Best Nick Runyon Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 26: Jay Kranda | Saddleback Church 40:05

2h ago40:05

40:05

How do we take digital ministry beyond streaming services and create real community? In this episode, we sit down once more with Jay Kranda, online community pastor at Saddleback Church, to dive into the insights from his latest book Online Church is Not the Answer. Jay also shares in this episode his experience in building a balanced ministry, emp…

1
AI Tech, The Church, and More with Dr. Justin Lester 42:01

4d ago42:01

42:01

DK Hammonds and Dr. Justin Lester reunite to discuss the latest AI technology and tools, and their relevance to the church. DK reflects on the importance of understanding AI's future and impact to the society. Justin explores recent AI developments, including Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Pulpit AI, and their potential applications in c…

1
Online Church is NOT the Answer with Jay Kranda 48:22

8d ago48:22

48:22

Nils Smith and Jay Kranda reunite to discuss Jay's new book, "Online Church Is Not The Answer." Nils reflects on their early days in online ministry and commends Jay for his extensive work. Jay Kranda shares fresh insights into digital ministry, emphasizing the importance of integrating digital tools and strategies beyond live streaming. Tune in to…

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Episode 25: Kim Tarlton | Church Communications Group 45:34

10d ago45:34

45:34

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Tarlton, General Manager for Church Communications Group, to discuss the most effective ways churches can leverage digital platforms. Kim shares her expertise on understanding your target audience across platforms like church websites, social media, and apps. She introduces the concept of the "three rings of ma…

1
Episode 24: Natchi Lazarus 1:02:24

25d ago1:02:24

1:02:24

In this episode Natchi Lazarus explores emerging trends and future potential of AI in ministry. He discusses the critical role of AI tools like custom GPTs and AI agents, appealing to ministry leaders to stay informed about both the benefits and risks. Natchi draws parallels between generative AI and the Biblical concept of creation, emphasizing th…

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YouTube Features Every Church Needs to Utilize 22:35

23d ago22:35

22:35

Nils Smith and DK Hammonds discuss what they believe is the greatest social network of all time—YouTube. Nils talks about how YouTube is prioritizing Shorts and competing for attention against TikTok. DK shares his success on YouTube and explains how a full video can serve as both a sales opportunity and an invitation to church. Both agree that You…

1
Episode 23: Be Social 15:20

1M ago15:20

15:20

In this episode, we pinned down the critical role of social interaction on social media platforms and how to build meaningful connections with your audience. Join our host as he explores three key strategies for effective engagement: Responding to Comments: Learn how to craft a solid engagement strategy that encourages dialogue and interaction. Und…

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Big Announcement from DK and Nils (Not Clickbait) 28:03

29d ago28:03

28:03

In today’s episode, Nils Smith and DK Hammonds discuss the past, present, and future of Amplify Social Media—the company that has been our trusted partner in all our endeavors. Nils recounts the company’s origins over a decade ago, when it was established to help churches and ministries enhance their social media presence. DK explains why he is tak…

1
Episode 22: Overcoming Challenges in Marketing Tech Stack with Nick Runyon 20:47

2M ago20:47

20:47

Join me as I quickly share practical advice for digital ministry teams on dealing with the uncertainties and challenges faced with your marketing technology stack. In this episode, I’ll emphasize three tips namely: to eliminate distractions, to avoid false precision, and lastly, to keep moving forward. This episode highlights the importance of focu…

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Is Geofencing a Friend or Foe? (Justin Nava) 49:51

1M ago49:51

49:51

In this week's episode, DK Hammonds and guest Justin Nava discuss what geofencing is about in the context of church and faith-based communities. DK shares the importance of using the right tools found in the tech space and introducing them into the church. Justin emphasizes how geofencing or geotargeting is properly done to make an impact in God’s …

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Episode 21: Raouf Rafla | CRU 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

In this inspiring episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast, guest Raouf Rafla shares with host, Nick Runyon, his journey of moving from Egypt to the US and back again, detailing how he navigated job opportunities and relationships along the way. He generously recounts his love story, including his decision to move to the US to be with his girlfriend…

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Navigating Politics on Social Media for Churches 34:20

2M ago34:20

34:20

In this week's episode, Nils Smith and DK Hammonds tackle the complexities of navigating politics on social media for churches. Nils shares the challenges pastors face when expressing political views online, including potential division within the congregation. DK offers strategies for managing political discourse on church social media while maint…

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Top AI Tools for Churches with Kenny Jahng 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

Nils Smith and Kenny Jahng explore the impact of AI tools on churches and ministries in this week's episode. They discuss a range of AI tools and their applications in ministry settings, discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of this rapidly developing technology. Kenny even shares a fascinating example: his team's use of AI to create vid…

