01/21/11
A new LifeWay Research study shows that 78% of churches today maintain websites, an increase of 70% since 2006. Substantially all of churches over 500 in attendance and more than half of those with less than 50 in attendance maintain websites. Doug Akers, coordinator for LifeWay’s website hosting service, said, “Website creation and upkeep that require no technical expertise have made it easy for many churches to begin maintaining websites. It’s no wonder so many churches are taking advantage of the communication opportunities a website offers.” In addition, 86% of churches report they provide Internet access for their staff, including 81% who provide e-mail access, an increase of 40% since 2006. Scott McConnell, director of LifeWay Research, added that over 20% have even added wireless broadband access to the Internet. “Churches are increasingly aware of the Internet as a critical tool for their staff. [This new research] reveals that many churches are pushing in the right direction when it comes to leveraging technology to accomplish their ministry goals and objectives…it will be fascinating to see how churches keep pace with new technologies needed to reach their communities throughout the next five years.”
