Category Archives: Christianity

THE BEST OF CHURCH AND SOCIAL MEDIA 2019

Can you believe the last week of 2019 is here already? Time really does fly like a jet plane! As the year draws rapidly to a close, it’s time to take a look back at this year’s best and most impactful developments in #churchtech, faith, and social media.

To celebrate this amazing year, I’m happy to share my favorite picks for the ‘Best of 2019,’ in Church, Tech and Social Media news, events, and trends!

3 Best Bible Apps for Maximum Personal Growth – churchtechtoday.com

5 Biggest Online Churches – Capterra

6 Social Media Predictions for 2020 [Infographic] – SocialMedia Today

10 Reasons to be Optimistic About Churches in 2019 – LifeWay Facts & Trends

2019 Podcast Stats & Facts – Podcast Insights

Apple Publishes Listing of Most Popular Apps for 2019 – SocialMedia Today

Church Juice Resources – Church digital communications tools – churchjuice.reframemedia.com

Church Online – Solutions for Church online technology needs – thechurchonline.com

daily_bibleverses – Daily scriptures on Instagram

Daily E-Book Deals – gospelebooks.net

Died: Cain Hope Felder, Scholar Who lifted Up Black People In The Bible – Christianity Today

Digital Pulpit: A Nationwide Analysis of Online Sermons – Pew Research Center

Facebook Publishes New Listing of Key Trends Set to Gain Momentum in 2020 – SocialMedia Today

First Baptist Church of Glenarden, MD – fbcglenarden.org

How to Create a Church Facebook Page – wikiHow

iChurch Method – Digital solutions to help ministries connect with people – ichurchmethod.com

Instagram Year in Review: The Biggest Moments from 2019 – later.com

Instapray – Spreading the Gospel and sharing prayer and encouragement on Instagram

New Birth’s Jamal H. Bryant Reflects on First Year – AJC

Pastor Jamal Bryant Plans to Take New Birth to the Community – AJC

Pastor Jamal Bryant Talks New Birth… YouTube – OficialSoulSisters

Podcast Statistics: Growth and Demographic Data for 2019 – Buzzsprout

Sermon Graphics For All 66 Books Of The Bible – churchtechtoday.com

Six Things Your Church Needs to Know About TikTok – TheChurch.Digital

T.D. Jakes Iconic Conference Takes Its Curtain Call – CISION PR Newswire

TD Jakes Ministries – tdjakes.com

The Potter’s House Church – thepottershouse.org

The Top 25 Best Church Websites of 2019 – Pro Church Tools

Trump Should Be Removed From Office – Christianity Today

Twitter Shares the Top Tweet Trends of 2019 – SocialMedia Today

Well, there you have it – my Best of Church and Social Media 2019! Hoping you enjoyed it as much as I did following #churchtech, social media and faith trends over the past year.

What are your favorite Church and Social Media stories of 2019?

Be sure to stay on top of all things #churchtech, faith, and social media at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS.

Finally, while online connections offer many benefits, they are only a supplement to, and not a substitute for, in-person involvement and church attendance for those physically able to do so.

Praying you have a “Happy & Blessed New Year 2020,” my Friends!

~ Kenneth Lillard, Author of the book, SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY Sharing the Gospel In the Digital Age (available on Amazon and iTunes). Much Appreciation!

You can connect with me at kennethlillard.com. Be Blessed!

 

 

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THE BEST OF CHURCH AND SOCIAL MEDIA 2018, PT. 2

Afro american young man typing on laptop

Welcome to Part 2 of  ‘The Best of Church and Social Media 2018.’ Picking up where we left off in Part 1, here are my top choices for the very best #churchtech and social media stories and sites of 2018.

