Myth: We need to have a website to show that we are up to date.

Websites can be a great first impression. The flip side is that websites can be confusing, off putting or irrelevant. The greatest frustration I have experienced with church websites throughout the years is this…

There’s no point having a website if it hasn’t been updated regularly and the “upcoming events” happened 18 months ago! It sends out a signal that visitors who might want to “check out” a church via their website aren’t that important. It has in the past made me look elsewhere for a church that has up-to-date information.

If a website is not kept up-to-date then it can have the opposite effect than the one desired (of showing that we are up to date). Depending on the graphics, pictures, fonts and layout used it can give an impression of a very ‘dated’ church or equally a very ‘flashy’ church.

I believe churches can use a website to enhance their communication to the members of the church and the public alike. If there is someone who is skilled and creative and has the time necessary to keep the site up to date on a weekly basis then it’s a fantastic idea – as long as it serves the greater purpose and vision of the church.

Kia ora

Kia ora,

As you can see my name is Shar and I hail from the home of the greatest super 14 rugby team - Canterbury. However duty calls and I currently reside in Kirikiriroa aka Hamilton. I am a Salvation Army Officer (minister/pastor) and am in my 11th year of service. I have been enrolled with Otago University for the last 8 years working my way through a BA (Maori Studies) and a BTheol (Biblical Studies). For the most part I really enjoy the study and on the days I don't, I simply remind myself of the student discount I can access :)

I am currently pastoring a church in the Western Suburbs of Hamilton (my 4th year there) and love it. I love looking for creative ways to communicate the principles of God's kingdom in such a way that people have those moments of "revelation" that change not only their view of themselves, others and God, but also brings change to how they actually live.

I am really looking forward to learning heaps from this paper and from everyone's contribution to it.