In this episode, Jeff Reed and Andy Mage discuss the concept of asynchronous community and its potential for churches. They define an asynchronous community as communication that does not happen in real time, such as through text messages, social media, or online forums. They emphasize that asynchronous community goes beyond simple conversation and engagement, fostering deeper relationships, support networks, spiritual growth, and involvement in service. They share personal experiences, forming meaningful relationships through online gaming and message boards. They also address whether these relationships are real and argue they can lead to discipleship and authentic community. In this conversation, Andy and Jeff discuss the importance of building real relationships in the digital space and the role of asynchronous communication in creating community. They highlight the need for churches to embrace hybrid models that combine physical and digital interactions. They also emphasize the value of personality and humor in building community and the importance of listening and engaging with people in digital spaces. The conversation concludes with previewing upcoming events and initiatives in The Church Digital Discord server. QUOTES Paul was doing asynchronous community 2,000 years ago." "Asynchronous community is that thing that we try to derive from in all of our church engagements." "I had some of the most deep conversations that I've ever had in my entire life over a headset on my Xbox controller." "There is no barrier between digital and physical. What they see on their phone, what they grew up with, that's what they know." "The connections that we have should be led into community, and within that community is where we see discipleship happen." TIMELINE 00:00 Introduction and Overview 12:53 Defining Asynchronous Community 26:25 Are Online Relationships Real? 33:01 The Potential of Asynchronous Community for Discipleship 36:59 Building Real Relationships in the Digital Space 43:28 The Importance of Community and Discipleship 48:03 Finding Community Before Finding Christ 52:27 Taking the First Step in Building Community 01:03:56 Setting the Example for Asynchronous Communication 01:09:19 The Vision for The Church Digital Discord

Navigating the Digital Landscape: The African American Church's Path Forward

How the Digital Church is Reshaping Worship, Community, and Engagement in the African American Context

The African American church has long been a cornerstone of community, spirituality, and resistance. However, as the world shifts towards a more digital-centric approach, these churches face unique challenges and opportunities. In episode 292 of the TCD podcast, hosted by Jeff Reed, guest DK Hammonds sheds light on the state of the African American digital church, emphasizing the potential for growth and the need for a nuanced approach to technology.

The Digital Divide and Community Engagement

One of the pivotal points discussed by DK Hammonds is the "digital divide"—the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology, and those that don't. African American churches, often at the heart of communities with limited technological resources, find themselves on the challenging side of this divide. Hammonds underscores the importance of acknowledging this gap and taking proactive steps to bridge it, not only through investment in technology but also through tailored digital discipleship programs that meet community members where they are.

Hybrid Models: Integrating Digital and Physical Spaces

Hammonds advocates for the adoption of hybrid models, which blend online and offline interactions to enhance the worship experience. This approach not only helps in reaching a broader audience but also supports church members who may prefer the convenience and accessibility of digital services. A notable example is the "Barbecue Church" led by Clarence Stowers and Andre Anderson, which successfully integrates physical and digital elements to create a vibrant community space.

Quality of Digital Worship

The conversation also delves into the quality of digital worship experiences, where Hammonds stresses the need for high-quality video and sound. The effectiveness of a digital sermon, he notes, depends significantly on how well pastors can engage with their audience through these mediums. Not all pastors may naturally excel in this space, suggesting a need for training and development to help clergy adapt to these new forms of engagement.

Moving Forward: Embracing Change

In concluding, Hammonds calls for senior church leadership to embrace technological change actively. He emphasizes faith, calling, and the global outreach of ministry as core aspects that can guide African American churches as they navigate this digital transition.

Conclusion:

As African American churches map their digital pathways, the road ahead involves more than just adopting technology. It requires a clear vision for how digital tools can enhance spiritual practices, community engagement, and worship quality. The insights shared by DK Hammonds during his discussion with Jeff Reed on the TCD podcast highlight not only the challenges but also the profound opportunities for growth and outreach. Through a thoughtful and inclusive approach, the African American digital church can continue to be a powerful beacon of hope and connectivity in an increasingly digital world.