Biola Media Conference – Biola University

Checklist For Your Ministry’s Online Strategy in 2019 – Church Juice

Christian Bestsellers, December 2018 – ChristianBookExpo

Christianity Today 2019 Book Awards – Christianity Today

Church Juice – churchjuice/ free resources to help churches communicate better

Daily eBook Deals – Gospel eBooks

Devon Franklin – DevonFranklin.com

Devon Franklin and Chad Johnson Discuss Relationships – DevonFranklin.com

D J Chuang -djChuang.com

How to Express Your God Given Talent on Any Job – Devon Franklin

How Religious Is Your State – Pew Research Center

How to Get Funded As a Female Minority-led Tech Startup – Entrepreneur

iChurch Method – Jason Caston

In-ear Monitor System Guide Options For Every Church From Small to Mega – Church Tech Today

An Interview with Faith Based Film Producer Devon Franklin – Slate/ Aisha Harris/ Represent

Millenial Mindset eBook – Church Tech Today

Ministry Brands Launches New Mobile Church App – Church Tech Today

Mobilize Disciples Like the Early Church – VisionRoom

New Year and New You – Christian Leadership Alliance

Pastor Jamal Bryant Appointed As New Birth’s Senior Pastor – YouTube

Pastor’s Mobile Office – Church Tech Today

Pastor’s Pay in 2019 – Christianity Today

Rainer Report – Best of 2018 – Thom Rainer

Seeking Peace of Christ This Christmastime – Ed Stetzer/ Christianity Today

Social Media That Worked: Videos and Connection – ChurchMarketing

Start a Free Church Podcast with Anchor – ChurchMag

U S Class Divide Extends to Searching for a Religious Congregation – Pew Research Center

The Virtual Church Office – Church Tech Today

YouVersion – Bible App/ Online Bible Experience – Life Church

Well, that completes my ‘Best of Church and Social Media 2018, Pt. 2’. Hope you enjoyed it.

What are your favorite Church Social Media stories of 2018?

Stay on top of the all the latest in #churchtech, faith, and socialmedia at Social Media and Ministry News.

Praying you have a Happy & Blessed New Year 2019! ~ Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

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THE BEST OF CHURCH AND SOCIAL MEDIA 2018, PT. 1

Afro american young man typing on laptop

Can you believe we’re actually in the very last week of 2018? Where has the time gone? What better time, though, to look back at the year’s most interesting developments in the ChurchTech, Faith, and Social Media space!

To celebrate this exciting year, I’m happy to spotlight my favorite picks for the very best ChurchTech and Social Media news, views, and trends of 2018.

Congratulations to all of this year’s truly remarkable church social media innovators, contributors, and colleagues.

And, of course, a big “Thank You” goes out to all my amazing social media family,  friends, and readers for all your great suggestions, support and encouragement throughout the year. Much Love & Appreciation.

Here are my ‘Best of 2018 ChurchTech and Social Media’ stories and sites, Part 1:

Bishop T. D. Jakes – TD Jakes Ministries

4 Done For You Church Social Media Solutions – Church Tech Today

Set These Four Goals to Grow More like Jesus – PastorRick.com

Four Ways Every Youth Pastor Can Bring Out the Best in Students – Pastors.com

Four Ways Your Church Can Care for the Poor – Pastors.com

5 Helpful Church Volunteer Resources –  Church Tech Today

5 Ideas for Your New Year’s Sermon – Pastors.com

7 Tips for Successful Fall Events – Church Tech Today

Top 7 Church Website Companies – Church Tech Today

Top 8 Church App Providers Church Tech Today

10 Suggestions for Your Personal Devotions in 2019 – Challies.com

Top 10 Ways Thriving Churches Communicate – Church Tech Today

25 Of the Best Christian Nonfiction Books – Bookhub.com

100 Fastest Growing Churches in America – Outreach Magazine

Well, that concludes Part 1 of my “Best of Church and Social Media 2018.” Stay tuned for Part 2. What are your favorite Church Social Media stories of 2018? Would love to hear from you!

Btw, stay on top of the latest ChurchTech and Social Media news, stories, and trends at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS.

