Online Community Website
Basically, an online community website uses secure intranet software to restrict participation to specific members, employees, or congregations. An intranet is defined as a private computer network in which access is restricted to members of a particular organization Restricting access to an exclusive group of users is what separates an online community website from the more popular and widely used internet social networking websites. But that is pretty much where the differences stop. Private intranet administrators and mangers have much more control over what can and cannot be posted on the site. Many churches are beginning to take advantage of the technology as a safe and secure way to disseminate important information to the congregation. The Bible says that people are to go out into the world and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, spreading the good news of Jesus is every church's primary mission. That hasn't changed in 2000 years. The only thing that has changed is the numerous venues now available to accomplish the task.
People are computer savvy. They are also busy and pressed for time. Therefore people rely heavily on the internet as they navigate through their daily lives. Because of the time press more and more people are turning to the internet for their news, information, and communication needs. Some telephones are capable of getting a person online. Social networking as a means to stay connected with friends, family, and others is hot business. Networking websites permit people to give minute-to-minute updates of what they are doing or where they are at any given time. So developing and running an online community website is a logical and important step for organizations and associations that depend on keeping people informed. Community websites can be a valuable resource in the efforts to accomplish the church's main mission. An online search indicates that many larger churches have already established intranet websites. Generally, a church's intranet system is an excellent method for connecting quickly and inexpensively with large congregations. Time-sensitive information such as funeral service notices, birth announcements, or church scheduling will get to the target audience while the material is still relevant.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get the Word out through a secure online community website: blogging, forums, calendars, notices, private church chat rooms, and directories. Forums, blogging, and chat rooms all permit members to discuss important church issues or scriptures. They can also be useful in soliciting advice on any number of personal issues. Some churches even post transcripts of sermons or of weekly messages to the online community website. Technology allows for audio and video copies of the sermons to be posted to the website as well. People who may not have been able to make Sunday morning services can still watch and listen to the message at their leisure. The overall goal is to keep the ministry informed and growing. Use any means possible to accomplish the goal. "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of the ministry." (II Timothy 4: 1-5)
Internet technology is available that permits the distribution of church newsletters through the online community website. This eliminates costly mailings and time consuming tasks such as collating and driving to the post office. Actually, intranet technology has existed for some time. But it's not uncommon for some segments of society to not understand the full potential of the technology. Social networking was for a long time almost exclusively the domain of people looking to extend their circle of friends. Now, organizations of all types are jumping on the networking bandwagon. Businesses, corporations, and non-profit groups have all begun using intranet technology to keep employees and members informed in a social networking environment. Obviously, an online community website will not be practical for every group. Churches with smaller congregations that are limited by tighter budgets may not find a community website to very beneficial or helpful.
The greatest investment may actually be the time needed to maintain the system. Although the startup software can be costly, managing the system can be time consuming. Finding a person with the time and skills to handle the job may be difficult for small churches. But larger organizations will find the services more useful and less cost restrictive. Well attended churches have a larger and more diverse pool of talent to draw from and more money to invest. Many online companies offer intranet software along with basic instruction on how to manage an online community website. Keep in mind, portions of any secure website can still be viewed by the general public. Generally, only members with passwords can gain access to the site. So the page can be instrumental in the success of any outreach or evangelical mission. A well designed web page that shows innovation and strong content can attract people to the church. People, relationships, and growing in Christ are what churches are about. An innovative website can help a ministry grow in all three.
People are computer savvy. They are also busy and pressed for time. Therefore people rely heavily on the internet as they navigate through their daily lives. Because of the time press more and more people are turning to the internet for their news, information, and communication needs. Some telephones are capable of getting a person online. Social networking as a means to stay connected with friends, family, and others is hot business. Networking websites permit people to give minute-to-minute updates of what they are doing or where they are at any given time. So developing and running an online community website is a logical and important step for organizations and associations that depend on keeping people informed. Community websites can be a valuable resource in the efforts to accomplish the church's main mission. An online search indicates that many larger churches have already established intranet websites. Generally, a church's intranet system is an excellent method for connecting quickly and inexpensively with large congregations. Time-sensitive information such as funeral service notices, birth announcements, or church scheduling will get to the target audience while the material is still relevant.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get the Word out through a secure online community website: blogging, forums, calendars, notices, private church chat rooms, and directories. Forums, blogging, and chat rooms all permit members to discuss important church issues or scriptures. They can also be useful in soliciting advice on any number of personal issues. Some churches even post transcripts of sermons or of weekly messages to the online community website. Technology allows for audio and video copies of the sermons to be posted to the website as well. People who may not have been able to make Sunday morning services can still watch and listen to the message at their leisure. The overall goal is to keep the ministry informed and growing. Use any means possible to accomplish the goal. "I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of the ministry." (II Timothy 4: 1-5)
Internet technology is available that permits the distribution of church newsletters through the online community website. This eliminates costly mailings and time consuming tasks such as collating and driving to the post office. Actually, intranet technology has existed for some time. But it's not uncommon for some segments of society to not understand the full potential of the technology. Social networking was for a long time almost exclusively the domain of people looking to extend their circle of friends. Now, organizations of all types are jumping on the networking bandwagon. Businesses, corporations, and non-profit groups have all begun using intranet technology to keep employees and members informed in a social networking environment. Obviously, an online community website will not be practical for every group. Churches with smaller congregations that are limited by tighter budgets may not find a community website to very beneficial or helpful.
The greatest investment may actually be the time needed to maintain the system. Although the startup software can be costly, managing the system can be time consuming. Finding a person with the time and skills to handle the job may be difficult for small churches. But larger organizations will find the services more useful and less cost restrictive. Well attended churches have a larger and more diverse pool of talent to draw from and more money to invest. Many online companies offer intranet software along with basic instruction on how to manage an online community website. Keep in mind, portions of any secure website can still be viewed by the general public. Generally, only members with passwords can gain access to the site. So the page can be instrumental in the success of any outreach or evangelical mission. A well designed web page that shows innovation and strong content can attract people to the church. People, relationships, and growing in Christ are what churches are about. An innovative website can help a ministry grow in all three.
Online Community Website
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