|
Why A Web Site?
Religion and the Web
How Many?
- 64% of wired Americans have used the Internet for spiritual or religious purposes
- 38% of 128 million Internet users have sent and received email with spiritual content
- 17% have looked for information about where they could attend religious services
What are they doing?
- 85% say their use of the Internet has helped congregational life
- 81% say the use of email by ministers, staffs and congregation members has helped the spiritual life of the congregation
- 50% have looked for info about another faith
- 32% have gone online to read news accounts of religious events and affairs religious services
Research courtesy of Steve Wallace via http://www.pewinternet.org
Why a church website?
- During the 1940's & 1950's churches wisely took advantage of the radio craze. It was an effective medium that reached many souls!
- From 1960-1980 television took over the radio market. It was an productive tool but very expensive (and still is!).
- Today evangelistic churches are turning to the world wide web because close to 70% of Americans have internet access at home or the office. For only $40 a month a church can reach this growing audience with Appeal for Churches. (Note: That's the same price for a 60 second radio ad in Birmingham, Alabama).
What can you put on a website?
- Upcoming events and church news
- Online Bible with keyword search
- Bulletins
- Sermons
- Church service times and directions
- Teaching aids
- "Member only" pages
- Receive donations for missions
Who is looking?
- Usually local unchurched and seekers who have had some initial contact and are looking to feel comfortable and informed
- Travelers who are looking for a place and directions to worship
- Worldwide studiers who are looking for resources (lessons, bible class, sermons, songs)
- Congregational/Familes for member directory info, prayer needs, events and discussion
|