YOU PROBABLY KNOW THAT A “DOMAIN” IS A CODE THAT APPEARS AT THE END OF A WEB ADDRESS—.NET, .ORG, .COM, AND SO ON. THE PURPOSE OF THIS CODE IS TO IDENTIFY THE NATURE OR PERSONALITY OF THE ORGANIZATION. FOR EXAMPLE, IF WE TALK ABOUT A GOVERNMENT WEB SITE, IT’S .GOV; A NON-PROFIT WOULD BE .ORG. THE PURPOSE OF THE ORGANIZATION IS REFLECTED IN ITS DOMAIN.
Use your imagination when deciding what domain would best describe your church’s mission, personality, and nature.
Churchname.TV
These churches exist for the purpose of performance. Every hair is in place, and every line is rehearsed. While there is nothing wrong with high-quality programming, the programs can become the main focus, and community outreach may be neglected.
Churchname.ORG
These churches focus primarily on protecting the organization to which they belong and its name; in other words, their name is everything. They are not involved in or corrupted by anything that is not sanctioned, funded, or promoted by the organization.
Churchname.MIL
These are dominant churches with a high emphasis on discipline and conformity, similar to a military regimen. People with different ideas, methods, or lifestyles are not welcome. These churches sever ties immediately with any recruits who fail.
Churchname.EDU
These churches are passionate about expounding on the latest theological trend, book, or emerging theory. They enjoy deep exegetical study, which sometimes reflects very little on the real life their members are experiencing.
Churchname.COM
Although the real meaning of this domain is “commercial,” I suggest that we use it instead to mean “community.” Churches with a .com domain have an outward focus. They dare to look outside their walls. They hold three guiding principles:
1. Community—They seek to understand who belongs to the community that surrounds them. They ask themselves the following questions:
a. What are their needs?
b. What are their dreams?
c. What are their hurts?
2. Organization—They are organized not merely to keep the programs going or to stay occupied; they discover and use their gifts to serve.
3. Mission—It is the bridge that connects the community with the organization. They are not just interested in making healthy sinners; they strive to make a connection between spiritual and felt needs.
What is your domain name?
Adapted from Best Practice, April 27, 2011.
Juan Miguel Pacheco writes from the Oregon Conference, USA.
