By Patrick Scriven | Director of Communications, Young People’s Ministries
After a number of years of service, we’ll soon be decommissioning the PNW Ministry Directory and redirecting traffic to the Find-A-Church platform developed by United Methodist Communications.
If you are eager to welcome new visitors to your church, it is essential that it has accurate and reliable information about itself on the internet; your digital doorstep is more important than ever. So why are we closing down a directory designed to serve that purpose?
Since it’s relaunch late last year, Find-A-Church has become a much better platform than any we might reasonably provide. The biggest challenges with its previous iterations – reliability of data like pastoral appointments, difficulties getting inaccurate information changed, flexibility and social integration – are vastly improved. Additionally, United Methodist Communications has produced helpful videos to assist users in navigating the platform and making changes when needed (you can find links to these reposted below).
So, as they say, if you can’t beat them, join them!
Please head over to Find-A-Church and make sure your church information is up to date. And while you are thinking about it, it never hurts to look at your own website again. Pretend you know nothing about your church. What’s missing that you might want to know? How hard is it to find service times? Are you still advertising Easter services?
If you have difficulties with Find-A-Church, please send me an email so I can be of service to you. You can find out more about the platform by visiting it and by reviewing the information below.
From UMCOM.org: Update your Find-A-Church profile
Developed by United Methodist Communications, Find-A-Church helps you to connect with busy people in your community on their terms, on their time and in their comfort zone. It also serves as a companion to your church’s existing website—giving you twice the local visibility online.
Find-A-Church is the official online directory of United Methodist churches in the United States. It is one of the most visited sections of UMC.org, averaging more than 1,000 page views a day.
You’ll achieve the best results from your Find-A-Church profile when you update your church’s information. Here are five reasons why:
- An updated profile is more relevant to your visitors’ needs.
- You can link to your Facebook page, Twitter feed, Instagram and Flickr accounts
- Visitors can search activities through the online calendar.
- As worship schedules change (Christmas, Easter, etc.), you can edit as needed.
- Coming soon…you can create events and manage registrations.
How to Update your Find-A-Church Profile: Video Tutorials
Take advantage of this tool and get started now! For help with updating your church profile, view the Find-A-Church tutorials:
- Overview
Find-A-Church allows you to welcome visitors personally to your congregation and offers a quick and easy way to find your worship services, events and ministries, and connect with you. - Church Details
The Church Details section includes the primary contact information for the church. This is the first information visitors see at the top of your church profile. - Welcome
The Welcome section includes your church photo, driving directions, and personalized messages to invite and welcome visitors before they enter your building. - Social Media
In the Social Media section, add the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and other social media accounts for the church. Link to a podcast or live stream of worship service. - Events & Ministries
Add Events & Ministries for your church to connect your congregation with the community. - Clergy
The Clergy section lists appointed clergy currently associated with your church and gives you space to add newly appointed clergy.
Find-A-Church and Rethink Church
Rethink Church is about discovering ways to live your faith and understanding that church can happen anywhere. Find-A-Church is a companion to Rethink Church, helping connect seekers with congregations in their areas that matches their interests.
Our national advertising campaign for Rethink Church sends visitors to rethinkchurch.org to connect with local churches through volunteer opportunities and Find-A-Church.
So be sure to take full advantage of all Find-A-Church features and link to Rethink Church. Update your Church Profile today!
