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ChurchMag Podcast

335 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratings

The #1 Resource for Church Technology and Creativity

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Episodes

333 - Self-care, Mental Health - The Signs

September 01, 2021 19:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

How we take care of ourselves is a spiritual matter. Rest is a spiritual discipline. God makes a big deal about it. In this episode Blessing Mpofu and Chris Wilson talk about self-care and mental health. Sharing from experience they talk about signs of unhealth and how to bounce back. This Might Also Be Helpful Your Life Matters – A List Of Mental Health Resources For You And Your Church What Jeremy Learned with ChurchAndMentalHealth.com [Podcast #263] Self-care In Church And Organizati...

332 - Working Cross Denominationally and Culturally

August 25, 2021 20:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MB

The Church is inherently diverse. Not only at a macro, big "C" Church level, but also in the micro or local churches diversity is something we [should] embrace as our default setting. Blessing Mpofu asks Jono Hesp to share some of his experiences working in and with different denominations, cultures and countries.  Let’s Talk About It What stood out to you in this episode? Questions? Ideas? Anything to add? Whatever it is, let us know — @ChurchMag using #cmagcast on Twitter — or contact ...

331 - Matt Hogg On Church Digital & Social Media

August 18, 2021 08:00 - 26 minutes - 18.4 MB

Matt Hogg joins Blessing Mpofu and Chris Wilson. Matt is a vicar (pastor) in London, and talks about his initial apprehension to digital and social media and how it changed. Not only that but also how and his journey to not only use it as a church leader but also how his church embraced it.  Full of practical and actionable ideas and tips, this is worth your while. Oh! Matt also told us about a couple of things he'll be working as he transition from his pastoral role and church.  Mentioned...

330 - Motives and Metrics In Church Life and Media

August 09, 2021 13:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

Blessing Mpofu and Chris Wilson wrestle with where the lines blur when it comes to motives and metrics in church life and media. What's the line where "borrowing" from pop culture hurts our churches' mission? How do we know when we're now more consumed with feeding the algorithm for reaction and compromised the mission?  Mentioned In This Episode Rise and Fall Of Mars Hill––The Brand @JoshCarlosJosh on Twitter John Stott Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV): “And when you fast, do not look gloomy li...

329 - From No Data To Understanding Your Church's Trends

July 27, 2021 21:00 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MB

Blessing Mpofu has a conversation with Jono Hesp, who has extensive experience working data, church management and other database solutions. They talk about how to move from no data to understanding your church’s trends. You Might Also Find This Useful Why You Should Use A Church Management System The Case for Church Management Software: Membership  Complexity – What You Should Know About Church Tech The Art of Making Church Admin Disappear Let’s Talk About It What is your church curr...

328 - Privacy AND Sharing; A Delayed WWDC Reaction

July 11, 2021 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MB

Yes, we know, we know. Apple's WWDC 2021 happened a while ago. But guess what? Somewhere in the mine conversation post that event there were some gems we just had to share. In this episode Blessing Mpofu and Chris Wilson unpack  two big themes––privacy and sharing, that came out of the event. How do they impact evangelism and discipleship? They also contextualise them for churches and organisations, as they explore what they could mean for media, content creation and communication. Menti...

327 - Creating Useful Guides And Documentation

July 04, 2021 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

In this ChurchMag Podcast episode Blessing Mpofu has a conversation with Chris Wilson about creating helpful how-to-guides and documentation. This insightful conversation has many principles and ideas that can be used in church and organizational life. Oh! we've also got the-yet-to-be-named segment with two noteworthy items. Mentioned In This Episode Document It: Why We Must Document Document It: Best Documenting Practices Document It: Debunking Myths of Documenting Document It: How To...

326 - Collaboration Platforms

June 30, 2021 19:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

Chris Wilson and Blessing Mpofu are back in the episode, talking about collaboration platforms and solutions. They talk about ones they've used or are using––what they've liked or not liked about them. Don't think that that it's all about the platforms or tools. Gems of wisdom on teamwork, communication and productivity abound and are there for the taking. Level up your collaboration, productivity and teamwork. Mentioned In The Episode Miro Google Docs Evernote Notion Jesse Gruber ...

