In this special episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim sit down with Brady Sticker, founder of Church Candy Marketing, the agency helping over 1,000+ churches reach new families with targeted digital outreach. Brady shares the strategies behind churches seeing 20–50 first-time guests EVERY month, the spiritual tension of using social media for ministry, and why he believes now is the greatest opportunity in history for church growth.

We dig into the big question from our previous episode (Should churches delete social media?) and explore a balanced, Bible-anchored approach to using digital platforms without losing our peace in the process.

Brady opens with honesty: social media can absolutely be harmful. But instead of abandoning digital spaces, he challenges churches to redeem them. If people spend hours online, why wouldn’t the church meet them there with the hope of Jesus? This episode explores how to engage these platforms wisely, purposefully, and missionally.

Brady reveals the single biggest key to digital ministry success:
Make people feel seen.

With personalized messaging, real follow-up, and intentional digital hospitality, churches can help guests feel welcomed before they ever step inside the building. Social media isn’t about likes or views—it’s about real people with real stories.

Brady breaks down:

• Why churches of under 500 need a different strategy than churches over 500

• How emotional connection beats flashy production

• Why AI helps churches stay consistent without losing authenticity

• What “Plan Your Visit” is and how it drives predictable growth

• Whether churches are truly “stealing” from each other when they run ads

Church Candy’s approach isn’t about hype—it’s about getting new families into community, hearing the Gospel, and meeting Jesus.

The goal isn’t to replace pastors but to multiply their impact throughout the week.

While automations and ads are useful, Brady reminds us that nothing replaces:

• real conversations

• Spirit-led discipleship

• genuine relationships

• the ministry of presence

Churches shouldn’t use digital tools to fill seats—they should use them to reach souls and make disciples, not consumers.

Not every tool fits every church, but every church can follow Jesus faithfully in its context.

Website: churchcandy.com
Social: @bradysticker everywhere
If your church wants consistent, predictable guest flow, Brady’s team is a trusted resource.

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Get the Eyes on Jesus 90 Day Discernment Devotional

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