USA Today seems to feel that autumn is the perfect time to find a new church. I guess when we asked you what would make you leave your church, we should have included “Autumnal Equinox” as an answer.
USA Today is catching on to what other premier news organizations (Read: us) have been saying for a while now: Church web sites are vital.
“Having a web site allows the religious consumer to be a much more informed consumer. (If people) can find can a congregation that fits their needs and their interests, they’re more likely to make a long-term commitment and to be a serious participant in the life of that church.”
Inevitably, some folks will hate to think of church in such callous terms. We can do a quick rewrite of that to say, “Having a web site allows the potential member to be a much more informed visitor,” if it makes you feel better.
Looking for more attendance and greater impact without a helpful web site? You might be a day late and a dollar short. Get ready for shopping season, and update your web site to let people know you’re interested in them being informed.
Just remember: target audience, target audience, target audience. No church can be perfect for everyone, and you have to reach out to who you’re suited to. Evaluate who you want, and if it’s the technologically-adept or Average Joe, then you might need to rethink your web emphasis. (link via Monday Morning Insight)
Anjuan
November 7, 2007
Another excellent post. I do agree that church web sites are vital to getting the word out about your congregation. What I don’t understand is why there are no church directories that allow users to search based on size, ethnicity, location, etc.
Anjuan
November 7, 2007
Excellent post. Web sites are indeed vital to getting the word out about a congregation. However, what I don’t understand is why there is not a church directory that allows users to search by size, ethnicity, location, etc.
brian jewkes
November 9, 2007
Hi, im sure you mean well and im not trying to be picky or hinder you ,but the origins of the expression you use to title your site are very dubious. Im sure a lot of the older generation know the original meaning of the expression sucks and would be offended by it. I really dont think such an expresion should be used by Christians,even if you say the meaning has changed,and i cant imagine Jesus saying it.