Aligning Digital Ministry and Communication in Your Church | Lauren Bercarich

so something that I've been coming to so something that I've been coming to terms with is hey I think I've spent too terms with is hey I think I've spent too terms with is hey I think I've spent too much time and energy much time and energy much time and energy selling which is not the kindest word selling which is not the kindest word selling which is not the kindest word but selling our programs and events but selling our programs and events but selling our programs and events right come to Sunday come to this right come to Sunday come to this right come to Sunday come to this Outreach join a group Outreach join a group Outreach join a group um instead of reaching people where they um instead of reaching people where they um instead of reaching people where they are not what I want you to do but what are not what I want you to do but what are not what I want you to do but what you need you need you need um and people have a lot of felt needs um and people have a lot of felt needs um and people have a lot of felt needs and I think that's within the church but and I think that's within the church but and I think that's within the church but especially externally especially externally especially externally hey welcome to season three episode 25 hey welcome to season three episode 25 hey welcome to season three episode 25 of the missional marketing podcast my of the missional marketing podcast my of the missional marketing podcast my name is Bart Blair I'm one of the name is Bart Blair I'm one of the name is Bart Blair I'm one of the co-hosts of the show and I want to thank co-hosts of the show and I want to thank co-hosts of the show and I want to thank you for tuning in to this week's episode you for tuning in to this week's episode you for tuning in to this week's episode our goal with this podcast is to help our goal with this podcast is to help our goal with this podcast is to help your church grow by leveraging digital your church grow by leveraging digital your church grow by leveraging digital marketing and effective Communications marketing and effective Communications marketing and effective Communications and uh today's guest is one who is an and uh today's guest is one who is an and uh today's guest is one who is an expert in digital marketing and expert in digital marketing and expert in digital marketing and effective Communications her name is effective Communications her name is effective Communications her name is Lauren berkerich the name might be Lauren berkerich the name might be Lauren berkerich the name might be familiar to you if you're a regular familiar to you if you're a regular familiar to you if you're a regular listener or viewer of our podcast uh listener or viewer of our podcast uh listener or viewer of our podcast uh Lauren and the senior pastor of her Lauren and the senior pastor of her Lauren and the senior pastor of her church at Liquid Church also have church at Liquid Church also have church at Liquid Church also have another podcast called Church changer another podcast called Church changer another podcast called Church changer and they were guests on our podcast and they were guests on our podcast and they were guests on our podcast earlier in the fall of 2022 that was the earlier in the fall of 2022 that was the earlier in the fall of 2022 that was the year that we were that we recorded that year that we were that we recorded that year that we were that we recorded that episode uh we had Lauren back on the episode uh we had Lauren back on the episode uh we had Lauren back on the show to actually talk specifically about show to actually talk specifically about show to actually talk specifically about her new role as the digital director she her new role as the digital director she her new role as the digital director she was the communications director at was the communications director at was the communications director at liquid church now she is the digital liquid church now she is the digital liquid church now she is the digital director and they are on the Leading director and they are on the Leading director and they are on the Leading Edge of a lot of amazing things at their Edge of a lot of amazing things at their Edge of a lot of amazing things at their Church Liquid Church of helping people Church Liquid Church of helping people Church Liquid Church of helping people find Jesus Through online memes through

find Jesus Through online memes through find Jesus Through online memes through digital marketing digital Communications digital marketing digital Communications digital marketing digital Communications and digital Tools in general I think and digital Tools in general I think and digital Tools in general I think you're going to learn a lot from this you're going to learn a lot from this you're going to learn a lot from this conversation with Lauren Liquid Church conversation with Lauren Liquid Church conversation with Lauren Liquid Church is a phenomenal church if you don't is a phenomenal church if you don't is a phenomenal church if you don't follow them on social haven't checked follow them on social haven't checked follow them on social haven't checked out their website to see what they're out their website to see what they're out their website to see what they're all about encourage you to do that just all about encourage you to do that just all about encourage you to do that just an amazing Church in the New Jersey New an amazing Church in the New Jersey New an amazing Church in the New Jersey New York City area here in the United States York City area here in the United States York City area here in the United States if you are a regular listener or friend if you are a regular listener or friend if you are a regular listener or friend follower of our podcast and you haven't follower of our podcast and you haven't follower of our podcast and you haven't ever left us a rating or review we'd ever left us a rating or review we'd ever left us a rating or review we'd love to remind you to do that that of love to remind you to do that that of love to remind you to do that that of course will help more people find the course will help more people find the course will help more people find the podcast and give us some feedback let us podcast and give us some feedback let us podcast and give us some feedback let us know what you love about the show what know what you love about the show what know what you love about the show what uh you don't love about the show what uh you don't love about the show what uh you don't love about the show what you might like us to do specific topics you might like us to do specific topics you might like us to do specific topics that you might like us to cover we'd that you might like us to cover we'd that you might like us to cover we'd love to hear from you if there are love to hear from you if there are love to hear from you if there are specific things that are kind of burning specific things that are kind of burning specific things that are kind of burning in your brain that you would love to in your brain that you would love to in your brain that you would love to hear more about we've got some new and hear more about we've got some new and hear more about we've got some new and different topics that are coming up here different topics that are coming up here different topics that are coming up here in the upcoming weeks so make sure that in the upcoming weeks so make sure that in the upcoming weeks so make sure that you're subscribed so that you don't miss you're subscribed so that you don't miss you're subscribed so that you don't miss any of our future episodes well that's any of our future episodes well that's any of our future episodes well that's it for this week's intro again I'm Bart it for this week's intro again I'm Bart it for this week's intro again I'm Bart Blair the co-host of the show and here Blair the co-host of the show and here Blair the co-host of the show and here is my podcasting co-host Jason Hamrock is my podcasting co-host Jason Hamrock is my podcasting co-host Jason Hamrock and our interview with Lauren Brookridge and our interview with Lauren Brookridge and our interview with Lauren Brookridge well Lauren welcome to the show how are well Lauren welcome to the show how are well Lauren welcome to the show how are you today I'm doing great thank you so you today I'm doing great thank you so you today I'm doing great thank you so much for having me oh glad to have you much for having me oh glad to have you much for having me oh glad to have you I'm really excited about our I'm really excited about our I'm really excited about our conversation today because at local conversation today because at local conversation today because at local church you guys are doing some really church you guys are doing some really church you guys are doing some really cool things but before we dive into some cool things but before we dive into some cool things but before we dive into some of the the content we want to talk about of the the content we want to talk about of the the content we want to talk about today I'll let our listeners know a today I'll let our listeners know a today I'll let our listeners know a little bit about you and the role you're little bit about you and the role you're little bit about you and the role you're playing and how you got to where you are playing and how you got to where you are playing and how you got to where you are sure I'd love to uh so my title is

sure I'd love to uh so my title is sure I'd love to uh so my title is digital director at Liquid Church we're digital director at Liquid Church we're digital director at Liquid Church we're in New Jersey in New Jersey in New Jersey um in the suburbs of Manhattan um in the suburbs of Manhattan um in the suburbs of Manhattan um but that's actually a new title for um but that's actually a new title for um but that's actually a new title for me I've only held it for a year prior I me I've only held it for a year prior I me I've only held it for a year prior I was the communications director for was the communications director for was the communications director for seven years and this is my first gig in seven years and this is my first gig in seven years and this is my first gig in Ministry Ministry Ministry um I was in the marketplace actually I um I was in the marketplace actually I um I was in the marketplace actually I was a journalist so I was one of those was a journalist so I was one of those was a journalist so I was one of those local TV news reporters who hops around local TV news reporters who hops around local TV news reporters who hops around from Market to Market to Market from Market to Market to Market from Market to Market to Market um when people say what exactly did you um when people say what exactly did you um when people say what exactly did you do I said do you picture those people do I said do you picture those people do I said do you picture those people who are standing outside in the who are standing outside in the who are standing outside in the snowstorm that was me snowstorm that was me snowstorm that was me um and then I transitioned into public um and then I transitioned into public um and then I transitioned into public relations here in New Jersey see know relations here in New Jersey see know relations here in New Jersey see know representing authors and thought leaders representing authors and thought leaders representing authors and thought leaders and promoting various products and and promoting various products and and promoting various products and liquid was my church and then you have liquid was my church and then you have liquid was my church and then you have one of those dinners with your campus one of those dinners with your campus one of those dinners with your campus pastor and suddenly they're telling you pastor and suddenly they're telling you pastor and suddenly they're telling you about a job opportunity and you're just about a job opportunity and you're just about a job opportunity and you're just like okay why not and it happened so like okay why not and it happened so like okay why not and it happened so fast it was like holy Whiplash like what fast it was like holy Whiplash like what fast it was like holy Whiplash like what is God doing here and suddenly you're in is God doing here and suddenly you're in is God doing here and suddenly you're in Ministry and it has been an incredible Ministry and it has been an incredible Ministry and it has been an incredible ride really okay let's go there because ride really okay let's go there because ride really okay let's go there because I want to camp out there so you're in I want to camp out there so you're in I want to camp out there so you're in the marketplace doing what God gifted the marketplace doing what God gifted the marketplace doing what God gifted you and he gave you talents you and he gave you talents you and he gave you talents now you're doing that in the church now you're doing that in the church now you're doing that in the church world what's the difference world what's the difference world what's the difference oh man so many different so many different at first there were some differences in at first there were some differences in at first there were some differences in the way the the organization operates the way the the organization operates the way the the organization operates right there's a little less formality right there's a little less formality right there's a little less formality sometimes there's a little like there sometimes there's a little like there sometimes there's a little like there was a little too much fluidity when I was a little too much fluidity when I was a little too much fluidity when I first came in I'm like you mean the

