On Line
The Internet is changing everything, from commerce to journalism to dating and, yes, to religion.
Nearly all churches have web sites. Most use e-mail at least for basic person-to-person and group communications, and some for newsletters and marketing. Many churches have implemented e-commerce, making it possible for constituents to pay their pledges or tithes by credit card on line, to pay for events, and to make special donations. Many congregations routinely push audio and video files to interested constituents by Internet tools. Churches have formed Facebook groups. Some clergy use Twitter to maintain steady contact, especially with young adults.
We are just getting started in taking faith on line. New tools emerge daily, such as apps for smartphones that have potential for church use.
The Multichannel Church makes aggressive use of the Internet. It is cost-effective -- most services are virtually cost-free -- and widely used and accepted. More and more people turn to the Internet as their primary tool for daily living. Just as an earlier generation of church leaders assumed that people owned automobiles and would drive to church, so today's leaders assume constituents own computers and are glad to receive additional ways to use them.
Here are some basics on how Multichannel Churches use the Internet. For more insights on effective communications strategy, please join the Church Wellness Project.
