Online technologies can change ways we do ministry

Throughout the summer of 2005, I traveled with researchers to meet United Methodist members and leaders. We wanted to understand how church members use and don’t use the Internet.
In addition, we took every opportunity to speak with people on planes and buses who had never been to church to learn what might motivate them to visit on Sunday morning.
Based on these hundreds of hours of interviews, we built the new UMC.org, launched last January.
A common desire ran the interviews: Create a Web site that attracts Generation Y (born 1981-1999) and the New Silent Generation (born mid-1990s to mid-2000s).
Unfortunately, no single Web site can create the revolution that people were asking us to start. A Web site can create a spark leading people to communities of faith.
The grassroots revolution happens when congregations step outside their walls to offer hope to those ignored by society.
Here are some facts from the Pew Internet and Life Project to consider:
> To teens e-mail is increasingly seen as a tool for communicating with adults and institutions. IM (instant messaging) is used for everyday conversations with friends.
> Fifty-five percent of all online American youths (ages 12-17) use social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook.
These statistics show we will need to be well-versed in new technologies to be in ministry with these young people in the coming years.
The advent of the Internet, video/audio streaming and social networking means that a congregation’s active and tithing members may not live in the local community. Some may live two states away. That means our traditional forms of ministry may occur online, through blogs, instant messages and more.
We can’t stop or curtail this reality. The train has left the station. The question is: How will we equip ourselves to be relevant in the lives of the Y and New Silent generations?
Churches that have embraced new technologies see these tools as extensions of ministry. They enhance our traditional definition of ministry.
A church Web site ought to be considered a virtual meeting space for your congregation. Many congregations spend millions of dollars to start a satellite church or build a new wing. Imagine the impact on the lives of young people by using just 20 percent of that amount to create a dynamic Web site.
All the tools and resources you will need to start the revolution are available online. Are you ready for the revolution?
The United Methodist News Service distributed this commentary.