Month: May 2023

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New series: “How it started vs How it’s going.” First up is Jate Earhart and the community around JateLIVE and LOVE CLAN. With Jate, we dive into the world of online ministry and planting churches with a focus on non-believers and gamers. Jate shares insights on the importance of prayer and honesty in building relationships, as well as the power of immersion and action-based learning. We also discuss the growth of their Discord community and how they balance Christian and non-Christian focuses. We explore the use of technology in creating spaces for discussing science and working towards inclusivity, as well as the challenges of balancing physical and digital ministry and discerning God’s plan.

Jate Earhart grew up as a PK, but never wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps as a pastor. After studying digital art and design at Full Sail and working for big companies like Google, Nike, and ESPN, Jate felt a calling to do something more meaningful. He found inspiration in Ephesians 2:10, which speaks of being created for good works that God has prepared in advance. Though he initially doubted the idea of having a specific calling, Jate now believes that as long as he follows God’s plan for his life, he will find meaning and purpose. Currently, he is exploring the idea of using digital media to create a new kind of church experience.

We’re going to hear all about it next on Pastoring in the Digital Parish…

This particular meaningful episode is brought to us by: Safer Sanctuaries. Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures.

In this episode:

(00:00) “Pastoring in the Digital Parish: Jate Earhart’s Journey”
(10:22) “A Creative Epiphany”
(17:35) “Build a Thriving Gaming Community Through Word-of-Mouth”
(20:31) “Breaking Taboos: Inviting Non-Science Professionals to Discussions”
(29:31) “Fostering Authenticity: A Pastor’s Focus on Community”
(38:17) “Streamers logging up to 19 hours daily!”
(42:59) “Balancing Discipleship and Evangelism: A Journey”
(49:26) “Digital Ministries for Gamers: A Guide”

For more episodes of Pastoring in the Digital Parish: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

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We’re talking with Lexi Hernandez, the founder of Growth Co, a young adult ministry that is changing the way people think about church. We go behind the scenes to learn about the inspiration behind the creation of subscription boxes for young adults, the idea of Growth Co, and the challenges of meeting the needs of the community. Lexi shares her personal experiences with church growing up and the journey that led to the creation of Growth Co. Join us as we explore the dynamics of young adult communities and the challenges that come with it.

Lexi Hernandez is a woman of faith who believes that ministry happens in unexpected ways. She communicates an expectation that there is a purpose and design to all that she does, even if it may not be immediately obvious. As the founder of Growth Co, she has helped to create a rhythm to the organization’s scheduling and programming, ensuring that each gathering offers a unique level of learning and growth. Whether leading a Thursday night gathering or participating in a 201 level Zoom session, Lexi is committed to sharing her faith and helping others discover their own personal connections to spirituality.

This episode made possible by: “Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities” is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures. To learn more go to Safer Sanctuaries.org or call 800-972-0433.

(00:00) – Introduction
(05:06) – How Growth Co Was Born
(10:30) – The Challenges of Meeting the Needs of Young Adults
(15:39) – Creating a Safe Space for Spiritual Exploration
(17:57) – Finding the Right Balance Between Fun and Serious Discussion
(26:02) – Engaging Young Adults in Volunteering and Service Opportunities
(34:29) A young person’s vision of church
(36:11) – National Meetings and Expanding the Community
(38:23) – Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Don’t miss an episode of Pastoring in the Digital Parish, hit that subscribe button and stay up to date with the latest content. More episodes at: www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish

Peace!

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We’re talking with Rev. Jessica Blackwood and Rev. Orlando Evans–a couple of the visionaries and planners behind Harbor United Methodist Church, a currently all-digital church plant located in Georgia (and across the expanse of the internet). They share about planning for digital community, engaging in digital outreach, building online community building and community rhythm. There are some great stories and several key ideals to add to your digital ministry toolkit.

Rev. Jessica Blackwood serves in the Center for Congregational Excellence of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church as Digital Ministry Specialist. She helps churches create sacred spaces within digital spaces.

Rev. Orlando Evans is a former online pastor and current lead pastor at Bright Star United Methodist Church in Douglasville, Georgia. And he’s one of the key visionaries for founding Harbor UMC… which is our key topic in this session of Pastoring in the Digital Parish.

This session is made available by:

Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities is a new and comprehensive resource that continues the tradition of Safe Sanctuaries ministry by building on its trusted policies and procedures.
To learn more go to SaferSanctuaries.org or call 800-972-0433

For more episodes and digital ministry resources, visit www.resourceumc.org/digital-parish