Five Simple Data Points That Can Help Guide Decision Making In Your Ministry
Numbers help us see patterns, and patterns can help us make better decisions for the future.
In an effort to continue to provide simple, small steps in the area of “digital ministry”, here are five simple areas where you can begin paying attention to data right now in your ministry context.
If you track these consistently for one year, you will be in a much stronger position to make decisions this time next year.
Before Easter: Give Your Church Website a Check-Up
As Easter approaches, we can expect that new, returning, or less-than-regular attenders will be checking out our church websites before they visit on April 5 (or in the weeks leading up to it).
You are already thinking about how to prepare your physical space.: planning special services elements, tidying hallways, making sure signage is clear…. all of the things you can think of to make your building feel welcoming.
Let’s make sure your digital space gets the same care and attention.
Virtual Front Door - Practical Tools to Start With
This week, we're letting you in on the details of one of the first of four major initiatives that we’ll be launching through the support of the Lilly Endowment. This one is all about digital ministry, and we’re calling it the Virtual Front Porch Initiative. For those of you wondering what small steps you could take right now to improve your church’s website, experiment with social media, or think differently about your digital welcome we’ve gathered a few trusted resources.
Renewal and Resources for Ministry - Updated!
Tools and insights for ministry leaders to navigate the complexities of faith transmission and renewal, drawing from recent research, conferences, and collaborative events.
Technology with Heart: Two Ways We Can Lighten the Load & Open New Doors
Ministry has always been personal, relational, and deeply rooted in community. But in today’s world, it’s also becoming increasingly complex. Pastoral leaders are navigating more demands than ever—spiritual care, administrative responsibilities, digital engagement, and the constant need to adapt.
It can feel like too much to carry.
Online Church: Navigating the Challenges & Opportunities
While many ministry leaders initially embraced livestreaming as a necessity during the pandemic, questions linger about its role in a post-pandemic church. Does online worship weaken in-person attendance? Who benefits most from online church? And how does it align with the theological vision of “church”? Drawing from the latest research and cultural reflections, this post explores the complexities of online church and offers guidance for ministry leaders.
OurBible App
The OurBible App is a progressive, inclusive Bible study and devotional app designed to support LGBTQ+ Christians, women, and other marginalized groups. It offers a range of devotionals, Bible translations, podcasts, and other resources to help users grow in their faith.
Bible in a Minute - Riverside Church NYC
1,189 daily videos, all 1 minute in length detailing each chapter of the Bible… one day at a time!
Daily Ripple - Small Acts of Discipleship Everyday
Daily Ripple is an idea we had to build a community of readers and authors. For authors, it’s a chance to share their experiences and their ideas about discipleship. For readers, it’s a chance to disciple in a different way.
Navigating Social Media for Ministry Embrace the Digital Age with Confidence
Social media can be an intimidating frontier, especially if you’re new to it. However, it holds incredible potential for ministry, offering new ways to connect with your congregation and the broader community. We recognize both the challenges and the opportunities that social media presents for church leaders.
ReImagining Church Online
We are living through one of the most significant communication shifts in the last 500 years. For churches, this means adapting to new ways of spreading the Gospel and connecting with their communities in the digital age. Traditionally, much of church activity has centered around Sunday services, but what if we reimagined this approach? What if we seized the 167 hours in the week outside of Sunday mornings to connect, minister to, and serve people right where they are—online, on their phones, scrolling through social media?
Ministry Forum + CHURCHx Coming Soon
We are getting closer to launching our first offerings on CHURCHx (our learning platform for Ministry Forum that joins an ecumenical community of lifelong learners that numbers over 5000). In anticipation of our launch in the coming months, we’d love for you to check out the platform itself - become a member and maybe even try out some of the offerings that are available already from various partners.
Renewal and Resources for Ministry in 2024
Tools and insights for ministry leaders to navigate the complexities of faith transmission and renewal, drawing from recent research, conferences, and collaborative events.
Featured Resource: Faith Expressions - Small Church Week
The content shared by Fresh Expressions US hosted a series of webinars for what they called “Small Church Week”. There are some good insights here. Check it out for yourself and see if it sparks something creative in your ministry today.
Bible in a Minute - Riverside Church NYC
1,189 daily videos, all 1 minute in length detailing each chapter of the Bible… one day at a time!