Abstract
M.Phil. (Information Management)
Since its conception, the Internet and subsequently Web technologies have evolved
and established itself as a tool of necessity in many organizational arenas. The Web
has infiltrated the work, home and social environments. Communities are able to
communicate and share information at any time of day, with little or no regard of
geographical location. Communication plays a core role in a community as it is one of
the central facets within any community. The church also has been a great influence
through the ages and continues to play an integral part in the life of the community.
The Internet and Web technologies have lanced its way into the church environment.
Many small churches view the Internet and Web technologies as not suited for their
particular environment. These technologies are used by their larger counterparts and
smaller churches are often finding themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to
financing of these technologies and technical expertise. The Web if utilized correctly
can become a mechanism of great influence in the small church environment.
The primary focus of this dissertation was to investigate and understand the
implications of incorporating the Internet and Web technologies into the small church
environment. Seeking to understand the receptiveness of these technologies within
the daily lives of the small church body and identifying the congregation’s awareness
towards the use of these tools.
The research study consisted of an in-depth literature review which sets in place the
basic foundation for the dissertation, followed by an empirical survey component.