NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Managing large e-mail lists is a daunting task, especially for understaffed churches. In response to customers’ requests for help, LifeWay Christian Resources now is offering christianemailservice.com as a solution for list management.
The service, which allows churches and ministry leaders to keep their e-mail address directories current, once was owned by the Bible software company Logos Research Systems and was re-introduced by LifeWay earlier this year.
The system can be used worldwide. For example, the Southern Baptist International Mission Board has more than 5,000 missionaries under appointment. The e-mail service benefits them because it is Web-based, can be accessed anywhere in the world and allows constant contact with prayer supporters.
The free service allows users, or list managers, to create and maintain as many e-mail lists as needed, simplifying the process for getting information to an entire group at once. Multiple lists can be used for reaching specific audiences, like a youth minister with parents or youth, a pastor with deacons or church members or music ministers with lists for choirs and orchestra.
“This is another way LifeWay can serve Christian-minded groups and ministries using technology,” said Gary McClure, marketing manager for LifeWay’s e-business group. “The service helps make communications easier, quicker and more effective. It takes the worries out of the group e-mail process.”
The service is not limited to churches. The site’s use also is encouraged for non-church groups as well.
“It can be a subtle witness to people who may not otherwise interact with Christian resources,” McClure said. The free service is supported by small ads sent through the system from companies and organizations interested in serving the Christian community.
List subscribers can update their own personal information so list managers avoid the problems of outdated addresses, failed delivery and other services that cost time and money.
The service currently is text-based but soon will include graphics and images.
LifeWay has not put its name on the site since the service was acquired. McClure said it is important to keep the site’s look consistent for current users.
“There is not a faster or more inexpensive way for groups of people to keep in touch,” said McClure. “The Christian e-mail service is easy to use and it’s free.”
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For more information or to begin a new e-mail group, go to www.christianemailservice.com. Lyndsey Collins is a writer with LifeWay.
