One of the greatest needs in ministry today is better leadership in terms of web technology and its appropriate use in ministry.
There are, without question, tons of practitioners and those that are using them but without a solid foundation of leadership there isn’t a lot actually being done.
Someone needs to tie it all together, give the people a clear path and vision for where they are headed, a mission to be accomplished, goals to be fulfilled, and a definitive purpose.
Our time online is too easily wasted; leadership helps rope it in.
Vince says
The half baked web site/app ideas are the thorn in my side.
I think the biggest hurdle to get people over is the understanding of what types of functionality users will actually use.
I think most of the leaders around me are learning that a web app will not make less work for you…which used to be the prevailing thought.
human3rror says
word up. i agree.
klreed189 says
Great point. I feel that I put a ton of work into my web space and strategy but the return is very small and really probably not worth the work. But to be honest I enjoy doing it so I will continue.
But I know that if I was at a church and putting this much work into something with very little return or response some questions would not to be asked.
i remember a couple of years ago producing a podcast for a church and getting it ready to go. After a couple of months we had about 6 listeners. The amount of time I spent on getting it ready seemed to be difficult to excuse based on the response that we were getting. I really enjoyed putting it together, but people were not responding.
I think we have to look at our goals and where we want to head. If we want to develop online community then we have to put in the work. Goals should motivate our web technology.
Graham Brenna says
Of course I agree as well. We at Our Saviour's know that we need a new website. I'm starting to think it's me that has to write up this definitive plan for our web ministry and carry it out. Even though I'm not a part of our communications team on paper… I am in practice.
ryanbrymer says
John,
Are you suggesting that 1) each organization needs it's own leader or that 2) as a culture we need a digital John Maxwell to provide guidance and wisdom (with a new book on the subject every 6 months – j/k)
Jim says
without solid leadership and training we are just a bunch of sheep
human3rror says
and stupid sheep at that.
Jim says
for me it goes back to 2 things: surrounding ourselves with rockstar leadership and collegues. In my case I work alone, but also in tandem with others. So I reach out to those who are 5-10 years ahead for guidance. Otherwise, without some goals and strategy development, I'm just wasting my time. Lord knows there's been plenty of that.