Calmversations s07e69 | Internet Pastoral, with Paul VanderKlay
May 9, 2025
Paul VanderKlay, a pastor and founder of the Estuary Online Community, dives into the challenges of building authentic connections in the digital age. He discusses the emotional complexities of personal finance as a content creator, navigating dual roles in ministry and online presence. The conversation also touches on how suffering fosters growth and the innovative concept of online faith communities. VanderKlay reflects on Calvinism's influence on identity while advocating for inclusivity in digital ministry and the transformative power of shared experiences.
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Humility Guards Online Pastoral Work
- Online content creators risk inflating their ego and losing pastoral humility when gaining influence.
- Paul maintains humility by valuing relationships over status and being aware of the corrosive effects of self-importance.
Lessons from Ministry in Dominican Republic
- Paul VanderKlay shares his experience in the Dominican Republic where he realized his small efforts had limited impact on the suffering community.
- That taught him humility about his role and focused his ministry on being transformed by suffering, not just fixing it.
The Birth of Randos Conversations
- Paul VanderKlay tells how his "randos conversations" started from one-on-one Zoom talks that became public YouTube videos to reach more people at once.
- These conversations build vulnerable, meaningful relationships which form a network similar to a house church community.