May God Bless You Richly! ~ Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

 

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Church and Social Media 2017, Part 2

Christmas Tree 1

Welcome to Part 2 of “CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2017 – The Year in Review!”
Picking up where we left off in Part 1, here are my top choices for 2017’s Best Church and Social Media stories:

Be Wildly Successful Without Losing Your Faith – DevonFranklin.org

Christianity Today’s 2017 Book Awards – Christianity Today

Collected Best Christian Books of 2017 – Tim Challies

Designing An Inspiring Church Logo – Church Tech Today

Digital Mixing Top 4 Future-Shaping Trends – Church Production

How to Create Social Media Content From Your Pastor’s Sermon – Carrie Evans

How to Improve Your Church Website’s ‘About Us’ Page – Church Tech Today

How The Faithful Voted: A Preliminary 2016 Analysis – Pew Research Center

How We Could Better Leverage Social Media During Disasters Like Harvey – HuffPost

The Influence of Instagram – Church Tech Today

The Internet of Things Connectivity Binge: What Are the Implications? – Pew Research Center

Museum of the Bible – museumofthebible.org

Net Neutrality Repeal Means Your Internet May Never Be the Same – CNET

New Church App From TouchPoint – Church Tech Today

Planning a Successful Christmas Service – ChurchJuice

TD Jakes Ministries Mobile App – TDJakes.org

The Potter’s House Live Streaming – TDJakes.org

Ten Killer Apps for Church Video Producers and Filmmakers – Church Production

Thom S. Rainer’s Top Ten Posts of 2017 – Thom S. Rainer

Top 10 Posts of 2017 – ChurchMarketing

Top 17 Books of 2017/ The Best New Christian Non-Fiction – DesiringGod.org

Top 25 Best Church Websites of 2017 – Pro Church Tools

Top 300 Christian Blogs – Church Relevance

Using Social Media for Ministry – CRU.org

YouVersion Bible App Nears 300 Million Downloads – Church Tech Today

Well, that completes our ‘CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2017 – The Year in Review, Part 2.’ Hope you enjoyed it.

What are your favorite Church Social Media stories of 2017?

Stay on top of the latest Church Social Media news at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS. See you in 2018!

 

 

 

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CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2017, Part 1

Christmas Tree 1

2017 has, most definitely, been a year of creative innovation and unexpected change in the ChurchTech, Faith, and Social Media space!

To celebrate this exciting year, I’m happy to spotlight my favorite picks for the very best ChurchTech and Social Media news, views, and trends of 2017.
Congratulations to all of this year’s truly remarkable church social media innovators, contributors, and colleagues.

And, of course, a big “Thank You” goes out to all my amazing social media family, followers, and friends for all your fantastic suggestions, support and encouragement throughout the year. Much Love & Appreciation!

Here are my ‘Best of 2017 ChurchTech and Social Media’ stories:

3 Qualities of a Great Church Domain Name – Church Tech Today

4-Point Checklist for Live Streaming Church Events – Church Tech Today

4 Steps to Scheduling Rest for the Church Tech – Church Tech Today

5 Reasons Why Teenagers Need Theology – The Gospel Coalition

5 Ways to Communicate Thankfulness at Thanksgiving – Church Tech Today

5 Ways to Leverage Your Holiday Church Services for Growth – Church Tech Today

6 Questions Every Church Social Media Policy Should Answer – United Methodist Communications

7 Imbalances to Watch Out for in Church Leadership Teams – CommunicateJesus

7 Keys to an Effective Church Social Media Strategy – Lifeway

7 Tips for Going to the Museum of the Bible – djChuang

7 Ways Churches Can Use Twitter’s 280 Characters (Don’t Tweet Sermons) – ChurchMarketing

9 Awesome Black Women Tech Founders to Watch – Inc.

9 Ways Technology Can Help Spread the Gospel – Church Tech Today

10 Quick Things You Can Do to Improve Your Church Website – CommunicateJesus

10 Ways to Intentionally Thank Your Church Volunteers – ChurchJuice

27 Places to Download Free Images for Websites and Blogs – Vista Print

31 Ways to Become a Thought Leader – Jill Celeste

100 Fastest Growing Churches in America 2017 – Outreach Magazine

100 Largest Churches 2017 – Outreach Magazine

What favorite Church Social Media stories of 2016 would you like to share with our readers? Would love to hear from you!

Btw, stay on top of the latest ChurchTech and Social Media news, stories, and trends at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS.

 

 

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CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2016 – The Year in Review, Pt. 2

Welcome to Part 2 of “CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2016 – The Year in Review!”

Picking up where we left off in Part 1, here are my top choices for 2016’s Best Church and Social Media stories:

Well, that completes our ‘CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2016 – The Year in Review, Part 2.’ Hope you enjoyed it.

