In a world where technology and faith often seem at odds, Dean Sweetman stands as a beacon of innovation and spiritual guidance. He is the co-founder of Tithe.ly, a leading church technology company. Dean is pioneering the integration of digital solutions with traditional ministry practices. In today's episode of The Beacon Show, we sit down with Dean. He shares his inspiring journey from surfer to evangelist to tech entrepreneur. He offers valuable insights for modern church leaders."I'm not going to be afraid of things that are new," Dean declares, encapsulating his approach to both faith and business. "I'm going to embrace. I'm going to learn. I'm going to commit to becoming proficient." This mindset has propelled Dean from his early days as a young Christian in Sydney, Australia. It has led to his current role at the forefront of church technology innovation.Dean's story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and adaptability in the face of change. His journey from church planting to digital giving offers key insights for Christian leaders. It offers valuable lessons for navigating the challenges of modern ministry.Embracing Technology in MinistryOne of the key themes that emerged from Dean's interview was the importance of embracing technology in church leadership. He emphasizes that technology should not replace ministry. Rather it should "enhance ministry, multiply ministry, make ministry more productive."Dean shares, "We're still at the AOL stage of AI. We're starting. We're in like 1995 of AI." This perspective encourages church leaders to be early adopters rather than fearful bystanders. He advises, "You can't be afraid of it. So we developed some sermon writing AI tools... Now you have to preach it and you have to get the spirit on you to release the truth that's in the message."Finding Your Purpose in GodDean's journey illustrates the importance of discovering one's purpose in God. He reflects, "Once you find that purpose in God is to serve him first and nothing comes before him, then all of a sudden you start... you serve someone else's vision and then God will give you your own."This principle guided Dean through various phases of his life. From evangelism to church planting, and ultimately to founding Tithe.ly. He urges young leaders to focus on personal growth in their 20s. In their 30s, he emphasizes execution. By their 40s, he believes they should have a clear direction and be moving toward their goals.Church Growth and Digital GivingDean's work with Tithe.ly has revolutionized church giving. It has made it easier for congregations of all sizes to embrace digital donations. He shares, "We serve a lot of megachurches, but we didn't start there. We went, how can we help a hundred-member church get the 10 credit card givers to use our product?"This approach has led to remarkable growth, with Tithe.ly. It is now serving nearly 40,000 churches and processing billions in donations annually. Dean predicts, "In 20 years, it'll all be gone. It'll all be digital."Leadership in the Modern ChurchFor aspiring church leaders, Dean offers this advice: "Surround yourself with the best people that you can. They're going to be positive and uplift you and call you out when you need it." He emphasizes the importance of adaptability. He urges leaders to recognize when it's time to change course rather than pursuing unfruitful paths.ConclusionDean Sweetman’s journey from surfer to tech entrepreneur shows the power of change and learning. His story highlights the importance of unwavering faith. His story serves as an inspiration for modern church leaders navigating the complex landscape of ministry in the digital age. Dean combines traditional values with innovation, showing how technology can enhance ministry. He believes it multiplies efforts rather than replacing them. His approach demonstrates the power of integrating faith and tech.Dean's insights highlight the need for adaptability and a growth mindset in future church leadership. His advice to young leaders is to focus on personal development. He emphasizes executing with persistence. And be willing to adjust the course when necessary. This provides useful guidance for making a lasting impact in ministry. Dean's legacy shows the transformative power of faith and technology. It shows his openness to new opportunities for a higher purpose.About Dean SweetmanDean Sweetman is the co-founder and CEO of Tithe.ly. It is a leading church technology company. It provides digital giving solutions and comprehensive software for churches. Dean has over 30 years of ministry experience, including church planting and evangelism. He now leads a team serving nearly 40,000 churches worldwide. His passion for leveraging technology to enhance ministry has made him a respected voice in both the tech and faith communities.Dean Sweetman is a visionary leader at the intersection of faith and technology. Dean has revolutionized digital giving and comprehensive ...
