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Faith and technology are two worlds that don’t collide as often as they should. With the latter an integral part of our everyday lives, Black and Latino churches from all over the nation can now reach potential congregation members with a special initiative launched by Grace Church Websites.

In a press release provided to NewsOne, the company announced that a hundred websites have been launched to represent low-income churches and non-profits in underserved communities since their inception last month. This online presence opens virtual doors for more fellowship, conversation, and tech education. Founded by philanthropist Don Vaccaro and Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, the project has donated website assistance to churches like the TrueWorship Tabernacle in Texas, as well as other establishments in Kentucky, Georgia, Connecticut, and Florida.

Communications Advisor Rachel Noerdlinger tells NewsOne that Vaccaro and Rev. Kimber came up with the idea after noticing the large gap in technology in the church community. “I think one thing is trying to bring the older congregation members to speed with next generation technology,” Noerdlinger said. “A lot of the churches are legacy organizations, they’re traditional. It’s more of the [the churches making the leap] to get with the times.”

Pastor Ahmad Haywood of TrueWorship said the website has helped increase membership.

“We are truly blessed that Grace Church Websites has provided our church with a free website, including development of its content and hands-on assistance with the design,” Haywood said. “In a short period of time, we have gained membership and our doors have been opened to a new array of potential congregants.”

“When we launched Grace Church Websites, I knew churches across the country needed assistance with business development, but I was thrilled to see how quickly churches across the country completed registration forms on our website,” Vaccaro said. “I have devoted my career to giving men and women in the community the chance to thrive, and Grace Church Websites offer people an opportunity to connect directly with churches in their communities and to be given fellowship and access to empowerment.”

Noerdlinger said the organization provides services to churches free of charge and hope they can do their part in spreading technology-awareness in the community – one website at a time.

“Keep coming with more websites,” she said of their future plans. “They want to fulfill as many requests as they possibly can and to make sure as innovation and technology moves, the Black church moves with it.”

Find out more about Grace Church Websites here.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty

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