TIMECODE

0:00 Introduction, Live Recording

13:15 African Americans prefer diverse or specific worship.

16:06 Inclusion of diverse African diaspora in America.

23:42 Prioritize helping those less financially fortunate.

28:20 Many African American churches use live streams.

36:10 Promoting local church, fostering community, digital integration.

41:47 Creating digital church with real community challenge.

42:34 Hybrid model for church embraces digital services.

52:45 Have faith, be called, find passionate partners.

58:33 Understanding, empathy, truth, risky, allyship, internal work.

01:03:07 Explore podcasts, ask for guidance, do the work.

01:04:57 Sharing resources, wrapping up podcast recording. Goodbye.

The Evolution of Digital Ministry: Celebrating Milestones and Embracing the Future

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside.
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As we mark the five-year anniversary of The Church Digital Podcast and the 24-year anniversary of Jeff Reed's first digital ministry venture with ebeliever.com, it's a time of reflection on the leaps and strides made in integrating technology with faith practice.

In January 2000, Jeff Reed embarked on an ambitious project to create ebeliever.com, a pre-social media online Christian community that offered connection through discussion boards, music, and sermons – all at the frontier of digital technology. They were the trailblazers in using technology to foster spiritual community, encoding sermons and conducting online Bible studies long before channels like YouTube became the norm.

The podcast announces the Resilient Church webinar series, focusing on melding connection and community through digital means, an essential conversation in our increasingly online world. Digital ministry is forward-thinking, and these webinars will highlight vibrant discourses from April to September, paving the way for more inclusive and technologically adapted church practices.

Jeff Reed shares his vision of a distributed podcast network, which eschews the expansion of a single podcast for a collaborative, wealth-distributing model. This revolutionary idea emphasizes leadership that seeds and nurtures multiple platforms, resonating with the biblical principle of growth through multiplication.

Reflecting on a harrowing server crash in 2003 that brought down ebeliever.com, Reed highlights the importance of partnership. The path of innovation can be isolating, so finding colleagues like Ray, who supported him through tough times, underscores the importance of community—not just in building a digital church but in the personal lives of those leading the way.

The podcast looks forward to divergent conversations with thought leaders like Peyton Jones on virtual reality church planting, offering listeners a glance into how conventional church planting paradigms are transforming in the modern age.

As we surmise from the narrative of The Church Digital Podcast and ebeliever.com, the intersection of technology and spirituality has indeed seen a paradigm shift. From mere supplemental tools for ministry, digital platforms have burgeoned into central pillars supporting the spread of the Gospel and the cultivation of community. Still, challenges such as technological hiccups, resistance, and the critical need for strategic partnerships remind us that the journey is a continuous learning process.
And so, as we tune in to upcoming interviews, discussions, and webinars, we do so with recognition of the past, appreciation for the present, and eager anticipation for what lies on the horizon for digital faith communities. Cheers to 291 episodes, and here's to the countless more that will continue to inform, inspire, and connect believers across the digital universe.

05:42 Resilient Church webinar for physical church utilization.
13:59 Embracing distributed leadership for Metaverse church director.
16:08 Choosing digital church was a unique move.
23:06 Ed Stetzer success story: started pre-COVID, soared.
27:19 Major tech issues during worst presentation ever.
34:45 Celebrating podcast anniversary and 24-year business milestone.
38:44 eBeliever.com created youth group websites, online Bible studies.
46:49 Smuggling Bibles in various countries, exciting stories.
50:24 Jim Tomberlin, a multi-site movement pioneer.
57:06 Supportive wife, family judgment, seeking empathy.
01:00:13 The eBeliever.com Story

Navigating Digital Transformation: TCD Unveils a New Online Era

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside.
Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - http://thechurch.digital/riverside

In an age where digital presence has become integral to every organization, TCD is no exception.

