Getting Connected: Some Thoughts on Online Church Presence

I wish I'd thought of this sooner; I'd be asking other people what it is they would look for in an online church presence. I've read a white paper on Church eMinistry Basics from the UMC.org Web Ministry Planning Guide, and have looked over some other resources, and here are my thoughts on what I think people look for in church websites (both online churches, and websites for brick and mortar churches). I'm going to organize it by Myers' four spaces, or levels of engagement. Public Space: This is the arena for conveying information that will enable people to make public space connections to the church. This includes calendar information about programs and worship schedules, sermon downloads and podcasts, and even online giving. Websites that provide theological/doctrinal information, including FAQs (frequently asked questions) fall into this category. Many church websites provide for this level of engagement; a simple "contact us" link or even phone and address information on the website can meet the needs of those who want to be related in this space to a church. For an online church, the means of contact can go a little deeper, as there's not always a brick and mortar church to connect to. There might be a space for threaded discussion of topics or issues of interest, an online Bible study outline, or a photo gallery of church events. Websites with a minimal level of interactive content fall into the public space arena; they provide information about themselves but there is a definite distance between church and website visitor. Individuals will feel connected to the church site as a place they visit with some regularity, for example, to read or hear sermons or be connected with other content, such as music or devotional readings. Social Space: In social space, connections are formed that reveal people's "snapshots" to one another. These websites provide a higher level of interaction with online prayer requests, opportunities to give online, discussion groups, chats and blogs. This is also an area where people can be drawn together for a common mission project, or invited in to worship and relationship in the brick and mortar church. In terms of conversations about doctrine and theology, social level connections would include "Ask the Pastor" sections, or giving intentional and comprehensive contact information for developing deeper relationships with the church. Instead of a simple "contact us" link, one might see a detailed profile of a staff member of volunteer, with contact information at multiple levels: physical address, email, blog address, link to social networking site (MySpace or Facebook, for example), Instant Messaging identity, etc. For someone to be connected to a church website on a social level, there has to be meaningul interaction. One would expect to see a great deal of well-organized and presented material, both video and written, a large number of photographs, and many opportunities for participation in giving, missions, Bible study, prayer, and direct contact with staff members. (to be continued)