How the web can weave a path to the local church

  • Shelly Webb
  • May 22, 2011
  • 272
                        
Summary—These days every company, organization and manufacturing has a website, a Facebook or some other Internet address that you can obtain their information from, could a web site be just what you’re church needs? Story—The Internet has changed our lives in ways we can’t even begin to explain or understand. Information that used to be difficult to achieve is at our fingertips today. If you want to know which department stores are having sales or which grocers offer a coupon or where you can find a specific item or brand, all you have to do is “google” it. So why wouldn’t you google a church? Many church visitors check out churches online before physically attending. Most church websites give you a clear vision of the ministries and goals of the church as well as information on their doctrine, beliefs, membership and all types of special features they offer. But do these websites promote growth and interest in for a church? Can a website lead an individual to becoming a part of a church? David D’Angelo, Director of Ministry for NewPointe Community Church thinks that being “online” gives church a great opportunity. “I think "online" church has huge potential,” he said. “Lots and lots of people today have turned to the internet to become their "3rd place", meaning a place where they go to, outside of work and home. People use the internet socially and recreationally – and it is such a huge part of people's lives today. Consequently, the internet is how most people visit a church. Rather than go and check things out in person, trends are shifting, and people are using the internet to preview everything from a movie or a store, to the church they may want to visit. So, a church website plays a huge part in a church's growth because it serves as a "front door" or sorts for a large number of the people who yet to have visited that particular church.” As a result of more and more people previewing a church online before actually attending, a church that does not have a website may miss many potential visitors. That is one, big reason D’Angelo thinks a website is almost a necessity for a church regardless of its size. If a church does have a website, D’Angelo recommends listing certain information. “By far, the most critical component of a church website is media clips of your services,” he emphasized. “Internet behavior itself has shifted from reading to watching and it's difficult to find a popular and effective website that doesn't offer video. So I think the most important part of a church's website is the media section, so people can experience your services before they visit.” Putting information on the website is one thing, but deciding what “not” to put on is quite another. D’Angelo believes the web can only do so much and that when it comes to true discipleship, it takes building a relationship within the church body to achieve that goal. There is only so much information that can be absorbed through a website, sometime you just have to be there to experience it. “As far as what should be left to within the church itself – I'd say that deep discipleship still happens best through relationship,” he said. “As much as people relate socially through the internet, I believe that true discipleship still "best" happens through relationship with other believers.” There are times when a website, regardless how great it is, can limit people. No website can ever completely take the place of corporate worship and spending real time among other believers. Attending church online is not like doing an online college course. Fellowship and sharing with one another is an important part of being in a congregation. Also the Bible does admonish us to “not forsake assembling together”. D’Angelo thinks it is very worthwhile for a church to even hire someone to do a web page for them if necessary. He believes this is one investment that cannot be overlooked. “Every church has a different budget and strategy,” he said. “But in an ideal situation, having a dedicated web staff person is a great idea. There are options available to "outsource" a website without dedicated staff leading it. But the website must have a distinct champion leading it, not a committee. That can be a staff, pastor or volunteer – but for it to be good and accurate, it needs a champion.” There are many ways to secure a website. If your church does not have a website as of yet, this may be the perfect summer to complete that project. Sometimes people have more time in the summer and finding a ‘champion’ as D’Angelo said, might be easier during a less busy season.


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