Ep290 of TCD podcast reveals a transformative period for our digital church. Helmed by host Jeff Reed and his leadership team including Andy Mage, Barbara Carnero, JMO, Jason Morris, and flat cap Layton, TCD is marching into a new era of online engagement and spiritual outreach. The unveiling of our new website, the move to Discord, and an invigorating branding overhaul highlight our renewed commitment to fostering community and faith in the digital realm.

Recognizing the importance of an updated online home, TCD has launched a new website designed to streamline our digital presence. Since 2018, the website had not seen significant updates—until now. Barbara Carnero was pivotal in understanding and crafting a web design that reflects TCD’s vision. By incorporating people-focused elements and reducing clutter from multiple calls-to-action, we aim to create a simplified, direct path to community building. This is a space where technology doesn't overshadow human touch, where images of life within our digital community take center stage over excessive digital effects.

In a strategic move to enhance interaction and fellowship, TCD transitions from Mighty Networks to Discord. This new platform choice reflects a keen understanding of demographic preferences, particularly the adeptness of Discord users with technology. With the launch of our Discord server, we invite our community to engage more deeply and dynamically. This innovative approach is a testament to our adaptability and commitment to leveraging modern tools for spiritual connection.

In this episode, Jeff Reed shares a personal, poignant narrative of health struggles and the mental battle with theodicy. His transparency shines a light on the all-too-human aspect of leadership and underscores the need for a distributed, supportive community within TCD. The commitment to power through challenges and the surprise announcement regarding leadership hint at exciting developments, reinforcing that our mission is not mere branding, but service unto God.

Jeff Reed elaborates on the importance of allowing technology to further the mission of the church. This episode celebrates the collaboration with Riverside for superior recording quality, a move that represents TCD’s investment in high-caliber content delivery. With the livestreaming capabilities on Discord, the podcast aims to transcend cultural and environmental barriers, bringing the message of TCD to new digital frontiers.

As TCD aligns its leadership and community strategies with the digital church framework, we are setting the stage for a new chapter characterized by connection, discipleship, and multiplication. The podcast concludes with Jeff encouraging patience as we engage with the beta phase of new digital endeavors and draws parallels to Gmail's humble beginnings. His call for equipment and experimentation within our digital model signifies a bold willingness to redefine what church looks like in the 21st century.

• 05:26 Streamed on Tuesday, celebrating community changes. Check it out.
• 12:32 Busy morning with unexpected online interactions.
• 20:03 Welcoming new team member creates strong connection.
• 24:08 Mixed feelings about switching to Discord from Facebook.
• 31:46 Reaching new people digitally, time for change.
• 32:51 Paused streaming to find Luke 647 in Bible.
• 38:36 Requesting login. Digging unsuccessful. Found imposter on TikTok.
• 48:05 Struggling with health, fatigue, and uncertainty about diagnosis.
• 54:29 Expressing gratitude and excitement for future prospects.
• 01:00:01 Contemplating symbolism, purpose, and the team's direction.

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

Navigating Digital Multiplication and Fostering Global Church Leadership

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

### Rethinking Ministry in the Digital Age

Jeff Reed invites us to deeply reflect on the transformation of church dynamics in the digital context. He shares his experiences and the economic challenges he faced managing a Christian store, emphasizing how those situations served as a catalyst for his digital ministry journey. Jeff advocates for a paradigm shift in how we perceive and operate church functions online, closely aligning with the fundamental Biblical principles and embracing the distinctive opportunities provided by the digital world.

### The Essence of Multiplication

The episode delves into the vital role of multiplication in church growth. Jeff passionately argues for the significance of mentoring and empowering the upcoming generation of church leaders. His dedication is rooted in the philosophy that true growth comes from nurturing selfless, God-centered leadership rather than pursuing personal or organizational gain.

### Deepening Digital Discipleship and Community

Jeff emphasizes that the digital sphere is not merely a platform for sermon distribution, but a fertile ground for cultivating genuine community and engaging in meaningful discipleship. He references 'The Other Half of Church' to corroborate the science-backed notion that the strength of discipleship is exponentially magnified within communal bonds, even when facilitated online.

