Kiwanis and the Internet

I recently returned from the International Convention of Kiwanis in Orlando. It was generally a stimulating and valuable experience, but as an active Kiwanian, I'm concerned that the organization is not fully incorporating the power of the Internet into its programs.

This is most glaring in its approach to membership growth. Like all the large, established service organizations in America, Kiwanis has been losing members. Those that remain are, on average, older than before. It's a bad trend since the need for the services provided, which focus on children in Kiwanis' case, has never been greater.

Yesterday, I found a site for an Oklahoma-based church, LifeChurch.tv, which has gone so far as to adopt its domain name as its DBA. In a list of past achievements, and referring to the year 2006, they say on their site:

"In April, the LifeChurch.tv Internet Campus was launched. This revolutionary campus provides live church online for people around the world with the ability to engage in genuine community, unique volunteer opportunities, online LifeGroups, and even mission opportunities on the Internet."

I have no idea whether I agree with their theology, but their technology looks right on the money. Kiwanis should be doing this as well. It's where the future will be found.