About The Episode
In this episode of The Unfair Advantage, David Hibiske sits down with Jay Kranda to unpack how church planters can think strategically about technology, digital ministry, and building an effective church tech stack. Drawing from over a decade leading online ministry and innovation at Saddleback Church, Jay shares practical insight on choosing the right church management systems, giving platforms, digital tools, and AI workflows without getting distracted by every new trend. The conversation explores how technology can amplify ministry, why church leaders should think long-term when selecting platforms, and how to avoid costly mistakes as churches grow. Whether you’re planting a church or leading an established congregation, this episode offers grounded, practical wisdom for using technology to support discipleship, growth, and organizational health.
Welcome to Episode 051 of The Unfair Advantage Podcast with David Hibiske.
Insights From Jay
- Technology Should Support the Mission
One of the biggest mistakes churches make with technology is saying yes to too many things too quickly. Jay emphasizes that church leaders should be highly selective about what tools and platforms they adopt. Just because a new technology exists doesn’t mean it fits your church’s mission, stage, or goals. Technology should support ministry outcomes, not distract from them.
- Think Long-Term When Choosing Platforms
Church leaders should think beyond their current size when selecting a church management system or giving platform. Jay encourages church planters to choose tools that can support growth over the next five to ten years rather than simply choosing the cheapest option available today.
- Integrated Systems Matter More Than “Best-In-Class” Tools
A healthy tech stack is less about having the most impressive individual tools and more about having systems that work well together. Jay explains that disconnected platforms often create confusion, inefficiency, and reporting challenges, while integrated systems help churches operate more smoothly as they grow.
- Digital Ministry Should Amplify Relationships, Not Replace Them
Jay reminds leaders that online ministry and technology are not substitutes for in-person community. Instead, digital tools should help churches reach more people, strengthen communication, and create pathways into deeper discipleship and connection.
- Data Security and AI Require Wisdom
As churches begin using AI tools and cloud-based systems more frequently, leaders need to think carefully about data privacy and security. Jay shares practical insight about protecting sensitive information, understanding contracts, and using nonprofit tools like Google Workspace to create safer systems for ministry teams.
- Recurring Giving Creates Stability for Growing Churches
Simple and secure online giving systems can create healthier financial rhythms for churches. Jay explains that recurring giving not only helps churches budget more effectively, but also makes generosity easier and more consistent for church members.
- Great Tools Still Require Great Leadership
Technology can amplify ministry effectiveness, but it cannot replace leadership, vision, discipleship, or relationships. Jay encourages church leaders to view technology as a tool to support the mission — not as the mission itself.
Who Is Jay Kranda?
Jay Kranda is the Innovative Tech Pastor at Saddleback Church. Author of Online Church Is Not The Answer: Beyond Just Streaming To Hybrid Disciple Making. Graduate of Biola University and Talbot School of Theology.
Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsor: Generis.
A generous church is a healthy, growing church. So, if you’re ready to advance your mission, visit
Generis.com/getstarted today!
Thanks to our sponsor: MOHI.
Partnering with MOHI helps churches establish a culture of outward-focused discipleship early on. By connecting your congregation to Kingdom work in Africa, you foster generosity, compassion, and a vision for serving beyond your local community—values that help shape your church’s identity for years to come.
Our goal with the Ascent Leader and our church planting cohorts is to help church planters win early and finish strong. We want to resource you so that you can avoid common pitfalls and simple mistakes. Being involved in a community of leaders like our church planting cohorts is one of the best ways to wrestle through these questions. We’re here to help you, if we can be of assistance to you please feel free to reach out.
Contact our team: ops@theascentleader.org
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