Why choose LightNet?
Helps ministries reach people. LightNet helps ministries distribute content so people can find what they need and grow in faith.
Built for users and ministries. LightNet sites work well for both their users and the ministries that build and run them.
Simple to use. Clear navigation helps users find and use content.
Available in any language. Ministries can share content in the languages their communities use.
Fast. Pages typically load in less than one second.
Works with slower connections and older devices. Users can access LightNet even when fast internet is not available or they are using an older phone or computer.
Private. LightNet does not track users or show advertising.
Very low cost. Hosting can cost as little as $1 USD per month, excluding labor.
Reliable. Users can access LightNet sites around the clock, year-round.
Secure. LightNet’s design reduces opportunities for attack.
Open source. Ministries and software developers can use and improve the software.
Ministry-owned. Ministries can build their own skills and lead their own work, rather than becoming dependent on a service provider.
How LightNet benefits users
Section titled “How LightNet benefits users”Users can find and use content more easily
Section titled “Users can find and use content more easily”LightNet is simple to use, with clear navigation that helps users access its content. See the LightNet site navigation page.
Users can use the site in their own language
Section titled “Users can use the site in their own language”LightNet supports any language. This is especially valuable in least-reached communities. For people whose language has few speakers and little content available on the internet in their language, a website in their heart language may be unusual and exciting.
Works well on phones, computers, and tablets
Section titled “Works well on phones, computers, and tablets”LightNet is designed to work especially well on mobile phones, where many people access the internet. It is easy to navigate and use on a small touchscreen.
LightNet also works well on computers and tablets.
Pages load quickly
Section titled “Pages load quickly”LightNet is fast. It typically delivers a complete webpage to the user’s browser in less than one second.
Users can access the site with the connection and device they have
Section titled “Users can access the site with the connection and device they have”LightNet works on slower connections. People can access LightNet even when fast internet is not available.
LightNet works on older phones and computers, not just the latest devices. Its broad compatibility means that almost everyone can access it on a device they already have.
Users are not tracked or interrupted by advertising
Section titled “Users are not tracked or interrupted by advertising”LightNet does not track users or display advertising. Users can use the site without being followed across the internet or interrupted by ads.
How LightNet benefits ministries
Section titled “How LightNet benefits ministries”Ministries can own the direction of their work
Section titled “Ministries can own the direction of their work”LightNet is ministry-owned and ministry-driven. A ministry can build its own skills and lead its own work instead of becoming dependent on a service provider. The ministry needs access to a software developer with the skills to build and run a LightNet site.
MediaWorks offers a services model for ministries that do not have access to a software developer and choose to partner with MediaWorks to build and run their LightNet site.
Ministries can shape the site around their community
Section titled “Ministries can shape the site around their community”LightNet adapts to the needs of each community. Ministries can shape their LightNet sites around their brand, their goals, and the identity of the local community.
LightNet makes it easy for a ministry to translate its site into any language and share content in the heart language of the community it serves. See the Languages page.
Ministries can serve people at a low ongoing cost
Section titled “Ministries can serve people at a low ongoing cost”Excluding labor, ministries are running their LightNet sites for as little as $1 USD per month.
Ministries can optionally understand how people use their LightNet site. The web analytics service recommended by MediaWorks respects people’s privacy and keeps the information it collects anonymous. Excluding labor, it costs about $10 USD per month.
Ministries can run a site that is reliable and secure
Section titled “Ministries can run a site that is reliable and secure”LightNet runs reliably. It is hosted by cloud-service providers whose services keep LightNet available around the clock, year-round.
LightNet is secure. Its design is simple, leaving fewer ways for someone to attack the site.
Ministries can improve the software and learn with others
Section titled “Ministries can improve the software and learn with others”LightNet is open source. Its software can be used and improved by the people and Ministries who work with LightNet.
LightNet is supported by a community of ministries and software developers. This community shares knowledge and helps one another build, run, and improve LightNet sites.
Ministries that have particular needs and access to software development skills can customize their LightNet sites to meet those needs.