The Online Church Blueprint
By Andy Mage
Join Mark and Andy each episode for an in-depth "how-to" do online church, from small groups to broadcasts to youth meetings, and so much more!
Brought to you in part by Altar Live (www.altarlive) and the Digital Church Network (digitalchurch.network)
The Online Church BlueprintAug 21, 2023
Why Have People Stopped Going To Church? /// Ep 17
Also known as, "How can digital church step into the gap that is being left in the church world?" In this fascinating episode of The Online Church Blueprint, we deep dive into an eye-opening article that addresses the major reasons why people are leaving the church. 🛐✝️ Join us as we explore the dynamics of church attendance, the rise of "workism," and the challenges faced by church leadership. 📖💬 With insightful trips in and out of the church's history and structure, we seek to understand the deeper motivations behind these shifts. Can we find a way to resonate and communicate more effectively with the modern world? Let's discuss! 🔍🌍 If you're interested in learning about the inner workings of digital ministry and seeking insights on how to overcome its challenges, then this video is a must-watch. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch MORE from Andy: @chinomage --------- Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network ------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/ Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
The Worst Things About Digital Ministry /// Ep 16
In this engaging episode, we delve into the fascinating world of digital ministry and uncover its challenges and triumphs. Join Andy and the Online Church Blueprint crew as they candidly discuss the worst aspects of digital ministry, sharing their real-life horror stories that will leave you surprised.
Amidst broken air conditioning in our studio (yes, Andy is literally sweating!), we candidly explore the common misconceptions and doubts that threaten to invalidate the entire digital ministry process. But fear not, it's not all doom and gloom! We also highlight the truly great aspects of digital ministry that make it a powerful and impactful platform for spreading the message.
And that's not all – our discussions aren't confined to just ministry! We talk about John Wick, share heartwarming stories about dogs, exchange TV show recommendations, and so much more!
If you're interested in learning about the inner workings of digital ministry and seeking insights on how to overcome its challenges, then this video is a must-watch. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update!
MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
---------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE:
https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
AI & Your Best Meetings: A Grab Bag /// Ep 15
We've got a grab bag of topics today!
With Mark sweating profusely in a non-air conditioned studio for the day, the Online Church Blueprint crew breaks down some recent developments in AI and how it can (and most certainly WILL) affect our churches going forward.
Are you scared of AI? Are you ready to tackle the challenges? Are you excited about it?
Plus, we get down to the basics of running your best digital meeting, as well as bringing about some practical tools like Altar Live, microphones, cameras, and more.
MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
---------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE:
https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Use AI For Your Church /// Ep 14
AI is the buzz word right now, for good reason. In just a short amount of time, it has literally changed the landscape of EVERYTHING, from manufacturing to media to even things like restaurants.
But as church leaders, we often shy away from new tech out of fear and general misunderstanding.
It doesn't have to be that way.
The "ubiquitous" Kenny Jahng is on the show today to talk all things AI: the good, the bad, the hopeful, and the future. This is an episode chock-full of useful tips and tricks for your ministry, as well as some best practices for your online church presence and live streams.
Check out more from AI For Church Leaders, including a FREE online expo on June 27: https://www.aiforchurchleaders.com/
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Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network ------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/ Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
Thinking Beyond Sunday Morning /// The Online Church Blueprint Ep 13
Whenever we start to talk about "church," most of the time you think "Sunday morning services," right? But with the ubiquity of the Internet, and the power of community-building tools like Altar Live, Discord, and more, we can actually take things OUTSIDE of the confines of one hour spent together. And we can truly start to fulfill some of the promise of the Great Commission, to "go" into the world and meet them where they are at. Mark and Andy tackle different ways to move beyond just Sunday morning gatherings today, as well as thinking outside of the box in terms of events-based programming, community, conversation, engagement, and more! MORE from Andy: @therealandymage MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch MORE from Mark's Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/thelift MORE from the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ncmu-podcast/id1685738161 ---------- Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network ------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/ Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive -------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/. Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Use Your Chat The RIGHT Way /// Ep 12
People think of digital church as just that space that happens when a
live stream is running. They think of a video and a chat window and a
host talking to themselves.
