online space for youth group.

(35:32) Interesting metrics drive impactful discussions and engagement.

(43:21) TikTok offers diverse first-hand perspectives.

(47:08) Stories inform our digital ministry practice, share experiences.

Pastoring in the Digital Parish is a production of Resource UMC. For show notes and more episodes: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Host Ryan Dunn offers practical tips and a 7-step process for creating impactful short-form videos to enhance digital outreach and foster meaningful online relationships for the church in the digital era, in this episode of Pastoring in the Digital Parish. We’re repurposing content for the digital ministry win. There are some creative ways you can add short-form, vertical videos to you online ministry toolkit.

In this video:

(00:00) Digital parish resource for expanding ministry impact.

(04:45) Video content reaches wide audiences; it’s vital.

(06:55) Short videos convey Christ-centered community value. Clarify intent, message, and engage.

(11:13) Transcripts and editing.

(13:33) Creating specific content for a targeted audience.

(18:54) Maximize video impact with powerful call-to-action.

(21:13) Enhance video with zooming and on-screen text.

(23:58) Short form as teaser, hashtags crucial for discoverability.

(26:44) Offer grace or hide/delete the comment.

For notes, examples and more episodes: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Rev. Jen Swindell shares her expertise on maximizing the powerful tool of Google Ads to reach new visitors and nurture community. Your church or digital ministry can utilize the Google Ads grant that offers $10,000 per month in advertising for eligible nonprofits.

Jen walks us through the ins and outs of using specific keywords to draw attention to online church marketing and how to create specialized landing pages for events and sermon series. She also explains the success stories of using targeted keywords for outreach and supporting those in need during the holidays.

Jen Swindell is the Pastor of Evangelism and Communications at North Raleigh United Methodist Church. She also coaches and consults churches in regards to their digital outreach strategies. Her goal is to help leaders make the time they already spend in social count more and have a measurable impact in their major goals and metrics.

In this episode:

(00:00) Resource for digital ministry, Google ads grant.

(04:14) Getting started on Google Ads.

(07:04) Google Ads should target popular search terms.

(09:34) Google ad campaigns require specific, relevant keywords.

(20:11) Online campaign encompasses ad groups with search radius.

(25:17) Experiencing success in Google Ads, helping churches.

(27:09) Churches must adhere to Google Ads rules.

(29:09) Regularly review and prioritize Google Ads usage.

(33:37) Reaching out, inviting, and trusting church crucial.

(36:10) Connect with Pastoring in the Digital Parish.

Pastoring in the Digital Parish is produced by Resource UMC. For episode notes and more episodes: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Jason Moore explores AI integration for church ministry, attitudes towards technology in ministry, and balancing a human connection in digital space on Pastoring in the Digital Parish.

In this episode, we explore Jason’s journey from AI skeptic to AI advocate. we’ll explore the practical applications of AI in church settings, from chatbot discussions to sermon preparations and creative storytelling enhancements. Jason provides some principles guiding responsible AI use in ministry and the ethical considerations we must address when embracing this technology.

Jason Moore has devoted the last two-plus decades to resource development, training, and coaching & consulting that works for local churches of all sizes, styles and means. The author of 10 books, Jason has also led hundreds of seminars and keynote addresses across North America – teaching in all 50 states in the USA.

In this episode:

(00:00) Exploring AI’s use in church settings with Jason Moore.

(05:47) AI is a conversation, not just query.

(09:15) Tool facilitates discussion, prompts sermon questions effectively.

(10:18) Use GPT chatbots for different perspectives.

(14:08) Encourage diverse representations of religious figures.

(19:16) Created popular biblical selfie series using modern relevance.

(23:38) AI can save time and build relationships.

(33:27) Caution about using Chat GPT for sources.

(36:18) AI approaching human-like intelligence, debate on possibility.

(38:31) New technology can help with creativity doubts.

(41:12) Embrace roller coasters and new experiences fearlessly.

(44:44) Join conversation on AI in digital ministry.

Pastoring in the Digital Parish is hosted by Rev. Ryan Dunn. It is a production of United Methodist Communications.

For more episodes and session notes: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

In this session with Collin Johansson we’ll learn why live video should be a cornerstone of your digital ministry and how you can craft social media content that not only connects but resonates deeply with your congregation. From creating engaging sermon clips to scheduling posts for optimal impact, we dive deep into strategies that will help retain newcomers, especially around high-traffic times like Easter.

If you’ve ever struggled with keeping your church’s social media fresh and effective, stick around. This is an episode overflowing with practical tips that could transform your digital ministry game.

Collin Johansson serves as the senior social media specialist for the United Methodist Communications’ local church services team. His primary role involves guiding churches to enhance their digital footprints across various social media platforms. Collin thrives on the opportunity to work closely with religious communities, finding excitement and purpose in helping them strengthen their online presence.

In this episode:

(00:00) Podcast: Building digital ministry; engaging congregation online.

(03:59) Video content enhances engagement on social media.

(09:49) Churches should focus on Instagram and TikTok.

(12:20) Effectively reaching out in digital church presence.

(14:02) Church involvement in community and volunteer opportunities.

(19:02) Posting live content on stories to engage.

(20:26) “ResourceUMC: One-stop shop for church outreach”

(25:54) Social media empowers churches to connect digitally.

(35:12) Discussing popular culture, creating topical devotional content.

(37:38) Canva is a great software for churches.

(41:04) New episode next week, peace to you.

Find more resources and tools for digital ministry: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish