If your church hasn't already done so, it should invest in a website. Last week, I explained that a website brings in new people, attracts young people, increases giving, creates new forms of outreach and expands the scope of outreach. Today, I'm going to be looking at the next point: a church website mobilizes Christians for ministry service.
At first, this might seem like a stretch. But I hope it'll become clear by the end of this post.
I think the typical approach that churches have toward creating a website should be reconsidered. Oftentimes a website is simply the pastor's pilot project - it's something he or she started and they're the only one to maintain it. Either that or the church hires a professional to create and manage the website.
I'm not necessarily saying that these approaches are wrong or bad - every church is unique with its own unique situation. But are these the best approaches?
Managing a website can be a lot of work (believe me, I know). On top of visitations, counseling, board meetings, preparation for teaching, caring for a family, etc., should a pastor really be solely in charge of a website? And what happens when the pastor retires or leaves? It leaves a hole in an important piece of a local church.
Yes, a professional web developer can be paid to manage your church website. But this can create several problems:
This has so many implications. But for our purpose right now, it means that everything a Christian does is a ministry. Preaching from the pulpit is a ministry. Leading the youth group is a ministry. Running the soundboard in the back is a ministry. Sending "get well soon" cards is a ministry. Taking out the trash is a ministry.
If you see things this way, you'll see what I've seen: running a church website is a ministry.
A website helps the people in your church use their spiritual gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ. Here are some examples of what I'm talking about:
Your church website can be an important place for people to use their spiritual gifts. Don't assume that such a ministry is all up to you. You can involve all kinds of people, and (as we'll see tomorrow) especially young people.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Concerns? Feel free to let me know!
This post is part of the series "10 Reasons Why Your Church Should Invest in a Website." You can read the first post in this series here and other posts here.
At first, this might seem like a stretch. But I hope it'll become clear by the end of this post.
I think the typical approach that churches have toward creating a website should be reconsidered. Oftentimes a website is simply the pastor's pilot project - it's something he or she started and they're the only one to maintain it. Either that or the church hires a professional to create and manage the website.
I'm not necessarily saying that these approaches are wrong or bad - every church is unique with its own unique situation. But are these the best approaches?
Managing a website can be a lot of work (believe me, I know). On top of visitations, counseling, board meetings, preparation for teaching, caring for a family, etc., should a pastor really be solely in charge of a website? And what happens when the pastor retires or leaves? It leaves a hole in an important piece of a local church.
Yes, a professional web developer can be paid to manage your church website. But this can create several problems:
- It disconnects your website from your church, making it "their" thing instead of "your" thing.
- It raises conflict with questions like, "Why should we pay him to do that?"
- It robs your church of ways to be the church.
That final point brings me to the crux of the matter.
A church website helps Christians minister
The Bible asserts that every Christian is equipped with gifts from the Holy Spirit to be used “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7) to build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:5, 12). Scripture also states that pastors and other church leaders have such positions in order to equip those in their church for ministry work and for building up the church (Ephesians 4:12). Basically, every Christian is a minister.This has so many implications. But for our purpose right now, it means that everything a Christian does is a ministry. Preaching from the pulpit is a ministry. Leading the youth group is a ministry. Running the soundboard in the back is a ministry. Sending "get well soon" cards is a ministry. Taking out the trash is a ministry.
If you see things this way, you'll see what I've seen: running a church website is a ministry.
A website helps the people in your church use their spiritual gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ. Here are some examples of what I'm talking about:
- Gifted teachers can use podcasts on the website to reach a global audience. With so many false teachers being prevalent online, it's important for churches to broadcast the truth in ways that effectively connect with people.
- Those gifted with wisdom can write blog posts from a biblical perspective on topics that are controversial and difficult to discuss.
- Christians gifted with hospitality can contribute to a website by ensuring that church information is relevant and clear for visitors, and that the church’s first impression is a good one.
- Those who are talented at designing graphics and signage can be responsible for the aesthetic layout of the church website.
- People with technological know-how can make sure the website is updated, maintained and fully functioning.
Some final thoughts ...
I realize it might be difficult for you to find multiple people to contribute to the website ministry. You might also experience the kind of difficulties that come with teamwork. At least, though, find someone in your church (besides the pastor) who is willing to take responsibility for creating and maintaining the website. If may also be a good idea to hire someone who can set the website up initially and work with people in your church to take it from there.Your church website can be an important place for people to use their spiritual gifts. Don't assume that such a ministry is all up to you. You can involve all kinds of people, and (as we'll see tomorrow) especially young people.
Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Concerns? Feel free to let me know!
This post is part of the series "10 Reasons Why Your Church Should Invest in a Website." You can read the first post in this series here and other posts here.
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