A Biblical Proof of Why You Need An Online Presence

When I think of why churches should have an online presence two biblical passages come to mind.  Jesus in The Parable of the Great Banquet tells the story of a man preparing a banquet in which no one who was invited came.  In Luke 14:23 it says, “And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”  Paul says in I Corinthians 9:22 “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

In light of these passages here are some practical facts to consider:

• Over 1 Billion people own a personal computer.
• 1.4 Billion use the internet.
• 5 Billion people have a mobile phone.
• 81% of smartphone users have used their phone to browse or look for products or services.
• 50% of smartphone users have used their phone to make purchases.
• Thousands of those people live within driving distance of your church.

So, if we are to take seriously the Scripture to go into the highways and byways and to become all things to all people should not we in the church be online?  What is your churches online presence?  Here is my recommendation for every church no matter how small or large.

Build an electronic data base.  In this day of instant communication there is no excuse for not having your members emails and telephone numbers at your finger tips.

Have a dynamic website.  You would be amazed at how many people search the internet looking for a church.  Is your website current and up to date.  I am shocked at how many church sites contain news that is months old.  I have been to some very large churches whose site is totally out dated.  There is no excuse for not having a website for your church.  Equally there is no excuse for your website to be out of date.

Establish  a Facebook page for your church.  Again the site should be dynamic and current.  Use it to post pictures of ministry happening.  In fact  I would have a different Facebook page for every major ministry of my church.

Use other Social media such as Twitter to establish your online presence.  While the popularity of different platforms comes and goes you should make sure that your presence is felt in the most popular ones.

Have an App that people can download to their smartphones.  This is the future.  We have partnered with two lay Christians who for a very reasonable price are providing this service to churches.  Go here to listen to a webinar on the subject.   www.grimmbrothersmedia.com/webinar.html

What is really cool about all of the above is how cheap they are to implement and maintain.  Don’t think your church can’t provide these important tools of communication for your members and those interested in your church.  And please don’t think that an online presence is irrelevant for you and your church.  Thinking like that will only keep you from the reality of the times we live in.  Thinking like that will keep your house from being filled.

Mark Brooks

Founder and President

The Charis Group

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