Finding the Right Digital Leaders for Your Church's Online Ministry | Qualities to Look for in a Digital Ministry Leader

As the world becomes increasingly digital, churches are finding it necessary to embrace online ministry in order to reach more people and spread the Gospel. However, many church leaders are struggling with the question of who they should hire to lead their digital ministry efforts. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it’s so important to find the right digital leaders for your church and what qualities to look for when building a digital ministry team. I go into more detail about hiring the right leader in my course ‘Online as it is in Heaven’ so make sure to check that out as well.

What Does Online Ministry Look Like?

Online ministry can take many forms, from live-streamed services to social media outreach to virtual small groups. However, regardless of the specific methods used, online ministry has some unique challenges that physical ministry does not. For example, online ministry can be available 24/7, which means that the people who reach out for help may be dealing with intense issues and need help immediately. Digital leaders must be equipped to handle these situations with care and discernment. Furthermore, people who engage in online ministry may be more willing to be open and real, perhaps due to the anonymity that comes with digital interactions. Digital leaders must be prepared to handle these conversations in a pastoral way, listening empathetically and pointing people toward Christ-centered solutions.

Why Hire High-Capacity Leaders for Your Digital Ministry?

When it comes to building a digital ministry team, it can be tempting to delegate the task to whoever is most tech-savvy or available. However, this approach can lead to subpar results and even harm to those who engage with the ministry. Instead, church leaders should prioritize hiring high-capacity leaders for their digital ministry efforts.

One example of this is Frank Blake, the ex-CEO of Home Depot. When Blake took over as CEO in 2007, Home Depot had almost no digital presence. Within seven years, Home Depot became the fourth largest online retailer in the United States under his leadership. Blake knew the role digital would play in the future of Home Depot and made the strategic decision to hire a high-capacity leader to head up the company’s digital efforts.

When building a digital ministry team, church leaders should take a similar approach. Instead of delegating the task to whoever is most available, leaders should look for people who have a combination of technical expertise and pastoral care. In other words, they should be looking for leaders who can lead at the highest capacities within their church.

Qualities to Look for in Digital Ministry Leaders

So, what qualities should church leaders be looking for in digital ministry leaders?

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Pastoral Care: As mentioned earlier, digital ministry requires leaders who are able to care for people pastorally. This is where we need to start. Look for candidates who have a heart for people and a desire to see them grow in their relationship with Christ. Ministry in the online space is 24/7 and we need leaders who have a strong personal relationship with Christ. This is not just about leading well and being a good communicator. While those are important skillsets, we need to find a leader that loves God and loves people.
2. Technical Knowledge: While pastoral care is essential, digital ministry leaders also need to have a solid understanding of technology and how to use it to reach people. Look for candidates who are comfortable with social media, live streaming, and other digital tools. They need to understand the value of the digital space and appreciate the strengths and weaknesses that are present in this space.
3. Strategic Thinking: Digital ministry requires a strategic approach in order to be effective. Look for candidates who can think critically about how to use digital tools to achieve specific ministry goals along with an understanding of how people are wired and what motivates them to take the next step. A strategic thinker with the heart of a Pastor can be a beneficial combination in online ministry.
4. Collaborative Spirit: Digital ministry is a team effort, and digital leaders need to be able to work well with others. Look for candidates who are willing to collaborate with others and can communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members. This also includes the capacity to work with volunteer teams as well. 

Conclusion

Digital ministry is an important part of reaching people for Christ in today’s world. However, in order to be effective, it’s essential to find the right digital leaders for your church. Leaders who have a combination of pastoral care, technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative spirit will be best equipped to lead a successful digital ministry team.

When considering who to hire for your digital ministry team, don’t just delegate the task to whoever is most available or tech-savvy. Instead, prioritize hiring high-capacity leaders who have the skills and qualities needed to lead a digital ministry team. Look for candidates who have a heart for people and a desire to see them grow in their relationship with Christ, as well as a solid understanding of technology and how to use it to reach people.

In addition, look for candidates who can think critically about how to use digital tools to achieve specific ministry goals, and who are willing to collaborate with others and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members. By hiring leaders with these qualities, your digital ministry team will be well-equipped to handle the unique challenges of online ministry and make a significant impact for Christ.