325 - Logos Daily

June 21, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MB

Blessing Mpofu and Chris Wilson have a conversation with Jason Brueckner and Ryland Brown from Logos Daily. Through community, coaching and content they help people learn, master Logos Bible Software. They also share great thoughts on Bible study, investing in spiritual formation for community, ministry and the value of personalised coaching vs. generic resources and content. Logos Daily Website Twitter Facebook Group - Tips and Tricks Faithlife - Free Books  SubReddit Also Mentioned...

324 - Making Social More Social

June 12, 2021 13:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

In the previous podcast episode, "The Sate Of Social" we surveyed the state of the social aspect on social media and networks. We pick up the conversation in this episode talking about making social (media / networks) more social. You might find some of the practical tips and examples useful for your context.  Mentioned In The Episode How COVID Has Affected Christians’ Faith [Survey Results] A Look At Two Lectio Divina Devotional Apps Noteworthy Lectio 365 More about the devotional app...

323 - The State of Social In Social

June 06, 2021 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MB

The State of Social In Social With social media as ubiquitous as it is, talking about it, though sometimes exhausting, is still worthwhile. In this episode Blessing Mpofu and Chris Wilson have the first of two conversations, about making social (media) more social. We also debut the first of a new segment, where we highlight something noteworthy. Noteworthy: Check out Mary DeMuth's website here and her podcast, "Pray Every Day" here. See Mental Health Church Plan: Awareness to Action, ...

322 - End Of An Intermission

June 02, 2021 13:00 - 8 minutes - 5.56 MB

After an unusually long ChurchMag Podcast hiatus Blessing does an editor's drop to say hello and shed a little light on the impact of 2020. He says what's been happening and announces a little of what's happening with the ChurchMag Podcast and maybe not enough of what's coming but give it a listen anyway. What would you like us to cover. Let us know on Twitter — @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at [email protected]

321 - Are You Tired of Video Conference Calls?

November 05, 2020 23:00 - 14 minutes - 9.67 MB

Dear Diary, It's March 249th, 2020. COVID-19 has been with us for a long time, now and we have had more video conference calls this month than our entire lives previously. Will I make it to April? -- Signed: Tired of Pandemics Do you have anything to add to the conversation? If you have any video conference call tips, please tell us on Twitter — @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at [email protected] — and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.

320 - Truth & Politics

October 08, 2020 22:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

This week on the podcast we share something we recorded back in March of this year and seems to have become even more relevant over the past several months. Here are all the links we referred to in this episode: Robert Downey Jr and Tom Holland in Back to the future - This is heavy! [ deepfake ] Trump Shared a Fake Video of Biden. We Asked His Campaign Why. White House shares edited video to justify revoking press pass of CNN's Jim Acosta Photoshop Will Help ID Images That Have Been … P...

319 - Facing Our First World Problems

September 18, 2020 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

How are you facing your first world problems? "First world problems" is somewhat complicated. On one hand, we shouldn't complain while so many people in the world have much more serious issues to handle. On the other hand, a "first world problem" is still a problem that has to be faced. Let's talk about it! Tell us about your recent "first world problems" and how you successfully navigated through them or what you took away from the experience. Let us know — @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — ...

318 - Back to School or Back to the Drawing Board?

August 21, 2020 05:00 - 9 minutes - 6.7 MB

With different states and countries in different phases of "re-opening" we talk about schools. And there are some thoughts about youth ministry and evangelism. On the overall this episode is also about about the profound impact on a generation, maybe even the one after. We'd love to know how things are going in your home, district, even city. What are some of your thoughts about your children or young people in your church or community? Let us know — @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact u...

317 - Will Conferences Ever Return?

July 31, 2020 08:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

With a global pandemic, we have all had our share of video calls and Zoom meetings. There have been thousands of in-person conferences that have either been canceled or transformed into webinars. Will the conferences we have come to know ever return? Will webinars replace them? What do you think will happen to conferences as we know them? Let us know — @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at [email protected] — and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.

316 - The Pandemic Affect on Church Planting

July 24, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MB

After months of a global pandemic and economic strain, what affect has it had on church planting? Join the conversation on this week's episode by using the #cmagcast hashtag or send us an email at [email protected] and we'll share your comment on a future podcast. Here is the full series by Phil that Blessing referred to: Church Without Limitations: Get Moving 1 Church Without Obstacles: Problem-Solving 2 Church Without End: Scalability 3 Church Without Gaps: Human Capital 4 Church W...

