Evangelization & Culture Podcast The Promise and Peril of Social Media w/ Bishop Barron & Fr. Steve Grunow
Feb 3, 2026
Fr. Steve Grunow, Chicago priest leading Word on Fire’s digital strategy, and Bishop Robert Barron, founder of Word on Fire known for public theology, discuss social media’s promise and peril. They explore communication as the church’s mission. They talk about beauty and art in outreach, risks of online mobs and misinformation, AI and disembodied art, and practical formation for online ministry.
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Episode notes
Pair Preparation With Platform Timing
- Experiment with new platforms but pair them with long preparation and study.
- Use timing and training so the medium meets deep formation when opportunity arises.
New Media Channels Apostolic Energy
- Committing to new media is how Word on Fire outwardly expresses inner spiritual principles.
- New media turns prayerful study into a missionary outreach.
Don't Infantilize Your Audience
- Lead with substantive truth and high aesthetic quality rather than dumbing down content.
- Know your subject deeply and show passionate enthusiasm to attract and retain audiences.