first came in I'm like you mean the first came in I'm like you mean the meeting doesn't start exactly meeting doesn't start exactly meeting doesn't start exactly we're all just kind of gonna wander in we're all just kind of gonna wander in we're all just kind of gonna wander in the only things like that that were the only things like that that were the only things like that that were different or they're like you can wear different or they're like you can wear different or they're like you can wear jeans and flip-flops I'm like I don't jeans and flip-flops I'm like I don't jeans and flip-flops I'm like I don't know I think I have to wear a suit know I think I have to wear a suit know I think I have to wear a suit because that's what's fun for the last because that's what's fun for the last because that's what's fun for the last decade decade decade but the most life-changing aspect of it but the most life-changing aspect of it but the most life-changing aspect of it just from a personal perspective has just from a personal perspective has just from a personal perspective has been the beautiful amount of trust and been the beautiful amount of trust and been the beautiful amount of trust and flexibility and care for me as a human flexibility and care for me as a human flexibility and care for me as a human being and saying hey family is your being and saying hey family is your being and saying hey family is your first Ministry so as I've been at liquid first Ministry so as I've been at liquid first Ministry so as I've been at liquid I've become a mother and I now have I've become a mother and I now have I've become a mother and I now have three children and listen life looks three children and listen life looks three children and listen life looks different for me now and they have different for me now and they have different for me now and they have celebrated me and worked with me every celebrated me and worked with me every celebrated me and worked with me every step of the way step of the way step of the way um that just wasn't in the marketplace um that just wasn't in the marketplace um that just wasn't in the marketplace it was like tough to be able to go see it was like tough to be able to go see it was like tough to be able to go see the doctor in the middle of the day the doctor in the middle of the day the doctor in the middle of the day they're like well what do you mean you they're like well what do you mean you they're like well what do you mean you have to have a doctor's appointment you have to have a doctor's appointment you have to have a doctor's appointment you know so I'm just so grateful know so I'm just so grateful know so I'm just so grateful you have a brand new baby pretty pretty you have a brand new baby pretty pretty you have a brand new baby pretty pretty new yes you do yes yes okay I have a new yes you do yes yes okay I have a new yes you do yes yes okay I have a daughter who's seven months I have a son daughter who's seven months I have a son daughter who's seven months I have a son who's five years old and another son who's five years old and another son who's five years old and another son who's three years old so they keep me who's three years old so they keep me who's three years old so they keep me very busy okay well the first time yeah very busy okay well the first time yeah very busy okay well the first time yeah the first time I reached out to have you the first time I reached out to have you the first time I reached out to have you and Tim on the show we were kind of and Tim on the show we were kind of and Tim on the show we were kind of looking at the schedule and I got this looking at the schedule and I got this looking at the schedule and I got this yeah I know Lauren's gonna be out like yeah I know Lauren's gonna be out like yeah I know Lauren's gonna be out like expanding her family so uh you weren't expanding her family so uh you weren't expanding her family so uh you weren't able to be on the show and we should able to be on the show and we should able to be on the show and we should mention that by the way that uh Lauren mention that by the way that uh Lauren mention that by the way that uh Lauren is this is not the first time she's been is this is not the first time she's been is this is not the first time she's been on the podcast we had her and her senior on the podcast we had her and her senior on the podcast we had her and her senior pastor uh Tim Lucas on the show actually

pastor uh Tim Lucas on the show actually pastor uh Tim Lucas on the show actually just a few months ago uh talking about just a few months ago uh talking about just a few months ago uh talking about their podcast the church changer podcast their podcast the church changer podcast their podcast the church changer podcast and we'll link to that in our show notes and we'll link to that in our show notes and we'll link to that in our show notes but uh I just thought I'd thought I'd but uh I just thought I'd thought I'd but uh I just thought I'd thought I'd mention that so anyway sorry I didn't mention that so anyway sorry I didn't mention that so anyway sorry I didn't mean to interrupt the train of thought mean to interrupt the train of thought mean to interrupt the train of thought here but I just thought you brought back here but I just thought you brought back here but I just thought you brought back the memories of trying to reach out to the memories of trying to reach out to the memories of trying to reach out to you when you were on maternity leads you when you were on maternity leads you when you were on maternity leads well let's jump back because no so you well let's jump back because no so you well let's jump back because no so you so you stepped into the role at liquid so you stepped into the role at liquid so you stepped into the role at liquid you're you're uh running the the team you're you're uh running the the team you're you're uh running the the team tell me about tell me about tell me about how you guys are helping to fulfill the how you guys are helping to fulfill the how you guys are helping to fulfill the mission uh what's that look like I mean mission uh what's that look like I mean mission uh what's that look like I mean you you're on a probably was on a steep you you're on a probably was on a steep you you're on a probably was on a steep learning curve about what church learning curve about what church learning curve about what church Communications and and what that all Communications and and what that all Communications and and what that all means and how that all entails in means and how that all entails in means and how that all entails in helping the mission but how do you how helping the mission but how do you how helping the mission but how do you how are you guys wired to be able to help are you guys wired to be able to help are you guys wired to be able to help achieve achieve achieve the goals of the church yeah so our the goals of the church yeah so our the goals of the church yeah so our mission and vision at liquid is to mission and vision at liquid is to mission and vision at liquid is to saturate the state of New Jersey with saturate the state of New Jersey with saturate the state of New Jersey with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and part of that that that um the strategy behind that was like hey um the strategy behind that was like hey um the strategy behind that was like hey we believe new campuses create new we believe new campuses create new we believe new campuses create new Christians so we had a campus expansion Christians so we had a campus expansion Christians so we had a campus expansion strategy strategy strategy um and we do have seven locations but as um and we do have seven locations but as um and we do have seven locations but as you can imagine you can imagine you can imagine um the new reality of the world that um the new reality of the world that um the new reality of the world that we're living in and covid kind of we're living in and covid kind of we're living in and covid kind of shifted that so we're like oh you know shifted that so we're like oh you know shifted that so we're like oh you know what now digital is a huge part of what now digital is a huge part of what now digital is a huge part of achieving that mission it doesn't have achieving that mission it doesn't have achieving that mission it doesn't have to be physical buildings all across New to be physical buildings all across New to be physical buildings all across New Jersey we can actually Reach people on Jersey we can actually Reach people on Jersey we can actually Reach people on this new Mission field so kind of opened this new Mission field so kind of opened this new Mission field so kind of opened our eyes to something that really the our eyes to something that really the our eyes to something that really the marketplace was already doing we were marketplace was already doing we were marketplace was already doing we were all doing in our own lives anyway and so all doing in our own lives anyway and so all doing in our own lives anyway and so that's one of the things that I think is that's one of the things that I think is that's one of the things that I think is a huge Focus for us right now

