Beginning the process - A congregational project

(from the Hartford Institute) 

 

The web site of a congregation can be the most public portrayal of itself that it can have. Potentially, millions of people could enter into your virtual sanctuary, meet your members, sample your ministries and learn what your congregation believes.

This self-presentation should be a product of the entire congregation.

  • The content must be as prayerfully and spiritually discerned as the creation of a congregation's statement of faith.
  • The effort must be shared by as many members as planning your worship service or newsletter is.
  • The task must be as reasoned and serious as that of calling the next minister.

Like each of these tasks, planning what your congregation's web site will look like and contain should be a group effort in several ways.

  • The entire membership should be informed of the effort, invited into the process, and asked what they want in a site.
  • Members with internet access can be encouraged to visit the web sites of other churches to get ideas and see what they like and don't like.
  • A method of collecting suggestions, ideas, and feedback from all the membership should be set up.
  • A web design committee of both knowledgeable and interested members should be created.

We are convinced that the more your congregation’s web site reflects the unique body of believers that is your church the better your site will be able to inform and attract members and guests alike. Because of this we maintain that designing a congregational site is as much a self-exploration as it is a technical process. Simple design or minor flaws are forgivable if the site shows the congregation for who it is, its strengths and flaws while graciously inviting others into that community of faith.

Remember your site exists to enhance the community and fellowship among the members. It is also there for the stranger to explore and experience your congregation’s ministries and beliefs. But the web site, like anything a faith community does, is mostly there for the glory of God.