Be purpose-driven

I discussed in an earlier post my plans for research in the area of the use of web technology for Christian ministry. My initial foray into this area of research will be to simply get to know some different groups (churches, faith-based ministries) that have developed successful web sites or web resources. I want to understand what issues they encounter, what best practices they would recommend, and how they’re organized. But, first, and maybe most important, is to understand what these organizations consider the purpose, or mission, of their web site.

A mission statement drives what an organization does. Understand the mission and you understand the organization. In the case of faith-based organizations, this mission will show how they move their faith into action. For example, Biola’s mission statement:

The mission of Biola University is biblically-centered education, scholarship, and service—equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

As a faculty member there, my work is driven by this mission. We constantly work to understand how to do this better and integrate our personal faith with this mission.

A mission statement should also exist for an organization’s use of web-based resources. Unfortunately, for many of these churches and ministries, a web site is usually thrown together by a volunteer with no clear purpose in mind except to put the church or group “on the web”. But this leads to a web site that is not properly maintained or ends up being forgotten. A poor quality web site may end up driving potential new supporters or members away and is a poor contrast to the excellence that should be the result of serving Christ.

A mission statement for web-based resources would help focus its direction and give it a place in the organization. Is is seen as a way to minister to members of the organization? Is it primarily a channel for raising funds? Is it to support missionaries? Or maybe it is simply another way to share the gospel. This mission statement should be in line with the organization’s overall mission statement.

So, dear blog readers, I need your help: if you know of churches, ministries, or faith-based organizations that high-quality web sites that are focused on the mission of the organization, let me know! Much of my research time over the next few weeks will be finding these organizations and understanding how they integrate the mission of their organization with their use of Internet technology.