What are your favorite Church Social Media stories of 2016?

Stay on top of the latest  Church Social Media news at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS! See you in 2017!

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus!

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed, Happy, and Prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

 

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CHURCH and SOCIAL MEDIA 2016 – Year in Review, Part 1

social-media-2

2016 has, most definitely, been a year of creative innovation and unexpected change in the Church, Social Media, and Technology space!

To celebrate this exciting year, I’m happy to spotlight my favorite picks for the very best Church and Social Media news, views, and trends of 2016.

Congratulations to all of this year’s truly remarkable church social media innovators, contributors, and colleagues. And, of course, a big “Thank You” goes out to all my amazing social media family, followers, and friends for all your fantastic suggestions, support and encouragement throughout the year. Much Love & Appreciation!

Here’s my ‘Best of 2016 Church and Social Media’ stories:

What favorite Church Social Media stories of 2016 would you like to share with our readers? Would love to hear from you!

Btw, stay on top of the latest Church Social Media news, stories, and trends at SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS.

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus.

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas & A Blessed, Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Sincerely,

Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

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2014 Church and Social Media Year In Review, Part 2

2014

As 2014 draws rapidly to a close, now is a great time to look back at the top Church and Social Media events and stories of the past year. Hope you had a chance to take a look at ‘2014 Church and Social Media Year in Review, Part 1,’ shared earlier on this site.

Here, in Part 2, we share more of 2014’s top #churchsocialmedia news and developments posted on social media!

Best Christian YouTube Channels – ThinkInternational

Blogging While Brown 2014/ Conference Highlights – Rothesia Stokes/ She Has Purpose

Christianity Today’s 2015 Book Awards – Christianity Today

Christian Bestsellers, December 2014 – Christian Book Expo

#ChSocM Chat/ ChurchSocMed Using social media to build church and deepen faith – Storify

#ChSocM Integrating Technology Into Life and Faith – #ChSocM Founder, Meredith Gould

#ChSocM Searching and Finding Information About Social Media for Church – #ChSocM Founder, Meredith Gould

#ChSocM Strategy and Mission in Church Social Media – #ChSocM Founder, Meredith Gould

#Ferguson and the Cross – Derwin L. Gray/ Christianity Today

Forest Hill Church on Pinterest – Forest Hill Church/ Pinterest

Great Free Resources From Top Churches – djchuang.com

Haley Veturis of Saddleback Church: Episode 85, Social Media Church Podcast – @djchuang

How We Read the Bible: Bible Gateway’s 2014 Year in Review – Biblegateway.com

Is An Online Church Really A Church? – Ed Stetzer/ Christianity Today

Joel Osteen Radio – SiriusXM subscription satellite radio service. Joel Osteen Radio on SiriusXM launched on Sept. 29, 2014.

Jason Caston: The Internet Church Campus/ Biola Digital 2014 – Jason Caston/ WebMatters

Just the Top Bible Websites, Plain and Simple – DJ Chuang/ American Bible Society

Lessons From Mars Hill Church – Gerry & Sherry Breshears/ Living Grace to the World

Maya Angelou: Award Winning Poet, Author, and Activist Dies at 86 – Huffington Post

My Proverbial Summer – Kenneth Lillard

Social Media in Youth Ministry: Tumblr – Rachel Blom/ churchleaders.com

The Potter’s House – T. D. Jakes/ thepottershouse.org

The Year In Gospel: Lecrae Dominates – Billboard

Top 300 Christian Blogs – Kent Shaffer/ Church Relevance

Top Church Tech Blogs 2014 – ChurchMag

Top Churches On Facebook – Social Media Church

Twitter and the Rise of Microprayer – Casey Cep/ The Kernel

Btw, you can stay update-to-date on all the latest news and developments in Church and Social Media by reading SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS. And you can follow me at kennethlillard.com.

What were your top Church and Social Media stories of 2014?

As we count down to a brand New Year, I sincerely wish all my wonderful readers, family, and friends a Happy, Healthy, and Blessed 2015!

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus!

Be Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard

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2014 Church and Social Media Year In Review, Part 1

Best of 2014

Can you believe that 2014 is almost over? Yes, we just have a few more days until the start of a brand New Year! 2014 has flown by like a jet plane. However, it has truly been an exciting and eventful year in Church and Social Media.

