The Impact of Phygital Ministry: MyCom 120

Discover fresh insights for church communications and digital ministry in this episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast. This episode brings together digital ministry practitioners from the Phygital Ministry Fellows program. They share practical takeaways and deep reflections on building real relationships, fostering belonging, and creating spiritual spaces online.Whether you’re a full-time digital pastor or new to online ministry, this episode will help you reimagine how to meet people in digital arenas—moving beyond simply broadcasting content to nurturing meaningful connection and community. You’ll hear firsthand about real questions people carry into digital spaces, how to connect with younger generations, using pop culture as a bridge to faith, and the ethical considerations every church should make before trying the latest technology.(00:00) - Introduction: Rethinking Digital Ministry(02:08) - What Questions Are People Bringing Online?(05:00) - Belonging, Anxiety & Purpose in Digital Spaces(07:38) - Digital Spaces as First Stop for Spiritual Questions(09:39) - Are Online Relationships Really Shallow?(13:54) - Discord and Deep Community Formation(16:47) - The Gift of Vulnerability & Agency Online(18:58) - Markers of Trust in Digital Gatherings(21:41) - Rethinking Youth Engagement: Asking Better Questions(23:03) - Grieving the Old Models & Embracing Humility(24:08) - What Draws Young People to Online Spaces?(28:10) - Pop Culture as Sacred Text(32:14) - Theology of Incarnation and Presence in Digital Ministry(36:14) - Practicing Neighborliness in Virtual Spaces(37:48) - Ethics of Technology Use in Church(39:23) - Voices in the Wilderness: Pastoring Beyond the Walls(42:02) - Practical Takeaways for Digital Ministry(45:46) - Resources and ClosingMyCom is a production of United Methodist Communications. Find more episodes, show notes and links, and more resources for your communications ministry toolkit at www.ResourceUMC.org/MyCom-Podcast