But there’s so much more there. And
there’s a LOT that we can do help our digital communities and live
streams feel like they’re part of the stream.
How?
By using the chat!
Mark
and Andy bring you some practical tips to upping your chat level. They
also bring a unique look at how YOUR physical church can easily
transition into having a solid and reproducible chat experience every
single live stream.
MORE from Andy: @therealandymage
MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch
MORE from Mark's Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/thelift
MORE from the Nerd Culture Ministry Summit podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ncmu-podcast/id1685738161
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE:
https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/.
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
The Drawbacks of Digital Community /// Ep 11
In our last episode, we talked about the formation of, and all of the good, that can come from digital community. But oftentimes, we forget to talk about some of the potential drawbacks, downfalls, and hindrances to making digital community and communication really work for our contexts. In today's episode of the Online Church Blueprint, Mark and Andy are live on Mark's normal Twitch stream to talk mechanical keyboards, communicating with a real purpose, and all things community.
MORE from Andy: @therealandymage MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch MORE from Mark's Twitch channel: https://www.twitch.tv/thelift ---------- Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network ------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/ Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive -------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/. Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Create Digital Community /// Ep 10
The goal of every leader, whether it is in the non-profit space, the tech space, the marketing space, or any other commercial space, is to create a community of people that value what you and your organization are doing. The goal of every CHURCH leader, then, is to show people the value of what the church is doing for the world and for the Kingdom. In today's episode of the Online Church Blueprint, Andy and Mark sit down for a very PURPLE conversation about how to create digital community, some of the pillars of moderation in a community that is spread out, best practices, and effective tools to really ENGAGE with your community. MORE from Andy: @therealandymage MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch ---------- Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network ------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/ Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive -------------------- Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services. Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/. Engage with us! TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/ Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Lead Your Digital And Physical Teams /// The Online Church Blueprint Ep 9
We've covered a lot of ground in The OCB lately, so it's time to step back and figure out one thing: How do we LEAD all of these people we are serving with?! In a special episode today, Andy sits down with Austin Slade, the Digital Coordinator for Bay Hope Church.
They talk all things volunteering, asking people to be part of your team, why LISTENING and CARING for people may just be the secret sauce to church leadership, and, of course, top 3 fast food french fries out there.
MORE from Andy: @therealandymage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE:
https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/.
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Create Hybrid Digital/Physical Teams /// Ep 8
For the Church Anywhere and First Capital Christian Church, being 100% physical and 100% digital comes with the territory.
But HOW did they get to that point? And how can YOU and your team start to place an emphasis on a fully hybrid digital/physical staff?
With special guest and co-host Tyler Sansom and Megan Carter of Church Anywhere, we explore the ins and outs of staff culture, leadership, changing your mentality, and accepting that 100% digital/100% physical is not so far away!
MORE from Tyler: @tylersansom
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
MORE from Church Anywhere: https://churchanywhere.us/
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE:
https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/.
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Form Digital Teams /// Ep 7
Forming teams of people to help run your ministry is VITAL to the health of your church and of your family. It's something that we're really fortunate to be able to do in the church world.
But how do you form teams of people in a digital space? What things can you take away from physical leadership?
In this episode, Mark and Andy dive into the nitty gritty of leading groups of people and forming teams to really show how a church CAN and SHOULD operate.
✅ DOWNLOAD YOUR CHECKLIST HERE: https://tinyurl.com/OCB-ep7checklist
MORE from Mark: @luxdigitalchurch
MORE from Andy: @therealandymage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/feed-
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/.
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Be A Digital Pastor /// Ep 6
What does it take to be a digital pastor? What does it mean to truly CARE for a digital community? How can you raise up a leader that is equipped to operate in the fast-ranging digital spaces that we find ourselves in?
