From the Vanderbloemen Leadership Podcast, we’re excited to bring you EXPERT INSIGHTS, a series bringing together Christian leaders – from across the theological spectrum and from a variety of professions – to share their expertise on leadership topics, all through the lens of faith.
On today's show, how digital technology can help grow God’s kingdom and bring more people to know Christ.
Jay Kranda graduated with a B.A. in Christian Education from Biola University and a Masters in Theology from Talbot School of Theology. Since 2009, he's been leading online-to-offline strategies at his church as an Online Pastor. Jay's an avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, enjoys running, and sipping cold brew coffee. He lives in Southern California with his wife Jody and their three young kids.
To explore more about online ministry, visit Jay’s blog at www.jaykranda.com.
Nils Smith is the Vice President of Social Media & Innovation at Dunham+Company in Plano, Texas. In his role, he helps nonprofit organizations grow their social media reach and impact. Prior to joining Dunham+Company, Nils served as the Innovation Pastor at Community Bible Church in San Antonio where he oversaw the entire web presence of CBC including their website, mobile app, TV apps, social media, and digital outreach.
He is the author of The Social Media Guide for Ministry. He holds a Business Management degree from Texas State University as well as a Masters in Ministry Leadership from Rockbridge Seminary. He and his wife, Katie, live in the Dallas area with their two daughters.
To learn more about Nils' work, visit his website at www.nilssmith.com.
To check out Nils' most recent book, Crypto for Good: Demystifying Cryptocurrencies for Nonprofits, head to Amazon.com.
Believing that faith is renewed as people engage with Christian messages on new technology platforms, D.J. Soto began preaching in the world of virtual reality in 2016. He is now the lead pastor of Virtual Reality Church, an online space that is intended to be radically inclusive and consistent with Christianity’s long history of adapting to new forms of media. It is the first church to exist entirely in virtual reality. D.J. is also the founder of Sonata 7 Studios, a film and virtual reality company where he creates video products and performs production work for clients.
Before Virtual Reality Church, D.J. gained experience as a high school computer and music teacher, worked as a photojournalist in broadcast television, and pioneered a multi-site campus for Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church in Pennsylvania. In 2016 he launched a new apostolic ministry to pioneer new churches across America in unusual places which led to his use of the virtual reality platform.
To learn more about Virtual Reality Church, visit the VR Church website at www.vrchurch.org.