If you check out the Pathways Church website, the site of the UUA's first large church startup, it says pathways is about people. And part of being about people is communicating with them! Those familiar with UU churches and our websites will notice how slick this website is. Pathways is putting into practice some important lessons which most churches are slow to pick up on.
Your website is the most important publication you have and tells the world who and what you are.
You should have pictures of people on your website.
It should be clear and easy to navigate.
Your message should be obvious.
You should have easy ways to contact human beings.
Your options for joining groups should be very prominant.
I love that Pathways has a "Community" link that takes you to info about small groups. It is VERY clear how Pathways is going to help you connect to people.
Some advice: Imagine that your only publication is your website. Put everything you offer online. Have a weekly or bi-monthly email update for anyone in the world interested in your church. Make it EASY to know what is going on and how to get involved.
What? Oh... You're right. That takes skill, time, money and a whole lot of intention. You better believe it. And you should do it. Its as important as your minister not having spinach between her teeth while she preaches on Sunday morning. Newcomers will forgive some lingering greens. They will not hesitate to surf on and find a different church.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Learn to FRAME the issue and take back American values.
I recently saw George Lakoff speak at the UUA's General Assembly in Fort Worth, TX.
If you are a religious liberal or other progressive and want to grab the steering wheel and keep America from following her/his present course, read Lakoff's book, Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate--The Essential Guide for Progressives.
Reviews describe it as " the definitive handbook for understanding and communicating effectively about key issues in the 2004 election, and beyond. Read it, take action—and help take America back."
I would suggest that you not only get the book and read it, but start integrating Lakoff's framing for our progressive values into your sermons, newspaper articles, letters to the editor, and so on.
Lakoff offers these unifying progressive values:
If you are a religious liberal or other progressive and want to grab the steering wheel and keep America from following her/his present course, read Lakoff's book, Don't Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate--The Essential Guide for Progressives.
Reviews describe it as " the definitive handbook for understanding and communicating effectively about key issues in the 2004 election, and beyond. Read it, take action—and help take America back."
I would suggest that you not only get the book and read it, but start integrating Lakoff's framing for our progressive values into your sermons, newspaper articles, letters to the editor, and so on.
Lakoff offers these unifying progressive values:
- Stronger America
- Broad Prosperity
- Better Future
- Effective Government
- Mutual Responsibility
These are listed on page 94. How about an adult program that looks at each of these compared to the conservative alternatives in the light of our UU Principles? I'd go to that one...
You can watch an online video of one of Lakoff's UUA General Assembly programs by visiting the UUA's GA website or clicking here.
That fresh blog scent...
Don't you love that fresh blog scent?
Welcome to my new UU PLANET blog. This blog will contain a broader range of commentary on the world from where I sit, here at UU PLANET. I will continue to post small group ministry content to my other blog. Though that blog will be moved to UU PLANET in the not too distant future.
Welcome to my new UU PLANET blog. This blog will contain a broader range of commentary on the world from where I sit, here at UU PLANET. I will continue to post small group ministry content to my other blog. Though that blog will be moved to UU PLANET in the not too distant future.
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