What Your Web Page Says About Your Church
Every so often, I like to check out what other churches are doing, so I browse their web pages clicking on icons that take me deeper into their community. Some churches are very creative in how they set up their web page. I like it when I search a church, click onto its page, and come to a blank screen that reads "downloading." Within a few seconds a scene bursts open onto the screen. It could be an artistic scroll that unfolds into a postmodern symbol or an ocean scene with a family walking on the beach (you see a lot of those from California churches). The icon tabs are discreet and easily identified with a variety of church ministries.
Usually, I go to the ministry section to see how they serve their community. Some pages are more elaborate than others but all give the basic information that would help anyone who is looking for a church that might connect to them. For a younger generation a "post-mod" web page can generate a curiosity to explore more about your church. Even a staff page can be a reason for them to consider attending your church (you know...an "urbanish" black and white pic with a young staff and an older pastor with the shaved head). Most young people will look for a couple of things while searching your web page and they all have to do with social networking. Connecting with others, especially with their own age group, isn't anything new but how a younger group of people connect includes the Internet. Here are a few ways that churches are trying to reach this generation through their church web site.
Usually, I go to the ministry section to see how they serve their community. Some pages are more elaborate than others but all give the basic information that would help anyone who is looking for a church that might connect to them. For a younger generation a "post-mod" web page can generate a curiosity to explore more about your church. Even a staff page can be a reason for them to consider attending your church (you know...an "urbanish" black and white pic with a young staff and an older pastor with the shaved head). Most young people will look for a couple of things while searching your web page and they all have to do with social networking. Connecting with others, especially with their own age group, isn't anything new but how a younger group of people connect includes the Internet. Here are a few ways that churches are trying to reach this generation through their church web site.
- Video or video chat
- Web-based small groups
- Blogs
- Social networking sites (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter)
- E-invites or E-vites
- E-newsletters
- Satellite (multi-sited churches)
- podcasts
- mp3
- Webinars
ED Stetzer's "Lost and Found"
While some of these ways of reaching young people will decrease the Internet as a tool to connect and communicate with twentysomethings is a part of everyday life for them. So, how is your church seeking ways to be a part of their world through the one place they all gather as a generation?
This entry was posted
on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 8:11 AM.
You can skip to the end and leave a response.
» Post a Comment