### Vision for the Metaverse’s Role in Church Planting

Looking forward, Jeff touches on the burgeoning potential of the metaverse in revolutionizing church planting strategies. He envisions a future where the digital landscape hosts a plethora of small, relational churches that prioritize discipleship and are designed to proliferate and make a global impact.

### Conclusion: A Clarion Call for a Paradigm Shift

In conclusion, Jeff calls for church leaders and digital missionaries to embrace the inherent complexities of church expansion in digital spaces. He urges a collective mindset shift from building monolithic entities towards fostering a network of smaller, interconnected churches. This approach champions relationships and discipleship at its core, inviting an iterative process of ongoing community building and leadership development that transcends traditional boundaries and paves the way for substantial kingdom work in the digital age.

TIMELINE

• 00:00 Jeff talks to church digital family weekly.
• 08:21 Horror story of Easter work leads change.
• 14:08 Ybor City & Whitebeard's Unconventional Ministry.
• 19:54 Join our community at http://discord.thechurch.digital
• 24:55 Fashion company redefines marketing for Gen Z.
• 27:06 Early church dispersed, spreading ideas, digital space.
• 34:28 Seeking next generation leaders for church digital.
• 38:11 Mark prioritizes Nerd Culture Ministry over personal gain.
• 47:00 Lost money in business, but led to 100 conversions.
• 50:27 Supporting grief through community and faith resources.
• 57:31 Reaching people in South Africa requires local understanding.
• 01:05:40 Upcoming podcast plans, lots of exciting content.

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

QUESTIONS/RESOURCES

1. How does Jeff Reed’s philosophy on The Church Digital align with traditional views on church growth, and where does it diverge?

2. What unique challenges did Jeff face when integrating physical evangelism efforts at the c28 store with his digital ministry ambitions?

4. Considering Jeff's 106-hour Easter 2011 horror story, how can church leaders ensure that their passion for ministry does not lead to burnout?

5. Jeff speaks about the importance of being less so God can become more, as per John 3:30. How can church leaders practice this selflessness in the context of growing digital congregations?

Connecting Faith and Technology: The Kingstide Journey and Its Digital Aspirations

THE CHURCH DIGITAL PODCAST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY RIVERSIDE. CHECK OUT HOW RIVERSIDE CAN HELP YOUR CHURCH'S CONTENT-CREATION PROCESS - http://thechurch.digital/riverside

Embracing Community in the Digital Era With our generation steeping further into the digital realm, Kingstide has pioneered an ingenious approach to fostering Christian community online. Their mission, which resounded throughout the latest episode of the podcast TCD, is as audacious as it is praiseworthy: to weave a network of believers online, and gradually guide them towards local churches, nourishing a robust digital and physical bond within the community. Kingstide's Innovative Asynchronous Community By leveraging platforms like Discord, Kingstide has curated an asynchronous community, enabling them to tailor experiences to various demographic needs. From introduction channels and gaming discussions to Bible talk and daily verses, the community embodies a spectrum of interactions that resonate with their audience's diversity. The transition to a dedicated mobile app seeks to enhance this experience, with groups, events, topics, podcasts, and nuanced account settings at the user's fingertips. Volunteer Vigor and Global Impact The operation, fueled by 90 volunteers managing a 9,000-strong fellowship, aims to scale by maintaining a ratio of 10 volunteers per 1,000 participants. This structure is instrumental in nurturing the community and maintaining an impactful presence both inside and beyond the United States, reaching individuals who lack the privilege of a nearby physical church. In Conclusion As TCD's latest episode drew to a close, the themes discussed painted an inspiring picture—of a community unbound by geography, united in faith, leveraging the digital landscape to forge a legacy of connection and discipleship. Kingstide stands as a sterling example of how the confluence of technology and determination can revolutionize the way we perceive and practice community and evangelism in an increasingly digital world. TIMECODE 00:00 Excited about tech discoveries, upcoming online events 04:20 Gabe DeWalt leads church digital community 07:10 Gabe's transition from Seacost to digital church. 13:47 Growing discord server, leveraging influencers for success. 18:49 Exploring async usage for church community growth. 25:25 Established legal foundation, self-reliance, created on Discord. 29:45 Planned funnel structure: influencers, podcast hosts, Jesus City. 30:41 "Jesus City campaign targets unreached people in Charleston." 35:15 Growing steadily, reaching community through podcast, prayer. 41:57 Active involvement in community, prevent complete automation. 45:06 "Discord connects ministry leaders to volunteer opportunities." 49:58 Discord server reaches people for Christ online. 56:52 Christian influencers on social media are thriving. ON THE SHOW Host: Jeff Reed Founder, The Church Digital Guest: Gabe DeWalk Kingstide Church, Seacoast Church QUESTIONS & RESOURCES Info on Kingstide Discord & Mobile App - https://kingstide.org How does Kingstide manage to maintain a strong sense of Christian community in an online setting, and how does it compare with traditional church communities? In what ways has Kingstide tailored its Discord server to cater to the various demographic needs within the Christian community, and what lessons have been learned from this approach? What strategies does Kingstide employ to reach and disciple individuals who may be disconnected from traditional church settings? In light of the global reach of Kingstide, with 50% of its users being outside the United States, how does the platform accommodate the cultural and regional diversity of its members? As Kingstide looks towards the future, what scalability plans are in place to manage community growth, and how does it intend to evolve its technological infrastructure to match its expanding user base?

