[103] Mastering Two-Way Church Communication Online with Katie Allred

Learn practical strategies for enhancing your church’s digital communications with expert Katie Allred, founder of Church Communications Group. From managing social media engagement to optimizing YouTube content, discover how to create meaningful two-way conversations with your congregation online. Katie shares insights on effectively using Facebook groups, responding to comments, and leveraging AI for ministry efficiency.

Key Topics:

  • Engaging authentically with social media comments
  • Creating searchable YouTube content for ministry
  • Using Facebook groups vs pages effectively
  • Positioning church content for better reach
  • Managing digital community conversations

(00:00) “Digital Tools for Church Communication”
(04:17) From Harry Potter Forums to Ministry
(09:42) Engage in Social Media Comments
(13:13) Lent 2025 Devotional Guide
(15:24) Encouraging Engaging Church Comments
(18:40) Churches Utilizing YouTube Better
(21:13) Internet Authority: Perception Versus Reality
(26:39) Facebook Group: Deeper Conversations & Networking
(28:08) “Private Conversations Over Public Debate”

Find more episodes and episode notes at www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

[149] Humor, theology, and asking the deepest questions with Erin Hicks Moon

Discovering Faith Through Questions with Erin Moon on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday. Join host Ryan Dunn in a conversation with Erin Hicks Moon, a dynamic podcaster and author of the upcoming book “I’ve Got Questions.” Together, they investigate the powerful role of curiosity in deepening one’s faith and navigating skepticism.

Explore themes like the value of humor when tackling serious faith topics, the importance of diverse theological voices, and Erin’s journey through evangelical culture. Whether you’re grappling with spiritual questions or seeking new perspectives, this episode is tailored for spiritual seekers and those curious about faith.

Erin Moon is one of the producers and hosts of the Faith Adjacent podcast and serves as the resident Bible scholar, bringing thoughtful insights and a touch of levity to theological discussions. Her upcoming book, “I’ve Got Questions,” promises to further explore how asking questions can enrich our spiritual lives. Erin’s journey provides a safe space for anyone looking to explore complex questions about their beliefs.

Important topics discussed:
– The profound impact of asking questions within one’s faith journey
– Navigating faith and skepticism
– Exploring diverse voices in theology
– Finding community in the midst of spiritual questions

Don’t miss this enriching conversation that will leave you inspired to explore your own faith journey with curiosity and openness.
(00:00) “Compass Podcast: Faith Exploration”
(04:13) Questioning Beliefs Without Fear
(08:22) Enduring Faith and Personal Doubts
(12:04) Expanding Biblical Perspectives
(15:31) Faith Contextualized by Culture
(19:45) Embracing Uncertainty in Scripture
(21:58) “Debating Revelation’s True Purpose”
(25:47) Questioning Faith and Personal Belief
(28:31) Exploring Spirituality: Podcast Guide

Holy Week: A tapestry of sacred stories in ‘The Final Days’

In a study for Lent from the Rev. Matt Rawle, “The Final Days: A Lenten Journey through the Gospels” explores the themes of justice, poverty, freedom and love woven throughout the sacred stories of Jesus’ last days on earth.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.

New Year, New BoD

After an historic eight-year gap, The UMC has a new Book of Discipline, one reflecting the actions from the Postponed 2020 General Conference held in 2024. In this lively conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan and guest, Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith, discover what’s new in the latest iteration, as well as take a deep dive into the history of this text that traces its beginnings to minutes from a Methodist conference convened by John Wesley in 1744.

Learn more about our guest, Dr. Jonathan LeMaster-Smith at his website.

Explore the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory.

Interested in a deep dive into the earliest stories of Methodism? Sign up for a free, online, four-module history course titled “Radicle Methodism: Back to our Roots” at ResourceUMC.org/ArchivesandHistory/Radicle-Methodism.

Listen to other episodes of “Un-Tied Methodism” at UnTiedMethodism.org.

[148] Spiritual voyeurs and engaging with the Divine

Let’s get dirty and honest about our often voyeuristic relationship with the divine — and how prayer can profoundly disrupt and enrich our everyday lives. Explore the curious phenomena of spiritual fascination from a safe distance and the transformative power of genuine engagement with the divine through prayer.

Rev. Ryan Dunn uses relatable analogies, like our fascination with Shark Week, to elucidate our modern spiritual postures. We look into the biblical narrative of Exodus 20 to showcase how prayer can align us with God’s love and calls us into action. This episode also addresses the common queries about the efficacy of prayer in times of crisis and the oft-repeated phrase “thoughts and prayers.”

Meet Bishop Kristin Stoneking

As a part of the “Meet a bishop” series, discover how Bishop Kristin Stoneking, the newly-elected bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference, lives into her call by striving to be an humble learner as she communicates the church’s message in a changing world.

More information and a full transcript of this conversation are available here.

Have a question or comment? Email us at gysis@umcom.org

Connect with The United Methodist Church by visiting UMC.org.