From zero listeners to lasting impact: How to grow your podcast audience

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 Closing MyCom 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

Building Relational Bridges in Your Community

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

Making church digital content more accessible for all

This episode walks through a practical audit of a church's digital presence—podcasts, livestreams, websites and social media—to identify accessibility barriers and easy fixes. Learn simple, actionable steps like adding transcripts and captions, improving audio and contrast, writing clear alt text and links, and offering content across multiple formats to welcome more people into online ministry. In this episode: (00:00) Improving digital accessibility (06:36) Importance of transcriptions and captions (10:21) Using descriptive alt text (11:24) Improving website accessibility (15:52) Accessibility tips for social content (20:22) Making content more accessible (21:49) Podcast resources and credits

Addressing hot-button issues in church communication

Navigating tough conversations in today’s polarized climate is one of the most pressing challenges for church communicators and leaders. In this episode of the MyCom Church Communications and Marketing Podcast, Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes, author of the Courageous Conversations curriculum, talks about how churches can respond to hot-button topics with a prophetic voice—without alienating their communities. Whether you’re crafting public statements on current events, encouraging difficult conversations, or seeking to equip your congregation for deeper unity, this episode will support your ministry with real-world examples and expert advice. (00:00) The church’s prophetic voice (03:08) Rev. Scott Hughes (04:19) Preachers reflecting on public responses (08:24) Speaking out in purple congregations (12:09) Examples of courageous conversations (16:18) The toughest topics to address in church (19:04) Introducing a tough topic in church (20:44) When it works to have a tough conversation (23:29) Crafting a public statement for your church (27:20) Refreshing for ministry (30:56) Speaking to our current times Scott is the Associate General Secretary (World Service) of Discipleship Ministries. Previously Scott served as Executive Director, Congregational Vitality & Intentional Discipleship, and as both an associate pastor and pastor of a multi-point charge. Scott has an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary and a DMin in the spiritual formation track from Southern Methodist University. Scott is an elder in the North Georgia Conference since 2007. Scott was recommended for this specific conversation because of his work in developing the "Courageous Conversations" curriculum. Courageous Conversations is a toolbox that local churches can use to inspire and encourage the church and individuals to participate in conversations that might seem difficult–such as immigration or Christian Nationalism.

Digital pathways to spiritual growth: MyCom 116

Unlock new pathways to spiritual growth and effective church communications. This episode revisits a practical and inspiring interview with clergy coach Nicole Reilley. Discover how digital ministry is more than just live-streaming worship—it's a vibrant, relational, and intentional journey that transforms the way churches connect, disciple, and empower communities of faith. Rev. Nicole Reilley is a clergy coach, church coach, and church social media manager.  With 30+ years of experience pastoring churches. She currently resources pastors through her podcast, The Clergy Wellness Podcast. In this interview we frequently reference a book she wrote, titled “Expanding the Expedition Through Digital Ministry”. In this episode: (00:00) Revisiting a conversation with Rev. Nicole Reilley (02:06) Is digital a poor substitute for in-person? (04:35) Digital ministry vs. church being online (08:24) Contemplation in the digital space (10:43) Pathways of discipleship in digital space (17:34) Invite to stay online or invite to be in-person? (22:17) Sharing digital ministry responsibilities (24:46) Digital ministry and house churches (26:41) Effective apps and platforms (29:36) Next dreams Whether you're building a hybrid church, just starting digital outreach, or looking to deepen your online community, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable tips to enhance your digital ministry practice. Be sure to subscribe, like, and share for more insights on church communications and digital discipleship! Find notes and more: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast