Using Technology for Using Technology for OutreachOutreach

Regional Outreach ConferencePhoenix, AZ

February 18-19

Protests in Egypt

• Egyptian Gold is still Gold

• It can be used to create idols

• Or to bring glory to God!

St. AugustineSt. Augustine

Theological FoundationTheological Foundation

Evangelism is . . .Evangelism is . . .

Connecting the Gospel to the hearts of people.

Message Means Results

• 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”

Theological FoundationTheological Foundation

• 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 Technology FundamentalsFundamentals

• 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

Technology Technology FundamentalsFundamentals

1.Ignore your audience2. Fail to deliver on promises3. Ignore your window for church growth

- New Year’s Resolutions- Easter- Back to School- Christmas Eve

Deadly Sins of Church Deadly Sins of Church MarketingMarketing

4. Fail to speak the language of the culture

5. Drip marketing6. All you need is on online strategy7. Fail to create curiosity8. Fail to create controversy

Deadly Sins of Church Deadly Sins of Church MarketingMarketing

• Have a plan• Have systems in place–Working knowledge of processes– Human resources– Database / hardware

• Manage/Monitor your online presence

Back Office EssentialsBack Office Essentials

• Social Networking Websites• Blogs• Micro-sites• Website• Email blasts– www.mailchimp.com or Constant contact

• Radio / Television

Possible MediaPossible Media

• 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

WebsitesWebsites

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

FacebookView interaction of similar pages

Twitterwww.search.twitter.com (like Google)

Blogswww.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

• 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

BlogsBlogs

- 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.

BlogsBlogs

• 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

Micro-sitesMicro-sites

• Build and maintain databases• Privacy policy• Attractive (on everyone’s computer)• Linked to other media• Cheap!

Email Blasts Email Blasts

• Relationship• Relevance• Refreshing• Relationships that lead to sharing the Gospel!

How do I avoid being How do I avoid being SPAM?SPAM?

• Coordinating various components• Consistent branding• iPhone apps• Utube• Texting (especially youth)

NotesNotes