a huge Focus for us right now a huge Focus for us right now organizationally organizationally organizationally um what we see it as you know initially um what we see it as you know initially um what we see it as you know initially it felt like a problem to solve and now it felt like a problem to solve and now it felt like a problem to solve and now it just feels like an opportunity to it just feels like an opportunity to it just feels like an opportunity to embrace embrace embrace that's a great oh I love that um that's a great oh I love that um that's a great oh I love that um okay so I I want to one more thing about okay so I I want to one more thing about okay so I I want to one more thing about your compsy I'm curious about this your compsy I'm curious about this your compsy I'm curious about this because you're you're a leader you you because you're you're a leader you you because you're you're a leader you you know you come from the marketplace so know you come from the marketplace so know you come from the marketplace so it's not like you're a newbie off the it's not like you're a newbie off the it's not like you're a newbie off the street uh you step into the church world street uh you step into the church world street uh you step into the church world uh Market you know for Marketplace of uh Market you know for Marketplace of uh Market you know for Marketplace of the church world working-wise what's the church world working-wise what's the church world working-wise what's been some of your biggest challenges been some of your biggest challenges been some of your biggest challenges well I think um something that anybody well I think um something that anybody well I think um something that anybody could relate to is resourcing right you could relate to is resourcing right you could relate to is resourcing right you might come from you're like oh I came might come from you're like oh I came might come from you're like oh I came from the marketplace and I have this from the marketplace and I have this from the marketplace and I have this huge team and maybe now like when I huge team and maybe now like when I huge team and maybe now like when I first stepped into liquid is I'm a team first stepped into liquid is I'm a team first stepped into liquid is I'm a team of one of one of one and so how am I going to accomplish and so how am I going to accomplish and so how am I going to accomplish everything or how am I going to everything or how am I going to everything or how am I going to prioritize or organize my time and I do prioritize or organize my time and I do prioritize or organize my time and I do think prioritization continues to be a think prioritization continues to be a think prioritization continues to be a challenge because there's so many things challenge because there's so many things challenge because there's so many things you could do and you have to identify you could do and you have to identify you could do and you have to identify the best things to do right the best the best things to do right the best the best things to do right the best things to do with your time uh with your things to do with your time uh with your things to do with your time uh with your money with your volunteers Etc and so I money with your volunteers Etc and so I money with your volunteers Etc and so I think that that continues to be a think that that continues to be a think that that continues to be a challenge whereas in the marketplace you challenge whereas in the marketplace you challenge whereas in the marketplace you just had that additional resourcing to just had that additional resourcing to just had that additional resourcing to be able to say all right I'm going to be able to say all right I'm going to be able to say all right I'm going to delegate these tasks over here we're delegate these tasks over here we're delegate these tasks over here we're going to have the digital team do it going to have the digital team do it going to have the digital team do it over here right my social media teams over here right my social media teams over here right my social media teams over there and we're all going to divide over there and we're all going to divide over there and we're all going to divide and conquer and now things are more and conquer and now things are more and conquer and now things are more concentrated I think in Ministry which I concentrated I think in Ministry which I concentrated I think in Ministry which I really think no matter what area you

really think no matter what area you really think no matter what area you work in you would relate to that yeah work in you would relate to that yeah work in you would relate to that yeah your budget doesn't have extra commas in your budget doesn't have extra commas in your budget doesn't have extra commas in it like it like it like put it that way right so you gotta be put it that way right so you gotta be put it that way right so you gotta be more creative so talk to us a little bit more creative so talk to us a little bit more creative so talk to us a little bit about uh 2023 what's your initiative about uh 2023 what's your initiative about uh 2023 what's your initiative because you mentioned this earlier and because you mentioned this earlier and because you mentioned this earlier and I'm really in intrigued I'd love for you I'm really in intrigued I'd love for you I'm really in intrigued I'd love for you to share what the goals are yeah so the to share what the goals are yeah so the to share what the goals are yeah so the organizational goal that I'm leading for organizational goal that I'm leading for organizational goal that I'm leading for 2023 for our church is um around digital 2023 for our church is um around digital 2023 for our church is um around digital expansion and we want to create robust expansion and we want to create robust expansion and we want to create robust unified digital platform in 2023 which unified digital platform in 2023 which unified digital platform in 2023 which means are we launching our website we're means are we launching our website we're means are we launching our website we're relaunching our app and we're creating a relaunching our app and we're creating a relaunching our app and we're creating a TV app TV app TV app um and we want them all to be unified um and we want them all to be unified um and we want them all to be unified and what that means is essentially and what that means is essentially and what that means is essentially there's a logged in experience where the there's a logged in experience where the there's a logged in experience where the platforms know who you are as you move platforms know who you are as you move platforms know who you are as you move from one experience to the other and from one experience to the other and from one experience to the other and they can be connected in a way that is they can be connected in a way that is they can be connected in a way that is personalized personalized personalized um beyond anything we've done before so um beyond anything we've done before so um beyond anything we've done before so this is an example I like to use of the this is an example I like to use of the this is an example I like to use of the potential of this imagine your child is potential of this imagine your child is potential of this imagine your child is using the TV app they're watching a uh using the TV app they're watching a uh using the TV app they're watching a uh kids video on the TV app and after they kids video on the TV app and after they kids video on the TV app and after they complete the video on your liquid app complete the video on your liquid app complete the video on your liquid app you get a notification that tells you you get a notification that tells you you get a notification that tells you hey your child just finished watching uh hey your child just finished watching uh hey your child just finished watching uh this video here's three questions you this video here's three questions you this video here's three questions you can ask them to discuss it with them oh can ask them to discuss it with them oh can ask them to discuss it with them oh wow and everything's integrated for this wow and everything's integrated for this wow and everything's integrated for this new level of Engagement that I really new level of Engagement that I really new level of Engagement that I really think is part of the future in think is part of the future in think is part of the future in discipling our people oh not only your discipling our people oh not only your discipling our people oh not only your people internally but then externally people internally but then externally people internally but then externally right that's the main mission to go

right that's the main mission to go right that's the main mission to go after people and help people connect after people and help people connect after people and help people connect with who Jesus is and Lead their with who Jesus is and Lead their with who Jesus is and Lead their families oh that gets exciting so that's families oh that gets exciting so that's families oh that gets exciting so that's a pretty big uh tall order a pretty big uh tall order a pretty big uh tall order I'm gonna go on a limb I'm gonna go on a I'm gonna go on a limb I'm gonna go on a I'm gonna go on a limb I'm gonna go on a limb and expect that the budget for this limb and expect that the budget for this limb and expect that the budget for this has some extra commas in it right this has some extra commas in it right this has some extra commas in it right this is this is okay all right just checking is this is okay all right just checking is this is okay all right just checking so here's here's a gift to make this so here's here's a gift to make this so here's here's a gift to make this real real real is there is a line is there is a line is there is a line organization among the senior leadership organization among the senior leadership organization among the senior leadership that this is something we are going that this is something we are going that this is something we are going after they all see the opportunity and after they all see the opportunity and after they all see the opportunity and the truth is you you couldn't do the truth is you you couldn't do the truth is you you couldn't do something like this without that so I something like this without that so I something like this without that so I feel really blessed that we're all on feel really blessed that we're all on feel really blessed that we're all on the same page the same page the same page um and we're all really excited about um and we're all really excited about um and we're all really excited about that I mean even the like you know we that I mean even the like you know we that I mean even the like you know we have a pastor campuses who leads our have a pastor campuses who leads our have a pastor campuses who leads our physical locations physical locations physical locations she is pumped up about this because she she is pumped up about this because she she is pumped up about this because she doesn't see it as it's not in Conflict doesn't see it as it's not in Conflict doesn't see it as it's not in Conflict it's not in competition this is also it's not in competition this is also it's not in competition this is also shepherding and discipling those people shepherding and discipling those people shepherding and discipling those people in our physical building so it's not in our physical building so it's not in our physical building so it's not like there's there's two lanes there's like there's there's two lanes there's like there's there's two lanes there's not an online Lane and a physical Lane not an online Lane and a physical Lane not an online Lane and a physical Lane this is just we're going after people this is just we're going after people this is just we're going after people and how do we operate as people we're in and how do we operate as people we're in and how do we operate as people we're in both spaces we go to physical events both spaces we go to physical events both spaces we go to physical events we're in the digital sphere and so we we're in the digital sphere and so we we're in the digital sphere and so we want to reach people and disciple people want to reach people and disciple people want to reach people and disciple people no matter where they are so we're all no matter where they are so we're all no matter where they are so we're all aligned and that's why we actually do aligned and that's why we actually do aligned and that's why we actually do have budget set aside for that this year have budget set aside for that this year have budget set aside for that this year that's how we're able to pursue this that's how we're able to pursue this that's how we're able to pursue this yeah it can be pretty frustrating for yeah it can be pretty frustrating for yeah it can be pretty frustrating for those who are who are wanting and those who are who are wanting and those who are who are wanting and they're dreaming and they're wondering they're dreaming and they're wondering they're dreaming and they're wondering what what could be but they don't have what what could be but they don't have what what could be but they don't have buy-in from the top leadership buy-in from the top leadership buy-in from the top leadership um so that's got to be obviously it's a

