Internet Development Services in the commercial world can easily run you anywhere from $5000.00 to over $100.000.00 depending on the services you require to meet your objectives. The technologies change so rapidly it's really hard to keep up with it if you don't have someone who can devote their full-time attention.
Not only that, your website could easily become your worst nightmare if you select the wrong structure, if your webmaster suddenly leaves, or if any of a dozen other things that could go wrong...do.
Harvest Media would like to help you to access the best technology and internet services needed to bring the Gospel of Christ Jesus to our neighbors around the globe at a faction of the cost of commercial website development services.
Here's how...
Using The Internet for Ministry Purposes
In our modern technological age what is the best way to reach out to as many people as possible with the Great commission given to us by Jesus Christ?
Other questions we should ask are:
- What are the different types of media available and how do they compare to one another.
- What is their value for communicating the Gospel?
- How can Web Development services be broken down?
- How Cost effective is it?
- And what would be the overall philosophy for using this medium in addition to the others?
Comparison of Media Outlets
Media for the most part can be separated into two classifications: One-Way Communications and Two-Way Communications.
One-Way Communication - separated into three categories:
- Print - The print category can be subcategorized into the following subgroups:
- Tracts
- Magazines
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Door Hangers
- Bulletins
- Newsletters
- Books
- Pamphlets
- Radio - Radio into four subgroups:
- TV/Video - TV and Video services can be classified into the following subgroups:
- Broadcast TV
- Satellite
- Cable
- In-House Media/Corporate
- VCR/DVD
- Other Video Formats
Two-way communication can be separated into three categories also:
- Face to Face - Of these the most important and most powerful is face to face communications because we can develop relationships and trust as well as read body language which often accounts for up to 90 percent of all communications.
- Postal - Next in line would be postal services, because of the ability to access most areas of the world with it. However the time to receive and resend can be quite long. But, again relationships are cultivated and fruitful.
- Web/Email - The last category is the newest, and is capable of having the most potential of all for communicating the Gospel worldwide.
The Web is a conglomeration of multiple media types.
- Print - With the web we have the ability to read information on websites that can then be downloaded to a local computer for print out or other uses.
- Video - Can be played from third party sites, downloaded to local computers for viewing, embedded into web pages for viewing on-line and sent all over the world through email.
Video can contain informational materials and training, or purely entertainment. Either way video leaves a lasting impression upon the viewer.
- Audio - For those who have limited bandwidth or would like larger distribution of their radio programs, audio from the web can be a service to many.
Numerous teaching programs can be downloaded and listened to off-line on portable listening devices like IPods, and can be conveniently downloaded in the background while doing other computer tasks.
- Podcasting (Video and Audio) - College and technical schools, as well as numerous ministries, are currently providing podcasting services free of charge to those desiring to participate.
- Data/Telephone - The web also provides telephone and data services through Voice over IP services. Satellite Cellular services and Satellite Web services also provide access to the web even in remote locations worldwide.
What Is The Potential Reach Of these Media Outlets?
According to the "Global Internet Statistics (by Language)" provided by GlobalReach.com, English speakers comprise 35.8% of the world's population who are currently online. Non-English speakers comprise the other 64.2 %.
What is most notable is the potential. Of total world population, English speakers comprise 56% of all Internet access while non-English speakers drop to less than 1% penetration with .09% having Internet access.
Currently there are well over a billion websites online right now. Looking at the potential reach of the Internet, we can see that this medium for communications is very much still in its infancy.
Harnessing This Powerful Medium
The "Church" has yet to effectively harness and use this medium for the greatest benefit. Those willing to provide ministries with proper training and resources needed to tap into this versatile delivery system will help reap a vast harvest.
To get started, read >> The Seven Phases of Website Development
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