Welcome to another episode (#481), with Steve Lacy and Phil Thompson of the Church Solutions Podcast, where we explore the intersection of ministry and technology to help your church thrive in today’s digital world. In this episode, we cover everything from smarter streaming strategies to future-proofing your church’s IT infrastructure.
Smarter Streaming: Upcoming Webinar on July 22
We kicked off the podcast by inviting listeners to our upcoming free webinar, “Stream Smarter,” happening July 22. In this fast-paced session, we’ll share practical steps you can take to simplify your streaming, boost your video quality, and reduce the stress on your tech teams. If your church is streaming (or wants to), this is a can’t-miss event.
Introducing Digital Ministry RX: AI for Your Church Growth
Next, we dove into something that’s changing the game for many ministries — Digital Ministry RX. This AI-powered analytics platform gives churches a clear picture of their digital outreach health. Think of it as a digital checkup for your church, identifying where you’re strong and where you might need improvement, from online engagement to follow-up systems. If you’ve ever wondered whether your website, social media, or online messaging is connecting, this tool helps answer that.
Special Guest: Carl Wagner from Higher Ground
In the heart of our episode, we welcomed Carl Wagner from Higher Ground, IT Management, a company that specializes in managed IT services tailored for churches. Carl shared a wealth of insight on what it means to truly future-proof your church’s technology.
Why Future-Proofing Church IT Matters
Many churches only think about their technology when it fails. Carl challenged us to take a proactive approach — ensuring that systems are secure, updated, and scalable for future ministry needs. He talked about how even small churches can benefit from a strategic IT plan, avoiding surprises and costly emergencies down the road.
Managed IT Services: Not Just for Mega Churches
A big takeaway? Managed IT isn’t just for big churches. In fact, smaller churches often have more to lose when systems fail. Carl explained how managed IT can take the burden off staff and volunteers, giving pastors confidence that tech won’t be the weak link in their ministry.
Bridging the Gap: Pastors and IT Teams
We also discussed a common challenge — the gap between ministry leaders and technical volunteers. Carl offered advice on fostering communication so that technology truly serves ministry goals, instead of becoming a frustration point.
Cybersecurity: Keeping Your Church Safe
Cybersecurity was another major theme. Carl highlighted the growing risks churches face, from phishing attacks to data breaches. He shared practical strategies for training staff, locking down systems, and ensuring sensitive information stays protected.
Handling Staff Transitions: Protecting Your Data
Staff and volunteer turnover is part of church life. But Carl explained how poorly managed transitions can leave churches vulnerable, especially if former staff still have access to critical accounts. He outlined best practices for maintaining security during these shifts.
When to Make the Move to Managed IT
So when should a church consider switching to managed IT? Carl provided some helpful markers — like repeated tech failures, cybersecurity scares, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the pace of technology changes. Managed IT can offer peace of mind, so ministry teams can focus on people, not passwords.
Cybersecurity Training and Workshops
Higher Ground also offers cybersecurity training tailored for church teams. Carl previewed some upcoming workshops that aim to make tech safety practical and approachable, even for non-technical staff.
Costs and Getting in Touch
Finally, we talked about the question on many minds: How much does managed IT cost? Carl shared that plans are surprisingly accessible, especially when compared to the potential cost of data loss or a hacked system. For churches interested in learning more, he encouraged reaching out to Higher Ground for a customized conversation.
Wrap-Up: Subscribe and Stay Connected
We wrapped up by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the Church Solutions Podcast so they never miss an episode. Whether you’re wrestling with streaming setups, cybersecurity, or making sense of new digital tools, we’re here to help your church navigate it all.
👉 Want to watch or share this episode?
Visit our podcast page or find us on your favorite platform. And don’t forget to sign up for our July 22 webinar on smarter streaming — your team will thank you!