“A low-cost, bilingual digital ministry model that bridges distance and schedules to keep Latino congregations in South Florida connected in prayer, discipleship, and pastoral care. ”
Bridging the Distance: Low-Cost Digital Ministry for Latino Congregations seeks to explore how simple, affordable digital tools can strengthen discipleship, prayer, pastoral care, and essential communication in South Florida Latino churches where distance, work schedules, and transportation barriers hinder regular in-person participation.
The project will partner with 4–5 diverse congregations to map communication habits, transportation challenges, and existing digital resources. Together, we will co-design one or two easy-to-use ministry “flows” per site (e.g., WhatsApp devotionals, SMS/voice messages, QR-linked study guides) that are motivating, pastoral in tone, and operationally simple for leaders.
Over 10 months, these prototypes will be piloted, monitored, and refined, measuring participation, prayer requests addressed, and reconnection to worship or small groups. Final products will include a bilingual Field Guide and Toolkit with scripts, templates, and protocols so other congregations can replicate the approach.
By equipping churches with practical, low-cost resources, this project aims to reduce isolation, foster belonging, and extend pastoral presence to those often excluded by logistical barriers. It blends pastoral care, digital accessibility, and community collaboration to create ministry models that are both faithful to the Gospel and adaptable to the realities of contemporary congregational life.