Archive for the 'Web 2.0' Category

Village Missions just received a gift of $74. This gift is remarkable in that it came from GoodSearch. Once I learned about GoodSearch and then designated Village Missions as the recipient, I started using it like any other search engine. You can make it your homepage or you can install a GoodSearch toolbar. The results of the searches seem to be on a par with Google, but, of course, you can always use Google as a backup if you can’t find what you want. I found this on their website:

GoodSearch is a search engine which donates 50-percent of its revenue to the charities and schools designated by its users. It’s a simple and compelling concept. You use GoodSearch exactly as you would any other search engine. Because it’s powered by Yahoo!, you get proven search results. The money GoodSearch donates to your cause comes from its advertisers – the users and the organizations do not spend a dime!

In 2007, GoodSearch was expanded to include GoodShop, an online shopping mall of world-class merchants dedicated to helping fund worthy causes across the country. Each purchase made via the GoodShop mall results in a donation to the user’s designated charity or school – averaging approximately 3% of the sale, but going up to 20% or even more.

I haven’t used the online shopping mall yet, but plan on doing so. You can give a gift to a loved one and at the same time, give a gift to Village Missions!

I would encourage you to start using GoodSearch and designate Village Missions or your favorite organization as the recipient of your searches. It only takes a second to designate your favorite charity and then proceeds automatically go to that charity until you change the designation. It is simple and easy! It is one more way, and a wise way at that, to help keep country churches alive.

Recently I attended probably one of the best seminars I have ever attended (no hyperbole) sponsored by Mission Increase Foundation.  Presented by Eric Foley, the title was “e-Fundraising” but the seminar was so much more than that.  It really was an introduction to Web 2.0, the social networking phenomenon that is taking place on the web and the implications for Christian organizations.

As Eric gave his presentation, I found myself thinking of the extraordinary implications these developments have.  The tag line, “You can’t just stick an ‘E’ on what you already got” has implications for recruiting, for our interaction with the churches we serve, for pastoral ministry in general.

I also thought about rural ministry—talk about networking in a small town!  It may not be with all like-minded individuals or with all people committed to a cause but most often they are committed to a place.  And you get to see them face-to-face!  Rural pastors have the wonderful opportunity to build relationships with a “web” of people, many of whom don’t know Christ.