The City

Why Settle For Virtual Community When You Can Have The Real Thing?
The City is web-based software that takes a big, spread-out church and brings it together in one small place where we can communicate, connect, help, learn, and grow. But…how?

COMMUNITY

The City doesn’t replace real community; it fosters deeper community by enabling everyone at Westminster Chapel to share their daily lives with the people who make up our community. It takes the best aspects of social networking, then reinforces and enhances the real relationships, conversations and interactions that make up the life of Westminster.

The City is made up of groups – many groups – and there isn’t a single one that doesn’t consist of real life, face-to-face relationships. People who meet in person whenever possible, will now be able to easily connect every day of the week.

Not only that, when new attendees want to get connected, but are not sure where to go or how to get plugged in, The City gives us a reliable process to make sure people don’t fall through the cracks.

DISCIPLESHIP

Westminster has been using technology to reach out to people through our website, podcasts, Facebook, and email, but there is more we can do. We want to use technology in a spirit of service as we continue to seek Christ-likeness, not just for the sake of efficiency or as a new plaything.

We want to live every day as a Gospel-centered community, and we believe The City can help move us toward that goal. The result will be a church community that knows each other better, cares for each other better, and serves Jesus better.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The cool thing is that our City is only for the Westminster family, so you have to be invited in or sign up using our online kiosk. You sign up for an individual profile using your email address (if you don’t have one or currently share one with your spouse, there are many excellent free email sites that you can choose from, such as hotmail, gmail, yahoo and more). The City walks you through creating your profile, and then you join groups based on your Westminster involvement (Bible study groups, ministry teams, areas of interest, etc.).

DO I HAVE TO USE IT?

We strongly encourage you to, and here’s why: The City will quickly become the main channel for church-wide and group-specific communication, so opting out of The City would be opting out of staying connected to what is happening around the church. This is where we can build community even when we’re not face-to-face.

We know it might require a little investment of time and effort as you learn a new system. We’re confident, though, that you’ll have the same overwhelmingly positive experience we’ve had as we’ve begun using The City. It is intuitive, useful, and a lot of fun to use. We know you’ll love it as you discover all it offers.

BENEFITS FROM USING THE CITY

Easily follow up with new friends: When you make a new friend at church but don’t have their contact info, find them on The City. Search by first name, find their photo, click, and send a message.

Update everyone at once: There’s no need to find email addresses for everyone in your small group or ministry team; simply post your comment, event, prayer request or need in the appropriate group.

Find opportunities to serve: Respond to posted opportunities, and list your skills so that others can find you when they have a specific need.

Find a small group community: Search for groups in your neighborhood using The City’s group mapping tool.

Get more involved in church life: Know what’s going on throughout the church and get involved.

Customizable email notifications: Stay informed without having to log in to The City, but without being inundated with emails. You choose how many emails you get.

Deepen your spiritual growth & personal discipleship: Use the online Scripture memory tool, Bible reading plan, and journal – accessible to you anywhere you can get online, and as private as you want it to be.

Connect your church community and your friends outside the church: The City offers tools to use Facebook and Twitter to connect with your non-Westminster friends with events, community needs, status updates, and more.

NOW WHAT?

To join The City, visit westminster.onthecity.org/kiosk. Enter your email address and click the “invite me” button. You will receive an email telling you what to do. Follow the instructions and connect with us today!

What to learn more? Join us for Discover The City classes. These are offered quarterly. You can take a tour and ask any questions you have. Bring a laptop if you have one. Questions? Contact Steve at stevep@westminster.org.