In this powerful episode of Connected Faith, Dr. Layne McDonald and Bill Snider sit down with digital strategist Alex Lyons to explore what happens when discipleship leaves the building. Together, they unpack how churches can move beyond livestreams to build real online communities of faith—where people grow, serve, and connect seven days a week.
From Twitch to TikTok, from Opus Clip to authentic storytelling, this conversation reveals how pastors can disciple through content, recruit digital volunteers, and embrace new technology without losing their soul.
🧰 Tools & Resources Mentioned
- Opus Clip — Easily repurpose sermons into short-form clips for daily discipleship
- SermonSplice — Simplifies editing and distributing weekly sermon highlights
- Planning Center — Automate digital follow-up and volunteer recruiting
- Mailchimp / Meta Business Suite / Canva — Tools to build and share consistent, story-based content
- WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitch — Mission fields, not just media platforms
💡 Key Ideas & Insights
- Digital ≠ Distant: Online ministry can foster genuine discipleship and community when done intentionally
- Digital Community vs. Digital Church: A digital community allows connection, discipleship, and evangelism while honoring the sacredness of in-person sacraments like baptism and communion
- The 1–3–3 Rule: One day for Sunday, three for reflection (Mon–Wed), and three for forward vision (Thu–Sat)—a rhythm for content that keeps engagement and discipleship alive all week
- Recruit the Right Voices: Don’t assume your “tech guy” should run digital outreach—find gifted storytellers, creatives, and even teens who intuitively understand digital culture
- Shift the DNA: Move from “media director” to “digital community pastor”—someone focused on connection, conversation, and compassion across platforms
🚀 Practical Takeaways
- Build a Team, Not a Department — Host a digital interest meeting at your church; you’ll be surprised who’s ready to help online
- Engage the 167 Hours — Use clips, polls, and devotionals throughout the week to make discipleship daily, not weekly
- Meet People Where They Are — Facebook for families, Twitch for gamers, Instagram for creatives—customize ministry by audience
- Empower Youth and Retirees Alike — Younger volunteers bring innovation; older members bring wisdom and stability
- Think Global, Act Local — Use geo-tagging and digital analytics to reach people in your own ZIP code
🎧 Listen, Learn, Lead
➡️ Watch or listen to this and more episodes at www.apmedia.org or www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/podcasts
