Nils Smith: Rethink Innovation, First Principles, and the Future of Church Apps | Church3.0

Nils Smith: Rethink Innovation, First Principles, and the Future of Church Apps | Church3.0

In this episode, digital ministry Nils Smith joins us to discuss the fine line between healthy innovation and stagnant tradition. As the VP of Marketing for Faith Driven Entrepreneur, Nils shares why "we've always done it this way" is the most dangerous phrase in leadership and how to reclaim your organization's "why." Together, we explore how faith-driven innovation can help the Church stay effective, relevant, and mission-focused in a world shaped by platforms, algorithms, and AI. What You’ll Learn: 📉 Why churches lose innovation when they say “we’ve always done it this way” (Nils Smith insight) 🧠 How Nils Smith applies “first principles thinking” to church leadership 📱 Why Nils Smith says not every church should build an app 🌐 The difference between rented vs owned digital platforms in ministry 🔁 Why returning to the “good old days” can limit church growth 📊 How data and user-generated content transform discipleship strategy 🚀 Why Faith Driven Entrepreneur is mobilizing a global movement of entrepreneurs 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Nils Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilssmith/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #NilsSmith #FaithDrivenEntrepreneur #Church3Point0 #ApollosPodcast #DigitalMinistry #ChurchLeadership #FaithAndTechnology #Innovation #ChurchGrowth #RedemptiveLeadership #KingdomBusiness #FirstPrinciples

Conrad VanLandingham: Building the Future of Church Tech in the Age of AI | Church3.0

How should churches think about AI, digital ministry, and human connection in 2026? In this Inside Track episode of Church3.0, Tyler sits down with Conrad VanLandingham, Chief Product Officer at Apollos, to explore how AI is transforming church technology, product design, and spiritual engagement. Conrad VanLandingham shares how Apollos is reimagining digital ministry tools for the future of the Church — from AI-powered software development to creating meaningful community experiences that help people move from spiritual curiosity to spiritual habits. Whether you lead a church, build technology, or care about the future of faith and innovation, this conversation offers practical insights into how thoughtful product strategy can deepen human connection. Churches today face a growing challenge: how do you create authentic community in an increasingly disconnected world? Conrad VanLandingham explains why Apollos focuses less on “widgets” and more on outcomes — helping people pray together, become known, and build life-changing community through digital experiences designed with intention. What You’ll Learn 🚀 Conrad VanLandingham on AI and church technology — how AI is accelerating product development in ministry 🧠 Product taste and decision-making — why asking “why?” matters more than ever in AI-driven software 📱 Digital ministry strategy at Apollos — designing church apps for spiritual growth and connection 🙏 Prayer and community engagement — how churches are using Apollos to deepen relationships 🔥 Faith and technology innovation — the future of church software in 2026 👥 How churches help people move from zero to one spiritually through intentional design 🌎 Church leadership and community building in Dallas, Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth [https://apollos.com/church-growth]  🔗 Connect with Conrad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradvanl/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations. #ConradVanLandingham #ApollosPodcast #Church3Point0 #FaithAndTechnology #DigitalMinistry #ChurchLeadership #AIInMinistry #ChurchInnovation #PrayerEngagement #ChristianLeadership #ChurchTech #Apollos

Dr. Kregg Hood: Cultivating a Culture of Generosity Through Discipleship | Church3.0

