Methodists target online seekers
A Pew Internet & American Life Project report revealed that 64 percent of Internet users in 2003 used the Web for spiritual and religious activities, a jump from 25 percent in 2001. Twenty-eight percent of respondents said they used the Internet to seek or exchange information about their own religious faith or tradition and 17 percent used the Internet to find information about where to attend religious services.
The United Methodist Church is using this data for its "Igniting Ministry" campaign to increase memebership and to assist seekers. According to The Christian Post:
More than 21 million people are expected to drop in on a new wave of online interactive ads being launched by one of the nation’s largest Protestant denominations.As part of a multi-million dollar "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." advertising campaign, The United Methodist Church will target the younger generation (22- to 44-year-olds) over the next two months with ad messages on the Internet.
"We're seeking to reach people who feel like something is missing from their life and are looking for meaning or purpose," said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of the United Methodist Communications, in a released statement. "Many of those people are searching online. We've chosen sites where they may be looking for something to fill a void in their lives - whether it's travel, relationships, or something more spiritual."
More on the campaign can be found here
I wonder what the latest data would show on internet usage and spiritual seekers. Episcopal Cafe is our way of reaching out.
I am very fond of this sight, checking in daily for the daily Episcopalian and Speaking to the Soul blogs, and sometimes a few times to follow the lead. However, I think that you are misleading yourself if you claim that this is an outreach to the unchurched, which is what you seem to be claiming in the context of this article. It seems to me that readers of Episcopal Cafe need to at lease have a previous interest in theology and church polity if not more than a passing knowledge of the current state of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Many things here are taken for granted. I love the sight, keep up the good work, but don't think that this is an effective entree for those who have no history with our church.
Posted by Josh Hoover![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
|
August 15, 2007 10:35 AM
Josh,
I agree. It is an aspiration we have rather than an accomplishment. Perhaps you'd agree that one of our accomplishments is to pass along information to those active in the church in seeking reach the unchurched.
Posted by John B. Chilton![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
|
August 15, 2007 11:10 AM
John,
Absolutely, in fact I have talked up the site to several parishioners and I know a few have been here because of comments I have heard. My hope is that being intrigued by what they read, they may share some things with friends (fingers crossed - don't use the E word).
However, don't depend on that. You provide a wonderful service by bringing together excellent writing in regards to how Episcopalians are relating in the world today that is informative and entertaining. At the absolute worst this site is a great resource to our church and its members.
--Josh Hoover
Posted by Josh Hoover![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
|
August 15, 2007 11:51 AM
What I want to know is this: if 64% use the internet for religious type things, why are so many church websites so *bad*!?!
Posted by Derek Olsen![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
|
August 15, 2007 1:15 PM