64 Ways to Use the Internet in Your Church or Organization

by · August 18, 2010

***If you are wondering why the image of former Vice President of the USA, Al Gore is being used for this post about the Internet, click here.***

Unlike the 1990s, the Internet is here and here to stay. At Stc, we believe that this modern marvel is the printing press of the 21st century, revolutionizing the way the Church does church and spreads the Good News. Obviously there are more than 64 uses of the Internet, help us expand the list by commenting below and we will update it. If you disagree or need clarification, just say something and we will clear it up. If we are lucky, we can make this list expand into something bigger with new sections and subtitles. This is just a start.

    Internal Communication

  1. provide effective internal database of attenders
  2. send text message updates
  3. provide children’s check-in
  4. hold new family registration (TheCity, FellowshipOne, etc)
  5. make online giving available
  6. schedule appointments
  7. book weddings, funerals and special events
  8. hold remote meetings (GoToMeeting, Skype, etc)
  9. host project management (Basecamp, etc)
  10. manage resources and rooms (EventU)
  11. distribute employee work schedules
  12. take guest experience surveys
  13. connect small groups online
  14. host custom email signatures
  15. manage finances
  16. hold focus groups
  17. host digital art show (Flickr)
  18. provide event registration/sign up
  19. host online community groups
  20. share large files (Dropbox)
  21. publish ministry specific blogs
  22. get user submitted photos and videos
  23. schedule and manage volunteers
  24. follow up with guests
  25. hold fundraising auction

    26. External Communication

  26. maintain an effective web strategy
  27. spread the Good News
  28. host a series-specific microsite
  29. post viral videos (YouTube, Vimeo, etc)
  30. upload sermons
  31. create Facebook community
  32. advertise on Facebook
  33. market the church traditionally
  34. create a community blog
  35. open a discussion/Q&A
  36. host community classifieds
  37. receive and share testimonies
  38. poll the audience via text
  39. create a prayer request form
  40. dialogue with church on Twitter
  41. seek new employees for hiring
  42. offer an email newsletter (MailChimp, etc)
  43. promote ministries and programs
  44. have get to know the staff page
  45. provide a form for reporting needs
  46. offer a digital “invite a friend” card
  47. set up a CoTweet for the staff
  48. develop an app (iPhone, iPad, Droid)

    49. Production

  49. store video/images on media server
  50. provide public Wifi access for guests
  51. allow private WiFi for staff
  52. host staff training videos and discussion
  53. share resources with other churches
  54. hold worship/drama auditions via YouTube/Vimeo
  55. stream services and events live
  56. plan and coordinate services (Planning Center)
  57. distribute material and music for the band
  58. share files locally over WiFi
  59. offer live blogging/Tweeting services
  60. pipe in a live feed from other campuses
  61. create a tech booth/behind the scenes blog
  62. sell/buy equipment on Craigslist/eBay
  63. convert video and files on the cheap
  64. collaborate with other production teams online

Filed Under: Strategy, Technology

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