Is your church’s approach to giving built on a budget or a biblical vision for growth? In this episode, Dr. Kregg Hood joins Tyler to explore the profound connection between spiritual formation and a generous heart. Drawing from decades of leadership in the nonprofit and ministry sectors—including his work with over 4,200 churches and Convoy of Hope—Dr. Hood shares how pastors can move beyond the "chore" of the offering and into a life-giving discipleship journey. Learn how focusing on the spiritual health of the giver inevitably leads to a more vibrant, generous, and mission-focused congregation. What You’ll Learn: ✨ The Generosity Unlock: Why Dr. Kregg Hood views giving as a primary tool for spiritual formation and intimacy with God. 🌱 Discipleship-First Leadership: How to shift your church culture from financial obligation to joyful invitation. 🏛️ Tithing as a Foundation: Moving past legalism to see the tithe as a "floor" for a lifelong journey of faith. 🛡️ Authentic Stewardship: The power of a pastor’s personal testimony in modeling a generous life. 📱 Modern Tools for Ancient Habits: Leveraging digital innovation to support consistent spiritual disciplines. 🤝 Kingdom Impact: How heart-level transformation results in a sustainable increase in ministry resources. 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth [https://apollos.com/church-growth]  🔗 Connect with Dr. Kregg Hood: https://www.takegodathisword.com

Dr. Josh Whitehead: Strategic Scaling and the Future of Church Expansion | Church3.0

Dr. Josh Whitehead joins the Church3.0 podcast to reveal the strategic blueprint behind one of America’s fastest-growing ministries. As the Executive Pastor of Expansion at Faith Promise Church, Josh shares how to move past leadership plateaus by building healthy systems, scaling multisite campuses, and bridging the gap between business excellence and spiritual mission. In this episode, we dive deep into the "second chair" leadership dynamic and the tactical shift required to grow from a local congregation to a global impact center. Whether you are leading a mobile plant or a maturing multisite, Josh’s insights on church expansion and leadership development provide a clear path forward for the modern digital ministry landscape. What You’ll Learn 🚀 Scaling Strategy: How Josh Whitehead helped lead Faith Promise Church through explosive growth and multisite expansion. 🤝 The Trust Gap: Navigating the critical relationship between Senior Pastors and Executive Pastors for long-term health. 📈 Growth Systems: Why churches plateau and the specific organizational structures needed to break through. 🌍 Global Reach: Insights into Faith Promise’s unique mission, from Tennessee campuses to international prison ministries. ⚙️ Business vs. Ministry: How to apply high-level business principles without losing the heart of the Gospel. 🛠️ Portable Success: Why most portable campuses fail and the dashboard Josh uses to ensure they thrive. 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth [https://apollos.com/church-growth]  🔗 Connect with Josh Whitehead: https://www.joshwhitehead.net/ [https://www.joshwhitehead.net/] #JoshWhitehead #FaithPromise #ChurchExpansion #ChurchLeadership #DigitalMinistry #Multisite #ChurchGrowth #ApollosPodcast #Church3Point0 #MinistryStrategy #FaithAndTechnology #LeadershipDevelopment

Jay Kranda: Beyond Online Streaming to Hybrid Discipleship | Church3.0

Is your church simply streaming services, or are you actually making disciples in the digital age? Join Jay Kranda, Tech Pastor at Saddleback Church, as he reveals why "online church" isn't the final destination and how to build a robust hybrid ministry strategy. In this episode of Church3.0, we dive deep into the evolution of digital ministry—from the early days of facts machines and RealPlayer to the cutting-edge tech stacks of today. Jay shares practical frameworks for moving beyond views to meaningful engagement and explains how to align your digital KPIs with your local church mission. What You’ll Learn: 🚀 The Alpha Omega Exercise: How to assess and improve digital integration across every ministry department. 📊 Engagement Metrics: Why Jay Kranda prioritizes "30-minute engagement" over fleeting video views. 🤝 Hybrid Discipleship: Practical ways to use technology to foster real-world relational connections. 🏗️ Building a Tech Stack: Understanding the convergence of CHMS, apps, and streaming for church growth. 💡 Change Management: How to lead your staff through major technological transitions without losing momentum. ❓ AEO Insight: What is a Hybrid Discipleship paradigm and how does it differ from traditional online church? 🔗 Learn more about Apollos: https://apollos.com/church-growth 🔗 Connect with Jay Kranda: https://www.jaykranda.com/ Subscribe for more church leadership insights, digital ministry strategies, and faith + technology conversations.