The Blue Vineyard Podcast

28 Episodes
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By: Luke Farrugia

This is a podcast for Adventist administrators and ministry leaders designed to help you navigate the growing Adventist digital ecosystem. We will have expert guests and share our own experience as we build and invest in platforms to help the church in the digital space.

The Future of Adventist Technology
#24
03/08/2026

In this episode, Adam and Luke dive deep into the evolution of Blue Vineyard, the Adventist technology landscape. They explore long-form podcasting, the launch of TrustLoop, and teacher appraisal solutions in our schools. Watch to learn how a relationship-first approach to technology is helping those who share God's truth with the tools they deserve.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: The Blue Vineyard Journey

1:51 - Why DIY Website Builders are Failing Large Ministries

4:39 - The NAD, WordPress, and the Power of Open Source

6:59 - Podcasting: Choosing Depth Over Breadth

14:21...


The Future of Adventist Technology, With Luke and Adam
#24
03/01/2026

In this episode, Adam and Luke dive deep into the evolution of Blue Vineyard, the Adventist technology landscape. They explore long-form podcasting, the launch of TrustLoop, and teacher appraisal solutions in our schools. Watch to learn how a relationship-first approach to technology is helping those who share God's truth with the tools they deserve.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro: The Blue Vineyard Journey

1:51 - Why DIY Website Builders are Failing Large Ministries

4:39 - The NAD, WordPress, and the Power of Open Source

6:59 - Podcasting: Choosing Depth Over Breadth

<...


The Future of Adventist Technology: AI, Web, & Student Safety
#24
02/22/2026

We reveal the landscape of Adventist technology, why the North American Division’s move to Open Source changes everything, and how software is solving the church’s biggest safety and education challenges.

This episode exposes the uncomfortable truth: out-of-the-box tech solutions rarely fit the unique needs of the Adventist mission. Learn how a sustainable, relationship-driven approach to technology is equipping those who preach the truth with the world-class tools they deserve.

Subscribe to the podcast for more updates on the Adventist Digital Ecosystem

Connect with Blue Vineyard:

Website: https://bluevineyard.com


Why Most Church Podcasts Fail (And How to Fix Yours)
#18
02/09/2026

What is missing from the Adventist media landscape? Kahn Ellmers shares his wishlist for the types of shows the church should be producing, from daily adult devotionals to news commentary. You'll learn about the gaps in the current market and how your ministry might be the one to fill them.

Plus, get access to Blue Vineyard's free "Podcast Launch Guide" to help you start your journey on the right foot.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you...


Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Software, A Debate with Cameron and Jonathan
#17
01/05/2026

Is your ministry actually unique, or are you just holding onto inefficient processes? This episode challenges the common assumption that "ministry work is different" to help you make smarter technology choices. You'll discover the hidden costs of off-the-shelf workarounds and learn how to identify which 20% of your operations truly justify a custom build. This honest debate will save you from wasting budget on features you don't need.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist...


Inside Advent AI, with Emmanuel Higgins
#16
12/15/2025

Ever wonder why ChatGPT makes up Bible verses or misquotes Ellen White? In this episode, you’ll discover the fundamental "compression" problem with generic AI models. Emmanuel Higgins returns to explain how Advent AI uses advanced context engineering to solve this issue.

You'll learn how to use this specialized tool to get accurate, sourced answers for your Sabbath School lesson or sermon prep, ensuring your digital research is grounded in truth, not hallucinations.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

...


Strategy Behind Beautiful Adventist Design, with Brett Meliti
#15
12/01/2025

In this episode, Adam and Luke takes you behind the scenes of Types and Symbols. They reveal the branding process used by one of Adventism’s top design studios.

You’ll discover the power of establishing a "brand tone" before any design work begins and learn how that single step can clarify your entire communication strategy.

Listen to understand their step-by-step process. It'll turn your complex vision into a unified, beautiful, and mission-focused reality.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@blue...


When is Technology Not the Answer?
#14
11/03/2025

What can the Michelin Guide teach us about ministry strategy? Luke and Adam discuss when technology isn't the solution, exploring the tension between automation and authentic human connection. Plus, they examine the role of AI in evangelism and why community is something technology can't replace.

If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist Ecosystem? Connect with us on LinkedIn

Or, perhaps you need some digital services. Find out more by visiting our website now. bluevineyard...


Fixing Broken Appraisals in Adventist Schools with Peter Williams
#13
10/02/2025

What if a performance review could become a powerful tool for advancing your school's mission?

Listen to this episode to learn how to do just that. You'll discover a transformative three-pillar framework, Professional Practice, Professional Behavior, and Missional Alignment, designed to foster holistic growth. By the end, you'll have a clear model for aligning your team's professional development with the core spiritual identity of your organization.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the...


How to Leverage AI (and survive in a post AI world) with Eric Louw and Emmanuel Higgins
#12
09/17/2025

While AI offers incredible efficiency, what are the hidden dangers for ministry? Luke is joined by Eric Louw and Emmanuel Higgins for a crucial conversation about the risks and rewards of AI.

This episode provides a balanced, thoughtful framework for engaging with AI responsibly.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist Ecosystem? Connect with us on LinkedIn

Or, perhaps you need some digital services. Find out more by visiting our...


How to Know if Your Website is Actually Working
#11
08/27/2025

Is your website actually doing the job you paid it to do? In this episode, Luke and Adam talk about the process of a website audit. They break down the three key areas to evaluate: technical performance, user experience, and security.

Using the analogy of a car needing regular maintenance, they explain why a website that's even 12-24 months old needs a professional check-up to ensure it’s still serving your ministry effectively.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com.

...


How To Tell Your Ministry’s Story
#10
08/13/2025

Discover why storytelling is crucial for effective ministry in the digital age. Luke and Adam explore the elements of a compelling story, share examples of Adventist ministries using storytelling successfully (like Chai and Amazing Facts), and provide practical tips for crafting your ministry's narrative.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist Ecosystem? Connect with us on LinkedIn

Or, perhaps you need some digital services. Find out more by visiting our website now...


How to Ask Better Questions and Tell Deeper Stories with Kaleb Eisele
#9
07/25/2025

How do you tell a story that truly connects? Luke sits down with Kaleb Eisele, a seasoned storyteller and producer for the Oregon Conference, to explore the art of authentic storytelling. Kaleb shares his number one principle for building trust with interview subjects, the philosophy behind asking questions that reveal a person's journey, and how to find the meaningful stories that others often miss. This episode is a masterclass for anyone looking to deepen their connection with their community through powerful narratives.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast...


Why Amazing Facts Switched to WordPress with Eric Kippel
#8
07/11/2025

What does it take to migrate a massive ministry with thousands of pages and over 5,000 videos to a new platform? Luke and Adam sit down with Eric Kippel, IT Director for Amazing Facts, to discuss their journey from a decade-old legacy system to the robust ecosystem of WordPress. They explore the strategic thinking behind the move, the importance of hiring enterprise-level experts, and how the new platform will streamline content delivery across websites and apps. Plus, a look at the bleeding edge of AI in ministry—from live translation to the challenges of deepfakes.

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If yo...


How to use Parasocial Relationships for Digital Evangelism with Dr. Larry Witzel
#7
06/27/2025

How can your ministry's story cut through in the digital age? Luke welcomes Larry Witzel, who shares about 'parasocial relationships' – those one-sided but emotionally impactful connections we form online. You'll discover why consistency and authenticity are key to cultivating these digital bonds, and how to use them to invite people closer to Jesus and even into in-person church communities. Larry shares his journey of building online presence, from custom AI tools to weekly podcasts, and offers practical advice for any ministry ready to amplify its story online.

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If you have an idea for an episode on...


How Pastors Cultivate Parasocial Relationships for Ministry Growth with Larry Witzel, PhD
06/20/2025

How can your ministry's story resonate in the digital age? Luke welcomes Larry Witzel, who unpacks the power of 'parasocial relationships' – those one-sided but emotionally impactful connections we form online. You'll discover why consistency and authenticity are key to cultivating these digital bonds, and how pastors can leverage them to invite people closer to faith and even into in-person church communities. Larry shares how he used custom AI tools to create weekly podcasts to build his online presence.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bl...


Centralized Strategy and Decentralized Execution With Onfolio's Dominic Wells
#6
05/28/2025

Governing decentralized ecosystems is always going to be challenging. Most leaders either try to give maximum autonomy or retain maximum control, but is there a better way? I sit down with Dominic Wells, CEO of Onfolio Holdings, to discuss his journey. You'll discover how centralizing strategy helps teams grow and become more efficient. Plus, you will learn how to apply these principles to your organization.

If you would like to connect with Dominic you can find him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-wells-onfolio/

or on the Onfolio site https://onfolio.com/

~<...


How technology is powering Ministry - Brent Hardinge
#5
05/09/2025

Brent is the director of Adventist Connect and has been involved in technology and leadership at all levels of the church from local, all the way up to the North American Division and General Conference level. He has led the rollout of new technologies, digital ministry practices.

We had the privilege of interviewing Brent and diving into both his story and specific practices you can apply in your organisation.

If you want to learn more about Adventist Connect you can visit the site here: https://adventistconnect.org/


Leveraging AI + Tech to Advance Mission, with Charles, Founder of Sabbatech
#4
11/22/2024

Charles joins Luke on the Blue Vineyard Podcast to discuss his journey from corporate technology consultant to founder of Sabbatech, a company dedicated to empowering Adventist ministries through technology. Learn about the importance of quality, efficient processes, and the role of AI in accelerating the gospel commission.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact me at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist Ecosystem? Connect with us on LinkedIn

Or, perhaps you are seeking services. Find out more by visiting our...


Empowering Christian Audio Pros, with Kahn Ellmers
#3
11/13/2024

Kahn Ellmers, audio engineer and newest member of the Blue Vineyard team, joins Luke to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Christian musicians and podcasters. Discover practical advice on building a sustainable music ministry, leveraging technology for greater reach, and the importance of high-quality audio production.

Want to learn more about Kahn's work? visit bluevineyard.com/audio

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact me at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist Ecosystem? Connect with us on LinkedIn

...


The 100 Billion Message Mission, with CDN's Jeremy Hase
#2
11/06/2024

What if we could reach the entire world with the Adventist message using the power of digital media? Join us as we talk with Jeremy Haas, founder of Christian Digital Network, about his bold vision of sharing 100 billion messages of hope and truth in the next 10 years. Discover the challenges and opportunities facing digital evangelism today and how you can get involved in this crucial work.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact me at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist Ecosystem...


The Blue Vineyard Podcast (Trailer)
10/30/2024

Welcome to the Blue Vineyard Podcast—where Adventist administrators and ministry leaders find essential insights to navigate the evolving digital landscape of the church.

This season, we’re bringing together expert voices and sharing firsthand experiences as we explore the digital tools and strategies reshaping Adventist ministry. Join us as we dive deep into the Adventist digital ecosystem.

Produced by Blue Vineyard Audio, this podcast is hosted by Luke and edited by Kahn Ellmers.

Follow the Blue Vineyard Podcast wherever you listen, and subscribe for updates on each new release.

(Episodes drop...


AI & The Adventist Church, with Tech Entrepreneur Jason Alexis
#1
10/30/2024

What role will AI play in the future of the Adventist Church? Luke sits down with Jason Alexis, founder of Fluid Ministry, to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, The close relationship between how we do business and the building of our faith. Plus the need for the church to embrace innovation.

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If you have an idea for an episode on the Blue Vineyard Podcast, Contact us at hello@bluevineyard.com

Do you offer services in the Adventist Ecosystem? Connect with us on LinkedIn

Or, perhaps you need some...


Going from a dying market to the Inc 5000 list - Interview with Larry Witzel from SermonView
#5
08/08/2023

Join Luke as he chats with Larry about the story of how he founded the evangelism marketing company, "SermonView". Follow through the stages of growth, learning, failures, insights, and finish off with some tips on evangelism marketing!

https://evangelismmarketing.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrywitzel/


Defining the Ecosystem
#4
05/29/2023

I have been working on an article defining the ecosystem for some time, so here is the audio version. you can see the full post and the database i reference on the website. https://bluevineyard.com/defining-the-adventist-ecosystem/


The Adventist Ecosystem Puzzle
#3
03/18/2023

Luke has been busy digging deeper into the Adventist ecosystem both Historic and Present. in this episode we explore that.Here are the Links we mention in the showhttps://www.adventisthistorypodcast.org/ https://www.hyveinternational.org/events/hyve-australia-2023/ (Hope we see you there next week!)


Missional Entrepreneurship - Interview with Andrew Perry
#2
01/23/2023

This is a repost of an excellent interview from my other podcast.

In this episode we go deep with Andrew Perry about his path from looking for a financial success as a Lawyer to finding purpose as a founder and Missional Entrepreneur.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewperry/

This episode is sponsored by Hyve Australia. Hyve provides coaching or consulting and inspiring events for your missional entrepreneurship journey. You can learn more about Hyve and register for their first Australian event in Sydney from March 24-27 right here https://australia.hyve.site/


Who you are and why we are here
#1
01/16/2023

Hi! We are Luke and Shanna and this show has an incredibly specific audience in mind. If you are an Adventist church administrator or ministry leader, or if you provide any digital services to the church, you are going to want to hear this.