Hey everyone, welcome back for another deep dive.
Today we're taking a look at something
pretty fascinating, I think.
It's the world of Christian content creation.
And we're gonna be exploring the ways
that these creators are not only building businesses,
but making money.
And our source material for today
is a really interesting YouTube video by Think Media.
And it's called,
How to Make Money as a Christian Content Creator.
12 ways.
12 ways, wow.
12 ways.
So whether you're a pro at this
or just curious about the business side
of faith-based content,
this deep dive should have something for you.
Definitely.
And it's really interesting, right?
Because Christian creators are often so good
at doing multiple things to make money
instead of just like the digital ad revenue.
Yeah, it's like they've figured out
how to make money on a whole other level, right?
Think Media gives 12 different methods.
And some of them are pretty surprising.
We're talking like,
Like what?
Branded journals, coaching programs,
for pastors, even using crowdfunding
to start new projects.
Oh, what a cool.
Yeah.
So this actually reflects a larger trend
that we're seeing across all creators.
Yeah.
It's about reaching your audience in different ways,
having more control over how much money you make,
and just, you know,
being smarter about your business.
Yeah, smart.
Okay, so let's get into a few of these methods
that really stood out to me in the video.
The first one was Preaching Rocket.
Preaching Rocket.
Yeah.
And the pastors get better at what they do.
It's a perfect example of going after
a specific group of people.
Oh yeah, that makes sense.
You gotta know who you're talking to
and make something they'll actually want.
Exactly.
And then you've got people like Christina Patterson
who make physical things.
Oh, like what?
She makes journals for people of faith.
Oh, okay.
Yeah, it's really smart, right?
It's something you can hold that goes with her online stuff.
Yeah, it's like taking what you do online
and bringing it into the real world.
Right, but here's where things get interesting.
Think Media compares Patreon and YouTube memberships.
Did you know that YouTube takes 30% of the money
from memberships?
Oh wow, I didn't know that.
But Patreon only takes like 5% or 10%.
You get to keep more on Patreon.
Exactly, so it makes you think these creators
aren't just sharing their faith, they're running businesses,
and they're thinking about these things.
Yeah, that's really interesting.
But here's what makes Think Media's video really stand out.
They don't just talk about the nuts and bolts
of making money, they tie it into their faith.
Oh, that's cool, how do they do that?
Yeah, it's fascinating.
They even use the idea of selling to serve,
and they quote Proverbs 11.26,
which talks about how selling can be a good thing.
I've never thought of it that way.
It's like they're addressing this idea
that some people have that faith in making money don't mix.
Yeah, that's definitely something people struggle with.
Absolutely, but Think Media is saying
that if you use your skills to actually help someone
that's serving them, even if you're getting paid for it.
Yeah, that makes sense.
You're providing something valuable.
Exactly, it's not about exploiting your beliefs,
it's about helping people in a positive way.
I like that.
Yeah, and if you wanna learn more about this,
they even recommend a book called
Business Secrets from the Bible by Daniel Lappin.
Oh, wow, I have to check that out.
Yeah, it explores how biblical ideas
can be used in business today.
Oh, that's interesting.
Okay, another thing Think Media stresses is integrity.
Okay.
You know, they quote Proverbs 11.1,
which talks about being honest,
and they say how important it is
to give people what you promise.
Yeah, that's super important.
And it reminds me of how Think Media
does their camera reviews.
They'll actually tell you to buy a cheaper camera
if it's really the best,
even though they might make less money that way.
Wow, that's really putting their money where their mouth is.
Right, it shows they care about their viewers
more than making a quick buck,
and that builds trust.
Totally, it's like they're saying,
we're in this for the long haul.
Yeah, and it's refreshing to see that good business
and faith can work together.
Definitely, and it's important for any creator,
not just religious ones.
Being real is a big deal,
especially now when there's so much content out there.
So what about you?
What sticks out to you about this whole approach
to business as a Christian creator?
What are you thinking?
Hmm, well, I think it's really cool
how they're saying that your faith
in your business don't have to be separate.
It's about bringing your values into everything you do,
which gives it more meaning than just making money.
That's a really good point.
