Authenticity is becoming a scarce resource, driving more demand for creator content, not less. The dial is moving from ‘Can you create?’ to ‘Can you make something that only you can create?’ Joe Hartropp, the Church of England’s Digital Labs manager, was the main speaker at the Diocese of Exeter’s recent Digital Ministry Mission Shed at St Jude’s Shed in Plymouth.
People from churches across Devon gathered for a day of learning and inspiring about the missional opportunities around social media, websites, church tech and gaming, as well as using AI tools in ministry.
Chloe Axford, the Diocese of Exeter’s Communications and Engagement Director, started the event with an overview of what the day was about: “Digital ministry is a catch-all term to describe all the ways technology, when used creatively, can enhance our worship, our discipleship and our mission to build communities of faith, share the Good News with others and see lives transformed,” she said.
The event covered church tech, social media, gaming and AI tools.
“What does it mean to proclaim the Gospel afresh in this generation? What are the new wineskins into which we pour the ‘new wine’ of our message of hope?
“Of course, it’s not all about technology. It’s about what you do with it. It’s about creating spaces for communication, connection and lasting relationships. It’s about showing, not just telling, people that God loves them.”
Joe’s sessions took people through current social media trends and techniques and covered how to plan your church communications strategically in a bespoke way for your local community.
Jonathan Beech, a former youthworker who leads the Emmaus Gaming charity, led a workshop helping participants to better understand gaming culture and how to relate to young people through it.
People attending the Mission Shed included church leaders and volunteers
The charity, which recieves funding from the Church of England, aims to journey alongside young people in the digital space, meeting them in their world of gaming and entertainment, sparking curiosity about faith, and leading them into a deeper understanding of Christ.
He said “If these young people aren’t going to come to the four walls of this Church, how can we bring the Church to them? How can we make a change in their life? Gaming is here to stay, so how can we come alongside it?”
Other workshops included Getting Started with Church Tech, led by Steve Gibson, who runs the Pursue Worship Network, but also supports churches with their IT and AV, and Using AI in Ministry, led by Rev’d Matt Clayton – who demonstrated a number of administrative AI tools that help him work more efficiently.
There was a lot of interest in AI generally and all the speakers emphasised the ongoing importance of authentic content creation and communication and the need to check AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriate editorial tone. Rev’d Matt Clayton said “AI is a thinking assistant, it is not the Holy Spirit, it is not discerning, it is not pastoral presence, it is not the opportunity to short cut creativity or imagination.”
Rev’d Matt Clayton demonstrates a device he uses to film Tik Tok videos
“Don’t outsource your theology,” he added. Steve Gibson said “Treat AI like a small child that really wants to make you happy, but may not always get it right,” he said.
One person who attended the day said “It has taught me not to be afraid of tech but to see it as a God-given tool to help me.” Other comments included: “Social media doesn’t have to be big and scary, just authentic,” “Gaming is a possiblity in my world”, and “It’s helped me to think outside the box and to not overthink giving it a go.”
“Digital ministry is not optional,” someone commented, “Start small” and “I CAN do this!” said others.
You can watch recordings from the Digital Ministry Mission Shed here.
The Diocese runs a five-week Digital Ministry Grow Course. Please contact the communications team for details of the next course: email
Click here for the Church of England’s Digital Labs webpage for detailed guidance on digital communications.