With special guest and co-host Tyler Sansom of Church Anywhere, we take a journey into the mind of a digital pastor. What does it take to be the best online person you can be?
How can you care for people? Is it more about the tech? Or is it more about the people?
MORE from Tyler: @tylersansom
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/feed-
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/.
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Choose A Streaming Platform /// Ep 5
We've talked a lot about engagement, community, forming a digital footprint, and making sure that your church has a home on the Internet.
But let's get to the nuts of bolts of HOW: How do you choose which of the varied streaming platforms out there to go with?
Mark and Andy chat about Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Resi, Boxcast, and many other options out there.
We'd love to hear from you: WHO DO YOU CHOOSE TO STREAM WITH? Let us know 👇👇👇
MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/feed-
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Raise Your Post-Event Engagement /// Ep 4
This is a conversation that could potentially change the direction of your church's digital expression.
How can you increase your post-event or post-service engagement online without a physical lobby?
In today's Online Church Blueprint episode, Mark and Andy sit down for a fascinating conversation about the state of the modern church, how to use Altar Live's lobby area to its fullest potential, the best methods to get people to be part of your digital community, and more.
We'd love to hear from you: HOW ARE YOU ENGAGING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY ONLINE? Let us know 👇👇👇
MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/feed-
-------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
What Should Online Services Look Like? /// Ep 3
What should a digital, phygital, or physical church service look like online?
In this episode of The Online Church Blueprint, Andy and Mark theorize what a perfect online church service could look like.
This is a LONG episode (sorry!), but it's pertinent information.
Merry Christmas, from all of our families to yours! 👇 And we'd love to hear from you. What are we missing in all of our chatter about church? Let us know 👇
Here's your checklist for the week: https://tinyurl.com/OCBEp3Checklist
MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/feed
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Train Small Group Leaders /// Ep 2
Now that you've got your online small group leaders recruited and your groups organized, you're going to need to TRAIN those leaders on how to effectively manage and lead your groups!
In this episode of the Online Church Blueprint, Mark and Andy chat about tips, tricks, and how-tos pertaining specifically to the world of leader training.
Outside of practical applications of vision and leadership, they walk you through 5 different steps that build upon each other.
Here's your checklist for the week: https://tinyurl.com/OCBEp2Checklist
MORE from Mark: @LuxDigitalChurch
MORE from Andy: @chinomage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/feed
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive
How To Do Digital Small Groups The RIGHT Way /// Ep 1
Welcome to the Online Church Blueprint, the BEST "how-to online church" podcast around!
With your hosts Mark Lutz and Andy Mage, we discuss tips, tricks, and how-tos from the world of online church.
This week, Mark and Andy walk you through how to do digital small groups the RIGHT way, including 5 different steps in the pathway to a successful group launch.
Also, we get a chance to talk about the key differences between online and physical group structure, as well as talking about the necessity of relationships.
Here's your checklist for the week: https://ibb.co/yV4HF7m
IN THIS EPISODE:
-Altar Live: https://www.altarlive.com
-Digital Church Network: https://digitalchurch.network/
-Zoom
-Discord
-Slack
-Facebook Classroom
MORE from Mark: @Lux Digital Church
MORE from Andy: @TheRealAndyMage
----------
Try Altar Live for 14 days for FREE: https://www.altarlive.com
Join the Digital Church Network's Fam: https://fam.digitalchurch.network/feed
--------------------
Altar Live. Bringing a new level of engagement and connection to your virtual church services.
Sign up for your FREE trial of Altar Live at https://www.altarlive.com/.
Engage with us!
TWITTER (@altarlive_com) - https://twitter.com/Altarlive_com
Instagram (@altarlive) - https://www.instagram.com/altarlive/
Facebook (@altarlive) - https://www.facebook.com/altarlive