In a recent conversation with Jay Kranda, Online Community Pastor at Saddleback Church, we dove into the importance of intentional disciple-making and the role digital ministry can play in reaching today’s church attendees. As churches look for ways to engage their members—both in person and online—the power of digital platforms cannot be overlooked.
Check out the full webinar here:
The Tension of Digital Ministry:
Many church leaders are hesitant to fully embrace digital content and streaming services due to concerns about diminishing in-person attendance and the potential loss of community. In particular, they fear that digital services might become a substitute for physically gathering together, weakening the bond that in-person worship fosters. These concerns are valid, especially considering the average in-person church attendance today has dropped significantly in recent years. According to studies, while approximately 70% of Americans claim to be Christian, only 20% attend church regularly (once a month or more), and many of those who do attend are now participating less frequently due to busy schedules or digital alternatives and reminds us that digital ministry doesn't need to be viewed as a replacement for in-person attendance but as an extension of it. Digital platforms like streaming services and social media allow churches to engage their community even when they are not physically present. For example, streaming services provides a way to keep people connected during illness, vacations, or other disruptions to their normal attendance patterns. And social media can provide ongoing encouragement to people throughout the week—reminding them of their faith and the larger mission of the church, even when they can’t be there in person.
In fact, digital ministry offers a unique opportunity to influence and disciple people who might never have attended church otherwise. When someone encounters your church's content online, whether through a sermon video, a social media post, or a community group invitation, it can plant seeds of curiosity and lead them toward deeper engagement. Even if they are not attending physically, digital ministry helps maintain a consistent presence in their lives, keeping the church front and center and providing constant opportunities to share the Gospel in their day-to-day routines. This presence in their digital space can be a vital part of their spiritual journey, encouraging them to take the next step toward involvement—whether that means attending a service in person, joining a small group, or engaging in other forms of discipleship.
Making the Most of Digital Content:
Jay Kranda highlighted that digital content offers a unique way to shepherd people throughout the week. Church leaders can use social media, YouTube, and other platforms to encourage and remind their congregants of the bigger picture, particularly during times of stress and uncertainty. Whether it’s a quick social media post, a weekly devotional, or live-streamed church services, the key is consistency. Jay shared that simple, regular content—posted at just the right time—can have a profound impact on a person’s faith journey, especially when it cuts through the noise of their daily life.
This is why digital content should be seen not only as an evangelistic tool but also as a means of deepening discipleship. By offering regular reminders of who we are in Christ and pointing people toward the larger narrative of the Gospel, churches can ensure that their digital presence serves as a spiritual lifeline.
The Critical Need for Intentional Disciple-Making Plans:
A significant issue many church leaders face today is the lack of an intentional, structured plan for disciple-making. According to studies, such as those conducted by Discipleship.org and Exponential, a staggering 90% of pastors say they lack a formal strategy for discipleship. Despite the urgency of the Great Commission to “go and make disciples,” many churches struggle to create a framework that effectively trains and equips their congregations for this purpose.
The digital space is no different. Without a clear plan to use digital tools intentionally for discipleship, churches risk wasting valuable opportunities to engage their members. Many church leaders simply don’t know how to leverage technology to supplement their in-person disciple-making efforts in a way that nurtures spiritual growth. This gap in strategy is not just a missed opportunity—it's a potential failure to fulfill the mission Christ has given us.
Conclusion:
As church leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that our ministry efforts are aligned with the command of the Great Commission. Discipleship isn’t optional—it's the core of our mission. But to effectively disciple others, we must be intentional. Whether in-person or online, having a clear plan for disciple-making is essential.
Unfortunately, the reality is that many churches lack such a plan. If your church doesn’t have a clear disciple-making strategy, now is the time to develop one. Let’s not wait until it’s too late to recognize the importance of this mission. Digital platforms, when used intentionally, can amplify your efforts and help you reach more people for Christ, but only if you have a strategy in place.
If you find yourself struggling to create a disciple-making plan or want to refine your current approach, I encourage you to schedule a discovery call. Together, we can clarify your mission, vision, and values for discipleship, ensuring that you are well-equipped to make disciples in every space—both in your church and online. Let's build a plan that moves beyond good intentions and turns your disciple-making efforts into meaningful, measurable outcomes.
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