um so that's got to be obviously it's a um so that's got to be obviously it's a tall order and you you can't neglect tall order and you you can't neglect tall order and you you can't neglect your other responsibilities because the your other responsibilities because the your other responsibilities because the Sunday's coming again so talk about how Sunday's coming again so talk about how Sunday's coming again so talk about how you balance uh you're a busy person how you balance uh you're a busy person how you balance uh you're a busy person how do you bow balance that and and also do you bow balance that and and also do you bow balance that and and also maintain your family with with three maintain your family with with three maintain your family with with three kids and how does that look for for you kids and how does that look for for you kids and how does that look for for you how do you do that right so so we have how do you do that right so so we have how do you do that right so so we have established a new team right so like I established a new team right so like I established a new team right so like I said the the title that I have a digital said the the title that I have a digital said the the title that I have a digital director brand new role created it's director brand new role created it's director brand new role created it's only a year old and as I sit down on the only a year old and as I sit down on the only a year old and as I sit down on the communications director role that communications director role that communications director role that department is still um under me but we department is still um under me but we department is still um under me but we have a new person in that position so we have a new person in that position so we have a new person in that position so we have a two-man team so they're still have a two-man team so they're still have a two-man team so they're still leading those day-to-day Communications leading those day-to-day Communications leading those day-to-day Communications and so there's no gaps there and which and so there's no gaps there and which and so there's no gaps there and which is tremendous right and then we created is tremendous right and then we created is tremendous right and then we created this new digital products team we moved this new digital products team we moved this new digital products team we moved some of our Tech gurus out of the I.T some of our Tech gurus out of the I.T some of our Tech gurus out of the I.T space and said hey you're going to be space and said hey you're going to be space and said hey you're going to be focused on digital products website app focused on digital products website app focused on digital products website app our church management system Rock RMS our church management system Rock RMS our church management system Rock RMS which we migrated to so we can do all of which we migrated to so we can do all of which we migrated to so we can do all of that personalization We're Dreaming that personalization We're Dreaming that personalization We're Dreaming about and then I'm overseeing Church about and then I'm overseeing Church about and then I'm overseeing Church online online online um and I'm gonna take the opportunity um and I'm gonna take the opportunity um and I'm gonna take the opportunity for a Shameless plug we're looking for a for a Shameless plug we're looking for a for a Shameless plug we're looking for a Church online Pastor which which is like Church online Pastor which which is like Church online Pastor which which is like the first time we've done that you know the first time we've done that you know the first time we've done that you know in the past it was like let's do Church in the past it was like let's do Church in the past it was like let's do Church online in the margins and now it's like online in the margins and now it's like online in the margins and now it's like no let's devote energy and resources no let's devote energy and resources no let's devote energy and resources toward it so Shameless plug for no toward it so Shameless plug for no toward it so Shameless plug for no worries anybody out there who's watching worries anybody out there who's watching worries anybody out there who's watching yes so it's a team Dynamic which really

yes so it's a team Dynamic which really yes so it's a team Dynamic which really does help us to be able to push forward does help us to be able to push forward does help us to be able to push forward and for me to focus on and for me to focus on and for me to focus on um what I need to focus on yeah I was um what I need to focus on yeah I was um what I need to focus on yeah I was just going to ask I mean I I know you just going to ask I mean I I know you just going to ask I mean I I know you you may not want to get into all the you may not want to get into all the you may not want to get into all the details but you mentioned using Rock so details but you mentioned using Rock so details but you mentioned using Rock so it's it's probably a matter of of it's it's probably a matter of of it's it's probably a matter of of looking out at the different platforms looking out at the different platforms looking out at the different platforms that are available instead of going that are available instead of going that are available instead of going let's just create this on our own which let's just create this on our own which let's just create this on our own which would be you know some Churches choose would be you know some Churches choose would be you know some Churches choose to do that to do that to do that um I don't I don't know why but they do um I don't I don't know why but they do um I don't I don't know why but they do um so sounds like you guys are going to um so sounds like you guys are going to um so sounds like you guys are going to try to look for other resources to help try to look for other resources to help try to look for other resources to help kind of pull this all together yeah kind of pull this all together yeah kind of pull this all together yeah absolutely we are um so we transitioned absolutely we are um so we transitioned absolutely we are um so we transitioned over to rock RMS about a year ago or the over to rock RMS about a year ago or the over to rock RMS about a year ago or the idea being of all the potential that it idea being of all the potential that it idea being of all the potential that it has so there are other Church management has so there are other Church management has so there are other Church management platforms that you know they're platforms that you know they're platforms that you know they're wonderful out there I'm not going to wonderful out there I'm not going to wonderful out there I'm not going to knock anybody but some of them have knock anybody but some of them have knock anybody but some of them have limitations with what you can do and so limitations with what you can do and so limitations with what you can do and so rock is something that's always evolving rock is something that's always evolving rock is something that's always evolving and growing and honestly some of the and growing and honestly some of the and growing and honestly some of the churches that we admire most and we're churches that we admire most and we're churches that we admire most and we're always looking at that's what they're always looking at that's what they're always looking at that's what they're using so it's like oh that's what using so it's like oh that's what using so it's like oh that's what they're using how are they using that they're using how are they using that they're using how are they using that we'd like to do something similar and so we'd like to do something similar and so we'd like to do something similar and so they have these capabilities for they have these capabilities for they have these capabilities for um personalization so you can take an um personalization so you can take an um personalization so you can take an individual right you can look at individual right you can look at individual right you can look at somebody like me and say Lauren okay somebody like me and say Lauren okay somebody like me and say Lauren okay she's got those young kids we know she'd she's got those young kids we know she'd she's got those young kids we know she'd be interested in liquid kids content and be interested in liquid kids content and be interested in liquid kids content and so we're gonna push that content to her so we're gonna push that content to her so we're gonna push that content to her as opposed to somebody who's maybe an as opposed to somebody who's maybe an as opposed to somebody who's maybe an empty nester well they don't want the empty nester well they don't want the empty nester well they don't want the liquid kids content what what is liquid kids content what what is liquid kids content what what is applicable to them in their stage of applicable to them in their stage of applicable to them in their stage of life so being able to think about that life so being able to think about that life so being able to think about that and use our digital tools with a and use our digital tools with a and use our digital tools with a personalized way Rock's gonna allow us

personalized way Rock's gonna allow us personalized way Rock's gonna allow us to do that so we're fans of it here and to do that so we're fans of it here and to do that so we're fans of it here and it's only been a year so we've just it's only been a year so we've just it's only been a year so we've just scratched the surface of what it can do scratched the surface of what it can do scratched the surface of what it can do yeah it's open source so it allows you yeah it's open source so it allows you yeah it's open source so it allows you to to customize it and uh but I think to to customize it and uh but I think to to customize it and uh but I think that's really important and for uh you that's really important and for uh you that's really important and for uh you know because you're you're know because you're you're know because you're you're you may not realize you're doing this you may not realize you're doing this you may not realize you're doing this but you're you're tapping on the door of but you're you're tapping on the door of but you're you're tapping on the door of making sure that you know your people making sure that you know your people making sure that you know your people and your people know that you know them and your people know that you know them and your people know that you know them because you know we I always talk to because you know we I always talk to because you know we I always talk to churches about churches about churches about understanding you know it's one thing understanding you know it's one thing understanding you know it's one thing when you push out a hey it's time for when you push out a hey it's time for when you push out a hey it's time for baptisms if you haven't been baptized baptisms if you haven't been baptized baptisms if you haven't been baptized you know I'm seeing a message going I you know I'm seeing a message going I you know I'm seeing a message going I got baptized years ago so apparently you got baptized years ago so apparently you got baptized years ago so apparently you don't know who I am why why are you don't know who I am why why are you don't know who I am why why are you sending me an email on baptism right sending me an email on baptism right sending me an email on baptism right instead of sending me something specific instead of sending me something specific instead of sending me something specific to what I want to see and what you want to what I want to see and what you want to what I want to see and what you want me to see and that's just knowing your me to see and that's just knowing your me to see and that's just knowing your people and you know that takes that people and you know that takes that people and you know that takes that takes Systems and Technology to be able takes Systems and Technology to be able takes Systems and Technology to be able to kind of be able to formulate that but to kind of be able to formulate that but to kind of be able to formulate that but when you have that I think the when you have that I think the when you have that I think the engagement goes much deeper because you engagement goes much deeper because you engagement goes much deeper because you know who I am and you're telling me and know who I am and you're telling me and know who I am and you're telling me and sharing with me what my next step should sharing with me what my next step should sharing with me what my next step should be be be and so we're guilty of that Jason we and so we're guilty of that Jason we and so we're guilty of that Jason we we're totally guilty of that we've like we're totally guilty of that we've like we're totally guilty of that we've like and we've operated in this this way of and we've operated in this this way of and we've operated in this this way of we try to get our team we're like hey we try to get our team we're like hey we try to get our team we're like hey can you pull a specific list for us kind can you pull a specific list for us kind can you pull a specific list for us kind of like Cobble together because we're of like Cobble together because we're of like Cobble together because we're trying to make it refined right for trying to make it refined right for trying to make it refined right for instance our church we do the if instance our church we do the if instance our church we do the if Gathering which is for women only um Gathering which is for women only um Gathering which is for women only um it's a Women's Conference we don't want it's a Women's Conference we don't want it's a Women's Conference we don't want to send that to the men I mean how tone to send that to the men I mean how tone to send that to the men I mean how tone deaf would that be but we've been deaf would that be but we've been deaf would that be but we've been Limited in how we could do that thus far Limited in how we could do that thus far Limited in how we could do that thus far but we want to lean into that we won't

