Did you know that the explosive growth on YouTube over the last 20 years is set to double in the next two? The creator economy is expected to reach half a trillion dollars by 2027, and we want a share of that blessing! YouTube has officially surpassed Netflix as the top preferred platform for podcasts, so it’s no wonder God nudged me to invest in the YouTube aspect of our ministry two years ago.

From recording videos outside my RV with just a webcam and Apple headphones, look at us now—thriving in a beautiful studio alongside my friend Taylor Perkey, who manages our media, empowering me to focus on writing and delivering content that helps you grow in your faith. We're committed to serving the new believers, the confused believers, and the true believers.

Why the Conference Was Worth It

Now, hear me say this: Attending the Armed Media Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the greatest investment I've made in this ministry. We spent nearly $1,000 on travel and miscellaneous expenses, but the value gained was exponentially greater.

Learning from some of the best minds in Christian media was inspirational. The experience felt like being courtside at the heavenly NBA All-Star game. The supernatural favor we experienced during this conference was beyond measure. 👀

I arrived early to connect with individuals who attended. The first person I met was Summer at the merch table, who was a true blessing and had a real life-giving spirit. I also connected with a 19-year-old named Noah, part of the media team for the "Recovering Baptist Channel."

Interestingly, just days before the conference, I had flown my son Noah back to Florida to start a new chapter in his life. Me and the 19-year-old Noah spent time connecting over ministry and before we parted ways he prayed and prophesied about my ministry’s breakthrough for 2024 and called it “the year of the open door.” Remarkably, this aligned with what Pastor Troy Brewer had already spoken over our lives.

Connections and Affirmations

Soon after, my friends from Opendoor Church, including Rebecca Marie, Cherrie, and Kirk Morgan, joined us as Taylor Perkey arrived. The excitement ramped up when Bishop Alan Didio recognized me from the stage, saying, "I Like Birdings is here!" Hey, close enough!

The first day featured incredible speakers, but one stood out: Tony Merkel, host of "The Confessionals" on YouTube, who recently surpassed 100,000 subscribers after attending last year's Armed Media Conference. His success story serves as a reminder that growth can explode when we seize opportunities.

I had a chance to meet and chat with Joseph Z, a friend of both Pastor Troy and Bishop Alan. We even took a cool picture together! Lunchtime with the Opendoor crew felt like a family gathering, where Cherie shared a profound, tear-inducing word over me—something I will cherish privately for its boldness.

After more insightful sessions, we experienced a powerful impartation led by David Diga Hernandez, who emphasized our unique God-given gifts. His words struck a chord, and I was reminded of the importance of my ministry.

On the final session of Day 1, Mike Singerley closed out by sharing wisdom on consistency, community, and knowing your audience. His statement, “For every level of success, there must be a counterbalance of humility,” resonated deeply, amplifying my heart for prison missions.

Transformative Day 2

Day Two was pivotal. First up on the schedule was Sean Cannell from Think Media, who delved into the nuances of creating engaging content.

Sean urged us to communicate biblical wisdom while addressing cultural realities, enhancing audience connection. This was a significant revelation for me, as I tend to shy away from current trends in my content creation, thinking they distract from the message of Christ.

Following another excellent meal with the Opendoor crew, Evan Didio offered insights on Facebook growth and hooks. To my surprise, I was chosen for a YouTube channel audit—facilitating an uplifting discussion about my channel where I received encouragement and valuable feedback.

This newfound recognition helped boost our subscriber count by over 40 that day! We made new friends because of it and it felt like we were a small part of the legendary conference.

A Legendary Finale

As Day Three commenced, we were graced by the presence of John Maxwell. Taylor Perkey, the Opendoor Church squad, and I contemplated how to create funny Napolean Dynomite content during lunch, prompting a humorous video that caught the conference’s eye. They shared it on their stories and asked if anyone could beat it.

Maxwell then lived up to the hype and delivered insights on creativity, opportunity, and excellence that ignited a fire in everyone present. His mantra—“If you think you’ve arrived, you’ve already gone the wrong way”—challenged me deeply. It encapsulated the essence of this journey; growth is never-ending.

We then found out our video didn’t win the meet and greet with Maxwell, which was a bummer but hey we’ve seen a rigged election before.

Reflecting on Future Directions

This conference was transformative, providing clarity and a renewed vision for our ministry. I highly suggest getting your ticket to Armed Media (save the event link here) for next year! It’s a must-attend conference that amps you up to getting the gospel to all four corners of the earth through the power of media.

If you've stayed with me this long, you likely have a love for our mission—thank you! I invite you to pray over this next exciting chapter for us and join us on Patreon to partner with us!

Thank you again for walking this journey with me — Christ is KING!

Watch Episode 183: Big Takeaways From Armed Media Conference