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5 Ways to Boost Your Online Ministry PDF Print E-mail
The other day I was reading a blog, and stumbled upon an amazing way to evangelize online. I am embarrassed to even say that this was amazing to me, since it is a very simple idea, and many people are already doing it. Remember, the most effective methods you can use are the simplest methods that you choose. So, here I am today with 5 simple ways you can give your online ministry a shot in the arm. Number one is the idea I seen on the blog.
 
1. Do you, or members in your church, have personal blogs? I am talking about blogs (or social networking sites) that are in no shape, form, or fashion related to church, or even Christianity. Blogs about hobbies or personal interests are what to look for.
 
Have them write an occasional (and I do mean occasional, a few times a year will be fine.) post talking about their experiences with God, or give a personal testimony.
 
Somewhere in that post have them insert a link to your church website. You can even create a special 'hidden' page for them to link to, if you want to track how many site visitors come in from blog links. Their personal blog will be pulling in non-churched visitors. This will open up several new avenues for online evangelism.
 
2. Create a 'Meet Our Members' page, or call it 'Member Spotlight'. Pick a few members each month to spotlight. Write brief informal first-person profiles, with real information about their lives: jobs, likes, hobbies, pets, etc. Include a picture, and link to their personal blog, if possible. Place a link to the 'Meet Our Members' page in a prominent place on the main page of your site.
 
3. Have members write out a personal testimony, and place it on the about page of their personal blog, or on their Facebook profile. Have them include a link at the end to a special page on your church website, that is designed to reach out to seekers. Go here for some great advice on making your testimony target non-Christian readers.
 
4. Your website will be your first impression for many people. Make sure your website targets three critical areas: A. The church members. B. Christians moving to the area who are looking for a new church. and C. non-Christians in the community. Visitors are checking out churches online before walking into a service now days.
 
Make sure these areas are clearly defined from the top area of the main page. If I visit your site, I will decide what I click on within a few seconds. If I can't find something that meets my need I will close your site. Everyone fits into one of these three categories, so come up with clear and easy to understand links for each.
 
5. Church is about people. The home page should have at least one picture of a church member. Inside your site, include more pictures of real people. If you include a picture of your building make sure there are people in the picture as well.
 
Make sure you have signed permissions to add any picture to the site where a face is clearly identifiable. Do not include full names or personal information about children or young people.
 
Remember, people are your greatest resource. Use them wisely!
 
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