TGC 506 - Digital Tools for an Ancient Church

In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most overlooked yet essential tools for church outreach today: search engine optimization (SEO) and making the most of Google. Whether you’re a pastor, church administrator, or volunteer managing your church’s website, this conversation will equip you with practical strategies to ensure your church is found by the people who are looking for it.

Every day, people in your community are searching online for answers—some are seeking a place to worship, others are looking for hope, community, or help. But if your church doesn’t show up when they search, you’re missing a major opportunity to connect with them. That’s where SEO comes in. It’s not about gaming the system or marketing gimmicks—it’s about being present where people are already looking.

We’ll walk through what SEO actually is (in plain English), how Google ranks websites, and the top things you can do today to make your church website more visible online. You’ll learn about the importance of keywords, how to write content that Google recognizes and people appreciate, and why updating your church’s Google Business Profile might be the most important five minutes you spend this week. We’ll also touch on how to make your sermons, events, and blog posts easier to find—and how small things like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and simple URLs can make a big difference.

Our goal isn’t to turn your church into a tech startup—it’s to help faithful churches reach real people with the Gospel by stewarding the tools that are already at our fingertips. This episode is packed with tips, examples, and encouragement to take small, consistent steps toward making your church more discoverable.

If you've ever wondered why your church isn't appearing in search results, how to bring more people to your site, or what Google actually wants from your content, this episode is for you. The harvest is plentiful—even online—and the tools are in your hands. Let's use them wisely.

• The Lutheran Church in a Digital Age: SEO, Outreach, and Mission blog post
• Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Lititz, PA

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Host: Fr. Jason Braaten

Special Guest: Mr. Michael Usner

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