Gourds & Pomegranates Podcast

14/11/2023

‘Technology has been a game-changer in enabling my connection with the church’
How digital technology has blessed the life and ministry of Derby Urban Church in many unexpected and positive ways, with Chandra Morbey and Graham Watkins

Read Chandra & Graham's article here: https://ow.ly/MheF50PKxlI

02/11/2023

It felt a bit weird on Tuesday not sharing our latest episode, but we had an exciting delivery recently.

We’ve finally got our business cards so that when we’re out networking, we can give people a card rather than trying to get them to remember our name.

Don’t forget that that all three series plus some bonus episodes are available to listen to on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & other platforms.

24/10/2023

🎉 Our FINAL episode of series 3! 🎉

For our last episode of the series, we speak to the awesome Ben Elliot, talking about his journey into be a church comms master, Church Comms Collective, his hopes and vision for the future!

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice
🔈Spotify https://buff.ly/46Jf5Mr
🔈Apple Podcast https://buff.ly/46JfhLF

Listen to this episode from Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify. In this episode, we interview the founder of the Church Comms Collective UK, Ben Elliot. Mentioned in this episode: Pro Church Tools Podcast The Founders Podcast Why Jesus Book Find Ben online: Be Creative Church Comms Collective UK - web...

03/10/2023

New episode today!

We were delighted to speak to Joel Murray, head of communications for FIEC We talk to him about the trends in church comms since covid as well as some quick wins that can make a real difference to your church comms efforts

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice

🔈Spotify https://buff.ly/3FkN1Dn
🔈Apple Podcast https://buff.ly/3rs0E0d

Listen to this episode from Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify. In this episode, FIEC head of communications, Joel Murray, joins us for a chat. We look at the trends in church communications since Covid, as well as some quick wins that can make a real difference to your church’s comms efforts. Menti...

26/09/2023

In this week's episode, we look at the advantages that come from sending a regular e-mail newsletter from your church — especially if you’re already producing written content for your blog.We cover the pros and cons, the details of what to include in each sending, as well as looking at how to manage the process efficiently.

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice
🔈Spotify - https://buff.ly/3PTIU7k
🔈 Apple Podcast - https://buff.ly/3PAouyL

Listen to this episode from Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify. In this episode, we look at the advantages that come from sending a regular e-mail newsletter from your church — especially if you’re already producing written content for your blog. We cover the pros and cons, the details of what to ...

26/09/2023

Baptists and the Digital Revolution

It was 2018 when we identified the ‘digital revolution’ as a priority area across Baptists Together, writes General Secretary Lynn Green. Initially a slow burn, it’s clear now it was a prophetic step seeing increasing momentum throughout our movement
Read Lynn's article with the linktree or direct here: https://ow.ly/jZvr50PK0og

19/09/2023

Blogs on church websites - an essential feature or a waste of time? What do you think?

In today's episode, we think about whether it’s worth including a blog on your church website. We talk through different examples of blog content, using it as another piece of the puzzle when communicating Jesus to people.

We also discuss the logistics — what to include and how to do it in a sustainable way.

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice
🔈Spotify - https://buff.ly/45NLTUd
🔈Apple Podcast - https://buff.ly/45Wsrom

Listen to this episode from Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify. In this episode, we think about whether it’s worth including a blog on your church website. We talk through different examples of blog content, using it as another piece of the puzzle when communicating Jesus to people. We also discuss ...

12/09/2023

We've go a festive bonus episode for you!!

This week's episode is 'The Anti-Panic Christmas Publicity Guide' talking through a few ideas and recommendation for making your festive church comms that little bit easier this season.

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice
🔈Spotify - https://buff.ly/45LSmz6
🔈Apple Podcast https://buff.ly/483JWo6

Listen to this episode from Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify. In this bonus episode, we lay out a step by step plan for sorting your Christmas publicity, so you can avoid the panic and get on track to promoting your church’s Christmas events. Mentioned in this episode: G&P Episode 10: Christmas bu...

05/09/2023

It's Tuesday which means there is a new episode now live!

This time we look at our favourite tools and resources.

Joe looks at Spark, a mail app to help with productive and efficiency across different platforms. Hannah shares several different accounts she follows on social media to help with creative content and graphic design ideas.

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice
🔈Spotify - https://buff.ly/3R9pFaL
🔈Apple Podcast https://buff.ly/3P0Jqi9

29/08/2023

Episode 23 is now available to listen to! https://buff.ly/3Z1XqN5

In this episode we ask the question - Should we still be livestreaming? And if so, how can we do it in a way that is engaging and effective without breaking the bank?

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice

🔈Spotify - https://buff.ly/3KZiFt8
🔈Apple Podcast - https://buff.ly/44xy76J

Listen to this episode from Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify. In this episode, we consider whether churches should continue to livestream now that we’re well clear of lockdown restrictions. And if so, how can we do it in a way which is engaging and effective, without breaking the bank? Find out mo...

25/08/2023

What are some of the things Judith sees churches getting wrong with their data privacy and management?

Listen to this short clip on how we need to think about when sharing prayer requests or passing them on.

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice
🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/12uAu4bWxO3GtEuvautn2c...
🎧 Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/gourds-pomegranates/id1652362528?i=1000625228252
OR OR OR
👀You can watch the episode on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/qL0m85nf7hw?si=iJng9oM-7NYENgHK

23/08/2023

Our latest episode is now live! We chat to Judith who is a GDPR expert and helps to break down some of the worries that churches can have when thinking about privacy and data management.