Exploring Tradition and Innovation in Church Movements: TCD's Vision of Digital DiscipleshipThe Church Digital

Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - HTTP://THECHURCH.DIGITAL/RIVERSIDE

Digital Innovation: Reshaping Church Movements

Jeff Reed's recent commentary on the evolving face of church movements underscores the delicate balance between traditional church values and the cutting-edge approaches needed in today's digital era. As Jeff eloquently puts it, the early churches found strength and momentum not in physical buildings, but in the power of being sent out like seeds—spreading their message far and wide.

Jeff urges us to shift our success metrics from the desire for legacy to the impactful work of disciple multiplication. Taking a cue from historical figures like William Carey, he emphasizes the potency of small, invested groups in generating significant religious reformation without reliance on established institutions or substantial funding.

By embracing the pioneering spirit, digital church movements can thrive amidst the shifting landscapes of hybrid faith communities.

The podcast episode highlights the growing need to evangelize and disciple through digital means. As physical churches recognize the value of hybrid models, there remains a crucial need to bridge the gap to comprehensive digital discipleship.

TCD's upcoming relaunch, slated for April 5, reflects an organization-wide embrace of a digital church model based on connection, community, discipleship, and multiplication. Jeff's vision for TCD involves more collaborative leadership, promising future revelations that could significantly reshape the organization's structure and strategy.

In conclusion, TCD's take on church movements is a clarion call to both digital and physical churches to innovate, embrace digital platforms, and persist in disciple-making despite obstacles. Jeff articulates a transformative path in which the ethos of the first Jerusalem church—planting seeds for future growth rather than building static monuments—can inspire a new era of digital-enabled ministry.

TIMECODE

• 00:00 Digital acceptance in ministry has improved significantly.
• 05:00 Digital discipleship controversy continues, shifting perspectives.
• 07:30 Church streaming, emotional, seeking opinions, impactful digital space.
• 13:47 Ignored advice, got fired, learned from it.
• 18:49 Church digital connections, building relationships, social media.
• 21:01 Utilize engagement to build trust and community.
• 27:37 Empower the kingdom with available opportunities, movements’ impact.
• 32:13 Consider impact, legacy, and mentorship in digital church.
• 35:09 William Carey's controversial discipleship approach in 1750.
• 37:06 William Carey revitalized evangelism by investing in 20 men.
• 41:49 Encourage pressing on, reach people digitally.
• 44:42 Church digital relaunches, leads to organizational shifts.

