Web 2.0 and the Church
“Web 2.0″ is commonly associated with web development and web design that facilitates interactive information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design[1] and collaboration on the World Wide Web. Examples of Web 2.0 include web-based communities, hosted services, web applications, social-networking sites, video-sharing sites, wikis, blogs, mashups and folksonomies. A Web 2.0 site allows its users to interact with other users or to change website content, in contrast to non-interactive websites where users are limited to the passive viewing of information that is provided to them. – Wikipedia
I recently read a blog by Beverley Head entitled, “Web 2.0 goes mainstream in Australian enterprises” that piqued my interest, particularly one sentence. http://www.itwire.com/content/view/28313/53/
“At a technology conference held by the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church last week the head of information systems and technology, George Lymbers, indicated that he believed Web 2.0 style communications both within the church administration, and outside with the broader community and congregations would be important for the church to remain connected and relevant.”
The last part of the statement about remaining connected and relevant really hit home. Leaders in the church have worked hard during the past decade to make the worship and service of God a natural extension of our lives. We have worked hard to meet the needs of people where we find them. The migration of people to the web has in some ways made that work easier to initiate.
It is our responsibility “to go”. Finding and interacting with people “where they are” is an effective way to introduce people to Jesus. Where do we find people today? Well … it really isn’t a trick question. For a marketer like me, we discovered a long time ago that the people we wanted to target for our business clients were on the Internet. People are looking for everything under the sun on the Internet. People want to be engaged through the Internet. That is why the potential for Web 2.0 to be utilized by the church is so potent. You give people a voice, while at the same time have a chance to introduce yourself and what you are all about.
My hope is that the church will fully utilize Web 2.0, and very soon Web 3.0, to achieve it’s mission.
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The beauty of a new day
I am grateful for fresh starts. And in some way I believe that God gave us a 24-hour daily cycle to let us know that there is tremendous potential in each new day. We awaken, refreshed from the slumber that allows the past day to slip away … IF we allow it to do so. What are we to do TODAY.
What challenges await us? What blessings can we step in to? It is wonderful to have a friend that, “sticks closer than a brother” as we face the new day.
Each day brings us that much closer to an eternal destiny, the beginning of which is a reunion with those that have gone before. Today, this day, we have an opportunity to introduce someone else to a fresh start in Jesus Christ. Old things can “pass away”, and all things in their life can “become new.”
This is a new day. Let’s rejoice and be glad in it!
Pushing Past the Apprehension
It is a beautiful Sunday morning in West Palm Beach, where we are visiting at the request of a great friend. In fact, I guess you could say that we are vacationing for the first time in a bit over three-years.
As I wake up and prepare for attending the church that our friend belongs to, I notice something a bit unusual. I am a bit nervous and apprehensive about attending this church for the first time. Sounds kind of crazy doesn’t it? But it has a simple reason, (at least to me), which is that we are a bit unsure about the unknown.
The second thing that dawned on me is that this is the way that church leaders, and religious organization directors must feel when they are contemplating the use of Internet marketing for the first time to promote their ministries. There is a comfort level in the things we know and have used in the past. It might have been the ad in the “church” section of the local newspaper. Or possibly a radio program on the local radio station.
Doing something new takes courage and vision. This site exists to encourage you in that journey. From my experience and research, I am convinced of the power to the Internet to connect people. You may not be there yet, but if I can help you take the small steps to discovery, I will be satisfied.
I will attend the service this AM, and be blessed in the presence of God. Internet marketing does not guarantee that type of encounter, but it will bring people to your ministry that will experience the very same. His will being done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Take advantage of your past experience in pursuing your passion
Sitting in a conference session with Eric Cook – experienced Internet consultant from Michigan, and getting beat about the head quite expertly.
Not physically of course, but in the sense that you should mate up your business skills with the things that have jazzed you in your past experiences. For me, that is the years I spent pastoring churches. 15 ½ years of serving Christ’s church, and reaching out to those who need Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
I have been quite successful in leveraging Internet marketing on behalf of my for profit clients in a wide range of industries, but I have only dabbled in influencing churches and religious organizations to utilize these great tools to accomplish their objectives. I am encouraged to see the use of Internet marketing tools creeping into the consciousness of churches, but it is being driven by the “person-in-the-pew”, and I think this is a good thing.
This brings me back to pursuing your passion. It is time that I got serious about helping churches experience the same types of results that I have achieved for my business clients.
Thanks Eric for the blows to the head. I needed it. 
Focusing on a Niche
Max Kalles – phenomenal young Internet consultant from Canada is presenting on the topic of staying very focused on your target market, and building a vertical to leverage the successes that you have experienced.
The same concept applies to church and religious organization marketing. Focus on one primary idea or market. Is it outreach? How about member services? Whatever it is use a laser like focus to maximize penetration with your demographic.
Once you experience success in one area, then branch out and test other markets.