but we want to lean into that we won't but we want to lean into that we won't even want to take it a next step further even want to take it a next step further even want to take it a next step further actually this year tied with all our actually this year tied with all our actually this year tied with all our digital goals is thinking through digital goals is thinking through digital goals is thinking through audience segmentation yeah who are our audience segmentation yeah who are our audience segmentation yeah who are our Target audiences who do we want to go Target audiences who do we want to go Target audiences who do we want to go after and how should we speak to each after and how should we speak to each after and how should we speak to each one of them differently right even one of them differently right even one of them differently right even internally we shouldn't be talking to internally we shouldn't be talking to internally we shouldn't be talking to our young adults the same way that we're our young adults the same way that we're our young adults the same way that we're talking to our group leaders right talking to our group leaders right talking to our group leaders right um and that takes a lot of um and that takes a lot of um and that takes a lot of intentionality so we're going to lean intentionality so we're going to lean intentionality so we're going to lean into that more this year yeah that's into that more this year yeah that's into that more this year yeah that's exciting uh exciting uh exciting uh I was gonna say you know I think the I was gonna say you know I think the I was gonna say you know I think the principle I just gonna pause for just a principle I just gonna pause for just a principle I just gonna pause for just a second and talk about the principle of second and talk about the principle of second and talk about the principle of what we're talking about here we started what we're talking about here we started what we're talking about here we started talking about the tool which is Rock RMS talking about the tool which is Rock RMS talking about the tool which is Rock RMS the reality is that you know we have the reality is that you know we have the reality is that you know we have communications directors and church communications directors and church communications directors and church leaders listening to this podcast or leaders listening to this podcast or leaders listening to this podcast or watching this podcast churches from you watching this podcast churches from you watching this podcast churches from you know 100 people to 10 000 people and know 100 people to 10 000 people and know 100 people to 10 000 people and rock RMS is very robust there's a lot of rock RMS is very robust there's a lot of rock RMS is very robust there's a lot of capability and a lot that you can do capability and a lot that you can do capability and a lot that you can do with it but let's be honest it's really with it but let's be honest it's really with it but let's be honest it's really better suited for larger churches who better suited for larger churches who better suited for larger churches who have dedicated Personnel that they can have dedicated Personnel that they can have dedicated Personnel that they can commit to and finances to commit to commit to and finances to commit to commit to and finances to commit to implementing Rock and managing and implementing Rock and managing and implementing Rock and managing and maintaining it maintaining it maintaining it um I hope that somewhere along the way um I hope that somewhere along the way um I hope that somewhere along the way somebody from Breeze Planning Center somebody from Breeze Planning Center somebody from Breeze Planning Center Church teams all the CCB and all those Church teams all the CCB and all those Church teams all the CCB and all those other Church management softwares will other Church management softwares will other Church management softwares will listen to what leaders like you are listen to what leaders like you are listen to what leaders like you are saying because they're gonna larger saying because they're gonna larger saying because they're gonna larger churches are beginning to realize this churches are beginning to realize this churches are beginning to realize this we have a lot of church Partners who we have a lot of church Partners who we have a lot of church Partners who have moved over to rock in the last few have moved over to rock in the last few have moved over to rock in the last few years for all of those very same reasons years for all of those very same reasons years for all of those very same reasons that you're citing and and I'm hoping that you're citing and and I'm hoping that you're citing and and I'm hoping that this need to more personalize our

that this need to more personalize our that this need to more personalize our communication within the context of our communication within the context of our communication within the context of our church becomes the norm not the church becomes the norm not the church becomes the norm not the exception and even as a leader if if exception and even as a leader if if exception and even as a leader if if you're listening to this or you're you're listening to this or you're you're listening to this or you're watching this and you're you're and watching this and you're you're and watching this and you're you're and you're using Planning Center with you're using Planning Center with you're using Planning Center with MailChimp integrated or you're using you MailChimp integrated or you're using you MailChimp integrated or you're using you know CCB that you will do everything know CCB that you will do everything know CCB that you will do everything that you can even within the context of that you can even within the context of that you can even within the context of the limitations of those platforms to the limitations of those platforms to the limitations of those platforms to customize your communication more customize your communication more customize your communication more effectively I mean it's it's not as easy effectively I mean it's it's not as easy effectively I mean it's it's not as easy as it is in a rock system from from a as it is in a rock system from from a as it is in a rock system from from a build standpoint but it's definitely a build standpoint but it's definitely a build standpoint but it's definitely a necessity if you really want to take necessity if you really want to take necessity if you really want to take people to the next level if you want people to the next level if you want people to the next level if you want them to really feel like they are known them to really feel like they are known them to really feel like they are known I'll say that things that I heard during I'll say that things that I heard during I'll say that things that I heard during covid when churches were shut down and covid when churches were shut down and covid when churches were shut down and people were stuck at home especially in people were stuck at home especially in people were stuck at home especially in larger churches was I didn't feel like larger churches was I didn't feel like larger churches was I didn't feel like anybody knew me like nobody knew me I anybody knew me like nobody knew me I anybody knew me like nobody knew me I might have gotten some mass emails and might have gotten some mass emails and might have gotten some mass emails and some reach outs and the smaller churches some reach outs and the smaller churches some reach outs and the smaller churches had the advantage because pastor and the had the advantage because pastor and the had the advantage because pastor and the Pastoral team could get on the phone and Pastoral team could get on the phone and Pastoral team could get on the phone and call everybody who was disconnected in call everybody who was disconnected in call everybody who was disconnected in larger churches we didn't we send out larger churches we didn't we send out larger churches we didn't we send out our mass email to A Thousand or five our mass email to A Thousand or five our mass email to A Thousand or five thousand or eight thousand people thousand or eight thousand people thousand or eight thousand people whatever it is and it loses that that whatever it is and it loses that that whatever it is and it loses that that personal connection but it's that being personal connection but it's that being personal connection but it's that being known knowing others and being known known knowing others and being known known knowing others and being known thing that really makes Church a thing that really makes Church a thing that really makes Church a powerful experience and so kudos to you powerful experience and so kudos to you powerful experience and so kudos to you for recognizing that that's someplace for recognizing that that's someplace for recognizing that that's someplace that you need to go organizationally and that you need to go organizationally and that you need to go organizationally and I just wanted to pause and Riff on that I just wanted to pause and Riff on that I just wanted to pause and Riff on that for a minute because it's the principle for a minute because it's the principle for a minute because it's the principle it's the principle of it more so than it's the principle of it more so than it's the principle of it more so than the tool that you're using that I think the tool that you're using that I think the tool that you're using that I think is what people need to hear yeah I know

is what people need to hear yeah I know is what people need to hear yeah I know that's absolutely true and and like that's absolutely true and and like that's absolutely true and and like you're saying you might not have a tool you're saying you might not have a tool you're saying you might not have a tool like rock but you can still take baby like rock but you can still take baby like rock but you can still take baby steps toward that for instance say steps toward that for instance say steps toward that for instance say you're even sending maybe it's mass you're even sending maybe it's mass you're even sending maybe it's mass email and you're like I don't actually email and you're like I don't actually email and you're like I don't actually know how to physically Whittle down my know how to physically Whittle down my know how to physically Whittle down my list but you're promoting a young list but you're promoting a young list but you're promoting a young adult's event well how how would you adult's event well how how would you adult's event well how how would you speak to the people that you actually speak to the people that you actually speak to the people that you actually want to read that email think about at want to read that email think about at want to read that email think about at least your language and your least your language and your least your language and your communication so I think there's even communication so I think there's even communication so I think there's even two things there as well it's like who two things there as well it's like who two things there as well it's like who are you actually sending it to are you actually sending it to are you actually sending it to and then how are you speaking to them and then how are you speaking to them and then how are you speaking to them um so I think we can take steps toward um so I think we can take steps toward um so I think we can take steps toward that even if we can't achieve our end that even if we can't achieve our end that even if we can't achieve our end goal all at once Yeah you mentioned like goal all at once Yeah you mentioned like goal all at once Yeah you mentioned like a women's ministry well you would Target a women's ministry well you would Target a women's ministry well you would Target the women but then you would Target them the women but then you would Target them the women but then you would Target them in to say what a great gift for your in to say what a great gift for your in to say what a great gift for your wife wife wife like so you could cover both audiences like so you could cover both audiences like so you could cover both audiences with some someone of the same message so with some someone of the same message so with some someone of the same message so there's a lot of creative ways to do there's a lot of creative ways to do there's a lot of creative ways to do that if you can't get it dialed into that if you can't get it dialed into that if you can't get it dialed into just the women or just the men so it's just the women or just the men so it's just the women or just the men so it's just using the tools and and the just using the tools and and the just using the tools and and the creativeness that you know you're creativeness that you know you're creativeness that you know you're speaking of speaking of speaking of hi Bart Blair here I'm the producer of hi Bart Blair here I'm the producer of hi Bart Blair here I'm the producer of missional marketing's church growth missional marketing's church growth missional marketing's church growth interviews podcast on behalf of our interviews podcast on behalf of our interviews podcast on behalf of our entire team we really appreciate you entire team we really appreciate you entire team we really appreciate you tuning in let me ask you a question if tuning in let me ask you a question if tuning in let me ask you a question if you're a church leader or a church you're a church leader or a church you're a church leader or a church Communications professional do you know Communications professional do you know Communications professional do you know how Google sees your Church website in how Google sees your Church website in how Google sees your Church website in other words if people in your community other words if people in your community other words if people in your community were to Google churches near me or best were to Google churches near me or best were to Google churches near me or best Church in my city or good church nearby Church in my city or good church nearby Church in my city or good church nearby do you know where your Church website do you know where your Church website do you know where your Church website would show up in those search results would show up in those search results would show up in those search results at the top maybe or somewhere in the at the top maybe or somewhere in the at the top maybe or somewhere in the middle or somewhere on page four you