It's not about keeping them separate,
it's about making them work together.
Exactly, and I think that's something
a lot of people can learn from.
Yeah, and it makes me wonder,
what does all of this tell us about how
faith and media and entrepreneurship
are all changing today?
It feels like we're seeing a big shift.
It's like a new kind of entrepreneurship,
where it's not just about the money,
it's about connecting with people on a deeper level.
I like that, a new kind of entrepreneurship.
Yeah, it's cool to see.
And think media talked about how some creators
are even using crowdfunding to do things like
funding mission trips or even starting nonprofits.
Oh, wow, so they're actually making a difference.
Right, and crowdfunding is such a powerful tool
because it lets people come together
and support a cause they believe in.
Yeah, it's like everyone chips in a little bit.
Exactly, and it's not just for faith-based things either.
We see it everywhere, from movies to inventions
to social justice campaigns.
It's pretty amazing what people can do
when they work together.
Absolutely, so another thing that really stuck with me
from Think Media's video was how important
they think being authentic is.
Authenticity.
Yeah, being real, especially in the online world
where it's easy to pretend to be perfect.
Oh yeah, it's tempting to only show the good stuff.
Right, but Christian creators seem to be leading the way
and being genuine and honest.
That's really important.
And they even talk about how important it is
to be open about your faith,
even if some people might not like it.
That's pretty brave.
Yeah, it's like they're saying,
this is who I am, take it or leave it.
I like that, it's honest.
And it's refreshing to see creators
focusing on building a real community
instead of just chasing numbers.
Yeah, quality over quantity, right?
Exactly, it's about building relationships,
not just getting views.
It's like they're building a family.
Now, of course, Think Media doesn't pretend it's all easy.
They acknowledge that Christian creators
need to be smart about money, just like any business owner.
Well, yeah, you gotta know how to manage your finances
if you wanna stay afloat.
And Think Media emphasizes
that it's not about getting rich quick,
it's about planning for the long term
and making your business sustainable.
That's a good point, you can't just rely on luck.
And they even highlight creators
who teach their audiences about managing money
and using biblical principles and finances.
Oh, that's interesting.
Yeah, it's like they're giving their community tools
to succeed in all areas of life, not just their faith.
Yeah, they're taking a holistic approach.
You know, another thing Think Media brought up
that I thought was interesting is that sometimes
the best way to help your audience
isn't to give everything away for free.
Really?
I would think giving stuff away for free would be good.
Well, we often think of services being free,
but sometimes the most helpful resources
take time and effort to create.
Yeah, that makes sense.
Like think about a really good online course
or a personalized coaching program.
Those things can really change someone's life.
They can be life changing, yeah.
And creating those things takes time and money
from the creator.
It's a job.
Right, so charging a fair price for those resources
actually allows the creator to keep making good content
and reach more people.
It's like a win-win.
Exactly, it challenges this idea
that everything online should be free.
Which isn't realistic.
Right, especially when the content is really valuable.
And it allows creators to make a living
doing what they love without having to compromise their values.
Exactly, it's about finding that balance
between your purpose and making money.
That's the sweet spot.
So as we continue this deep dive
into Christian content creation,
it's becoming more and more clear
that it's not just about making money.
It's about using your platform for good
and aligning your work with your values.
It's about making a difference.
Think Media shared some amazing stories
of creators who are doing just that,
spreading messages of hope and building community.
That's inspiring.
And it makes me wonder, what are some examples
of impactful Christian content that you've seen?
What resonated with you?
You know, I've seen some really powerful videos
and blog posts about people overcoming adversity
and finding strength in their faith.
That's amazing.
And what's really cool is that they're not afraid
to be vulnerable and share their struggles.
Which makes them even more relatable.
It makes them human.
Exactly.
And it reminds us that we're all in this together.
That's so important.
I've also seen some really creative and engaging content
that tackles tough topics like social justice
and mental health from a faith-based perspective.
Oh, wow. That's important work.
Yeah. And they're doing it in a way
that's both informative and entertaining.
Which is a tough balance to strike.
That's a gift.
It's really inspiring to see how they're using their platforms
to make a positive impact on the world.