1
Episode 20: Nils Smith | Amplify Social Media 50:41

2M ago50:41

50:41

Join Nils Smith and host Nick Runyon on The Digital Ministry Podcast as they dive into the potential future of digital ministries amidst a possible government-mediated social media content moderation. Discover how these changes might impact free speech and trickle down to the individual level and even to businesses and ministries. In this episode, …

1
Software Options for Churches 46:32

2M ago46:32

46:32

Join Nils Smith and DK Hammonds as they explore different software options churches can leverage. In this episode, our hosts discuss the software and technology they've used in their own experiences and what they believe churches can benefit from. DK excitedly shares his recent drone purchase and the apps he's been using. Nils also details software…

1
Episode 19: Kate Akers | Strategic Services Director, MII 44:14

3M ago44:14

44:14

Join us for an engaging episode with Kate Akers, MII's Strategic Services Director. Kate shares her extensive marketing experience with a large church as well as with Sony Pictures, including her work on the film “Blue Miracle” and the role of key art in Netflix's recommendation engine. Explore the similarities between church marketing and working …

1
The Impact of AI on Church SEO 34:34

3M ago34:34

34:34

In this week’s episode, Nils Smith and DK Hammonds talk about the importance of SEO for websites. They explore content optimization, user experience, onsite and offsite SEO strategies, and the impact of AI on search results and SEO. DK shares Maslow's Hierarchy of SEO Needs, crawl accessibility, and some technical tips. Nils emphasizes having your …

1
Episode 18: How to Train New Digital Teams 26:07

3M ago26:07

26:07

Join host Nick Runyon as he dives into the vital importance of continual learning for digital ministry teams. In this episode, Nick highlights how tools like Hubspot Academy, Google Analytics, and Meta Blueprint Certifications can streamline onboarding and sharpen skills. He emphasizes the need for adaptability in the ever-changing digital landscap…

1
Episode 17: Understanding Digital Ministry 26:58

3M ago26:58

26:58

Join me as I dive into the intricacies of effective digital ministry, sharing his extensive experience in building successful marketing teams and applying those insights to nonprofit work. In this episode, I’ll emphasize the importance of understanding your target audience and defining value from their perspective. Let’s outline a strategic framewo…

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Using Value, Gamification and Automation to Help the Local Church with Dr. Justin Lester 44:37

3M ago44:37

44:37

Using AI in the Church Pastor Justin Lester and DK Hammonds discuss how AI can enhance ministry and outreach in local churches. They explore gamifying church culture through values-based rewards and automated systems. Listen as they share case studies of implementing AI tools like chatbots, analytics, and immersive experiences. Learn how automation…

1
Episode 16: Josh Burnett | Church.Tech 36:15

3M ago36:15

36:15

Join tech-savvy ministry leaders Nick Runyon and Josh Burnett in a fascinating podcast episode as they explore the intersection of AI and church ministry. Josh, CEO of Church.Tech, reveals how AI can revolutionize church operations by streamlining tasks like sermon preparation and social media content creation, allowing leaders to focus more on com…

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Finding the Christ in Canva 42:48

3M ago42:48

42:48

Join us on this episode as DK Hammonds sits down with Roger Coles, a Canva design expert and top Canva Creator. Roger shares his journey from designing templates in Canva to becoming a leading figure in the community. Together, they dive into best practices for crafting impactful visual campaigns, utilizing Canva's brand kits, video editing tools, …

1
Episode 15: Marc Pierce | Warm Springs Production 39:04

4M ago39:04

39:04

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Marc Pierce, a seasoned producer in the entertainment industry, as we delve into the world of video content. Marc emphasizes the crucial role of authenticity and compelling characters in creating engaging television, exploring both scripted and unscripted production styles. He candidly discusses the ine…

1
The Power of YouTube Packaging to Reach More People for Your Church 39:00

4M ago39:00

39:00

In this episode, Nils Smith and DK Hammonds discuss proven strategies for optimizing YouTube videos and channels for churches. They cover the importance of titles, descriptions, tags and thumbnails based on insights from top YouTube experts. Nils shares tips for packaging content to maximize views and reach from YouTube's algorithm while DK emphasi…

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33. A Holistic Theology Leads us Vulnerable Children (and Their Parents, too) with Dr. Krish Kandiah 51:20

4M ago51:20

51:20

This episode may be the most spiritually rich conversation to date on the Upwardly Dependent podcast. Dr. Krish Kandiah, and Officer of the British Empire and long-time advocate for refugees and orphans, shares incredible stories and deep reflections from his love for God’s word. As the last guest in this series on Orphans and Vulnerable Children, …

1
32. Tell Compelling Adoption Stories, but First Make Sure They’re True with Nick Runyon 46:40

