Hey,
Tyler here.
2025 is officially in the books, and 2026 is here. As we fire everything up coming out of the holidays, I’ve been thinking about the potential that comes with the new year.
After years of disruption, it feels like there is real momentum again in the church. People are asking bigger, spiritual questions again. They’re returning to the in-person experience, and, just as important, they’re not leaving the digital church behind.
This is creating new opportunities to use church technology to amplify mission and reach people better, Sunday through Saturday.
And we’re seeing more church leaders notice the shift.
As we head into 2026, our team at Apollos is thankful to be part of a church community that is ready to embrace whatever God is doing (whether we saw it coming or not). We’re excited to walk with you as we explore what God has planned in this next chapter for the church.
The Church 3.0 Podcast: Blue Van Dyke: Data, Personalization, and Church Transformation
Apollos lives at the intersection of online and in-person ministry. Our church technology is proudly by the church, for the church, which is why I felt in good company when I interviewed Blue Van Dyke recently on The Church3.0 Podcast.
Blue is the founder and CEO of the church member engagement platform StudioC. He represents a unique combination of executive pastoral leadership, digital marketing expertise, and business savvy.
Even better? Blue has the ability to blend all three of those elements into his insights.
When I had him on the podcast, one of the things we looked at was how church technology is impacting the church for the better — a theme that is an essential part of the Apollos DNA. Here’s something Blue said that really stood out:
I think technology is submissive to the strategy or the methodology you’re trying to do [...] We’re not in this for technology. Nobody should be. We’re in it for effectiveness and efficiency to manage the mission, and that’s what it helps us do.
If you want to hear Blue’s full thoughts on technology’s role in the church, you can watch the episode here:
A Deep Dive on Apollos Tap Technology
NFC and App Clips technology isn’t new, but the way we’re using these digital tools at Apollos is. With Apollos Tap, we’re applying them in ways that are practical for ministry. We did a deep dive on the hybrid in-person, digital engagement tool at the end of last year.
In Apollos Tap: Tap Technology, NFC Tags, and App Clips Explained, we pulled back the curtain on the confusing acronyms and vague terminology. What does it mean to use NFC technology? Is it better than Bluetooth alternatives? How does App Clips help streamline connections and reduce friction?
Just as important, what does it look like to use Tap technology in a ministry setting? How can it help increase engagement, improve communication, and boost giving?
The post-pandemic church is quickly becoming a blend of online and in-person experiences. Apollos Tap is helping bridge the gap between the two. Learn more about it in the new resource!
That’s it this time. Keep an eye out for more podcasts, updates, and resources in the weeks ahead.
Thank you again for being a part of this community. We’re excited to connect and collaborate in the year ahead as we keep improving the Apollos platform to help you stay effective and on mission.
Let’s keep building the future of the church together.
