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

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

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:

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