Three Ways to Learn
Listen
Watch
Show Notes
Anne shares how a quick pivot during the pandemic became a global digital community where people are finding connection and experiencing daily discipleship. In this episode, you’ll hear the story of unexpected innovation, the challenges of digital ministry, and how the Spirit is forming authentic faith communities—even online. Whether you’re exploring new ways to do church or wondering what digital discipleship can really look like, Anne’s story offers encouragement, insight, and a fresh take on what’s possible.
Anne Bosarge is the founder of Digital Discipleship, a digital discipleship organization reaching thousands around the globe through three faith communities: “The Chapel Online”, “Becoming More”, and “Victory Children’s Outreach”. In addition, Anne works with the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church as the Director of Leadership Strategies and Local Church Resources. Anne lives in Brunswick, GA, with her husband, Corey, and two black labs.
In Season 6, we’re diving into discipleship—exploring what it means to follow Jesus and share Jesus in our everyday lives and how churches can cultivate a culture of discipleship that is more than curriculum within their communities.
Related Resources:
Discipleship Reset – a week-long live training experience designed to equip the leaders of the average North American church for the opportunities of 2025. You can still receive access to the replay of all sessions (for FREE!). freshexpressions.com/discipleship-reset
Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com
Interview Summary
We wanted to be right where people were, right when they needed us. – Ann Bosarge
In a world where faith communities are constantly evolving, Anne Bosarge has pioneered a digital approach to discipleship that transcends geographical boundaries. From humble beginnings in a women’s ministry during the pandemic, Anne’s journey reflects the power of adapting to the digital age, creating intimate, life-transforming spaces for people all over the globe. This episode of the Fresh Expressions Podcast delves into the story of how digital discipleship has grown, the challenges faced, and the incredible impact it’s having.
The Beginning of Digital Discipleship
Anne’s journey into digital discipleship began with a simple Facebook group. What started as a temporary solution during the early days of the pandemic quickly grew into a thriving, global community. “It all started with Girl Scout cookies and a Facebook group,” Anne recalls. What was supposed to be a three-week check-in turned into an ongoing ministry, with people continuously inviting others to join. The success of this digital community sparked the creation of Becoming More, a ministry that has reached thousands around the world.
The Power of Daily Connection
Unlike traditional church settings, Anne’s approach to discipleship is not limited to weekly services. “Our discipleship is daily,” she says, emphasizing the importance of continuous, interactive engagement. Posts are shared daily, and members are encouraged to interact, contributing to a living, breathing community. This daily approach makes discipleship a lifestyle, not a once-a-week event.
Global Reach and Relationship Building
Digital discipleship isn’t just about teaching; it’s about building relationships. As Anne expanded into WhatsApp communities, a strong sense of connection formed across countries, from Uganda to Kenya and beyond. “We wanted to be right where people were, right when they needed us,” Anne explains. The global nature of digital discipleship allows for continuous interaction, with members often providing pastoral care to one another in a way that traditional church settings might not allow.
Turning Consumers into Creators
One of the key aspects of Anne’s ministry is the movement from passive consumption to active creation. People initially join as consumers of content but gradually shift into contributors and eventually creators. This process not only builds stronger community but also empowers members to lead and teach. “They start as consumers, but they move down the discipleship pathway to contributors and creators,” Anne shares. This transformational journey highlights the active role each individual plays in their spiritual growth.
Facing Challenges and Overcoming Misperceptions
Digital discipleship has faced its fair share of challenges, particularly with the misperception that online spaces are less valuable than in-person ones.
A lot of people see digital discipleship as lazy or less than. -Anne notes.
Despite this, she has seen firsthand how digital tools can create meaningful spaces for people who are otherwise disconnected from traditional church environments.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Leading Digital Ministry
One of the most profound insights Anne shares is her willingness to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead rather than sticking to a rigid, pre-planned roadmap. “I wanted to be the first follower,” she says. This openness to God’s guidance has allowed the ministry to grow organically, shifting in ways Anne never anticipated. This approach underscores the Fresh Expressions principle that church planting and ministry should evolve with God’s direction rather than being dictated by human plans.
Anne’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith can be shared across the globe through the most humble means. What began with Girl Scout cookies and a Facebook group blossomed into a thriving international community, built on daily discipleship, deep relationships, and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. As digital discipleship continues to grow, there is no telling how far-reaching this ministry could become, but one thing is certain—it is transforming lives.
Reflection Questions:
- What daily practices can you implement to foster deeper engagement in your faith community?
- How can your church better serve people who can’t physically attend church due to work or health reasons?
- How can you transition people from passive participants to active contributors in your church community?
- What are some ways to encourage global connections within your church?
- How can you use social media to create more personal, relational connections in your ministry?
- In what ways can digital platforms enhance the communal aspects of church life?
