When I started this service, I had been the webmaster for my growing parish for over 12 years. As the parish grew, so did our website. We went through all the typical phases of church websites from the early "brochure style" first website to a crowded anything-goes site to the eventual, professionally designed site with all the qualities and features expected of a well designed site. And yes, we had our share of moving marquees and blinking text along the way too.

There were a few things that were constant through all those times.

1.)    We had to purchase web-design software for the church webmaster.
2.)    Someone had to take classes or otherwise learn how to use that software.
3.)    Then only one person was able to edit and update the website because there was only one person with the software and the training and the access to it.
4.)    Even though the site had good information and received lots of effort and attention by someone who was really trying, it never really had the look and feel of a professionally built site.

My own business of computer consulting grew during that time too. And the websites that I made got better and better as my skills improved. But even though I delivered a great site, it often became a burden on the one staff member or parishioner who was chosen to update the site.

Then I discovered this new way of delivering websites called a Content Management System. It was clear that this was the way to go for many organizations and churches in particular! All the tools needed to maintain a site are built in and accessed through the browser. Multiple individuals can be permitted to edit areas of the website. Authors will be able to get started with only the most minimal amount of training. Professionally designed website designs are available and inexpensive. This couldn’t get any better. I really wanted to share this technology with other overworked church webmasters.

I firmly believe that this is the solution to many of the problems churches have with getting a great site online .

The content management system requires web servers and database servers and some very technical knowledge to run. That was the only real problem. And that is the problem that I am taking care of with this service. Then I’m adding lots of help and support gained from my church webmaster experience too, because we all know that most of the webmasters for churches are either volunteers or staffers with a full plate to begin with and not much, if any, experience with making websites. I can help. I WANT to help. This business is all about helping our churches and their volunteers however I can. I’ve been there. I am STILL there. I can help. Come see.

Mark Buelsing
Founder, LetItShine.Biz