Unplug

It's Friday, so why not spend a few minutes making the world a better place? Today's project is church website graphics.

Church websites are all about getting people involved with and connected to the local church. You'll find these two phrases on many church websites: Connect and Plug In. So far, so good.

Webmasters, designers, and web teams across the country are tasked with the best way to visually represent these concepts. And since most of us are technical people at heart, what do we come up with?

Cords and plugs.

Yes, if many of us were honest, we would admit that we like to represent the heart and passion of the local church with stuff you can buy at Fry's.

Before you think I'm talking about other churches, check out this page. We didn't even find a good Powerbook image.

And it doesn't take long to find other examples.

Tracy Barnes, one of our great pastors here at FC, was the first to open my eyes to this. He thought that electronic equipment might not be the best way to represent relationships and life change. I, on the other hand, thought it looked cool. I know better now. What do these graphics say to a single mother or someone looking to be part of a community?

Web teams have to resist the temptation to design sites and graphics that appeal primarily to people like us.

So, by the end of Monday, I promise to replace our technology equipment action shots with something a bit more warm and inviting. Anyone else want to help make the web a better place? Post your comments and any links you have to other examples.

Comments

[Arlan, SpG]

That's a great point Brian. Could our conversations be that way, too? Always speaking in Techisms instead of in a way that most people can understand or relate to?

What's a Blog? (An Online Journal)
What's an iPod? (An Mp3 Player)
What's a Podcast? (An audio Mp3 file)

And maybe this is still not simplified enough.

[Dave]

I agree with the first thing Arian said - great post Brian.

I disagree with the rest of it though.

(1) Blog.

Hmmm... toughest one to refute. Particularly since when I hear the word verbally it makes me cringe like someone using fingernails on a chalkboard. Still - the very act of committing to regularly posting to a blog implies a certain bit of technical expertise.

(2) iPod.

Do we call it tissue paper or kleenex? Adhesive bandage or bandaid? (I'm making a point by not capitalizing things.) Besides....

(3) Podcast.

So your alternative is to use "MP3" instead? And exacctly how many more human beings would recognize that term instead?

Now as to Brian's thoughts....

Connect.

Very tough. My first thoughts tend to a nod and a smile. But that is tough to convey in a still image. How about a handshake? Yes, lame. Okay, how about a parent holding a newborn?

Plug in.

The sports metaphor is a football huddle. Or maybe not.

Okay.... explain to me... in three sentances and 25 words top, the difference between these two terms. Maybe then I might have some better ideas!

My take? Connect involves the church reaching out to people, and plug in involves people reaching towards the church for guidance.

Is that close?

[Brian Bailey]

Dave,

There usually isn't a difference between "plug in" and "connect" - they're often used interchangeably. Sometimes "connect" means small groups and other relational opportunities while "plug in" is more get involved (classes, volunteering).

The main thing is to just show people - not big crowds and not stock photos - just real people serving, learning, worshipping, and sharing.

[Arlan, SpG]

Dave,

I know what these things are. But, I'm amazed at how many conversations I have where people have 'heard' of these things but have no real knowledge of 'what' they are. And a few didn't even acknowledge it until I noticed the blank looks on their faces. So, in line with Brian, I'm saying that we can do a much better job of connecting & relating with non-techies by using different pictures, words, & analogies in order to communicate. The goal is to connect. If we don't connect, there is no communication.

Brian - sorry, I wasn't trying to get off topic...rather just extend the application of it.

[Matt Morgan]

Brian,

Great thoughts...nailed me right between the eyes. Just sent out an html email this week that had an article about "plugging in"...the graphic? an outlet...crud...

Its about people...not cool photoshop images...one day i'll get it. :-)

www.historychurch.org

[Sound Doctrine]

My personal beliefs on an effective web ministry is to show the people of your church on the website. Inanimate objects such as tech gear or your buildings do not give a sense of invitation but showing people worshiping God or involved in various ministries shows that your church is indeed living.