316 - Church Planting In Times Of A Pandemic

July 24, 2020 07:00 - 12 minutes - 8.76 MB

After months of a global pandemic and economic strain, what affect has it had on church planting? Join the conversation on this week's episode by using the #cmagcast hashtag or send us an email at [email protected] and we'll share your comment on a future podcast. Here is the full series by Phil that Blessing referred to: Church Without Limitations: Get Moving 1 Church Without Obstacles: Problem-Solving 2 Church Without End: Scalability 3 Church Without Gaps: Human Capital 4 Church W...

315 - Church Tech Budgets During COVID Fallout

July 17, 2020 05:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

COVID is bringing along with it economic turmoil in its wake. This ultimately affects church budgets -- so what do you do about your church tech budget? Should it be slashed? Should it be expanded? The answer isn't as obvious as you might think. Referenced in this episode: When Churches Reopen: The Vulnerable

314 - Do You Have Church Streaming Fatigue?

July 10, 2020 05:00 - 13 minutes - 9.35 MB

Are you experiencing -- STREAMING FATIGUE? That's the term we've coined for the feeling you get after "attending" church service streams for months on end. Is it sustainable? Is it working? Where do we go from here?

313 - What Are We Building?

July 03, 2020 02:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

Over the past several weeks, the United States has begun to rethink and question some of the monuments, statues, signs, and symbols used throughout the public space. This has prompted us to take a moment of reflection and consider the question for the Church: What are we building?

312 - ChurchMag COVID Survey

June 26, 2020 04:00 - 13 minutes - 9.28 MB

We need your help! This week on the podcast we would love it if you could take a few minutes and take our COVID survey -- right here! If that link isn't working with your podcast player, here's a directly URL: https://churchm.ag/covid-survey/ The more the merrier, so please pass this along for your friends, too; we want to hear from everyone. Now, let's roll the tape...

311 - COVID Contrast: Online vs Face-to-Face

June 19, 2020 05:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

We've talked about the differences between online and face-to-face relationships before. This time, however, we have a unique opportunity to compare the two experiences in a real A/B comparison. Jeremy shares his experience as a counselor who worked entirely face-to-face, to having the chance to switch to 100% online sessions with the same people. What do you think about what Jeremy had to say this week? Let us know -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at podcast@chu...

310 - Gvouchers Helping During a Pandemic

June 12, 2020 05:00 - 7 minutes - 5.24 MB

Here's a cool tools that can be used by business and maybe nonprofits? A great way to help take the sting out of a bad economic situation.  "Gvouchers helps you sell Gift Vouchers to your loyal customers." Share your thoughts, ideas, and questions with us -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at [email protected] -- and we'll share it on an upcoming episode.

Black Lives Matter

June 05, 2020 01:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MB

This week, Blessing, Eric, and Jeremy welcome back Phil to the podcast as we dive into this week's most pressing topic: racism. We understand and believe this topic is very important and in no way is this a full survey of what we are experiencing in America right now. We simply want to help the Church to start talking about these things. At the end of the day, three of our four podcasters in this episode are white. So while this may help you start thinking about these issues, we highly reco...

309 - COVID & Mental Health

May 29, 2020 05:00 - 10 minutes - 7.54 MB

This week on the podcast Jeremy shares his expertise from Church and Mental Health as we discuss some basic ideas surrounding mental health during these difficult times. Feel free to ask a question -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at [email protected] -- and Jeremy will answer your question on an upcoming episode (or privately if you need).

308 - Bobby Gruenewald: YouVersion, Resources, and You (Part II)

May 22, 2020 09:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

This week on the podcast we share the second part of a two-part interview Blessing had with Bobby Gruenewald -- Innovation Leader at Life.Church and creator of YouVersion / Bible App. Share your thoughts, ideas, and questions with us -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at [email protected] -- and we'll share it on an upcoming episode.

307 - Bobby Gruenewald: YouVersion, Resources, and You (Part I)

May 15, 2020 06:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MB

This week on the podcast we share the first part of a two-part interview Blessing had with Bobby Gruenewald -- Innovation Leader at Life.Church and creator of YouVersion. As easy as it is to sometimes shrug and say that our resources are too limited or we don't have enough time to do something, the truth is, it's often times those limitations that are the catalyst for success. Share your thoughts, ideas, and questions with us -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email at p...