4M ago46:40

46:40

Lauren was first introduced to Nick and Whitney Runyon a decade ago, and was drawn to their videography and storytelling across the globe. Both the Pinkstons and the Runyons entered into their own adoption journeys soon after, and as Lauren’s mind has expanded on the issue of orphan care, so has the work and advocacy of the Runyon’s organization, T…

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31. The Failures of U.S. Child Protection, and What Christians Should Know About Safe Families with Sarah Winograd-Babayeuski 54:50

4M ago54:50

54:50

As Lauren says again and again, if you want to see less human trafficking in the USA, start by surrounding vulnerable families while children are young. The majority of domestic trafficking cases involve children who have aged out of or who have interacted with the U.S. foster system. Lauren was eager to interview Sarah because of her extensive exp…

1
Episode 14: Brad Hill | Gloo 48:42

4M ago48:42

48:42

In this episode, Brad Hill, Chief Solutions Officer at Gloo, takes us on a journey through the shifting landscape of church engagement, emphasizing the importance of digital outreach and genuine community building. Through Gloo's pioneering approach, Brad showcases how data-driven insights are revolutionizing ministry priorities, empowering pastors…

1
AI and the Future of Bible Engagement with John Plake of American Bible Society 30:03

4M ago30:03

30:03

John Plake, Chief Program Officer at American Bible Society, joins Nils Smith to discuss insights from ABS's annual State of the Bible report on AI and online church trends. They explore public perceptions of AI in relation to spirituality and the Bible across generations. John shares how research found differences between general and religious vie…

1
Episode 13: Beau Coffron | Life.Church and @lunchboxdad 40:47

4M ago40:47

40:47

Join Nick Runyon as he engages in a profound dialogue with Beau Coffron, the innovative leader behind Life.Church's social media strategy. Together, they explore the intricacies of building a vibrant online community, fostering genuine engagement with followers, and ultimately, spreading the message of hope embodied in Christ. From the captivating …

1
Handling the Haters on Social Media 30:55

4M ago30:55

30:55

Sit down with Nils Smith and DK Hammonds as they discuss how to effectively manage negative comments and reviews that come with increased online influence. They explore ignoring trolls, responding to criticism privately, and focusing on positive conversations. DK shares wisdom from personal experiences and advises having a plan to cut out distracti…

1
How to Expand Your Church's Reach Through Sermon Shots with Corey Alderin 35:52

4M ago35:52

35:52

In this episode, DK Hammonds interviews Corey Alderin of Sermon Shots to learn how churches can use their app to repurpose sermons into engaging social media content. Corey demonstrates how to easily create high-quality video clips, discussion guides, blog posts, and more using the sermon transcript and audio. DK and Corey discuss how Sermon Shots …

1
Episode 12: Robert Rouse | Viz.Bible 48:19

5M ago48:19

48:19

Nick Runyon sits down with Robert Rouse, the mind behind Viz.Bible, for a captivating discussion on data visualization in ministry. Explore the concept of a minister of data and how visualizing data can inspire and educate the church community. Dive into the future of technology, including AI and contextual databases, and their potential in shaping…

1
Episode 11: Kenny Jahng | AI Next 57:18

5M ago57:18

57:18

Guest Kenny Jahng joins host Nick Runyon to discuss how churches can leverage technology to amplify their ministry. Join the conversation on how you can explore the landscape of marketing tools available and know more strategies to shift perspectives from expenses to investments. Kenny and Nick also share examples in using social listening and mess…

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Episode 10: Daniel Hall | One Hope 1:03:08

5M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

Daniel Hall joins Nick Runyon to discuss the latest trends in digital ministry and how organizations can effectively engage seekers online. In this discussion, they explore influencer strategies, video content, artificial intelligence tools, and community platforms that can help elevate your digital presence. Hall shares his experience innovating a…

1
A New Way to Reach People Online with Brad Hill of Gloo 37:14

5M ago37:14

37:14

Tune in to this insightful episode as Nils Smith sits down with Brad Hill from Gloo to explore the intersection of technology and outreach in churches. With declining church attendance, the conversation delves into the urgency for innovation in leveraging digital tools effectively. Brad sheds light on Gloo's initiatives, including the Explorer’s Pr…

1
Battle of the Platforms: X vs Threads 16:50

5M ago16:50

16:50

X vs Threads, which is better? X, renowned for its expansive user base and user-friendly interface, goes head-to-head with Threads, a platform focused on concise communication and niche communities. In this episode, we dissect the unique features, user demographics, and community dynamics of each platform. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Platform …

1
Bridgetown Church Quitting Live Streaming Services 26:25

5M ago26:25

26:25

Step into the world of Bridgetown Church as they make a radical decision in the digital age–quitting live streaming services. In a landscape where online connectivity seems essential, this Portland-based congregation is challenging the status quo. Discover how this move has reshaped the Bridgetown community's engagement with worship, fellowship, an…

