What Is Web Ministry?

Web Ministry

Web ministry is any and every way that your church can or could reach out to members, visitors, seekers and leaders through a variety of Web and Internet technology tools. Most people think of Web ministry as having a website, but there is so much more to developing and maintaining a dynamic Web ministry for your local church, district or conference organization of The United Methodist Church. In fact, Web ministry should be just as prominent and integrated into your congregation or organization's total ministry plan as any other aspect. Here's what we mean when we say, "Web Ministry."

Web ministry offers avenues of timely, critical response and engagement, and it promises a real presence to those searching for answers.

Web ministry is about building dynamic, interactive, multi-layered activites and services that expand the church's reach to connect with billions of users 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so that any person, any time and anywhere can become a disciple of Jesus Christ and enter into a life-changing, world-transforming journey of faith, hope and love.

Web ministry adapts the tools of the Internet and resources of the world-wide Web to fulfill the church's mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It makes use of the vast communication and information cyber-highway to connect with 1.596 billion people (World Internet Stats, March 2009).

How can your local church, district or conference organization of The United Methodist Church make use of the technology tools of our day to be in ministry to all the world-wide Web? Consider these steps and get started today:

1. Form a Web ministry team of at least 3 people who have a passion for using Web and Internet technology for effective ministry.
2. Secure buy-in from key people and groups to ensure everyone is onboard with your Web ministry plans and is prepared to assist as needed to keep this dynamic ministry alive.
3. Browse other church and nonprofit organization websites to discover what you like (and don't like) about their Web presence.
4. Develop a purpose and goals for your Web ministry that are aligned with your overall mission and ministry.
5. Identify your target audience groups for your Web ministry and get to know what they expect and need from your Web presence.
6. Update your Find-A-Church profile (local churches in the U.S.) and utilize this free Web presence as a way to reach seekers and visitors.

To learn more about how to develop a dynamic Web ministry for your local church, district or conference organization, take the facilitated  online course, "What Is Web Ministry?"  What is Web Ministry? is the first of a four-part series of courses designed for -- and facilitated by -- church staff.