middle or somewhere on page four you middle or somewhere on page four you know there's a common misunderstanding know there's a common misunderstanding know there's a common misunderstanding that if we simply build a great website that if we simply build a great website that if we simply build a great website and we launch it that Google will and we launch it that Google will and we launch it that Google will somehow work its magic and people will somehow work its magic and people will somehow work its magic and people will find Us online but there's a bit more find Us online but there's a bit more find Us online but there's a bit more Art and Science to making sure that your Art and Science to making sure that your Art and Science to making sure that your Church website shows up in the top of Church website shows up in the top of Church website shows up in the top of those search results and that science is those search results and that science is those search results and that science is called local SEO or local search engine called local SEO or local search engine called local SEO or local search engine optimization in additional marketing optimization in additional marketing optimization in additional marketing local SEO is one of the core services local SEO is one of the core services local SEO is one of the core services that we provide for churches all across that we provide for churches all across that we provide for churches all across the United States and Canada we'd love the United States and Canada we'd love the United States and Canada we'd love to help you if you'd like to learn more to help you if you'd like to learn more to help you if you'd like to learn more click to our website at click to our website at click to our website at missionalmarketing.com and follow the missionalmarketing.com and follow the missionalmarketing.com and follow the link at the top of the page that says link at the top of the page that says link at the top of the page that says Church SEO you can request a free local Church SEO you can request a free local Church SEO you can request a free local SEO report to see how your church is SEO report to see how your church is SEO report to see how your church is showing up in Google these days and you showing up in Google these days and you showing up in Google these days and you can schedule an appointment to talk with can schedule an appointment to talk with can schedule an appointment to talk with Jason or with me or with one of our Jason or with me or with one of our Jason or with me or with one of our other digital strategists to help you other digital strategists to help you other digital strategists to help you decide whether or not a local SEO boost decide whether or not a local SEO boost decide whether or not a local SEO boost is right for your church hey again we is right for your church hey again we is right for your church hey again we appreciate you tuning in to our podcast appreciate you tuning in to our podcast appreciate you tuning in to our podcast and we look forward to the opportunity and we look forward to the opportunity and we look forward to the opportunity to serving you in your church and to serving you in your church and to serving you in your church and reaching more people for Jesus now now reaching more people for Jesus now now reaching more people for Jesus now now to the show so to the show so to the show so um Okay so um Okay so um Okay so what was questioned if every Church what was questioned if every Church what was questioned if every Church communication director listening in communication director listening in communication director listening in right now what's the one thing what's right now what's the one thing what's right now what's the one thing what's the one thing you would want to share the one thing you would want to share the one thing you would want to share with them what you'd want them to hear with them what you'd want them to hear with them what you'd want them to hear so something that I've been coming to so something that I've been coming to so something that I've been coming to terms with is hey I think I've spent terms with is hey I think I've spent terms with is hey I think I've spent too much time and energy too much time and energy too much time and energy selling which is not the kindest word selling which is not the kindest word selling which is not the kindest word but selling our programs and events but selling our programs and events but selling our programs and events right come to Sunday come to this right come to Sunday come to this right come to Sunday come to this Outreach join a group

um instead of reaching people where they um instead of reaching people where they are not what I want you to do but what are not what I want you to do but what are not what I want you to do but what you need you need you need um and people have a lot of felt needs um and people have a lot of felt needs um and people have a lot of felt needs and I think that's within the church but and I think that's within the church but and I think that's within the church but especially externally I mean if you're especially externally I mean if you're especially externally I mean if you're talking talking talking um external audiences they're not um external audiences they're not um external audiences they're not probably out there looking for a church probably out there looking for a church probably out there looking for a church or looking for a relationship with Jesus or looking for a relationship with Jesus or looking for a relationship with Jesus but they are looking for help with their but they are looking for help with their but they are looking for help with their marriage they are looking for help as a marriage they are looking for help as a marriage they are looking for help as a parent right maybe they're struggling in parent right maybe they're struggling in parent right maybe they're struggling in in handling their teen or they have a in handling their teen or they have a in handling their teen or they have a child with ADHD and they don't know how child with ADHD and they don't know how child with ADHD and they don't know how to best care for them or maybe to best care for them or maybe to best care for them or maybe somebody's struggling with addiction somebody's struggling with addiction somebody's struggling with addiction everybody has these needs and I think everybody has these needs and I think everybody has these needs and I think that's where we can reach people and I that's where we can reach people and I that's where we can reach people and I think we have a lot of ground to take think we have a lot of ground to take think we have a lot of ground to take there so wouldn't it be amazing if there so wouldn't it be amazing if there so wouldn't it be amazing if somebody went to Google and they somebody went to Google and they somebody went to Google and they searched a question like how do I deal searched a question like how do I deal searched a question like how do I deal with my anxiety right and then their with my anxiety right and then their with my anxiety right and then their context your church popped up context your church popped up context your church popped up and the search results with a Blog and the search results with a Blog and the search results with a Blog article or a podcast or a support group article or a podcast or a support group article or a podcast or a support group that addressed those felt needs so I that addressed those felt needs so I that addressed those felt needs so I think for communications professionals I think for communications professionals I think for communications professionals I know we've got so much on our plate and know we've got so much on our plate and know we've got so much on our plate and we want to get the word out about our we want to get the word out about our we want to get the word out about our programs and events but start thinking programs and events but start thinking programs and events but start thinking about the needs of your people and the about the needs of your people and the about the needs of your people and the people you haven't yet reached and people you haven't yet reached and people you haven't yet reached and leaning into that leaning into that leaning into that well there's a a case study we've talked well there's a a case study we've talked well there's a a case study we've talked about this before on the podcast where about this before on the podcast where about this before on the podcast where Home Depot did just that they they Home Depot did just that they they Home Depot did just that they they thought they needed to have a stronger thought they needed to have a stronger thought they needed to have a stronger online presence so they poured a lot of online presence so they poured a lot of online presence so they poured a lot of effort into their website to help equip

effort into their website to help equip effort into their website to help equip people and what they didn't expect people and what they didn't expect people and what they didn't expect was the foot traffic through their doors was the foot traffic through their doors was the foot traffic through their doors went up tremendously in fact their the went up tremendously in fact their the went up tremendously in fact their the amount of money they made was up like amount of money they made was up like amount of money they made was up like 700 percent over the course of like five 700 percent over the course of like five 700 percent over the course of like five or six years this is back like 2008 to or six years this is back like 2008 to or six years this is back like 2008 to 2013 or so and it was because instead of 2013 or so and it was because instead of 2013 or so and it was because instead of just saying come here come here please just saying come here come here please just saying come here come here please almost begging people come on in come on almost begging people come on in come on almost begging people come on in come on in yeah they're going here we're just in yeah they're going here we're just in yeah they're going here we're just gonna equip you because you have a gonna equip you because you have a gonna equip you because you have a problem and we have some answers and problem and we have some answers and problem and we have some answers and some solutions here you go that bonded a some solutions here you go that bonded a some solutions here you go that bonded a relationship that made people realize I relationship that made people realize I relationship that made people realize I want to go check that out so I I think want to go check that out so I I think want to go check that out so I I think it's I think you're spot on I think our it's I think you're spot on I think our it's I think you're spot on I think our our foot traffic through the door would our foot traffic through the door would our foot traffic through the door would go up if we would reach people where go up if we would reach people where go up if we would reach people where they are and start building relationship they are and start building relationship they are and start building relationship there instead of saying no no you get to there instead of saying no no you get to there instead of saying no no you get to come to church and then we'll build a come to church and then we'll build a come to church and then we'll build a relationship well I don't know you why relationship well I don't know you why relationship well I don't know you why would I want to do that I mean it just would I want to do that I mean it just would I want to do that I mean it just makes it it makes sense but it's a hard makes it it makes sense but it's a hard makes it it makes sense but it's a hard one for churches to swallow for sure one for churches to swallow for sure one for churches to swallow for sure yeah a hundred percent I'm with you and yeah a hundred percent I'm with you and yeah a hundred percent I'm with you and we uh at liquid we love the Home Depot we uh at liquid we love the Home Depot we uh at liquid we love the Home Depot example because in the marketplace example because in the marketplace example because in the marketplace there's somebody who absolutely excels there's somebody who absolutely excels there's somebody who absolutely excels in this area I mean I can think of in this area I mean I can think of in this area I mean I can think of myself I bought a fire pit for my myself I bought a fire pit for my myself I bought a fire pit for my husband as a birthday gift last year I husband as a birthday gift last year I husband as a birthday gift last year I don't know what to buy I don't know what don't know what to buy I don't know what don't know what to buy I don't know what I need and they answer all your I need and they answer all your I need and they answer all your questions they answer all your questions questions they answer all your questions questions they answer all your questions they map it out for you and then they they map it out for you and then they they map it out for you and then they show you what aisle it is in the store show you what aisle it is in the store show you what aisle it is in the store and guess what I'm just like yeah okay and guess what I'm just like yeah okay and guess what I'm just like yeah okay you taught me everything I need to know you taught me everything I need to know you taught me everything I need to know online and now I'm going to get in my online and now I'm going to get in my online and now I'm going to get in my car and I'm gonna drive over the store

