In doing some work on another website I manage, I recently learned about the website of a new church plant in Palo Alto, California — PathwayPaloAlto.com. When I visited the website, I found a site which reflects a refreshing philosophy of targeting unbelievers rather than existing members of the church.
That philosophy is demonstrated by several facets of the site:
- The primary content of the front page of the site suggests that true fulfillment lies in being connected to God and connected to others, a message which seems to be targeted at unbelievers.
- The sidebars on the site include a number of intriguing quotations which will hopefully raise probing questions in the hearts of those who have not yet committed their lives to Christ.
- The site gives visitors the opportunity to sign up to receive (via email) a series of six articles on “The Power of Connecting with Others,” which are presumably designed to encourage readers to enter into friendships with those who are already part of this congregation.
- The website does not use a lot of religious language.
- The contact page lists the pastor’s cell phone number but not a land line! Amazing. What that says to people who aren’t part of the church is, “We’re available to meet you and help you anywhere, anytime.” Refreshing.
- The church is using a blog to memorialize the messages which are shared at their gatherings.
The church planter, Scott Aughtmon (who actually calls himself a “church gatherer” - another refreshing perspective), appears to have just started another blog to record his thoughts and experiences during the church planting (gathering) process.
All in all, a very refreshing church presence on the web!
I believe that the internet provides today's church with a historic opportunity .... to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love in ways which could only have been imagined in times past. The objective of this website is to explore the various ways in which today's technology can be used to spread the gospel around the world.
