I’ve talked to lots of people through the years about websites. I spoken to many people who have never even thought of the idea of having a website for their church, let alone any specific ministry. However, statistics show that when someone who is new to town is looking for a church, they will 95% of the time turn to the internet.

That being said, your website says everything about your church to a potential visitor. You could have the best programs in the state, a 3500-member congregation, the top performing musical groups in existence, and the most dynamic staff available, but if your website looks bad, the perception of your church will be also. Think of it this way: the amount of effort you put toward your web presence is a direct reflection of your church to a potential visitor. I’ve heard people say, “Well, if this church was really concerned about seeking new people, it would at least have put some time into this website.”

We have to realize that there was certainly a time that churches and ministries didn’t need websites – but that time is long gone. No longer is having a website an option, it’s a requirement. If we plan to reach this generation for Christ in a culture that is so fast-paced that choosing a place of worship is as easy as a point and a click, a good website is crucial. I truly believe that the churches that realize this will be more effective at fulfilling the Great Commission.

For more info on how NOT to build a website, check out this great article from Collide magazine.

As always, if you’d like to talk more with me about website design for your church, hit me up.

The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Ah, Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.” But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the LORD. Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” – Jeremiah 1:4-10

This has always been one of my favorite passages in the Old Testament. I think I like it because I can really identify with Jeremiah’s hesitance. This year, the theme for our youth ministry is “Destinations,” and it’s based on this text. Jeremiah was a youth, and felt as though he wasn’t ready to do God’s work in the world. Perhaps he felt as though his work wouldn’t really make a difference.

God, however, knew Jeremiah. He had a plan for Jeremiah’s life even before Jeremiah was in the womb. God knew Jeremiah’s destination. I’ve found that so often the youth of the Church feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things – but the promise of God is sure through Jeremiah: God knows us now, God has always known us, and God knows where we’re headed.

Think of it like this: if bought a GPS that would only take you to one location, and the voice giving you the turn-by-turn directions was God’s voice, what do you think would be your destination? Where would you be going? Even if you knew, what paths would you take to get there? Would you take the roads less traveled, or a super-highway? Would you take the road that conforms to culture, or the road that’s so radical that few will brave it? This year, I pray that God will use me to challenge our youth to seek out God’s plan for their lives, the plan that’s been around since before they were around.

So… where are you headed?

This past Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching the message at both of our services at FPC. The title of the message was “The Best-Laid Plans.” After thinking about how my own plans for my life had changed drastically over the years, I prayerfully considered how my situations might relate to others in our society. The result of my prayer and contemplation was this message. You can listen to it below. A transcript is also available underneath the audio version. I’d certainly love to hear your feedback!

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The Best Laid Plans – Transcript

In case you weren’t aware, I have a somewhat odd history with fast food establishments. I had almost forgotten about the aforementioned experiences until last night, when I had the long-awaited third installment of “Yes, I’d like fries with that.” It happened in a small city on the outskirts of Griffin, GA, at a Burger King. Without further adieu, here you go:

Employee (through the drive-thru speaker): “Burger King.”
Me (pausing for just a second): “Hi – I’d like a chicken sandwich value meal, large size with a Sprite to drink.”
Her: “5.75 drive around.”

I drove to the window. Thus far, nothing during this altercation signified to me that I was about to have my mind blown by the sheer “what the heck is going on” aspect of what was about to happen. I waited about 2 minutes before she finally came to the window.

Her: “We ain’t got no buns for da chicken sannwich. You want a whopper bun?”
Me: “Um, uh, (quick decision time) sure.”

She hands me a medium Sprite.

Me: “Oh, I’m sorry – I wanted it large sized.”
Her: “You didn’t say nothing.”
Me: “Um, well, could you make it large size?”

She then gave me this stare that looked like she wanted to yell at me, but she couldn’t – like when you stump your toe and you’re in a place where you can’t yell. So, she hands me the large Sprite, and the situation progresses.

After about 5 minutes (seriously), she comes back to the window, where I’ve put the car in park.

Her: “We ain’t got no chicken sandwiches. You want something else?”
Me: (sigh) “Um, no, I’ll just go somewhere else.”
Her: “OK den – you can keep da drank.”
Me: “Thanks.”

I never gave her any form of payment, by the way.

So I left, frustrated, eagerly searching for another reputable fast-food chain. I thought, “well, at least I can quench my thirst with this behemoth of a fountain drink.” That’s when I noticed that while the drink was free, she neglected to provide me with a straw. So here I am trying to pop the top on this gargantuan while navigating the back roads of central Georgia. I finally get the top off of the cup, and take a much-needed swig. That’s when I realized the reason she let me keep it. It was nothing but seltzer water.

Luckily, I found a Wendy’s about 20 miles down the road, and it was worth the wait. I hope that Burger King eventually gets some chicken sandwiches again. That, my friends, is a travesty.