A Recap of the Spark Now Summit

by Baylee Dunn

In the midst of a contentious season filled with strife, division, and unrest, the Spark Now Summit brought me hope, joy, and affirmation in my call as a Christian communicator. This event was just what my heart needed. If you missed it, here is a recap. 

We started the conference with an anointed worship by Amber Rhoads, the Worship Pastor at Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas. She led us into the presence of the Lord so beautifully. This was the perfect start to a day filled with fellowship and learning. 

Kelly Buckner, a visual branding consultant with BeeBold Consulting, shared her tips for being clear, being visual, and being consistent with our branding strategies. She encouraged Spark Now attendees to represent the Kingdom well by putting forth excellence in all that we do and say. She reminded us to be bold in the message that we, as communicators, put out into the world and to take the responsibility of stewarding our brands seriously. 

Charity Ellis gave attendees a beautiful depiction of surrendering our lives to Jesus. She reminded us of the importance of bowing before our creator, and how, in doing this, we are making an exchange of power –  exchanging our worries for His peace, our fear for His faith, our weakness for His strength, our chaos for His order, and so much more. She also commissioned us to live our lives in a posture of bowing in submission to the King. 

Sunny Gault presented the message, “Podcasting is the New Pulpit.” This message propelled listeners to take a stand against the enemy by believing the Bible and standing in truth. Podcasters have the opportunity to spread the gospel to the entire world via our podcasts. As Sunny said, “it’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about Jesus.” So, let’s stand on the truth of God’s word and continue on the path that God has placed us. 

Matt Sommerfield gave us the three ways to win on social media: know your brand, know your customer, and know your plan. These three strategies might seem simplistic at first, but applying them is necessary in order to succeed in the digital space. We must build trust with our customers and our listeners so that we can serve them well. 

Tonya Kubo gave Spark attendees insight into the three most common mistakes that podcasters make when utilizing Facebook to promote their shows. She provided us with the inspiration that our messages are too important not to be heard and gave us the strategies to ensure that our voices reach the masses. 

Todd Cochrane, the CEO of Blubrry, shared helpful information regarding the state of the podcast industry and told us what we can expect as we enter into 2021 in regards to podcasting platforms, tech consolidation, podcast indexing,  and the trends of the industry. 

Mike McDonald of the Bible Project presented on the Power of Storytelling. He showed us that being vulnerable is the key to connecting with others who may be struggling in similar ways to us. Mike also pointed to the importance of starting with empathy in our interviews. 

September McCarthy, Kate Battistelli, and Jamie Erickson of the Mom to Mom Podcast shared insight into podcasting with multiple co-hosts. They shared tips for being strategic in this endeavor as well as their unique experiences with motherhood across generations. 

Last, but certainly not least, Misty Phillip, the founder of the Spark Christian Podcast Conference and the Spark Now Summit presented the three ways to market a book using a podcast. She commissioned us in our calling as Christian communicators and urged us to continue on in the journey. She reminded attendees that we are anointed and appointed for a time such as this. 

The information, insight, and inspiration that I gained from this event will be something that I carry with me for years to come. I am grateful for the ways that I have seen the Lord working in my own life and in the lives of the others who attended the Spark Now Summit. The event was just what I needed to refuel and refocus on the mission that the Lord has placed before me. Because of Spark, I am better equipped to serve those whom the Lord puts in my path and to spread the gospel to all the nations. 

For a limited time, you can gain access to all of the Spark Now Summit recordings and to our private Facebook group. Grab your tickets now: Spark Now Summit Sessions

What people are saying about the Spark Now Summit!

“I went into Spark expecting to gain helpful advice to grow my podcast. I wasn’t expecting revival. Your opening address really spoke to my heart. Thank you for all you do to help other podcasters.”- Sharon Wilharm host of All God’s Women

“Spark is one of the best virtual events I have experienced as an attendee, and I have attended  A LOT this year!” – Tonya Kubo 

Grab your tickets now: Spark Now Summit Sessions