Peter Bowden

What do covid19 and the accompanying acceleration of digital trends mean for seminarians, clergy, and our congregations at large?     

On Thursday, November 12, 2020, I offered this live session for the digital ministry unit of an asynchronous seminary class.   

PART 1:  I share the story of how the process people use to research, explore, and connect with faith communities has transformed over the course of my time working with congregations. This has resulted in a growing discrepancy between the behavior, preferences, and expectations of digitally oriented people and what congregations and their leaders are offering.

PART 2:  I share some highlights of strategies I recommend and why. This includes how ministry leaders can use digital communication — especially video -- to engage with members, friends, and the larger world. We need to engage with people online, showing up in these digital spaces, if we want them to even consider...

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In this ministry strategy session for congregations, how to turn your YouTube Channel into a 24/7 online welcome center for newcomers!

First, we need to  acknowledge a few things:

• People are online in record numbers!  You know that.

• People love video.  We've entered a "video first" world.  Its the majority of all internet traffic and content people are consuming.

• The people who are exploring your congregation online, they are looking for information, inspiration, and connection.  Video is a fantastic way for them to learn about your congregation. 

• People have massive social anxiety, and its only getting worse in my opinion, so we need to make it easy for visitors online to connect.

"By 2022, online...

Congregational Leaders  - Get new posts via email including invitations to live strategy sessions, trainings updates, and other ministry resources. 

• Watch Video on Youtube
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In this ministry strategy session for congregations, I discuss the importance of differentiating between RE-OPENING, RE-LAUNCHING, and RE-IMAGINING  your ministry in response to the pandemic.

Covid19 has rapidly accelerated existing digital and cultural trends.  We’ve probably seen 5 to 10 year's worth of change over the last six months.  

It's hard enough for congregations to keep up with changing culture and technology.  This pandemic has launched us, essentially, into the future!

That's right, friends.  You're doing 2030 ministry.  It just happens to still be 2020.  

What does this mean for your congregation? 

Your congregation's health, impact, and sustainability requires that you understand our present...