Comments on: Head vs. Heart (or: How do I make my Internet presence relational?) http://lessonsfrombabel.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/head-vs-heart-or-how-do-i-make-my-internet-presence-relational/ Where faith meets technology. Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:28:52 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: David http://lessonsfrombabel.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/head-vs-heart-or-how-do-i-make-my-internet-presence-relational/#comment-88 David Fri, 30 May 2008 15:25:18 +0000 http://lessonsfrombabel.wordpress.com/?p=207#comment-88 Dave, one thing that I have been noticing as I have been talking with ministries and churches over the last several months is that there is a growing trend toward "social networking" tools that are fashioned for growing community among the attenders of a church or the visitors to a web site. I agree with you that many sites are developed first with the intellectual in mind. I think the key to building effective online ministries sites for churches and ministries will be found in those who strive to build more effective online communities. When I refer to online community, I mean a web presence that incorporates multiple tools and methods of communicating that foster the growth of relationships with each other and knowledge/relationship with God. Within an Online community, you can develop the relationships via tools similar to facebook and maintain the "intellect" side via content in its various forms (Articles, blogs, podcasts, etc.). In our ever increasing "high touch" society, we need both to effectively reach and grow people in their relationships in Christ. Dave, one thing that I have been noticing as I have been talking with ministries and churches over the last several months is that there is a growing trend toward “social networking” tools that are fashioned for growing community among the attenders of a church or the visitors to a web site.

I agree with you that many sites are developed first with the intellectual in mind. I think the key to building effective online ministries sites for churches and ministries will be found in those who strive to build more effective online communities.

When I refer to online community, I mean a web presence that incorporates multiple tools and methods of communicating that foster the growth of relationships with each other and knowledge/relationship with God.

Within an Online community, you can develop the relationships via tools similar to facebook and maintain the “intellect” side via content in its various forms (Articles, blogs, podcasts, etc.).

In our ever increasing “high touch” society, we need both to effectively reach and grow people in their relationships in Christ.

]]> By: Christian Web Trends blog http://lessonsfrombabel.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/head-vs-heart-or-how-do-i-make-my-internet-presence-relational/#comment-87 Christian Web Trends blog Wed, 28 May 2008 21:23:44 +0000 http://lessonsfrombabel.wordpress.com/?p=207#comment-87 Dave, I think you're right. As the saying goes, "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." All the things you mentioned - pictures, stories, testimonies, video, audio, blogs and links to Facebook profiles - are all great suggestions. I think anything that provides a visitor with the chance to interact with the web administrator, volunteers, or other visitors also helps to build a personal connection. Things like forums, chat, MySpace/Facebook groups, etc. You've got to consider the time and responsibility for moderating disucssion, though, so they're not for every organization. I'd also suggest writing the copy for a website in a less formal, more conversational tone. Paul Steinbrueck OurChurch.Com Dave, I think you’re right. As the saying goes, “They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” All the things you mentioned – pictures, stories, testimonies, video, audio, blogs and links to Facebook profiles – are all great suggestions.

I think anything that provides a visitor with the chance to interact with the web administrator, volunteers, or other visitors also helps to build a personal connection. Things like forums, chat, MySpace/Facebook groups, etc. You’ve got to consider the time and responsibility for moderating disucssion, though, so they’re not for every organization.

I’d also suggest writing the copy for a website in a less formal, more conversational tone.

Paul Steinbrueck
OurChurch.Com

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