MyCom Church Communications and Marketing

Have you ever Googled your church’s name or wondered how to get your ministry’s message noticed online? resourceumc.org/mycom -- find expert tips and resources on marketing, communications and outreach In this episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast, Ryan Dunn guides you through simple yet powerful ways to optimize your church’s Google presence. From claiming your Google profile and encouraging authentic reviews, to exploring Google Ads grants and enhancing your website for visibility, Ryan Dunn arms you with the digital tools you need to share good news and strengthen connections in your community. Get ready to level up your ministry’s online impact!========Connect with more resources for ministry leadership!ResourceUMC.org --> your online destination for United Methodist Church leadersfacebook.com/ResourceUMC --> Resource UMC on Facebook========In this episode:00:00 Googling your church01:46 The history of Google05:10 Google as the most authoritative search engine07:08 Understanding Google's Role as a Digital Librarian09:43 Updating your church's Google profile12:05 The importance of reviews for your church14:11 Adding pictures to your church's Google profile15:04 Enhancing Google Visibility for Churches16:06 Understanding Social Listening and Community Engagement17:18 Utilizing Google Search Console for Website Optimization17:29 Google alerts for your church18:07 Maximizing Visibility with Google Ads20:38 Target your audience21:33 Maintaining your church's Google ad grant23:55 What would you like to learn about Google?#MinistryLeadership #ResourceUMC #GoogleForChurches #Google #ChurchCommunicators

Is your church struggling with declining engagement or relying on the same old programs without real impact? In this episode, Dr. Kale Yu—scholar, minister, and author of Enkindle: Reviving the Church from Within—joins the MyCom Podcast to explore a powerful new model for church revitalization. Discover actionable insights on empowering laypeople, fostering authenticity in ministry, and creating a culture where excitement and innovation can flourish.Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or church communicator, this conversation will equip you with practical ideas on how to rethink leadership, communicate organic movement, and trust the Holy Spirit’s work in your congregation.In this episode:(00:00) – Episode intro & the problem with outdated church mindsets(03:14) – Why old program-based solutions aren’t working(06:53) – What younger generations are looking for: authenticity vs. fakeness(10:27) – A new model: flipping the pyramid and empowering passions(13:43) – Stories of laity-led ministry making a difference(17:07) – How to make room for the Holy Spirit in leadership and vision(20:56) – Addressing resistance and honoring tradition during change(22:59) – Beekeeping ministry: a firsthand account of lay-led innovation(27:37) – The critical role of pastors as facilitators, not controllers(33:30) – First steps for leaders to implement this model(35:23) – Encouragement for leaders: Don’t fear failure(36:30) – Where to find more resources from Dr. Kale YuIf you’re ready to move your ministry from routine to renewal and foster real connection in your faith community, this episode is your essential guide.Listen, like, and subscribe for more digital communication strategies for vibrant church life! www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast

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

In this episode Ryan Dunn interviews Ken Willard about shifting church outreach from attractional marketing to relational, community-centered work. They explore the "fishing pond" approach, bridge events, prayer walking, and practical ways to welcome skeptical neighbors through hospitality and improved accessibility. Listeners will learn how to listen to their communities, equip members to share personal stories of faith, and create small, sustainable steps that build long-term relationships and invite new people into the life of the church. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of Church Skepticism 04:43 Building Relationships for Evangelism 07:25 The Fishing Pond Model Explained 10:46 Shifting Church Communications 13:38 Listening to Community Needs 16:43 Common Mistakes in Church Outreach 20:31 Vision Casting and Church Growth 23:29 Bridge Events as Outreach Strategies 26:26 The Importance of Patience in Outreach 29:26 First Steps Towards Relational Outreach 32:27 Accessibility in Church Ministry Ken Willard is the Director of Faith Communities Renewal for the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church. He is the author of “Beacon of Hope: Your Guide to Reaching, Witnessing, and Welcoming New People”, as well as books on time management for ministry leaders and discipleship pathways and leadership pathways for churches. Find episode notes, related episodes, and more resources for your digital ministry toolkit: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast