About the Course
What Is the Faith-Based Content Creation and Media Course?
The mission field is no longer only overseas. It is on screens, in feeds, and across platforms where billions of people spend hours every day. The question is not whether your church or ministry should be creating content — it is whether your content will be good enough to stop someone from scrolling. This 6-week course teaches you how to create high-quality, faith-based content that connects, converts, and glorifies God.
Taught by Dr. Layne McDonald — a filmmaker, media producer, and pastor based in Memphis, Tennessee — this course draws on real-world production experience and decades of ministry to show you how storytelling, technology, and the Holy Spirit can work together to reach people who would never walk through a church door.
What You Will Learn
This course covers the theology of Christian storytelling and why narrative matters, video production fundamentals including lighting, audio, and editing on a ministry budget, podcasting for churches and faith-based brands, writing compelling blog posts and devotional content, social media strategy for churches and Christian organizations, building a consistent brand voice rooted in your ministry identity, and measuring impact without losing your soul to metrics. Each week includes practical assignments so you finish the course with real content you can publish immediately.
Who Is This Course For?
Pastors who want to expand their reach beyond Sunday morning, church media teams looking to level up their production quality, Christian entrepreneurs building faith-based brands, bloggers, podcasters, and creators who want to use their gifts for the Kingdom, and anyone called to digital ministry. This course is especially powerful for those in the Memphis creative community and Christian media professionals nationwide who want to make content that matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need expensive equipment to take this course? No. Most lessons can be applied with a smartphone and free or low-cost software. Dr. McDonald teaches you how to create professional-quality content on a ministry budget.
Is this course about social media marketing or ministry? Both. You will learn practical production and marketing skills, but everything is framed within the purpose of advancing the gospel and serving your community.
Your Instructor
Dr. Layne McDonald
Dr. Layne McDonald, Ph.D., is a pastor, filmmaker, author, and dual-doctorate scholar specializing in Communication, Administration, and Leadership. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. McDonald has spent decades mentoring pastors, Christian business leaders, and creatives worldwide. As an experienced filmmaker and media producer, he brings a unique perspective on using modern media to advance the gospel. He is the author of Authentic Christian Pastoral Leadership and Blue Oceans, and leads The McReport — a Christ-centered news platform. Learn more at LayneMcDonald.com.