A past moderator, Bill Phipps, wrote a book "Cause for Hope". In it he makes the point that people (we) live by the stories we tell. He even makes the point that for us to change the future is rather easy; all we have to do is change the story! Assuming that he is right, this would be an interesting tool for us to use. We could begin by contemplating what our society is like and then make the connection with the foundational stories we tell.

There seems to be a certain je ne sais quoi of clunkiness that many church websites share. Perhaps it's that they are a bit obtuse or obscure. Perhaps they're filled with too much clutter. Perhaps the information users come to the site for isn't easily accessible.

In each case, a bad church website can be a real impediment in the Internet age.

If you find YOUR church website is suffering this kind of ailment, a recent entry on WebDrivenChurch.com is right up your alley. While looking through thousands of church web sites they found 10 consistent problems things that needed serious attention. Check out their "quick and easy task list" for making changes, and see if it doesn't ring a bell.

Even if your church is a small one that doesn't necessarily "have the know how or resources to put together a cutting edge website," there are still a lot of options. "Even a free blog can look more professional than a poorly done website."

Also remember: WonderCafe microsites are available to all United Church congregations. If your church is looking for a way to establish a presence on the Internet -- or if you would just like to post information about your church on a site that gets lots of traffic, then contact us for more information on how to start your microsite.

[h/t: Church Marketing Sucks]

Originally published on www.emergingspirit.ca