The episode is now available to listen on your podcasting platform of choice

🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/episode/12uAu4bWxO3GtEuvautn2c?si=a2b2aa4ddf7141e8
🎧 Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/gourds-pomegranates/id1652362528?i=1000625228252

OR OR OR

👀You can watch the episode on our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/qL0m85nf7hw?si=iJng9oM-7NYENgHK

In this episode, we speak with Judith Andrews about GDPR, Privacy and Data.We cover why data privacy is not something to be scared of, and how it can actuall...

18/08/2023

Can your sermon graphics sometimes be a little too obvious?

Think a little out of the box, speak with the preaching team and pick up key underlying themes within what's being preached. Keep it simple

Also, though perhaps simply to not upset Hannah, don't use 101 different fonts. 😱

Series 3 of the GP Podcast is now being released weekly on most podcast streaming platforms.

You can listen to our first episode back for series 3 where Joe and Hannah talk all about sermon series graphics - https://bit.ly/3L9wJ3x

15/08/2023

📣 It's Tuesday! Which means the first episode of series 3 of the GP Podcast is now available! 📣

Our first episode is on sermon series graphics, what’s their role and how can we make the most of them, without them taking over our to do lists!

We've also launched our YouTube channel so not only can you hear our voices but you can see us too. Keep your eyes open each week to see how Hannah's office starts filling up.

🔈You can watch our videos and subscribe to our channel here - https://youtu.be/AaQmeNEISLw

🔈You can also find out more about the podcast as well as get the links to listen here - https://gppodcast.uk

Episode 21 — Do we really need sermon series graphics?In this first episode of series 3, we take a look at sermon graphics? What’s their role and how can we ...

08/08/2023

We’re coming back to you for series 3 of the Gourds & Pomegranates Podcast.

01/08/2023

As we work on recording the series 3 episodes, we thought we'd do a few bonus episodes including some introductions to Joe & Hannah.

📣The bonus episode for this week is featuring the boss man Joe! 📣

Have a listen to find out what Joe gets up to outside of doing all the amazing editing and tech bits of the podcast.

Listen to Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify. Common Sense for Church Comms — Joe and Hannah discuss how churches can reach people, sharing the Gospel via all the communication methods at our disposal. Our 'from the ground up' approach is accessible to even the most technophobic of church leaders/vo...

09/05/2023

📣📣It's Tuesday! 📣📣

Which means it's new episode day!!

Today's episode is a very exciting one, as we spoke with the amazing Laura Treneer, former CEO and Innovation Director for communications charity CPO, with fantastic insights in to all things digital, brand and strategy.

We really struggled to finish up and wanted to continue chatting for hours with Laura.

We hope you enjoy the wisdom and valuable insights she shares.

Listen to Gourds & Pomegranates on Spotify.

08/05/2023

😱😱SAVE ME FROM BAD CHURCH WEBSITES😱😱

In this episode, we discuss the characteristics of bad church websites and provide tips on how to improve them.

The key factor: your church website should serve people. While it’s important to be found via Google, the focus should be in making the website useful to visitors, providing them with the necessary information.

We talk a bit about your website's homepage and providing clear paths for visitors to find what they need, as well as controversial inclusions like sliders and social media feeds.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WHevfldonCTCQ3yP3FCMQ?si=b67f60f8d0544779

17/04/2023

Have you listened to the first few episodes of series 2 of the podcast? We've had our first guest and questioned if this is all worth it, but we're looking forward to upcoming episodes and ideas for series 3 and onwards!

https://bit.ly/3KKVXnJ

28/03/2023

🎉🎉SERIES TWO IS NOW HERE!! 🎉🎉

For our first episode back we're looking at 'Is it worth the time?'

Is church comms worth all the time and effort?

We're back with a new series of Gourds & Pomegranates and we're starting it with the big question. Is this all really worth the time?

Spoiler alert… we think it is. But then if we didn't, we probably wouldn't be making a podcast about church comms would we?

By thinking strategically about your organisation, team and the resources you use will help to make you more efficient and reduce the stress of managing so many different parts of Church life.

Check your podcast playing platform of choice or follow the links on our website.

https://gppodcast.uk/

21/03/2023

🎉🎉 Series 2 of GP Podcast is coming soon!! 🎉🎉

We are busy recording, editing, writing and planning for our next series. We've even invited a few guests joining us to talk church comms.

If you haven't listened to it already, series 1 is available to listen to https://gppodcast.uk

29/11/2022

It's episode day!

This week Joe and Hannah share their favourite resources and tools that are using to help in their work.

We're sure you'll have heard of one but is the first one a new one?

What are they?

You'll have to listen to the episode to find out!

‎Show Gourds & Pomegranates, Ep Episode 8 — Our Favourite Tools/Resources (Part 2) - 28 Nov 2022

01/11/2022

🎉We are officially launched!! 🎉

Our podcast is now live on all major podcast platforms with the first few episodes already available to listen to.

We'd love to know your first impressions and any feedback you may have. Also if there is an area in particular you'd like us to explore further, please do get in touch.

Subscribe to GP Podcast for down to earth discussions and advice on all things church communications from two Christian creatives.