Transcript Slide 1
Using Technology for Outreach
Regional Outreach Conference
Phoenix, AZ February 18-19
Protests in Egypt
St. Augustine
• • • Egyptian Gold is still Gold It can be used to create idols Or to bring glory to God!
Theological Foundation
Evangelism is . . .
Connecting the Gospel to the hearts of people.
Message Means Results
Theological Foundation
• Technology is only a tool for the end purpose of sharing the Gospel • Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God to salvation”
Technology Fundamentals
• • • Use multiple media – People are bombarded by advertising – Multiple contacts are usually necessary Requires investment (some free, some costly) – Time – Money Track what is working – What is cost effective?
Technology Fundamentals
• • • • • Update with changing technology Understand generational differences – Likely that you will need communicate differently Keep ahead of the wave – Watch for new technology TECH needs to lead to TOUCH!
Don’t get discouraged
Deadly Sins of Church Marketing
1.Ignore your audience 2. Fail to deliver on promises 3. Ignore your window for church growth - New Year’s Resolutions - Easter - Back to School - Christmas Eve
Deadly Sins of Church Marketing
4. Fail to speak the language of the culture 5. Drip marketing 6. All you need is on online strategy 7. Fail to create curiosity 8. Fail to create controversy
Back Office Essentials
• • • Have a plan Have systems in place – Working knowledge of processes – Human resources – Database / hardware Manage/Monitor your online presence
Possible Media
• • • • • • Social Networking Websites Blogs Micro-sites Website Email blasts – www.mailchimp.com or Constant contact Radio / Television
Websites
• • Foundation of Outreach through Technology – All other media points back to web site – Is able to present significant information about your ministry • Dynamic but not chaotic – Consider the Pre-Christian when designing • Perhaps have “New to ministry” or “Not new” as the first choice Track your hits – Track you pages
◦ ◦ Top Sites For Churches: Facebook Quality interaction between constituents “Team Building through group communication Twitter Pipeline , sharing news with followers Finding new constituents Analyzing audience
Facebook View interaction of similar pages Twitter www.search.twitter.com
(like Google) Blogs www.google.com/alerts
Blogs ◦ ◦ Your Church’s blog Other religious organizations, such as LCMS Church events Church news Bible verses Prayer requests
◦ ◦ Sendible ◦ ◦ ◦ Set up much like email Schedule posts Mention tracking Hootsuite Interaction tracking Slightly more complicated
Blogs
• What is a blog: An online editorial page with the ability for people to respond • Share vision always. Your actions and activities should always support that vision.
• Take your audience with you. This will determine content: - To the extent you are able, help them see, touch, sense .... be present with you.
- Yes, its informational but more about engagement
Blogs
• - Give them a glimpse into your mind...what you are thinking and feeling. Your audience is always gauging authenticity.
Share the result not in numerics but in stories. - Make it personal and real.
- Help people care.
• - Help people identify.
A Blog is a conversation. Your audience is just one – your best friend. Ask questions. Ask what they think. Invite them to be a part of the experience.
Micro-sites
• • • Definition: A website that is create for a specific event or purpose. Why? – Allows you to be creative – The unchurched may not be interested in what they think is a church website Examples: – Mymessedupfamily.tv
– OtayRanchActiveFamily.com
Email Blasts
• • • • • Build and maintain databases Privacy policy Attractive (on everyone’s computer) Linked to other media Cheap!
How do I avoid being SPAM?
• • • • Relationship Relevance Refreshing Relationships that lead to sharing the Gospel!
Notes
• • • • • Coordinating various components Consistent branding iPhone apps Utube Texting (especially youth)