car and I'm gonna drive over the store car and I'm gonna drive over the store and get and get what I need and get and get what I need and get and get what I need um and that is the principal right so um and that is the principal right so um and that is the principal right so say somebody was struggling with anxiety say somebody was struggling with anxiety say somebody was struggling with anxiety and you have a blog post that's Bible and you have a blog post that's Bible and you have a blog post that's Bible verses on anxiety or how to cope with verses on anxiety or how to cope with verses on anxiety or how to cope with that and in the course of that you're that and in the course of that you're that and in the course of that you're sharing who you are it's not like you're sharing who you are it's not like you're sharing who you are it's not like you're hiding that you're a church they just hiding that you're a church they just hiding that you're a church they just happen to land on your website and then happen to land on your website and then happen to land on your website and then in your article you go you want to learn in your article you go you want to learn in your article you go you want to learn more about this listen to this sermon or more about this listen to this sermon or more about this listen to this sermon or listen to this podcast and you leave listen to this podcast and you leave listen to this podcast and you leave this trail of breadcrumbs right or do this trail of breadcrumbs right or do this trail of breadcrumbs right or do you need to join our anxiety support you need to join our anxiety support you need to join our anxiety support group and then they just keep kind of group and then they just keep kind of group and then they just keep kind of taking steps and they might walk through taking steps and they might walk through taking steps and they might walk through a physical building a physical building a physical building and ultimately maybe they'll get to know and ultimately maybe they'll get to know and ultimately maybe they'll get to know Jesus as a result but I think we have to Jesus as a result but I think we have to Jesus as a result but I think we have to cast that wider net you're absolutely cast that wider net you're absolutely cast that wider net you're absolutely right oh my goodness and in testimonies right oh my goodness and in testimonies right oh my goodness and in testimonies about what other people have have gone about what other people have have gone about what other people have have gone before you have dealt with and so before you have dealt with and so before you have dealt with and so there's hope yeah the way you're there's hope yeah the way you're there's hope yeah the way you're speaking of is just and that's what speaking of is just and that's what speaking of is just and that's what you're saying that's what you're going you're saying that's what you're going you're saying that's what you're going to be doing in 2023 you really want to to be doing in 2023 you really want to to be doing in 2023 you really want to personalize that is that that's we do personalize that is that that's we do personalize that is that that's we do hope so you know we want to hope so you know we want to hope so you know we want to um we have we were so proud of our um we have we were so proud of our um we have we were so proud of our website when we launched it um in 2020 website when we launched it um in 2020 website when we launched it um in 2020 and now it pains me to say we created and now it pains me to say we created and now it pains me to say we created this beautiful billboard this beautiful billboard this beautiful billboard um that tells everybody what we want um that tells everybody what we want um that tells everybody what we want them to know about us instead of them to know about us instead of them to know about us instead of creating a product that can serve them creating a product that can serve them creating a product that can serve them in the best way possible and so that's in the best way possible and so that's in the best way possible and so that's going to be our new strategy and new going to be our new strategy and new going to be our new strategy and new goal as we relaunch I am so excited for goal as we relaunch I am so excited for goal as we relaunch I am so excited for that yeah one one of the things I notice that yeah one one of the things I notice that yeah one one of the things I notice as you know as you've talked about is as you know as you've talked about is as you know as you've talked about is kind of what your strategy is and kind of what your strategy is and kind of what your strategy is and thinking about companies like Home Depot

thinking about companies like Home Depot thinking about companies like Home Depot and Lowe's one of the things that they and Lowe's one of the things that they and Lowe's one of the things that they have the reason I think they've been as have the reason I think they've been as have the reason I think they've been as successful as they have is that they successful as they have is that they successful as they have is that they have realized that the culture that have realized that the culture that have realized that the culture that they're trying to reach is a DIY culture they're trying to reach is a DIY culture they're trying to reach is a DIY culture it's a do-it-yourself culture it's a do-it-yourself culture it's a do-it-yourself culture um the reason that YouTube has grown in um the reason that YouTube has grown in um the reason that YouTube has grown in so many ways as it has is that people so many ways as it has is that people so many ways as it has is that people are searching how to fix their problems are searching how to fix their problems are searching how to fix their problems how to do different things how to do different things how to do different things and they're using the internet to solve and they're using the internet to solve and they're using the internet to solve those problems they're trying to diy those problems they're trying to diy those problems they're trying to diy things in church we know we recognize things in church we know we recognize things in church we know we recognize that being a disciple of Jesus isn't that being a disciple of Jesus isn't that being a disciple of Jesus isn't supposed to be a DIY effort right we're supposed to be a DIY effort right we're supposed to be a DIY effort right we're not supposed to be solo artists we're not supposed to be solo artists we're not supposed to be solo artists we're not called to be you know Lone Rangers not called to be you know Lone Rangers not called to be you know Lone Rangers in our spiritual journey we're called to in our spiritual journey we're called to in our spiritual journey we're called to be in community but I think that it is be in community but I think that it is be in community but I think that it is healthy and helpful for us to recognize healthy and helpful for us to recognize healthy and helpful for us to recognize that the people who are furthest from that the people who are furthest from that the people who are furthest from God who are we are most likely to reach God who are we are most likely to reach God who are we are most likely to reach while deep down they need Community while deep down they need Community while deep down they need Community they need authentic connection and they need authentic connection and they need authentic connection and personal relationship but most of them personal relationship but most of them personal relationship but most of them are going to start their spiritual are going to start their spiritual are going to start their spiritual journey as a DIY journey and what we journey as a DIY journey and what we journey as a DIY journey and what we want to do is create their on-ramps and want to do is create their on-ramps and want to do is create their on-ramps and the pathways to move them from that DIY the pathways to move them from that DIY the pathways to move them from that DIY journey to being connected in journey to being connected in journey to being connected in incarnational and in incarnational incarnational and in incarnational incarnational and in incarnational community and authentic community so I'm community and authentic community so I'm community and authentic community so I'm really excited to see what you guys do I really excited to see what you guys do I really excited to see what you guys do I will download the app even though I live will download the app even though I live will download the app even though I live very far away from New Jersey because I very far away from New Jersey because I very far away from New Jersey because I just want to see what you're doing I'm just want to see what you're doing I'm just want to see what you're doing I'm really excited about it Lauren that's really excited about it Lauren that's really excited about it Lauren that's like I am I have like 20 different like I am I have like 20 different like I am I have like 20 different Church apps on my phone I I have a Church apps on my phone I I have a Church apps on my phone I I have a subcategory of apps on my phone called subcategory of apps on my phone called subcategory of apps on my phone called churches and I I get push notifications

