2009 is a big year for evangelism in the Sydney Anglican Diocese. In the words of the Archbishop, Peter Jensen, “we are planning one of the greatest make-Jesus-known campaigns ever seen in this country. The aim is to challenge all our churches to make contact and connect with their communities in a way we have not done before.”
The Diocese is using technology in new ways, and I’m pleased to see an eagerness for experimentation. For example, a video-based website has been launched targeted not just at English speakers, but also Arabic, Cantonese and Mandarin speakers. The website provides opportunity for people to ask questions about Christianity, and to find a church in their local area. In February, the year was launched with a live video hookup as churches across the Diocese participated in the same service We interview Executive Director of Connect 09, Andrew Nixon, for his reflections on the website, the Big Day In, and how the Diocese is making use of this new technology and techniques.
CJ: The Connect 09 website is very different to most Christian ministry websites. What was the inspiration behind the heavily video-based Connect 09 website?
AN: Building a site in flash is not easy (read – costly). I was warned of this up front, but perhaps in my naiveity didn’t realise how true those warnings were! But, the idea from the outset was to create a site that was warm and friendly and that emphasised people and relationship. If our site is to play a key role as a connecting tool these things seemed essential. Still photographs of smiling faces are good, but hearing a real person speak to you (especially in your heart language) is even better.
CJ: What feedback have you received about the site?
AN: People have been overwhelmingly positive and often surprised (pleasantly) by the nature of the site. One or two have said they thought there would be more “content” and they didn’t expect to be directed to other sites for more information on the Christian message. Our principle (as in other aspects of Connect 09) was “let’s not reinvent wheels”. There are plenty of excellent sites already on the web that explain the christian gospel simply and clearly – so let’s not do that all over. And in the spirit of connecting and establishing ongoing contact, surely the best possible way for someone to find out more is to ask their question and get a specific answer from a live person.
CJ: You’ve had a lot of contact with churches in your preparation for this Year. How would you describe the dominant attitude towards technology by Sydney Anglican churches?
AN: I’d have to say that attitudes vary very widely indeed. I guess that is no surprise. There are many factors – financial situation, the technological bent of decision makers, the make-up of the congregation etc. Anecdotally, the best experiences with the Big Day In seem to have been had by churches where the minister delegated responsibility to someone in the congregation who had the time and expertise to make it all happen. In such cases there were very few issues.
CJ: Have you any plans for using new technology beyond the website and Big Day In, during Connect 09?
AN: When doing something new, one step at a time seemed a good policy. We wanted to run the Big Day In and see what happened. Could we actually pull it off? Praise God, we did! Would churches get on board with it? They did. Would it be well received? It was. We are now in the process of gathering feedback and analysing what happened. Sure, some things we did not nail first time – but boy, we have learned a lot. And to date, 95% of respondents have said that they would like to do something like the Big Day In again. That is a pretty resounding response!
CJ: On the website there is a link to (anonymously) ask a question about Christianity. Is this tool being used? What kind of questions are people asking (if you feel it appropriate to share).
AN: Yes! It is being used. So far there has been almost no external promotion of the site – a few banners going up around the place – and there have been 3-4 genuine questions per week. Some are very encouraging indeed. This from David Horne who coordinates the answering of questions:
Some questions include some of the more painful issues of life such as “I recently held my 4 month old daughter as she died in my arms. I am a Christian but I am struggling with doubt. Can you help me?” or “How can God be a God of love when all I see is pain and misery around me?”
Other questions have a more theological flavour: “Why do you say that you can only find out about Jesus from the bible when the bible does not claim this itself?” or “Why do you say that christianity is the only way? What about the other religions?”
Then some questions are from people searching for answers: “How do I confess the sins of 40 years?” or “Since becoming a christian I have tried to live in obedience to Jesus but I am having so much difficulty. I want to stop sinning but just can’t seem to. Have you any words of encouragement?”
CJ: Finally, I noticed the following on the intro video on the website – “You can be assured of a friendly welcome at any of the
Churches we list”. I think most churches would like to give a friendly welcome, but the experience of a newcomer can be quite dependent on who they meet and what mood that person is in!
AN: Yes, the site does promise a warm welcome. And yes, we all need to make sure we deliver! This is just so important. We all believe how important it is, and we all know that sometimes we drop the ball. We must all ensure that we get this right! Let’s expect newcomers at our churches as a result of what we are doing together this year. And let’s all go out of our way to welcome every new face we see! For so many in our community it is *big deal* to come to a church or a christian event. They feel like we would feel turning up to the local TAB (try it some time!). This is not just the minister’s job; we are all the hosts at out place, and we have to bend over backwards to make people welcome.
A lot of thinking and hard work has gone into the Connect 09 campaign. What are your thoughts on the website? Did you participate in the Big Day In – what did you think?
Got a question for Andrew? Post it here!
