Signs of Life

In this modern age the internet has become a primary source and conduit for information, services and products. No company or organisation that seeks to do business with or interact with people in our society would ignore this modern means of communication.

However it would seem that many Churches have not recognised this phenomena which is strange as we are primarily in the business of communicating the most important message the world has ever needed to hear – The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I know that many in the Church few if any members have an understanding of the workings of the internet or websites and this has been a major barrier to Churches developing their own website. There are other reasons as well including cost and just a general lack of awareness of the potential of the web.

The good news is that the development of internet technology has spawned a number of website design tools that enable those of us with just basic computer skills to develop perfectly good websites that will do the job nicely (this blog being one example).

If a website is to be effective it should be designed with the end users in mind and consideration given to the kind of information they are looking for. Then, just like advertisers, thought should be given as to how the essential message that we want to convey and engage them with should be presented such that visitor wants to know more. Good planning and careful designing pay dividends in the finished design. It is a good idea to write a requirements specification to identify the needs of the website visitors and the message of the Church and so guide the design to meet the needs.

One useful website that offers a service specifically for Churches is: http://www.church123.com who even give some good advice on website design but there are many other similar services available, some may even be cheaper.

The Methodist Church has also produced some advice of Church websites worth checking out.

Can I suggest that if your Church does not have a website that you might bring it to the attention of the Church leadership and ask them to consider the possibility of the Church making it happen.

The very fact that you can read this via the internet means that you are probably sufficiently capable to take on the task of designing and building your Church’s website! It is a valid and valuable ministry as you are presenting the Church, its message and ministry to the world through the medium of the internet and such a ministry conducted in a prayerful and thoughtful way can greatly enhance the life and ministry of the Church. You don’t have to do it alone as others can also contribute – it is ripe for a team ministry and in fact it will work better if there are two or more involved.

Think about it! Pray about it.