306 - That Time We Nerded Out About Star Wars

May 07, 2020 23:00 - 11 minutes - 7.91 MB

During the lockdown and COVID-19 Pandemic, what better time is there to binge on Star Wars!?! With May the 4th this week, we decided we would share some thoughts about one of our most beloved film franchises, talk about what order to watch them, with just a little controversy on the side. Tell us what order you like to watch them, what you think about Episode 9, and anything else you would like to say to us about Star Wars. At us -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast — contact us here or by email ...

305 - The Medium Doesn't Change the Mission

May 01, 2020 05:00 - 10 minutes - 7.1 MB

Whether your church has had to switch to digital, doesn't mean the mission changes. The medium should never define your mission. Let's talk about it. Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at [email protected] and we'll reply on an upcoming episode.

304 - Is Your Church Communication Self-Aware?

April 24, 2020 05:00 - 11 minutes - 8.18 MB

During COVID-19, it might be too easy to come across "tone-deaf" and "out-of-touch." In fact, that's a risk that all church communication has during a crisis. Let's be honest: Next week's small group pot-luck isn't the highest priority during a crisis. Becoming self-aware and in touch with what's top-of-mind in our communities can help us not only communicate more effectively, but even be able to better meet the needs of those around us. Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcas...

303 - Churches Connecting with Community During COVID-19

April 17, 2020 02:00 - 8 minutes - 5.64 MB

With all of the lock-downs and social distancing from COVID-19, how is your church connecting with the community? How is it connecting within it's own church communities? As much as everyone has begun to lean on technology to try and share a traditional church service, are their other ways the Church needs to be connecting with others? Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at [email protected] and we'll reply on an upcoming episode.

302 - COVID Reveals What Your Church Is About

April 09, 2020 07:00 - 10 minutes - 6.91 MB

When we are faced with challenges our true character comes through -- so what has the COVID-19 challenge reveled about our churches? Long time ChurchMag writer Chris Wilson shared this tweet with everyone that really got us thinking: https://twitter.com/danwhitejr/status/1244724446251933698 So what has COVID-19 reveled about your church? Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at [email protected] and we'll reply on an upcoming episode.

301 - Church Using Technology During Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 18, 2020 23:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Last week (March 10th) we recorded a podcast focused on the Church using technology during things like what we are currently experiencing with Coronavirus (COVID-19). At the time of the recording, we hadn't had a single quarantine or closure in the United States. Please keep that in mind while you listen to the podcast, as a lot has developed in these past 10-days (from today's publishing). Join the conversation via Twitter -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at [email protected]....

300 - The Church Tech Bubble

March 13, 2020 03:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

This week on the podcast we talk about bubbles! Not the fun kind of bubbles, but the kind of bubbles you want to be careful not to find yourself in. :) When you are looking for solutions, advice -- or giving advice on solutions -- you need to be mindful of how you approach it. Please join the conversation -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at [email protected]. We want to hear from you!

299 - Technology: Mission Fields to Neighborhoods

February 27, 2020 22:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

Technology has changed a lot in the past ten years, and the jump in the past twenty years is even more incredible. So what kind of impact has that had on missions? What kind of impact has that had on communication, relationships, and connections with friends and family? The changes have big and the impacts may even be bigger. Let's talk about it! Join the conversations -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at [email protected] and we'll reply on an upcoming episode.

298 - Call for Backup!

February 07, 2020 21:00 - 9 minutes - 6.43 MB

What do you do when the power goes out? What do you do when the projector or soundboard doesn't turn on or a computer doesn't boot up? Do you have a backup plan? Does the plan work? While most hiccups and curveballs can be adjusted for fairly easily, that isn't always the case! This week on the podcast we get a little bit meta as we talk about -- backups. Talk to us on Twitter -- @ChurchMag using #cmagcast -- or by email at [email protected] and we'll reply on an upcoming episode.

297 - That One Time When Blessing Interviewed Eric

January 24, 2020 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

This week on the podcast, we have some insider talk while Blessing picks Eric's brain and asks him about apps, how he edits the podcast, and some of his own personal life hacks. Do you have a question for Eric? Ask us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at [email protected] and he'll answer it on an upcoming episode.

296 - Are Conferences Still Relevant?

January 10, 2020 16:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

The New Year kicks off and it feels like it's time to talk about conferences in 2020. Are they still relevant? Are they as useful as they should be? Are online conferences better? This week we discuss conferences and we hope this gives you some things to think about it as you plan your personal conference attendance list for 2020. What do you think about conferences? What conferences will you be attending this year? Tell us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@chur...

