What Would Jesus Tech Multiplying the Word: Creating Local Digital Content as a Church, with Pastor Luke Simmons
In this episode of What Would Jesus Tech, hosts Andrew Noble and Austin Gravley chat with Luke Simmons, a lead pastor, discussing the intersection of digital marketing and pastoral ministry. One of our most practical episodes for what churches can be doing!
We explore the role of social media for pastors, the potential harms of digital media, and how to leverage digital tools for local ministry. Luke shares practical tips for creating engaging church communications, overcoming barriers to digital engagement, and navigating the challenges of content creation, including the use of AI. We also address the celebrity pastor culture, and how local-first is the way to build out your digital content as a church.
Follow Luke Simmons on Twitter/X.
FaithfulandFruitful.com (Pastoral and Leadership Resources from Luke).
Takeaways from this episode
- Pastors should consider using social media as a tool for expanding their "word" and discipleship ministry.
- Digital content (like podcasts or social media posts) cannot replace visitation, preaching, and pastoral care, but it can help teach people the ways of Christ.
- Digital media can pose risks, including moral dangers (e.g. lust) and distractions. This isn't for every pastor or every church.
- Digital content creation should be approached with a mindset of iteration and experimentation.
- Utilizing email effectively can significantly increase engagement rates.
- Balancing personal interests with pastoral responsibilities is crucial in communication.
- The use of AI in content creation should be approached thoughtfully and authentically.
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Chapters
0:00 - Introduction to Digital Marketing for Pastors
2:00 - The Role of Social Media in Pastoral Ministry
3:33 - Potential Harms of Social Media for Pastors
7:03 - Using Digital Tools for Ministry (e.g. podcast)
12:43 - Transforming Church Communication (e.g. emails)
16:42 - Creating & Repurposing Content
27:33 - The Importance of Practice in Communication
28:57 - Leadership and Communication: The Core Connection
30:02 - Choosing Topics & Outlets for Digital Ministry
39:20 - Addressing the Celebrity Pastor Culture
43:01 - Practical Tips for Digital Engagement
WWJT is cohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. These show notes were co-created by Andrew and an AI tool. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com