You Talkin' to Me?

Over the last couple months, our church has updated our communication methods with a new website and app. The process did not always go how we expected, and adjusting a specific goal made a huge difference: who are we talking to? Who are we trying to reach? No app will have the same reach as a website. Who is surfing their app store to find a church? (Ok, I've spent a good part of the last year doing that, but I was reasearching apps, not church hunting!) At the same time, it's hard to make a website that has the right amount of information for people who already know about you and people who, in the case of a church, may not have ever heard the name of Jesus. By paying attention to who was most likely to use these different digital tools, our team was better able to design both to fit different needs. An app for more direct access for people already in our church, and a website that gives anyone browsing the web an idea of who Covenant Grove is and who Jesus is.

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6  

Knowing how to speak to people on different paths of life is something we see in the Bible. Jesus taught His followers how to reach crowds, but also how to meet people one-on-one. He didn't speak to the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-23) the same way He spoke to the man possesed by demons (Mark 5:1-20). I know when I share my faith with someone, I can't give them the entire story of my walk with the Lord. Especially in a quick conversation! Instead, I'm ready to adapt and share different pieces of my story that work in context with who I'm sharing with. A long-time friend struggling with big emotions might hear about God working on my issues with anger when I was younger, but a passing aquaintance might hear God speaking to them differently when I share about staying connected with other believers when I've felt isolated. Be ready for anyone God brings you! Ultimately, our goal is to bring people closer to Jesus, whether we're designing a website or showing God's love to our neighbor.

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. 1 Peter 3:15-16a