The GenSend Podcast Your Favorite Influencer Is Not Your Pastor: Loving the Local Church in a Digital Age
In Episode 6 of Season 6, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with speaker, comedian, and K-LOVE radio host Lacy Abercrombie to talk about a topic every student leader needs to think through: how Christian-influencer culture shapes your faith. Be equipped to help your students discern truth online, stay rooted in the local church, and use their influence for the glory of God—not personal brand-building. Walk away ready to lead students to engage the digital world with wisdom, guard their hearts from comparison, and lead others toward authentic discipleship that happens face-to-face, not just through screens.
Also in This Episode, Learn:
- How to use social media as a tool for evangelism and encouragement without losing your focus on the gospel
- The difference between being discipled and simply consuming Christian content
- Why online influence should supplement, not replace, local church community
- How to stay rooted in biblical truth when loud voices online sound convincing but lack depth
- Practical guardrails for pastors, ministry leaders, and students using digital platforms
Helpful Resources:
GenSend on Instagram and YouTube
★ Find more resources to lead the next generation on mission at https://GenSend.org
★ Subscribe to The GenSend Podcast on your favorite podcast platform
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Shareable Quotes:
“We can replace time with God by consuming content about God. And that’s dangerous.” —Lacy Abercrombie
“An influencer can’t replace your church. We were made to be known and known in community.”
—Lacy Abercrombie
“Look down at your two feet. Right there is your mission field. Even your digital footprint is ground God can use.”
—Shane Pruitt
“There’s an idolatry of cool in our culture. We’ve started equating influence with wisdom.”
“There’s a difference between being inspired by someone online and being discipled by someone who knows you.”
—Lacey Villasenor
“There’s so much beauty in being shepherded, known, and held accountable.”
—Lacy Abercrombie
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