Churches Launch Internet Sites in Fight for Survival

As the use of the internet becomes a requisite in the 21st century, more churches in UK are striving to find their place in cyber space by launching their own websites.

The future of the churches is being secured through utilising the internet to spread the Good News, upkeep the church, and combat problems that threaten churches in the modern era.

The historic Long Street Methodist Church located in Cheapside, Middleton, has taken up new steps to maintain the church, which costs over £100 a day to run.

“The people of Middleton cannot afford to lose this building. But the cost of the conservation of the church can be very expensive,” said Christine Grime, membership secretary of the Friends of the Church.

The church has therefore launched a new website to inform people about the history and significance of the church and to encourage more people to get involved.

"These groups make a valuable contribution to the upkeep of the church and we are hoping more come forward to use the facilities the church offers and help to keep this spectacular church open as a place of worship for the people of Middleton."

Nearly one-billion people use the internet across the world and religion is the second most popular subject on the web.

It has been dubbed as "the greatest tool that God has ever given the church to help take the Gospel to ends of the earth".

More and more internet evangelism is becoming more active. 'Virtual congregations' and 'virtual churches' are appearing everyday to get people more involved in the church and these places have become a virtual haven in cyberspace for Christians or people who may not be able to access a nearby church. Service, worship and even offerings are available online.