I spent some time helping a ministry brainstorm some strategy on starting an online ministry and campus recently and I spoke to several points that I thought I’d share here from my experience of launching an online ministry/campus and the many conversations I’ve had with ministry technologists and leaders.
I’m so thankful that many ministries and organizations are looking toward online versions of their messages and experiences so as to export the amazing message we have to offer.
Kudos to all of you! So, here are 5 quick tips:
1. Consider Technology Last
One of the posts that I’ve talked about in the POST Method for a Social Media Strategy for Ministry is making a technological decision last. Consider culture, context, leadership, audience, and other important things first.
It’s far too easy to actually execute technologically. Don’t get pulled in too quickly!
2. Consider Open Source Alternatives
There are many robust alternatives to a lot of paid services out there and you shouldn’t scratch it off the list quite yet. Do your research and you may come out on top, both in terms of cost and effectiveness!
3. Launch Lean
There’s nothing wrong with launching your first version as a “trimmed-down” version. You don’t need to bloat your experience because there’s always room to add.
In addition, from a tech perspective, you don’t need to use a CMS the first time either. Why not just some nice and well-coded CSS and XHTML?
4. Staff Appropriately
One of the biggest issues that a number of organizations face is feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done initially and continually after launching the campus. Finding the right people with the right skill sets is crucial to your success.
Finding volunteer resources is valuable as well. They will make your ministry top-notch and sustainable long term.
5. Pray
If I could stress this important part more I would. Just do it.
Kyle Gilbert says
Great recommendations, John!
My two biggest regrets with our launch were:
1) While we had a few people on board to serve as volunteers, I wish I had brought more people on board from the beginning.
2) We didn’t launch with any online group component. We waited WAY too long to get this started.
John Saddington says
good thoughts. sometimes it’s good to launch in stages.
Vince Marotte says
“Launch Lean”
So true. That has really paid off for us. It can be hard because the potential reach using the web is so massive, you can quickly get overwhelmed.
John Saddington says
i like lean bacon too.
Jim Gray says
in my experience, #4 seems to come last…and most teams are already strapped for time with pushing out other projects…pray for wisdom+volunteers+buy-in…it’s a big step to do an online ministry, and it’s not for everyone.