THE DIGITAL SHEPHERD

a 6:14 ministries podcast


The Digital Shepherd is a podcast from 6:14 Ministries designed to help small and midsize churches communicate with greater clarity, creativity, and confidence. Hosted by Josh Givens and graphic designer Jon Carlson, each episode brings practical, approachable conversations about graphic design, Canva, social media, church branding, websites, photography, presentation slides, AI, digital ministry, and the ever-changing world of church communications.


This show is especially for the pastor who wears six different hats, the church secretary who somehow became the social media manager, and the volunteer who was handed Canva and told, “Can you make something for Sunday?”


You don’t need a communications degree, a large staff, or a megachurch budget to communicate well. You just need a few good principles, the right tools, and the confidence to take the next step.


At The Digital Shepherd, we believe design isn’t just decoration, it’s communication. Clarity is an act of service. And faithful ministry deserves faithful communication. Each episode combines practical training, real-world church application, a biblical perspective on communication and stewardship, and simple action steps you can put to work right away. Because you don’t have to become a professional designer overnight. You just need to make the next thing better than the last one.


The Digital Shepherd is a podcast from 6:14 Ministries.


JOSH GIVENS

HOST

Josh Givens is the Communications Director for 6:14 Ministries, where he helps pastors and small/midsize churches strengthen their communication, digital presence, branding, social media, and visual media. He previously served as Comms Director for Northside Bible Church in Mobile, AL for almost 20 years and as Director of Training and Social Media Manager for Church Visuals and has spent years working at the intersection of ministry, design, storytelling, and church communications. Josh is also a longtime lifestyle journalist and writer for Mobile Bay Magazine, with a background in broadcast journalism and English. Through The Digital Shepherd, he brings a practical, ministry-first approach to helping church leaders communicate with greater clarity, creativity, and confidence.

jon carlson

cohost

Jon Carlson is a graphic designer and creative leader with extensive experience in church media and visual communication. From 2017–2024, he served as VP of Design at Church Media Squad, where he led a team of 13 designers, shaped the company’s creative direction, recruited and developed talent, and helped maintain a high standard of design excellence across a growing client base. Before that, Jon served as Communications Director at Victory City Church, overseeing graphic design, social media, web design, lighting, and volunteer development. Through The Digital Shepherd, Jon brings years of hands-on church design experience, creative leadership, and a passion for helping churches communicate with clarity, consistency, and excellence. Check out Jon's incredible work at joncarlson.net