The Church3.0 Podcast

In this episode of Church3.0 by Apollos, Tyler Vance sits down with Ben Snyder, senior pastor of Cedar Creek Church in Toledo, Ohio, to unpack what it really means to lead a modern church in a digital age. Discover how Cedar Creek broke the mold with its iconic "Not Your Mother's Church" campaign and continues to lead with innovation, inclusion, and intentionality.

Ben shares the powerful story of his own transformation from spiritually restless college student to lead pastor—and how Cedar Creek is using tools like the Apollos church engagement app to bridge Sunday services with daily spiritual practices. From interactive “preach offs” during the Super Bowl to building deep community through digital prayer, learn how Cedar Creek is redefining church growth, discipleship, and community connection in a post-Christian world.

Topics Covered:
✅ Digital discipleship strategies
✅ Using church tech apps to boost engagement
✅ Trends in modern church culture
✅ Reaching the unchurched with creativity
✅ Leadership development in ministry

🔗 Learn more about Apollos – https://apollos.com/church-growth
🔗 Connect with Ben Snyder - https://www.instagram.com/bensnyderonline/

Want to know how to stop people from falling through the cracks in your church?

In this episode of Church3.0, hosted by Tyler Vance of Apollos, we sit down with Kacie Frazier, Director of Partnerships at Ministry Brands, to answer real questions church leaders are searching for:

✅ How can churches use data to better engage members?
✅ What is CHMS and why does it matter?
✅ How do you retain new visitors before they leave your church for good?
✅ What’s the best way to move from traditional to digital church models?
✅ Why do churches lose givers when switching platforms—and how can you avoid it?

Kacie brings practical wisdom from years of working with churches on giving platforms and management systems. You'll learn what most churches are doing wrong, and what the best churches are doing right — especially when it comes to church management systems (CHMS), digital follow-up, and clean data practices.

🎯 If you're asking “How do I engage people before they come to church?” or “How can we improve follow-up and giving retention?” — this episode is for you.

🔗 Learn more about Apollos – https://apollos.com/church-growth

In this episode of Church3.0, Tyler Vance COO of Apollos sits down with Alan George, former Church Online Pastor at Life.Church and a leading voice in digital discipleship, to explore how churches can innovate with technology while staying rooted in relational ministry.

Alan shares how churches can use digital tools to go beyond content delivery and foster daily spiritual growth through intentional engagement. From personalized text messages to strategic app design, this episode unpacks what it looks like to lead a digital strategy that’s mission-first, community-focused, and spiritually formative.

The conversation also touches on the emotional and leadership challenges pastors face when shifting from stage-centric ministry to digital shepherding. Alan offers practical wisdom, inspiring stories, and a compelling vision for how churches can disciple people every day—not just on Sundays.

👉 Subscribe to Church3.0 for more conversations on digital innovation in ministry.
👉 Visit Apollos to scale your church’s digital impact: https://apollos.com/church-growth

In this episode of Church 3.0, Tyler Vance sits down with Darin Yates from Crossroads Church to discuss the critical evolution of church technology over the past two decades. Darin shares how Crossroads strategically shifted from simply enhancing in-person services with technology to leveraging digital tools for deeper discipleship and community engagement.

Hear about Crossroads' early innovations like cassette tape distribution, the lessons learned from their first major digital initiatives, and how a culture of prayer now drives both spiritual growth and generosity. 

Darin also highlights the importance of owning your digital platforms rather than relying on borrowed audiences. He explains how Crossroads designs its app experiences to foster daily community among believers.

Whether you are a church leader grappling with digital strategy or someone passionate about the future of ministry, this episode is packed with practical insights and visionary leadership.