These days, using the web to organize and share your youth ministry ideas and content with teens (and their parents) is a no-brainer. After all, results from a survey conducted by Pew Research indicate that, as of September 2012, 95% of all U.S. teens ages 12-17 are now online.
Further, a 2018 Pew Research survey finds that 95% of teens now report they have a smartphone or access to one. These mobile connections are, in turn, fueling more-persistent online activities. Forty-five percent (45%) of teens say they are online on a near-constant basis.
That's why it makes sense that youth pastors looking for ways to connect with teens (and their parents) would do well to use the Internet to foster communication and build community.
One way to accomplish that is by building a youth ministry website or adding an unique Web page to your church website.
I looked at a lot of youth ministry pages as part of my research for this article. Most of the church websites I reviewed have included a page that generally describes their youth ministry. Page content was often limited to a mission statement, summary description, and meeting times.
Fact is, these pages are more "push." Their purpose is to provide (or push) information out about the church's youth ministry. This isn't the kind of Web page I'm talking about creating here.
The kind of Web page or website I'm referring to should be an efficient, user-friendly option for assembling and sharing your incredible youth ministry ideas and content.
It should be an engaging, interactive, informative hub for teens and parents alike. And, it should "pull" people in by being an exciting, active, virtual tour and experience—a taste—of the life of your youth ministry.
Now, that might sound like a tall order. On the contrary. Achieving it can be easier than you think.
To help get you started, here is a roundup of articles focused on the "why and what" of youth ministry websites.
These should help you think through whether or not creating a website to assemble and share your youth ministry ideas is right for your church.
You'll also learn why using Facebook alone is a bad option. And, finally, you'll discover ideas for creating content your site visitors are hungry for.
Why build a Youth Ministry Website? What goes in it?
Should you, shouldn't you, and what about Facebook?
Is your church using a website with "pull" to assemble and share your youth ministry ideas and content with the world?
Inspire the rest of us! Share a link to it in the Comments below. When you do, enjoy a little SEO link juice on me!