Navigating the Digital World: Pt. 4

NOTE: The MeWe Fracbook Site will remain open until the end of February to provide support/assistance for any who are still working through the practica.

Advancing the Gospel Online

Click HERE to see the recorded lesson. Click on the Image Above to Access the Slides for the Presentation.

DISCLAIMER: Computer technology is an ever-changing environment. As such, all suggestions should be double-checked by the user for current accuracy and relevance. Like the noble-minded Berean believers, all claims and assertions should be tested to make sure they remain current and true (Acts 17:11).

Practicum

Separate Your Online Public Persona from Your Private Persona, and setup your email architecture accordingly.

It is important to figure out whether you want to use a pseudonym for either your public emails or your private one.
Make sure to have at least 2 emails – one public, the other private for financials and confidential correspondence.

2. Acquire a Domain Name

Think about 5 or 6 website names you’d like to use for your address.
Click on the GoDaddy icon and go to the website. This can also be done through the webhost you choose, like Bluehost. I like to go to GoDaddy to see if it is available, then purchase it through my chosen webhost. That way, the webhost support is available to help me sync the Domain Name with the website.
One at a time, insert the names you’d like to use for your business/ministry.
Look at the available options that are still available and click to purchase it (Usually costs about $12 – $15 per yr).

3. Create a Website

The easiest startup website is with either Weebly or Wix. There are also other ones as well, just do a search if not satisfied with either. For a new website creator, I’d start here and toy around with it.
Click on the graphic below, sign up and follow the prompts. If you want to use your own Domain Name, there is a small fee. There are also upgrades that allow you to monetize your site and provides additional widgets if you want them.
WordPress is primarily a blogging platform, but is used also for website creation. It will do everything you want and then some. There is a cost to have it hosted, some professional page designs can cost, but you can get a turnkey platform for less than $200 per year.

These 3 sample website platforms require little to programming knowledge. Weebly & Wix also host the sites and are FREE. WordPress requires a host platform, like Bluehost, but provides many more options.

4. Connect with Social Media

The first decision is how much exposure to you personal information are you willing to give to the site in exchange for access to a broader audience.
Explore the options available to you and decide on which one best fits your needs.
If you are a business person, consider using the LinkedIn site to build your business and collegial relationships.

Click on the icons below to go to the social media site. These are more common, but there are many others. The top row are the ones that are more apt to monetize and share your personal data. Google (YouTube) are the most egregious offenders on that.

5. Explore How to Use Online Bible Tools

One of the values of the technology revolution is the ability to access information.
On the down side, disinformation is EVERYWHERE.
Locate several “reliable” sources of sound Biblical support material.
If you have difficulty, ask for help from one of the pastors or elders.

Below are several commonly accepted, reliable sources for evangelical support material. Click on the graphic and it will take you to the site. Christian Classics have a ton of ancient original texts from Christian authors. If you were to buy the set it would cost upwards to around $400.