ON THE SHOW

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital

• Steve Addison's Acts & The Movement of God - https://amzn.to/3vm5lu8
• How do the principles of the early Church of Jerusalem apply to the modern digital church movement, and how can we implement a similar mentality of discipleship and mentorship in the digital age?
• Considering the story of William Carey, how can today's church leaders engage in a disciple-making approach that prioritizes individual investment over building a traditional legacy?
• After discussing the proposed framework for digital churches (connection, community, discipleship, and multiplication), which aspect do you believe is the most challenging to implement in a digital context, and why?

• Jeff Reed's meeting with Steve Addison highlighted insights into historical church movements. How do these movements inform the strategies and approaches of the modern church, particularly in the digital realm?

Dive into Unfiltered Chats on Disappointment, Integrity, and Keeping It Real in a Hyper-connected World

The Church Digital Podcast is brought to you by Riverside. Check out how Riverside can help your church's content-creation process - http://thechurch.digital/riverside

Dealing with the 'Not Yet' Moments

Jeff Reed kicks things off by getting real about those moments when life doesn't play by the script - yeah, we're talking dashed hopes and divine delays. Jon Pyle jumps in, dropping some wisdom about how our journey can get messy when things don't happen on our timeline, kind of like how ancient dude David felt waiting to be king and all.

With our lives splashed across Instagram and TikTok, Jon's keeping it 100 about how easy it is to slip into a fake-it-till-you-make-it mode. They chew over how the urge to look perfect online can mess with your head and heart. It's a no-holds-barred talk on the danger of losing yourself in the quest for likes and retweets.

Ever wondered if the digital church vibe could get super specific, like talking to just one part of the huge global crowd? That's what's up when Jeff shouts out Jon's convo with Kyle Berkholder. They hash out how digital can hit the spot with peeps in specific situations, even though it's kinda tough to zero in when you're casting a wide net every Sunday.

Winding down, Jeff shares his health journey, but it's not all heavy - Jon cracks us up pretending to be a Russian spambot. It's a classic TCD finish, where real talk meets real laughs, and just like that, you're reminded why these two have one of the coolest digital bromances around.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:44 Exploring fear and improving performance in life.
• 10:32 Discussing soul care and integrating it digitally.
• 20:42 Pastoral care involves helping people in pain.
• 25:45 Struggling with faith amid disappointment and pain.
• 30:03 Struggle with dependency and patience in faith.
• 35:44 Comparing success and temptation to hide.
• 44:54 Agree on need for qualitative digital connections.
• 49:39 Jeff goes deep with Jon.
• 56:35 Themes of mental health, generational talk highlighted.
• 58:59 Realizing God's bigger plans amid disappointment.

Host: Jeff Reed
Founder, The Church Digital
Guest: Jon Pyle
Rumored Russian Spambot

• Jeff Reed speaks about the challenges of physical limitations and patience. Can you share a time when you similarly had to adjust your expectations and find reliance on divine timing?
  
• Jon Pyle speaks to the value of the "messy, painful middle" of our life experiences. How do you navigate this phase, and what theological perspectives help you endure it?
  
• In what ways can digital platforms impact our ability to live authentically, and how might we guard against presenting a false image of ourselves online?
  
• Drawing from Jon Pyle’s remarks on church leaders' moral failings, what can everyday believers do to maintain their integrity in both digital and non-digital spheres?
  
• Jeff and Jon discuss the difficulty of creating a generational digital church. How do you think different generations can effectively connect within digital church communities?
  
• Considering the conversation about soul care and mental health, how can we as individuals prioritize both in our lives, particularly in the fast-paced digital age?
  
• Jon Pyle likens pastoral care to being a battlefield medic. How do you see the role of pastors evolving to meet the needs of congregants' mental health and soul care?
  
• Share a personal experience where technology played a key role in creating a connection or a deeper relationship. What made it meaningful?
  
• Reflecting on Jon Pyle’s insights regarding doing what God called us to do, how do you deal with the timing of your life goals and divine calling?