Just a few minutes on: ◦ Registering a domain ◦ Finding a host for your website ◦ Maintaining...

Websites and Social Media

Just a few minutes on:

◦ Registering a domain

◦ Finding a host for your website

◦ Maintaining your website

First some “Nuts and Bolts” –

What’s a domain name?

◦ Email me@yournamehere.org

◦ Website at www.yournamehere.org

How do I get or “register” a domain?

Should I register just one domain name?

Can I keep my domain name forever?

Registering a domain

You need a home for your website◦ A website host stores your webpages and ◦ Keeps your website on the internet

Things to know when shopping◦ What are the fees (e.g., start-up, upgrade)?◦ How much disk space is guaranteed?◦ Technical support available 24x7? Response

Time?◦ How do I do a backup of my website?

Bandwidth and Data Transfer limits?

Website Host

Hosting Services

Someone needs to build it◦ Web content management software◦ Plan for expansion

You need a commitment to maintain it◦ Outdated data, broken links, etc.◦ Check the mail box (info@yournamehere.org)

Define a process for posting info

Can I keep my domain name forever?

Maintaining your website

From http://www.topsite.com/best/lutheran

Your Congregation’s Website

5 WEBSITE ESSENTIALS

1. Basic, boring information:Contact Info Schedule Directions

2. Easy to find Statement of Beliefs

3. Staff and Leadership Page

4. Sermons – podcasts, videos, text

5. Social Media Buttons

PICTURES AND SAFETY

ELCA Website Safety Info

Stock VS Local Photos

Privacy

Protecting Children and Youth

RESOURCE CENTERLinks

Newsletters

Photo Gallery

Daily Readings

More!

REFLECTION OF MISSION STATEMENTA congregation’s mission statement provides vision and

direction for its ministries. A congregation’s website can help to proclaim the mission statement to members and to

the community. Website viewers will connect more strongly to emotions and to ways they can help.

Key words from the mission statement can be matched to key images to help the mission come alive. Action words are best, as they can be connected to expressions of ministry. Verbs draw people into the mission.

Examples are the words GATHER, GROW, AND GO. We gather in the Lord’s name, we grow together in Christ, and we go forth to serve.

The action words can reflect the congregation’s intersections with the local and global communities, and key images can convey these ministries. What emotions might these words and images create?

MISSION STATEMENT AND WEBSITE

Why use social media?

TwitterWhat is Twitter?

What in the world is # all about?

What could your church do with Twitter?

FACEBOOKWhat is Facebook?

What could your church do with Facebook?

PINTERESTWhat is Pinterest?

What can your church do with Pinterest?

If you can’t wait until February, check out the

Vibrant Faith Ministries Social Media Training

February 8, 2014USING MEDIA IN YOUR CONGREGATION

Projectors, Twitter, Websites, Screens, Podcasts, Facebook—What do all of these have to do with ministry? Join us to learn how to make your congregation technology friendly.

St Paul's Lutheran Lodi, CA

Sierra Pacific Synod

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

SAVE THE DATE!

Questions????

Q & A