It was an uncharacteristically warm winter day, even for Texas, and I decided I would take that opportunity to get my car washed. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea, as the lines that day were long. Ever prepared, I grabbed my tablet and headed inside to do some reading while I waited. As I opened my tablet and clicked over to an eBook, I happened to glance up and realized there was a very large number of other people doing the same thing.
I can’t say that I was particularly surprised, as reading is on the rise – eReading, that is. And I can’t help but feel like the Church is missing a great opportunity here.
Here are 4 Reasons Your Church Should Publish eBooks:
1. Popularity
Over time, eBooks have become extremely popular. To date, publishers are now publishing 78% of their books via electronic format over paper format. Another interesting statistic, also related to digital publishing, is that reading itself is on the rise, up 30% according to Time Magazine. From paper to digital, people are more and more accustomed to reading eBooks. And the primary reason people say they are reading? They are reading for education, to make their life, business, and family better.
2. Sharable
eBooks are not only a great way to communicate with your audience, but if they like the content, eBooks are easily shared. Two great examples of ebooks widely being shared by the church are the YouVersion Bible and Jesus Calling. It’s likely you have one of these on your smartphone or tablet right now.
3. Connectivity
By providing free eBooks to your church and community, you generate a way to capture their email address. And before you discount this as some slick marketing trick, think of it this way; you can use this method to keep your database up to date, a direct link to staying connected to your members. In addition, you can use the email address to provide a way to connect with people on a deeper level, via pastoral newsletter, daily devotionals, etc.
4. Strategically
Based on the vision and priorities of your church, strategically create eBooks that help your church live out the calling God has for your church. For example, develop the “Story of Your Church” eBook, or a devotional series aligned with a sermon series, or a compilation of life change stories eBook. The possibilities are endless.
eBooks are educational, easily attainable, and a smart idea for churches who want to strengthen and deepen their relationship with their audience.
Does your church use eBooks as a communication tool? Do you think it is a good idea for churches to use eBooks?