FAITH BASED MEDIA 2.0 continues to tell the fascinating story of how today’s churches are using the latest technology and social media to share the Gospel. Here are some of the top #churchsocialmedia stories shared online via social media over the past twelve (12) months.

4 Ways to Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Count – Relevant

10 Apps to Grab for Your New Smartphone or Tablet – Spiritual Living, Christian Faith/ crosswalk.com

10 Best Religious Personal Finance Blogs – Shared via @ChristianPF

10 Social Media Tools That Make Everything Easier – Chris C. Ducker

11 Imaginative Ways to Use Social Media for Your Church – Steve Fogg

20 Great Ways to Use Instagram at Your Church – TheCreativePastor.com

20 Tips to Tap Into Your Divine ‘Instinct’ for Business Success: T. D. Jakes – blackenterprise.com

21 Of the Best Social Media Articles This Year – SocialMediaToday

31 Days of Thanks – Our Daily Bread

49 Church Blogging Tips – Dave Hakes/ Internet Toolbox for Churches

55 of the Best Church Website Designs – Vandelay Design

100 Years of Glorious History From the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference – Huffington Post Religion

Stay tuned for ‘2014 Church and Social Media Year In Review, Part 2’ where we’ll share more of the top #churchsocialmedia events and stories of 2014!

What were your top #churchsocialmedia stories of 2014?

Until next time, remember, you can do all things thru Christ Jesus!

Be Blessed

Kenneth Lillard

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KICK-OFF YOUR CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON

Seahawks vs Packers

Today marks the ‘Kick-Off’ of the new NFL season. Excitement is in the air! It’s a brand new season. The Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks have already faced-off against the talented and very hungry Green Bay Packers. What are the expectations for the new season? Will QB Russell Wilson and the Seahawks repeat as Super Bowl Champs? That is the question.

Also, for many students, teachers, and administrators, this week is the beginning of a new school year filled with many new expectations. And pretty soon, the green leaves of summer will give way to the reds and gold of autumn. And, so, like the new NFL and other seasons, new seasons come into our lives, as well. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

How can we prepare ourselves, so that our new seasons will be truly Championship Seasons? What can we expect in our new seasons?  How can we best be successful, seize new opportunities, and share in the excitement that new seasons bring?

First, there is one thing we know, that every new season, definitely, brings – CHANGE! The Seattle Seahawks will be facing totally new offenses and defenses this year. All those new changes will make it much more difficult for them to repeat as champions. The Seahawks will have to make adjustments, and deal with the uncertainties that accompany change. As we enter the new seasons of our lives, we, too, face the uncertainties of change. And uncertainty, the unknown, very often elicits anxiety and/or fear.

However, the Bible reassures us, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6. Have faith and trust in God, and He will see you through whatever uncertainties your new season brings. (See 2 Corinthians 5:7.) You don’t have to be stressed out nor anxious as you enter your new season. The LORD your God goes with you!

Secondly, a new season brings new challenges. Last year’s game plan is not going to work, if the Seattle plans to repeat. They’re going to, definitely, need a new game plan to meet the new challenges of the new season. To meet the challenges of our new seasons, we need wisdom – new strategies and game plans. James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” We have to pray, and ask God for the wisdom  we need to meet all our challenges, and He will supply us with the wisdom, the winning strategies and game plans we need to succeed in our new seasons. (See Philippians 4:19.)

Finally, a new season reveals new champions! Will the Seahawks get new Super Bowl rings at the end of this new season? Or will a new champion be crowned? What are the chances of you becoming a champion in your new season? Through your own strength, it may be difficult, and even appear impossible. But the Bible says, “Humble yourselves before the LORD and He will lift you.” ~ James 4:10. “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26.

So, as you enter the new season of your life, go in with great expectations. Enter with a champion’s attitude, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” ~ Philippians 4:13. Yes, in your new season, you, most definitely, can be a champion in Christ, if you truly believe. “…In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” ~ Romans 8:3

Have a Fantastic Championship Season!

Until next time, remember, you can do all things through Christ Jesus,

Be Blessed!

Kenneth Lillard 

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