During COVID-19, it might be too easy to come across "tone-deaf" and "out-of-touch." In fact, that's a risk that all church communication has during a crisis. Let's be honest: Next week's small group pot-luck isn't the highest priority during a crisis. Becoming self-aware and in touch with what's top-of-mind in our communities can help us not only communicate more effectively, but even be able to better meet the needs of those around us. Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or...
Apr 24, 2020•12 min
With all of the lock-downs and social distancing from COVID-19, how is your church connecting with the community? How is it connecting within it's own church communities? As much as everyone has begun to lean on technology to try and share a traditional church service, are their other ways the Church needs to be connecting with others? Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we'll reply on an upcoming episode.
Apr 17, 2020•8 min
When we are faced with challenges our true character comes through -- so what has the COVID-19 challenge reveled about our churches? Long time ChurchMag writer Chris Wilson shared this tweet with everyone that really got us thinking: https://twitter.com/danwhitejr/status/1244724446251933698 So what has COVID-19 reveled about your church? Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we'll reply on an upcoming episode....
Apr 09, 2020•10 min
Last week (March 10th) we recorded a podcast focused on the Church using technology during things like what we are currently experiencing with Coronavirus (COVID-19). At the time of the recording, we hadn't had a single quarantine or closure in the United States. Please keep that in mind while you listen to the podcast, as a lot has developed in these past 10-days (from today's publishing). Join the conversation via Twitter -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at podcast@churchm.ag. We w...
Mar 18, 2020•21 min
This week on the podcast we talk about bubbles! Not the fun kind of bubbles, but the kind of bubbles you want to be careful not to find yourself in. :) When you are looking for solutions, advice -- or giving advice on solutions -- you need to be mindful of how you approach it. Please join the conversation -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at podcast@churchm.ag. We want to hear from you!
Mar 13, 2020•16 min
Technology has changed a lot in the past ten years, and the jump in the past twenty years is even more incredible. So what kind of impact has that had on missions? What kind of impact has that had on communication, relationships, and connections with friends and family? The changes have big and the impacts may even be bigger. Let's talk about it! Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we'll reply on an upcoming episode....
Feb 27, 2020•19 min
What do you do when the power goes out? What do you do when the projector or soundboard doesn't turn on or a computer doesn't boot up? Do you have a backup plan? Does the plan work? While most hiccups and curveballs can be adjusted for fairly easily, that isn't always the case! This week on the podcast we get a little bit meta as we talk about -- backups . Talk to us on Twitter -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we'll reply on an upcoming episode....
Feb 07, 2020•9 min
This week on the podcast, we have some insider talk while Blessing picks Eric's brain and asks him about apps, how he edits the podcast, and some of his own personal life hacks. Do you have a question for Eric? Ask us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and he'll answer it on an upcoming episode.
Jan 24, 2020•28 min
The New Year kicks off and it feels like it's time to talk about conferences in 2020. Are they still relevant? Are they as useful as they should be? Are online conferences better? This week we discuss conferences and we hope this gives you some things to think about it as you plan your personal conference attendance list for 2020. What do you think about conferences? What conferences will you be attending this year? Tell us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag ...
Jan 10, 2020•23 min
Happy New Year! 2019 is now behind us and all of 2020 lays before us like untouched snow. What will it bring? Where will we go? How will all of our questions of the future be answered? This week on the podcast Eric discusses with Blessing about what the future looks like for ChurchMag, as well as their own personal thoughts about bringing in the New Year. What are some of your favorite 2020 slogans, sayings, and incoming puns for the New Year? Tell us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by ...
Jan 03, 2020•26 min
A few months ago, John MacAurther's " go home " comments created a lot of discussions. Audio that would have normally occurred behind closed doors and remained behind closed doors -- becomes public and spreads like wildfire. This week on the podcast we discuss how technology now enables the capture and spread of behavior far more easily than in times past. What does that mean for us? And what about all the times we personally share our thoughts on something -- only to find that we change our min...
Dec 19, 2019•14 min
Do you check the ratings of movies and video games before your children consume them? What about YouTube or other online streaming services? Resources like Common Sense Media are wonderful resources but are there other things to consider? This week on the podcast we discuss our personal approaches and several things to keep in mind as parents -- and even as Uncles, Aunts, Grandparents, friends, etc. Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm....
Dec 13, 2019•21 min
We say that "Jesus is the reason for the season" -- but do we really live it out? Compound this with the complications of family dynamics and dysfunctions, and we can find the holiday season to be emotionally charged as well. So where do we go from here? How do we turn the tide? And what about all of this busy-busy-holiday-bustle? Let's talk about it. :) Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode....
Dec 06, 2019•18 min
As in episodes past (in 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , and 2018 ), we present to you the annual Black Friday ChurchMag Podcast! This year we welcome Sean Leacy to discuss technology and the global impact it has on the environment, people, and some practical things you can do to start a positive push in the right direction. This is a "no judgment" discuss -- and simply a conversation started to begin thinking about these very important things (Also coffee? Maybe, but only at the end). Jump into the ...
Nov 27, 2019•27 min
When someone disagrees with something you said online , what do you do? This week on the podcast we talk about a specific instance when a pastor asked that his members cease their theological arguments online and wait to discuss it Sunday morning. Should Christians argue with one another online? Where do you draw the line between discussion and argument? Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode....
