Discover fresh insights for church communications and digital ministry in this episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast. This episode brings together digital ministry practitioners from the Phygital Ministry Fellows program. They share practical takeaways and deep reflections on building real relationships, fostering belonging, and creating spiritual spaces online.

Whether you’re a full-time digital pastor or new to online ministry, this episode will help you reimagine how to meet people in digital arenas—moving beyond simply broadcasting content to nurturing meaningful connection and community. You’ll hear firsthand about real questions people carry into digital spaces, how to connect with younger generations, using pop culture as a bridge to faith, and the ethical considerations every church should make before trying the latest technology.

(00:00) - Introduction: Rethinking Digital Ministry
(02:08) - What Questions Are People Bringing Online?
(05:00) - Belonging, Anxiety & Purpose in Digital Spaces
(07:38) - Digital Spaces as First Stop for Spiritual Questions
(09:39) - Are Online Relationships Really Shallow?
(13:54) - Discord and Deep Community Formation
(16:47) - The Gift of Vulnerability & Agency Online
(18:58) - Markers of Trust in Digital Gatherings
(21:41) - Rethinking Youth Engagement: Asking Better Questions
(23:03) - Grieving the Old Models & Embracing Humility
(24:08) - What Draws Young People to Online Spaces?
(28:10) - Pop Culture as Sacred Text
(32:14) - Theology of Incarnation and Presence in Digital Ministry
(36:14) - Practicing Neighborliness in Virtual Spaces
(37:48) - Ethics of Technology Use in Church
(39:23) - Voices in the Wilderness: Pastoring Beyond the Walls
(42:02) - Practical Takeaways for Digital Ministry
(45:46) - Resources and Closing

MyCom is a production of United Methodist Communications. Find more episodes, show notes and links, and more resources for your communications ministry toolkit at www.ResourceUMC.org/MyCom-Podcast

In this episode Ryan Dunn interviews Ken Willard about shifting church outreach from attractional marketing to relational, community-centered work. They explore the "fishing pond" approach, bridge events, prayer walking, and practical ways to welcome skeptical neighbors through hospitality and improved accessibility.

Listeners will learn how to listen to their communities, equip members to share personal stories of faith, and create small, sustainable steps that build long-term relationships and invite new people into the life of the church.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of Church Skepticism

Ken Willard is the Director of Faith Communities Renewal for the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church. He is the author of “Beacon of Hope: Your Guide to Reaching, Witnessing, and Welcoming New People”, as well as books on time management for ministry leaders and discipleship pathways and leadership pathways for churches.

Find episode notes, related episodes, and more resources for your digital ministry toolkit: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

This episode walks through a practical audit of a church's digital presence—podcasts, livestreams, websites and social media—to identify accessibility barriers and easy fixes.

Learn simple, actionable steps like adding transcripts and captions, improving audio and contrast, writing clear alt text and links, and offering content across multiple formats to welcome more people into online ministry.

In this episode:

(00:00) Improving digital accessibility

(06:36) Importance of transcriptions and captions

(10:21) Using descriptive alt text

(11:24) Improving website accessibility

(15:52) Accessibility tips for social content

(20:22) Making content more accessible

(21:49) Podcast resources and credits

Navigating tough conversations in today’s polarized climate is one of the most pressing challenges for church communicators and leaders. In this episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast, Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes, author of the Courageous Conversations curriculum, talks about how churches can respond to hot-button topics with a prophetic voice—without alienating their communities.

Whether you’re crafting public statements on current events, encouraging difficult conversations, or seeking to equip your congregation for deeper unity, this episode will support your ministry with real-world examples and expert advice.

(00:00) The church’s prophetic voice

Scott is the Associate General Secretary (World Service) of Discipleship Ministries. Previously Scott served as Executive Director, Congregational Vitality & Intentional Discipleship, and as both an associate pastor and pastor of a multi-point charge. Scott has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and a DMin in the spiritual formation track from Southern Methodist University. Scott is an elder in the North Georgia Conference since 2007. Scott was recommended for this specific conversation because of his work in developing the "Courageous Conversations" curriculum.

Courageous Conversations is a toolbox that local churches can use to inspire and encourage the church and individuals to participate in conversations that might seem difficult–such as immigration or Christian Nationalism.

Unlock new pathways to spiritual growth and effective church communications. This episode revisits a practical and inspiring interview with clergy coach Nicole Reilley. Discover how digital ministry is more than just live-streaming worship—it's a vibrant, relational, and intentional journey that transforms the way churches connect, disciple, and empower communities of faith.

Rev. Nicole Reilley is a clergy coach, church coach, and church social media manager.  With 30+ years of experience pastoring churches. She currently resources pastors through her podcast, The Clergy Wellness Podcast. In this interview we frequently reference a book she wrote, titled “Expanding the Expedition Through Digital Ministry”.

In this episode:

(00:00) Revisiting a conversation with Rev. Nicole Reilley

Whether you're building a hybrid church, just starting digital outreach, or looking to deepen your online community, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable tips to enhance your digital ministry practice.

Be sure to subscribe, like, and share for more insights on church communications and digital discipleship!

Find notes and more: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

Are you a church communicator or ministry leader looking to boost engagement and effectiveness in your digital outreach? In this episode of MyCom, host Ryan Dunn shares practical strategies and fresh insights for connecting with listeners through podcasting, YouTube, and other broadcast channels. Drawing from years of experience and real-world examples, Ryan explores why podcasts often struggle to build an audience, how to define and serve your specific ministry niche, the power of consistency, and the advantages of expanding to YouTube for discoverability and interaction.

In this episode:

(00:00) How to get people listening to your content?

Whether you’re starting your ministry podcast or looking to enhance your church communications, this episode is packed with practical insights. Listen in and discover new ways to serve and engage your community!

Find more helpful resources, episode notes, and listening recommendations: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

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:

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction: New Year, New Social Media Strategy

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:

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:

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:

00:00 – Introduction & What’s “Rewilding” the Church?

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

This episode is sponsored by:

#ChurchCommunications #ChurchMarketing #DigitalMinistry #RewildingTheChurch #MyComPodcast