1
Discussing The Potential Ban Of TikTok 22:28

6M ago22:28

22:28

Join Nils Smith and DK Hammonds in this podcast episode as they dive into the potential ban of TikTok in the US and its far-reaching implications, particularly for churches. Through engaging debate, they weigh the likelihood of a ban and contemplate what the future may hold for the platform. Amidst the uncertainty, the hosts also provide valuable a…

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Viral Church Content and Effective Ministry with Brotha Rollins 46:41

6M ago46:41

46:41

Join DK Hammonds for an insightful conversation with Brother Rollins, a pioneer in online preaching and social media ministry, as they dive into the world of viral church content and effective storytelling. Discover how authentic stories, intertwined with the gospel message, can deeply engage audiences and gain practical tips from Brother Rollins' …

1
Episode 9: Nils Smith | Amplify Social Media 58:02

6M ago58:02

58:02

Join Nils Smith and host Nick Runyon on The Digital Ministry Podcast as they unpack the latest trends in digital ministry and AI technology. Nils shares his approach to staying informed through Twitter and LinkedIn trends and discusses his strategic use of YouTube for learning. Dive into this lively debate about the rise of long-form videos on diff…

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A Conversation on Digital Discipleship and Preaching with Reverend Janiece Williams 39:04

6M ago39:04

39:04

In today’s episode, DK Hammonds sits down with Reverend Janiece Williams for a rich discussion on digital discipleship and preaching. Rev. Williams shares insights from her experience in creating Christian education resources and a new sermon development workbook. They explore how churches can effectively engage in digital discipleship and the impo…

1
Building a TikTok Ministry 33:54

7M ago33:54

33:54

In today’s episode, Nils Smith and DK Hammonds dive into the world of social media for churches and ministries. Together, they explored the power of TikTok as a tool for reaching new audiences. DK reveals his secrets in unlocking viral growth on TikTok, from clever hashtag strategies to engaging duets and livestreaming while Nils introduces the int…

1
Getting Ready for Apple Vision Pro 37:08

7M ago37:08

37:08

In today’s episode, hosts Nils Smith and DK Hammonds explore the future of technology through the lens of spatial computing devices like Apple's new VR headset, the Apple VR Pro. From potential use cases in productivity, education, and gaming to its implications for churches and ministries, this discussion offers insights into the capabilities of c…

1
Episode 8: Jon Ralls | Kavanah Media 34:01

7M ago34:01

34:01

In today’s episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast, host Nick Runyon engages in a compelling discussion with Jon Ralls from Kavanah Media, exploring the pressing security challenges confronting digital ministries. From navigating complex terms of service agreements to implementing essential security measures like password managers and two-factor au…

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Apple Vision Pro & Social Media Church: Future-Proofing Faith 47:06

7M ago47:06

47:06

DK Hammonds and Aaron Magnuson reunite with excitement on the Social Media Church podcast to talk about new beginnings and their thriving online community. They dive into the revolutionary world of virtual reality glasses and the captivating experiences they offer. Contemplating on the future, they speculate on the potential of AR/VR to replace tra…

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Bridging Faith and Technology: Navigating Digital Ministry Convo with Krys McDonald 46:53

7M ago46:53

46:53

Join Pastors DK Hammonds and Krys McDonald as they navigate the dynamic intersection of theology and technology in today's digital landscape. In this episode, Krys shares her journey in ministry and her passion for digital discipleship. Pastor DK also emphasizes the importance of fostering online community and relationships through social media. To…

1
Episode 7: Katie Allred | Church Communications 44:43

7M ago44:43

44:43

Description In this episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast, host Nick Runyon engages in a dynamic conversation with Katie Allred, the founder of the popular Church Communications Facebook group. Together, they explore the nuances of digital outreach and community building within the realm of ‘church communications’. Katie shares her experiences na…

1
Episode 6: Steven Earp | Elevate Church 55:19

8M ago55:19

55:19

Join us in the latest episode of The Digital Ministry Podcast as we dive into a compelling conversation with Steven Earp on harnessing the power of social media for digital ministry. Steven illustrates the transformative potential of platforms like TikTok and Instagram in connecting spiritual seekers with local Christian communities. From addressin…

1
God in the Grid: Uniting Theology, Tech, Culture, and Social Church with Dr. John Dyer 36:30

7M ago36:30

36:30

In today’s episode, we're joined by Dr. John Dyer, a distinguished expert at the forefront of bridging faith and technology in today’s digital age. Together, let’s navigate the intricate interplay between ancient theology and contemporary tech, unraveling the impact on our spiritual journey and the evolving landscape of the Church. In this conversa…

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