Nov 22, 2019•29 min
There is an ongoing tension between quality and quantity. Sure, it would be nice to have both -- but most of the time the cost for this is simply too high. So which is the better route? Is the answer always the same? This week on the podcast we explore the tension between these two. Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.
Nov 15, 2019•16 min
How often is technology sold on ideas and concepts that promise growth? But can these promises even be kept? This week on the podcast we talk about how growth is not created by using a tech tool on its own -- but that it is simply a tool. What are some of the reasons you've used to persuade others to invest in new technology? Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.
Nov 10, 2019•19 min
What's so cool about "retro"? Retro was referred to as "the good ol' days" "back in the day" -- what can we learn from this? How deep does the rose color go with our glasses when looking into the past? This week we try to think deep about the concept of retro dynamics -- but end up mostly talking about our favorite retro things... What does "retro" mean to you? Do you like ALLTHETHINGS when it comes to retro? Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcas...
Nov 01, 2019•28 min
Church staff and those working for small ministries and nonprofits understand what it's like to wear "many hats." Youth Pastors responsible for the website, church secretaries deligated to care for Facebook -- the list goes on. But don't most smaller organizations have this pain point? Is there a difference? This week on the podcast, we barely scratch the surface of this glacier of a topic. Join in the conversation and tell us what you think! Jump in Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by emai...
Oct 25, 2019•10 min
Churches have a lot to do -- but what's something that you should always do? Clearly, this assumes some of the obvious things and is certainly a concept that ministries and nonprofit organizations should also consider. Listen, as we pivot on Blessing's blog post Of The Things Your Church Should Do -- so give it a read after the podcast. It's a quick one this week. Why? It's kinda meta. Give it a listen and we'll see if you figure it out. ;) Join in the conversation and tell us what you think! Ju...
Oct 18, 2019•12 min
This week on the podcast, Blessing finds himself on Jeremy's counseling couch. Just kidding (but seriously). Do you need some inspiration? Or are you feeling burned-out? Take a listen to this weeks... therapy session? Join in the conversation and tell us what you think! Jump in Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.
Oct 11, 2019•23 min
Does one size really fit all? Is it a good idea to use a "Swiss Army knife" tech solution? The answer may surprise you -- but probably not. ;) What are some of your favorite all-in-one solutions? Why do you like or dislike all-in-one solutions? Tell us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.
Oct 04, 2019•24 min
The website is finished. The Facebook page has been set up. You've been running the soundboard for years. Now what? How do you find inspiration? What do you do next? How do you move forward? Tell us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode. Now, let's talk about it!
Sep 27, 2019•18 min
This week on the podcast we talk with DJ Soto, a VR Church Planter that leads VR Church . Believing that faith is renewed as people engage with the good news of God’s love on new technology platforms, D.J. Soto began preaching in the world of virtual reality in 2016. He is now the lead pastor of Virtual Reality Church, a church that is intended to be radically inclusive and consistent with Christianity’s long history of adapting to new forms of media. VR Church is the first church to exist entir...
Sep 20, 2019•59 min
If you're not running regular backups and running an antivirus -- than you are doing wrong. This week we talk on the podcast about the importance of having these on your church and ministry computers. Not something that requires a lot of attention, but can run without the user really taking notice. An automated system is certainly the way to go. Here are a few services we mentioned on the podcast: Dropbox , Backblaze , and Bitdefender . Tell us some of your favorite backup and antivirus apps and...
Sep 13, 2019•16 min
This week on the podcast we talk with Andrew -- aka Skaman1978 -- a Twitch streamer that keeps it clean and spreads God's love. You can learn more about Andrew here , follow him on Twitter , and most importantly -- check him out on Twitch . If you have a comment or question for Andrew, send it to us via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast, by email at podcast@churchm.ag and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode....
Sep 07, 2019•16 min
There are many services -- from web hosting to membership management CMS' -- that refer to themselves as, "Christian." But what does that mean? A business can't be a Christian -- and does that kind of label even matter when approaching technology? We dive into this with both feet as we survey the church tech world and the "Christian" services that are marketed as such. Share your thoughts on "Christian" services or ask any questions you may have via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast, by email a...
Aug 30, 2019•19 min
How are you doing with adopting new technology? The struggle is real -- we know -- since the very nature of technology is changing and moving forward. So how do you manage that tension? This podcast isn't geared for the church board member who is always dragging their feet, but more towards those of us that get a little over-excited about new technology. Share your thoughts on adopting new technology or ask any questions you may have via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast, by email at podcast@ch...
Aug 23, 2019•17 min
This week on the podcast we talk with Justin Funk from bltn about church bulletins. Should you stick with paper or go digital? Maybe you've switched to digital and are now second-guessing the decision. Either way, this is a conversation you'll want to join! Let us know where you've subscribed or listen. Share your thoughts on church bulletins, or ask any questions you may have via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast, by email at podcast@churchm.ag, or say something here and we'll share it on an u...
Aug 16, 2019•27 min
Have you used FaceApp ? It's the wildly popular image app that can transform your face and "age" your image to see what you will look like in the far future. It's also been tangled up with privacy concerns as the terms of use have caused concern for many. Which brings up an interesting topic about data privacy and you! Share your thoughts or ask any questions you may have via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast, by email at podcast@churchm.ag, or say something here and we'll share it on an upcomi...
Aug 09, 2019•19 min
