While the internet has become the 24-hour hangout spot for many Americans, many are using it to develop their faith. This explains why faith-based websites are being created to cater to the 64 percent of this group of online Americans of whom many are women.
A new survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project support the study of Two University of Colorado at Boulder professors who found over half of Americans use the Internet for faith-related reasons. The survey also found that two-thirds of those who attend religious services weekly use the Internet for personal religious or spiritual purposes.
Therefore, the debut of a newly designed website focused on ministry to women and building an online community of women is timely. LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention will debut the site on May 7 at the URL: www.lifeway.com/women.
While women’s ministry isn’t new to lifeway.com, producers of the site said it is first time all of the resources are available with one click of a mouse.
Stephanie Lim, a women’s ministry Internet producer with LifeWay Christian Resources, described the site as being “one step further” than the last since it’s a website specifically designed for women and offers them practical resources.
People who visit the site will see the obvious difference between other women’s sites such as iVillage.com, said Chris Adams, women’s enrichment ministry staff member at LifeWay.
“We want to provide biblical solutions to women on the Web, whether that means practical lifestyle articles, women’s event information, online Bible studies or an online community of Christian women,” she said. “It’s about helping them achieve abundant living in all areas of their lives and accomplishing Kingdom work.”
Upon visiting the site, women can read about the faiths of “Real Women” who come from all vocations or they can browse for practical tips for decorating on a budget, articles about health and wellness and suggestions for improving relationships.
Documentary resources such as photos, videos and testimonies from Beth Moore’s Living Proof events will also be made available under the women’s event section. Lim said the resources in the event section will be a great way to share with friends what they experienced and encourage them to come next time.
More than 50,000 women signed up for Beth Moore’s two Internet Bible studies last year, according to Faith Whatley, director for women’s enrichment at LifeWay.
For 40 days after the site debuts, women can register to win certificates and other giveaways, including free tickets to attend a live Beth Moore event.
“We continue to see women look to the Web for information to help them grow in their walk with the Lord,” said Whatley.