churches and I I get push notifications churches and I I get push notifications from churches from time to time and I'm from churches from time to time and I'm from churches from time to time and I'm like wait which church was this and why like wait which church was this and why like wait which church was this and why am I not showing up to this event that am I not showing up to this event that am I not showing up to this event that got canceled I have to remind myself all got canceled I have to remind myself all got canceled I have to remind myself all the time not my church yeah I love the time not my church yeah I love the time not my church yeah I love Martha that you even um pointed out Martha that you even um pointed out Martha that you even um pointed out YouTube Right YouTube is the second YouTube Right YouTube is the second YouTube Right YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world after largest search engine in the world after largest search engine in the world after um I know we think of it as a video um I know we think of it as a video um I know we think of it as a video platform but really it's a search engine platform but really it's a search engine platform but really it's a search engine yeah and so we're huge fans of you know yeah and so we're huge fans of you know yeah and so we're huge fans of you know if you're gonna go putting out content if you're gonna go putting out content if you're gonna go putting out content in a rented platform which all social in a rented platform which all social in a rented platform which all social media is it's not ours we don't get set media is it's not ours we don't get set media is it's not ours we don't get set the rules somebody else does and we rent the rules somebody else does and we rent the rules somebody else does and we rent some space on there yeah YouTube I think some space on there yeah YouTube I think some space on there yeah YouTube I think is a phenomenal place to invest because is a phenomenal place to invest because is a phenomenal place to invest because of the search capabilities and it's a of the search capabilities and it's a of the search capabilities and it's a great way place for people to find you great way place for people to find you great way place for people to find you um so just one other tip there is that um so just one other tip there is that um so just one other tip there is that you know naming your content whatever you know naming your content whatever you know naming your content whatever your name name is your blurb is is so so your name name is your blurb is is so so your name name is your blurb is is so so important for people to find that important for people to find that important for people to find that content there's someone watching this content there's someone watching this content there's someone watching this video on YouTube right now that found it video on YouTube right now that found it video on YouTube right now that found it as a result of a search on YouTube right as a result of a search on YouTube right as a result of a search on YouTube right so don't don't don't miss out on the so don't don't don't miss out on the so don't don't don't miss out on the opportunity to repurpose your content opportunity to repurpose your content opportunity to repurpose your content for YouTube and to use best practices for YouTube and to use best practices for YouTube and to use best practices for YouTube SEO so that people can find for YouTube SEO so that people can find for YouTube SEO so that people can find the content that you're creating for the content that you're creating for the content that you're creating for sure we're big proponents of that for sure we're big proponents of that for sure we're big proponents of that for sure um we probably need to land this so uh um we probably need to land this so uh because you know we don't we we don't because you know we don't we we don't because you know we don't we we don't want to keep going on and on but I I'm I want to keep going on and on but I I'm I want to keep going on and on but I I'm I want to if there's just one last parting want to if there's just one last parting want to if there's just one last parting shot you'd want to say to our audience shot you'd want to say to our audience shot you'd want to say to our audience and then and then and then um how can people connect with you if um how can people connect with you if um how can people connect with you if they've got some questions they've got some questions they've got some questions yeah

yeah yeah um um um I'm gonna get up on a soapbox if that's I'm gonna get up on a soapbox if that's I'm gonna get up on a soapbox if that's okay okay I feel like there's there's a okay okay I feel like there's there's a okay okay I feel like there's there's a shift that's happening where covid shift that's happening where covid shift that's happening where covid pushed us all to look at the pushed us all to look at the pushed us all to look at the opportunities that digital provided opportunities that digital provided opportunities that digital provided because it was going to solve a problem because it was going to solve a problem because it was going to solve a problem for us and that's we maybe couldn't for us and that's we maybe couldn't for us and that's we maybe couldn't gather physically or people had stopped gather physically or people had stopped gather physically or people had stopped coming back to our buildings and then coming back to our buildings and then coming back to our buildings and then now the problem has lessened where I now the problem has lessened where I now the problem has lessened where I don't think we're in a pre-coveted state don't think we're in a pre-coveted state don't think we're in a pre-coveted state but we're like ah two-thirds of the but we're like ah two-thirds of the but we're like ah two-thirds of the people came back that's good enough people came back that's good enough people came back that's good enough um I feel more comfortable with where um I feel more comfortable with where um I feel more comfortable with where we're at and that digital thing just we're at and that digital thing just we're at and that digital thing just seems so overwhelming so let's just seems so overwhelming so let's just seems so overwhelming so let's just ignore that ignore that ignore that um I'm gonna say it's almost like a um I'm gonna say it's almost like a um I'm gonna say it's almost like a begging and a pleading don't do that begging and a pleading don't do that begging and a pleading don't do that because the opportunity that exists for because the opportunity that exists for because the opportunity that exists for you to make a difference in your local you to make a difference in your local you to make a difference in your local community and your context by leveraging community and your context by leveraging community and your context by leveraging leveraging digital in whichever way leveraging digital in whichever way leveraging digital in whichever way possible that is for you I know possible that is for you I know possible that is for you I know everybody's different Church sizes I everybody's different Church sizes I everybody's different Church sizes I just think the opportunities are so just think the opportunities are so just think the opportunities are so great that I would hate people to walk great that I would hate people to walk great that I would hate people to walk away from it because it doesn't feel away from it because it doesn't feel away from it because it doesn't feel urgent anymore but I would say it's urgent anymore but I would say it's urgent anymore but I would say it's still vitally important still vitally important still vitally important well said because you know uh it's we well said because you know uh it's we well said because you know uh it's we have a we have a problem in the in the have a we have a problem in the in the have a we have a problem in the in the church and that is we we tend to be the church and that is we we tend to be the church and that is we we tend to be the the last ones to the the last ones to the the last ones to the table if you if that if that makes sense table if you if that if that makes sense table if you if that if that makes sense like we're the last ones to adopt the like we're the last ones to adopt the like we're the last ones to adopt the latest technology you know or just latest technology you know or just latest technology you know or just that's just who we are and so I you know

that's just who we are and so I you know that's just who we are and so I you know I I think why why we have the we have I I think why why we have the we have I I think why why we have the we have the greatest message the greatest message the greatest message I mean a million light years ahead of I mean a million light years ahead of I mean a million light years ahead of the next best message and yet we take the next best message and yet we take the next best message and yet we take the the seat of going now we're just the the seat of going now we're just the the seat of going now we're just we're comfortable where we are and uh I we're comfortable where we are and uh I we're comfortable where we are and uh I would I would you know a second that in would I would you know a second that in would I would you know a second that in saying you know don't don't be satisfied saying you know don't don't be satisfied saying you know don't don't be satisfied don't be satisfied and yes the 9 is don't be satisfied and yes the 9 is don't be satisfied and yes the 9 is really really important really really important really really important but the one is where God's heart is as but the one is where God's heart is as but the one is where God's heart is as well and that's where we need to go and well and that's where we need to go and well and that's where we need to go and and go after the one and they're out and go after the one and they're out and go after the one and they're out there and they're using these there and they're using these there and they're using these Technologies and they're using these Technologies and they're using these Technologies and they're using these phones and they're using different phones and they're using different phones and they're using different platforms and you know even though like platforms and you know even though like platforms and you know even though like you said earlier we don't own those you said earlier we don't own those you said earlier we don't own those platforms the only platform you own is platforms the only platform you own is platforms the only platform you own is your website your website your website right but we can use those platforms right but we can use those platforms right but we can use those platforms uh to actually go and make a difference uh to actually go and make a difference uh to actually go and make a difference and bring light into a very dark world and bring light into a very dark world and bring light into a very dark world and so I've applaud you on that one and and so I've applaud you on that one and and so I've applaud you on that one and that's Jason's that's Jason soapbox too that's Jason's that's Jason soapbox too that's Jason's that's Jason soapbox too yeah he's hanging on the different sides yeah he's hanging on the different sides yeah he's hanging on the different sides of the same same soapbox uh Lauren of the same same soapbox uh Lauren of the same same soapbox uh Lauren thanks so much uh for taking time out of thanks so much uh for taking time out of thanks so much uh for taking time out of your very busy schedule uh all of the your very busy schedule uh all of the your very busy schedule uh all of the things that you're doing uh you've got a things that you're doing uh you've got a things that you're doing uh you've got a podcast you have a seat on a church podcast you have a seat on a church podcast you have a seat on a church staff again uh if anybody who's staff again uh if anybody who's staff again uh if anybody who's listening to this wants to kind of listening to this wants to kind of listening to this wants to kind of follow what you're doing or connect with follow what you're doing or connect with follow what you're doing or connect with you in some way what's the best way for you in some way what's the best way for you in some way what's the best way for them to do that yeah absolutely I'm open them to do that yeah absolutely I'm open them to do that yeah absolutely I'm open to people shooting me an email which is to people shooting me an email which is to people shooting me an email which is just Lauren B just Lauren B just Lauren B liquidchurch.com also check out the liquidchurch.com also check out the liquidchurch.com also check out the church changer podcast you can check out church changer podcast you can check out church changer podcast you can check out our website churchchanger.com or follow our website churchchanger.com or follow our website churchchanger.com or follow us on Instagram at churchchangers

us on Instagram at churchchangers us on Instagram at churchchangers um we'd love to hear from you and I'm um we'd love to hear from you and I'm um we'd love to hear from you and I'm looking at all that social media there looking at all that social media there looking at all that social media there so if you message us I'll be seeing it so if you message us I'll be seeing it so if you message us I'll be seeing it awesome thanks so much Lauren thank you awesome thanks so much Lauren thank you awesome thanks so much Lauren thank you great to have you