295 - ChurchMag In 2020

January 03, 2020 10:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MB

Happy New Year! 2019 is now behind us and all of 2020 lays before us like untouched snow. What will it bring? Where will we go? How will all of our questions of the future be answered? This week on the podcast Eric discusses with Blessing about what the future looks like for ChurchMag, as well as their own personal thoughts about bringing in the New Year. What are some of your favorite 2020 slogans, sayings, and incoming puns for the New Year? Tell us on Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcas...

294 - When Private Becomes Public Online

December 19, 2019 22:00 - 14 minutes - 9.68 MB

A few months ago, John MacAurther's "go home" comments created a lot of discussions. Audio that would have normally occurred behind closed doors and remained behind closed doors -- becomes public and spreads like wildfire. This week on the podcast we discuss how technology now enables the capture and spread of behavior far more easily than in times past. What does that mean for us? And what about all the times we personally share our thoughts on something -- only to find that we change our ...

293 - Being A Content Gatekeeper for Children

December 13, 2019 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MB

Do you check the ratings of movies and video games before your children consume them? What about YouTube or other online streaming services? Resources like Common Sense Media are wonderful resources but are there other things to consider? This week on the podcast we discuss our personal approaches and several things to keep in mind as parents -- and even as Uncles, Aunts, Grandparents, friends, etc. Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at podcast@...

292 - Shifting Your Reason for the Season

December 06, 2019 22:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MB

We say that "Jesus is the reason for the season" -- but do we really live it out? Compound this with the complications of family dynamics and dysfunctions, and we can find the holiday season to be emotionally charged as well. So where do we go from here? How do we turn the tide? And what about all of this busy-busy-holiday-bustle? Let's talk about it. :) Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at [email protected] and we’ll share it on an upcoming e...

291 - The Global Impact of Technology Consumerism [Black Friday Edition - 2019]

November 27, 2019 22:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

As in episodes past (in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018), we present to you the annual Black Friday ChurchMag Podcast! This year we welcome Sean Leacy to discuss technology and the global impact it has on the environment, people, and some practical things you can do to start a positive push in the right direction. This is a "no judgment" discuss -- and simply a conversation started to begin thinking about these very important things (Also coffee? Maybe, but only at the end). Jump into th...

290 - Should You Argue on Facebook?

November 22, 2019 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

When someone disagrees with something you said online, what do you do? This week on the podcast we talk about a specific instance when a pastor asked that his members cease their theological arguments online and wait to discuss it Sunday morning. Should Christians argue with one another online? Where do you draw the line between discussion and argument? Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at [email protected] and we’ll share it on an upcoming epi...

289 - The Tension Between Quality and Quantity

November 15, 2019 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MB

There is an ongoing tension between quality and quantity. Sure, it would be nice to have both -- but most of the time the cost for this is simply too high. So which is the better route? Is the answer always the same? This week on the podcast we explore the tension between these two. Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at [email protected] and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.

288 - Growth Doesn't Come from Tech, Tech Is Only A Tool

November 10, 2019 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MB

How often is technology sold on ideas and concepts that promise growth? But can these promises even be kept? This week on the podcast we talk about how growth is not created by using a tech tool on its own -- but that it is simply a tool. What are some of the reasons you've used to persuade others to invest in new technology? Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at [email protected] and we’ll share it on an upcoming episode.

287 - The Magic of Retro

November 01, 2019 20:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

What's so cool about "retro"? Retro was referred to as "the good ol' days" "back in the day" -- what can we learn from this? How deep does the rose color go with our glasses when looking into the past? This week we try to think deep about the concept of retro dynamics -- but end up mostly talking about our favorite retro things... What does "retro" mean to you? Do you like ALLTHETHINGS when it comes to retro? Jump into the conversation via Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or by email at...

286 - So Many Hats, So Little Time

October 25, 2019 21:00 - 10 minutes - 7.05 MB

Church staff and those working for small ministries and nonprofits understand what it's like to wear "many hats." Youth Pastors responsible for the website, church secretaries deligated to care for Facebook -- the list goes on. But don't most smaller organizations have this pain point? Is there a difference? This week on the podcast, we barely scratch the surface of this glacier of a topic. Join in the conversation and tell us what you think! Jump in Twitter @ChurchMag using #cmagcast or...

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