Category Archives: #churchsocialmedia

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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Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review, Part 2

Lakewood Church

Welcome to Part 2 of ‘Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review!’ Picking up where we left off in Part 1, here are my picks for the top, most impactful, most insightful church social media #chsocm stories and sites posted on social media in 2015:

That completes our ‘Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review, Part 2.’ It’s truly been an eventful and exciting  year in church social media. Would love to hear what your favorite church social media stories and sites were in 2015. Please feel free to share your favorites with me and the readers in the comments section!

Btw, to stay on top of all the latest church social media stories, sites, and developments read SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS weekly.

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

Have a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2016!

Be Blessed Everyone,

Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Church and Social Media 2015 Year in Review, Part 1

Social Media Icons iPhoneCan you believe the year has flown by already? Yes, it’s true! As we close out 2015, what better time than now to take a look back at the top Church and Social Media stories that have shone in the social media spotlight this year.

2015 has, definitely, been a very busy, challenging, and exciting year in church social media. Some of the major developments we’ve witnessed this year have revolved around: 1) the impact of social issues on church social media; 2) the emergence of mobile live streaming technology, especially the increasing popularity of the Periscope and Meerkat apps; and 3) the steady adaptation and implementation of the latest technology, and social media strategies and tools by today’s churches and ministries as they continue to evolve in the Digital Age.

The following compilation includes social media posts highlighting very practical information that can be readily applied by church social media practitioners. So, here are my picks for the top church social media #churchsocialmedia #chsocm stories of 2015:

Well, that concludes Part 1 of our Church Social Media 2015 Year in Review. Stay tuned for Part 2. Would love to hear your top church social media #chsocm stories of 2015. Btw, for all the latest stories and developments in the church, technology, and social media space be sure to read SOCIAL MEDIA and MINISTRY NEWS each week!

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

Wishing You A Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

Be Blessed Everyone,

Kenneth Lillard

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LOVE CONQUERS HATE IN CHARLESTON

Roses 3What the enemy intended for evil, God will turn it around for your good. ~ Genesis 50:20

On Wednesday night, June 17th, a 21 year-old white gunman brutally gunned down nine (9) African American church goers at a Bible Study at the historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C. Investigators  labeled it a hate crime.

The entire nation was totally shocked and repelled by this senseless, horrific massacre! The church goers had welcomed the stranger, who’d walked into their Wednesday night Bible Study, with opened arms. They had no idea that he would, very shortly, kill them with a hidden firearm. Nine loving Christians were martyred while sharing Jesus’ Gospel of love and redemption with an unknown stranger. (See the names of these nine incredible individuals below.)

Amazingly, many of the relatives of those who were killed forgave the confessed murderer in a court proceeding. One relative affirmed, in her statement of forgiveness, “Hate won’t win.” What an inspiring message! Those relatives set a monumentally high standard of compassion and forgiveness that, quite frankly, not many of us could, conceivably, hope to attain. It is this, almost impossibly high, standard that was set by the crucified Christ who, from the cross, prayed concerning his executioners, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” ~ Luke 23:34

The question immediately arises, “What would possibly compel one human being to gun down nine other human beings who had shown him nothing but love and kindness?” According to investigators, the confessed killer stated that he wanted, by his actions, to start a race war in America. He intended to ignite a national conflagration of hatred, violence, and mass killings.

However, the Bible says, What the enemy intended for evil, God will turn it around for your good. ~ Genesis 50:20. Rather than being rent by violence, and greater racial divisions, Charleston, SC has, instead, chosen to embrace peace and love, not violence and hatred. Miraculously, the City of Charleston has begun the difficult process of coming together in worship, and solidarity, across racial, ethnic, political, and religious lines!

In the wake of the Massacre at Mother Emanuel Church, and with the spotlight of the nation, and the world, firmly fixed on South Carolina, SC Gov. Nikki Haley (R), at potentially great political cost to herself, has, courageously, stepped forward and called for the Confederate battle flag, long a symbol of division and bigotry, to be taken down from South Carolina’s state capitol grounds, and put in a museum. Amen to that, Governor!

What the Charleston gunman intended for evil is, indeed, beginning to be turned around for good! The gunman’s bloody and horrific act of despicable evil is, now, ironically, bringing together people of good will, of all backgrounds, colors, races, and creeds for the greater good of the community as a whole. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously stated, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Love is beginning to drive hatred out of Charleston.

Make no mistake, Charleston’s problems, racial and otherwise, are far from over. And the same can be said of South Carolina, and of America. We have yet to attain the goals of ending gun violence, racial division, and poverty. There is, definitely, still a long way to go to achieve an inclusive society that reflects the ideals of freedom, justice, and equality for all. However, Charleston, for the moment, appears to be heading in the right direction, and perhaps there are some lessons of love that we can learn from her journey along the way.

The nine red roses at the top of this article are dedicated to the memory of the following nine Christian martyrs felled at Emanuel A.M.E. Church, Charleston, SC on June 17, 2015:

  • The Honorable Clementa Pinckney, 41, South Carolina State Senator, and Pastor of Emanuel A.M.E. Church, who lent his booming voice to those whose voices often went unheard.
  • Cynthia Hurd, 54, a Library Manager, whose life was dedicated to the love of children, books, and her church.
  • Susie Jackson, 87, a Longtime Emanuel A.M.E. Church Member, and Mother Figure to generations of her family, as well as, to many of her Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church family.
  • Ethel Lance, 70, Employee of Emanuel A.M.E. Church for 30 years, who loved her church and its members.
  • Rev. DePayne Middleton Doctor, 49, Admissions Counselor at Southern Wesleyan University, whose angelic voice could heal aching hearts.
  • Tywanza Sanders, 26, Poet, and Aspiring Entrepreneur, who recently earned a Business Administration Degree from Allen University.
  • Rev. Daniel L. Simmons, Sr., 74, Retired Pastor, who served as a model of endurance and service to God.
  • Rev. Sharonda Singleton, 45, a Pastor, and Track Coach at Goose Creek High School, a dedicated Minister of the Gospel, and inspirational coach, both, on the track and off.
  • Myra Thompson, 59, A Builder of Faith, who worked diligently to restore her beloved church’s property to its full beauty.

May God wrap his arms of love and comfort around the families, loved-ones, and friends of these saints of God, and grant them His peace.

Please feel free to share your thoughts on the events in Charleston, SC in the comments below.

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

God Bless,

Kenneth Lillard

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