It’s a well known fact that my 3 favorite church info websites this year are:

1) Church Relevance

2) Church Marketing Sucks

3) Your site (obviously)

which is why I’ve had a keen interest in the recent developments within the LifeChurch.tv volunteer staff.  Kent Shaffer, long-time blogger/developer and the well-respected author of Church Relevance, is joining forces with LifeChurch.tv.

I got to interview Kent a couple of weeks ago and probe around about his transition, plans, and goals for the future.

First of all, Church Relevance will still be hosted by Kent as will Bombay Creative,  AcreScout & the other projects Kent develops.

And here’s what he told me about his transition:

His move was precipitated by a two year interaction with the LC Digerati Team as he supported their ongoing online efforts.  In Jan’08 he began attending the Tulsa campus.  As LC continues to expand on a global level, Kent found that he really enjoyed the challenges of thinking strategically about serving the Kingdom on a world-wide level.  Not to mention, serving with a team of experts.

“The breadth and scope of  mega-church ministry often produces congregations with significant impact but what usually comes with that are more pitfalls, red tape and the slowing down of ministry efficiency,” Kent says.

“LifeChurch.tv offers the ability to work on a global level but still move around with agility.  I’m attracted to it’s core components, namely highly evangelistic outreach strategies employed by little monies that are stretched a long way.”

“In fact, it not just the technology that I’m attracted to, it’s the financial responsibility that I see demonstrated by LC that I can align myself with.  LifeChurch.tv operates with a spirit of generosity that I want to support. I will continue to operate the companies I’ve started so that the income from those services will provide me the opportunity to volunteer more fully in ministry.”

One of the things that I told Kent at a conference we spoke at last year, the Internet Ministry Conference, was the fact that I feel LifeChurch.tv is acting in a serious U.S. leadership role with online ministry exploration & experimentation, in an apostolic way, if you will.  The opportuinity to “go and plant” where few have gone before really appeals to me.  And Kent.

More developments for LC right up ahead as they interview candidates for new online staff this week.

It’s time to register for the Internet Ministry Conference in October.  You won’t want to miss this opportunity to absorb all there is to learn about ministry online if you’re anywhere near Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The speakers are amazing and literally I wish I could hear them all.

Some highlights will include:

Dr. Quentin Schultze (who I recommend here often) will present the devotional and David Russell of NCC will talk about websites.

Kent Shaffer of Church Relevance & Bombay Creative will speak about Internet Ministry Marketing and Tailored Internet Ministry.

Brad Abare of Church Marketing Sucks & the Center for Church Communication will help us define our Personality and, shall we say, frustrate, educate and motivate us towards better online endeavor.

I could talk about more speakers but the important thing is to register now if you’re looking to get educated about serious online ministry.

I’ll speak on Thursday about Your Spiritual Gift Mix Online so make sure and let me know you’ll be there so we can connect.