Thinking strategically, part 4: selecting tools

As I continue my series on thinking strategically about web ministry (links here to part 1, part 2, and part 3), we must begin thinking about selecting the technology tools we are going to use. This can be difficult, because many of us have a very limited view of what tools are available and we tend to want to find a solution based only on the tools we are comfortable with. But when thinking strategically, it is important to have an understanding of the wide variety of tools available.  At this point in the strategic planning process, it may be wise to bring in some outside help to provide some context for how best to evaluate the different technologies and ultimately select the one that best fits your mission and target group within your available resources.

I would suggest that you go through a two-step process when trying to determine which technology (or technologies) you will be using for your ministry. First, you will want to select the categories of technology you will want to use (website, blog, social network, etc.). This higher level choice will free you from trying to figure out exactly which “brand” of technology to choose and will give you the ability to pick it for its basic function. A great resource to use at this point is John Edmiston’s “Edges of Cyberspace” presentation, which lists several of the different types of technologies and ideas for how they could be used for ministry (Also check out John’s “articles” page for several other great tools for strategic planning.).

Once you have selected a technology category for your ministry, the next step is to narrow it down to a specific technology.  For example, if you decide that the category of “social network” is what you need to use for your ministry, you now have to choose between Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Ning, and other brands. Again, this is where you will want to be working with someone who knows what the choices are and can help you with the benefits and drawbacks of each one.

This step in the process should be documented well. You will be questioned about the choices made and you will need to be able to defend them. If you are looking for funding, then you will want to be able to show those who are considering donations that you have made a wise choice and you are not just picking the easiest solution or the one that you know best.

Once this step is completed, you can begin putting some concrete steps into your strategy.  That will be the next post in this series.

Tags: Series: Internet Ministry Strategy