In this episode, host Rev. Ryan Dunn chats with guests Nathan Webb and Shane Russo about their innovative strategies for utilizing YouTube to grow their digital church communities. They dive deep into the tools, challenges, and unique approaches they leverage for successful content creation and audience engagement.

Rev. Shane Russo is the founder and lead architect of GoBe.church–an all-digital expression of church. He also is currently the lead pastor of Niles First United Methodist Church in Niles, Ohio. Check out the YouTube ministry @GoBeChurch

Rev. Nathan Webb, AKA “Nerd Pastor Nate”, is the founding pastor of Checkpoint Church–an all-digital ministry for nerds, geeks and gamers. He posts regularly on YouTube at @CheckpointChurch

The Checkpoint Church viral video Nathan and Shane referred to is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZUpgTMhNJc&t=5s

In this episode:

(00:00 ) Introducing Rev. Ryan Dunn, the new host

(05:40 ) Juggling physical church with online ministry growth.

(08:03 ) Transition from Twitch to YouTube reshaped outreach.

(11:44 ) Elements of organic virality, phenomena, Christian controversy.

(15:38 ) Experimenting with shorts to build online community.

(19:31 ) Strategize content and platform usage with purpose.

(22:35 ) Strategy for using YouTube in growing audience.

(25:30 ) Pastor discusses controversial topics, aims to inspire.

(28:36 ) Reluctant to engage online, but considering it.

(36:19 ) Dealing with toxic comments as vandalism.

(39:40 ) Channel strives for inclusion, not doormat behavior.

(42:39 ) Better timing and more strategic content choices.

(44:43 ) Creating and scheduling content efficiently across platforms.

(48:07 ) Effortlessly segment and create phenomenal clips.

(51:58 ) Video optimization and analytics.

(55:03 ) UMC podcast highlights digital storytelling and leadership.

For more episodes and episode notes: www.resourceumc.org/mycom-podcast