What about you?
What have you seen that stood out to you?
Well, you know, I've been really impressed
by the music coming out of the Christian content creation
scene lately.
It's not just your typical hymns and worship songs.
It's really pushing boundaries and blending genres
in exciting ways.
Oh, yeah. I've heard some of that.
It's really fresh and innovative.
And the lyrics are so powerful.
They really speak to the heart
and offer messages of hope and healing.
It's amazing how music can connect with people
on such a deep emotional level.
Absolutely.
And it's not just about the music itself.
It's about the community that's built around it.
People are connecting online and in person,
sharing their stories, and finding support and encouragement
through these artists and their music.
It's like a movement.
It really is.
And it's so inspiring to see how these creators are
using their talents to make a difference
and bring people together.
It's a beautiful thing.
It really is.
I think we've only just scratched
the surface of this dynamic and evolving world
of Christian content creation.
It's clear that there's so much happening.
And it's exciting to see where it's all headed.
Definitely.
It's a space to watch, for sure.
You know, this deep dive has really opened my eyes
to the incredible potential of faith-based content creation.
It's not just about entertainment.
It's about transformation, connection,
and making a real difference in the world.
It's about something bigger than ourselves.
Exactly.
It's about using our platforms to spread a message of hope,
build community, and inspire positive change.
And it's a reminder that we all have a story to tell
and a voice that deserves to be heard.
So true.
So as we wrap up this part of our deep dive,
I want to encourage you to keep exploring,
keep creating, and keep sharing your light with the world.
And never underestimate the power of your voice and your story.
That's right.
We'll be back soon with more insights and inspiration
from the world of Christian content creation.
Until then, keep diving deep.
Keep diving deep.
It's like we're seeing this whole new wave
of entrepreneurship, you know, one that's
driven by purpose and a desire to connect with people who
share similar values.
And it's not just about, like, preaching online.
Think Media highlighted how some creators are using crowdfunding
to do some pretty amazing things.
Oh, yeah.
Like what?
Well, like funding missions or even starting nonprofit.
Wow.
That's incredible.
Right.
And crowdfunding is such a powerful tool, you know?
It allows people to come together and support
a cause they believe in.
Yeah.
It's like a collective effort to make something happen.
Exactly.
Like a modern day barn racing, but for dreams.
I love that analogy.
And it's not limited to just faith-based projects, right?
No.
We see it all over the place, from indie films to inventions
to social justice campaigns.
It's really a testament to the power of community
and technology.
Absolutely.
Speaking of making a difference, something that really stood out
in Think Media's video was their focus
on authenticity and transparency.
That's so important, especially online,
where it's easy to hide behind a perfect image.
Right.
And they even talked about how important
is to be upfront about your faith,
even if it means maybe losing some viewers.
Wow.
That's a tough call.
But it definitely shows integrity.
Yeah.
They're basically saying, this is who I am.
Take it or leave it.
It's refreshing to see that kind of honesty, especially
in a world that often feels so fake.
Totally.
And it's about building a community that shares your values,
not just chasing after the biggest audience possible.
Quality over quantity for sure.
Now, Think Media also acknowledges
that Christian creators need to be financially savvy,
just like anyone running a business.
Of course, you can't just ignore the business side of things.
Exactly.
And they really emphasize the importance of planning
for the long term and building a sustainable business.
Yeah, it's not about getting rich quick.
It's about creating something that lasts.
And they even highlighted creators
who are teaching their audience about financial stewardship
and using biblical principles to manage their money.
Oh, wow.
That's a really interesting angle.
Right.
It's like they're empowering their community
to succeed in all areas of life.
It's a holistic approach, for sure.
You know, another point they made that I found thought
provoking was that sometimes helping your audience doesn't
mean giving everything away for free.
Hmm.
That's interesting.
I would have thought free would be the best way to help.
Well, we tend to associate service with free stuff,
but creating high quality resources takes time and effort.
Yeah, you're putting in the work.
Exactly.
And sometimes charging a fair price for those resources
actually allows the creator to keep making great content
and reach more people.
So it's a win-win in a way.
