Trust Agents – Group Blogging Project

I’m doing another group blogging project and I’m really excited! We’re going to be going over the book “Trust Agents” by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. I’m excited to learn more about how to leverage media to promote the church. I posted this not too long ago saying that I want a new website. I’m still working on this process and have been given a “Go-Ahead” by my communications pastor to move forward! I’m really excited about a new website for my church. I’m thinking that this book might bring me some insight into what kind of web strategy we should be using. I know that we need a new website. That much has been determined. I just don’t know what exactly it should look like.

I’m hopeful that our new website will do all three of the things listed on the front of this book.

Build Influence

The book talks about building influence in the following ways: being a gathering place, bringing people into the circle, creating a group, creating a database of connections and establishing connections.

Improve Reputation

When you think of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church… what thoughts come to mind? If you are not from the Naperville, IL area it is very possible you haven’t heard of us. That needs to change. We are doing some really cool things here at OSLC! We are primarily a missions church. But you wouldn’t know that unless you are a part of our “inner circle”.

Earn Trust

We at OSLC have developed a level of trust with the people that come through our doors every week for our various activities, including worship. We have not built trust with people on the web. I will tell you a secret. There is currently false information listed on our website. Not intentionally of course! But there are things that are out-of-date and other things listed as true that are not. We’re aware of this issue… after all, admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery right?!

I read a post earlier today titled “How the Web is Changing the Role of the Church Communications Director”. It links to two more posts written by Tim Schraeder. [thinking out loud: He lives in Chicago... maybe I can take him to lunch?] It seems he made some drastic changes over at his church in a very short time.

Does your church website Build Influence, Improve Reputation & Earn Trust?