Author: Ryan Dunn

  • Pastoral care in the age of technology

    Dr. Deanna Thompson brings a unique perspective to Pastoring in the Digital Parish, having been ministered to through digital means during her ongoing battle with an incurable form of cancer. Dr. Thompson recounts her journey from digital skeptic to advocate. Deanna unpacks the pressing challenges that face young people as they navigate the complexities of…

  • [128] Lent, fasting and spiritual nourishment with Christine Valters Paintner

    We’re talking with Christine Valters Paintner about the spiritual significance of fasting and Lent. Christine, the founder of the Online Abbey of the Arts, shares her insights on how fasting can go beyond traditional ideas of abstaining from food and can instead be a way to open ourselves to a deeper encounter with the divine.…

  • Building a Bible study for digital culture

    On this episode of “Pastoring in the Digital Parish,” we welcome back Rev. Nathan Webb to discuss the innovative approach to bible study outreach being employed by Checkpoint Church. Nathan shares the inspiration behind their unique bible study curriculum, “Jesus Loves Nerds,” hosted on Substack, which draws on trending video games and anime to engage…

  • [127] Engaging faith and reason: Kara Slade’s spiritual journey

    Faith, science and life calling! In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Rev. Kara Slade, an engineer turned priest whose journey from the world of mechanical engineering to the pulpit is an interesting blend of spirituality and professional transformation.  Rev. Canon Dr. Kara Slade holds a PhD in Christian theology and ethics…

  • Pastoring in the digital age: cross-over cast with Holy Roast podcast

    In this collaboration with the Holy Roast Podcast, pastors Ryan Dunn, Rob Tucker and Rachel Wallace explore the challenges and successes of online ministry and pastoring in the digital age. The Holy Roast podcast equips and inspires local church leaders. This collaborative session covers the importance of maintaining a strong online presence, redefining success metrics…

  • How social media transformed a fading congregation with Caleb Lines

    We’re kicking off season 8! In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Caleb Lines, a pastor who has led his congregation through a remarkable transformation. Caleb shares the challenges his church faced, from vandalism to financial instability, and how they overcame these obstacles through innovative strategies, including a strong social media…

  • [126] Church Rethought: Embracing Unconventional Spaces for Community and Spirituality

    We’re talking with Rev. Heather Jallad about the creative, fun and innovative ways that church is coming together and meeting the world. It’s an invitation to Rethink Church. This episode of Compass dives into new expressions of church like Dinner Church and Messy Church. It’s all inspiring… and it gets us thinking about how we,…

  • [125] Cultivating everyday spirituality in 2024 with Abigail Browka

    In this episode, we sit down with Abigail Browka, the curator of the Everyday Sanctuary app, and we get into the importance of real-life experiences and faith journeys.  Pastor Abigail shares profound insights into tapping into creative spirituality, from the necessity of supporting one another in our spiritual paths to the role of brief, accessible…

  • [124] Contemplative practices for a peaceful Christmas

    Ryan Dunn addresses the struggle to find peace during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Offering contemplative practices for a more peaceful Christmas, Ryan explores ways to connect with God’s loving and peaceful spirit during this special time of year. From leveraging inconveniences as moments of reflection to turning preparations into prayers, listeners…

  • A NaPodPoMo retrospective — 30/30

    What we learned from daily podcasting during National Podcast Posts Month for Pastoring in the Digital Parish. This is episode number 30 of 30 for National Podcast Post Month. NaPodPoMo is a challenge through the month of November to share 30 episodes in 30 days. Our goal in participation is to see how this kind…