It challenges the idea that everything online should be free,
especially when it offers real value
and can potentially change people's lives.
It also allows creators to pursue their passion
and make a living doing what they love.
Exactly.
It's about finding that sweet spot where
purpose and profit meet.
That's the dream, right?
As we keep exploring this world of Christian content creation,
it's clear that it's about much more than just the mechanics
of making money.
It's about purpose, values, and making a positive impact.
Think Media shared some amazing stories of creators
who are doing just that, spreading messages of hope
and building community.
It's truly inspiring to see people using their platforms
for good.
It makes you wonder, what other examples of impactful Christian
content have you encountered?
What resonated with you?
Well, I've been really moved by some
of the personal stories I've seen, people sharing their struggles
and how they found strength in their faith.
Oh, those can be so powerful.
They are.
And it's the vulnerability that makes them so relatable.
It reminds us that we're all human, facing challenges
and searching for meaning.
And it gives us hope that we can overcome those challenges
and find that meaning.
I've also been really impressed with the creativity
and innovation in the Christian content space,
especially when it comes to addressing complex social issues.
Yeah, there are some creators out there
who are tackling those tough conversations head on.
And they're doing it in a way that's
both thoughtful and engaging, which is no easy feat.
They're finding new ways to connect with people
and spark dialogue.
It's exciting to see how they're pushing boundaries
and using their platforms to make a real difference.
It's clear that this is a movement that's gaining momentum.
And I'm curious to see where it goes next.
This deep dive has certainly opened my eyes
to the incredible potential of faith-based content creation.
It's about more than just entertainment.
It's about transformation, connection,
and making a positive impact on the world.
And I think it's a reminder that we all
have the power to create something meaningful, something
that reflects our values and makes a difference.
It's a call to action to use our voices, share our stories,
and contribute to a better world.
So true.
Think Media shared some great examples of creators
who are already doing that.
And it's inspiring to see how they're leveraging their platforms
to make a real impact.
It's a reminder that we all have something to offer
and that our creativity can be a force for good in the world.
Absolutely.
And as we wrap up this part of our exploration,
I want to leave you with this thought.
If you're a Christian creator or even just someone
who's curious about the space, take some time
to reflect on your why.
What message do you feel called to share?
What impact do you hope to make?
It's not about chasing fame or fortune.
It's about aligning your passion with your purpose
and using your platform to create something truly
meaningful.
And who knows?
Maybe this deep dive has sparked a new idea
or ignited a passion you didn't even
know you had.
The world needs your unique voice, your story,
and your perspective.
It's time to step up and share your light with the world.
It's really empowering, this idea
that we can all be creators and share our stories
and build something that matters.
And it feels like this movement is growing stronger
with more and more Christian creators emerging
and redefining what's possible.
Yeah.
Think Media hit its spot on when they said that it's a calling,
not just a job.
It's like there's this deeper purpose driving everything.
That makes sense.
It goes beyond just views and subscribers.
Way beyond.
It's about sharing a positive message
and building a community around shared values,
making a difference.
Using your platform for good.
It's not just entertainment.
It's about making a change, both for the creator
and the audience.
And that's what makes it so interesting.
It really is.
It's about faith, inspiring creativity,
and a desire to help others.
Powerful stuff.
So as we wrap up this deep dive,
I want to leave you with this thought.
If you're a Christian creator or thinking about it,
ask yourself, why?
Why am I doing this?
What message do you want to share with the world?
What impact do you want to make?
It's not about getting famous or rich.
It's about finding your purpose and using your platform
to do something that truly matters.
It's about making a difference.
Maybe this deep dive sparked an idea for you,
something you didn't even know you were passionate about.
That would be awesome.
The world needs to hear your unique voice, your story.
Everyone has something to offer.
So that's our look at the world of Christian content creation.
We've explored the strategies, the challenges,
the amazing opportunities at this crossroads of faith, business,
and digital media.
It's been a really interesting journey.
It has.
Keep creating.
Keep pushing the boundaries.
Keep shining your light.
Don't be afraid to put yourself out there.
Until next time, keep exploring.
Keep learning.
Keep diving deep.
And keep the faith.