I’ve looked at quite a few church websites in my day, as someone looking for a church, as a denominational official, and as a pastor.
Here’s five things I believe every church website should have.
- Worship Times Visible On Every Page
- Pictures of church members being joyful in worship
- Pictures of church members and guests interacting in positive ways outside of worship (including coffee hour)
- Video or Written Testimonies about life in the church, and what it means to be a part of it.
- Staff Names and Contact Information, available through one or two links from the home page
If you notice, this includes a lot of visual media; don’t be scared of this! If your church doesn’t have any professional or amateur photographers or videographers, someone probably knows someone who would do that work, and do it well. This is also a great project for teens and youth to get involved with.
It’s worth it. A website (and facebook page) is a virtual front door and window into your congregation. If all visitors see are pictures of your empty building, they might assume that your church is more of a historical building preservation society (which it’s not!).
When I go to a website, I want to be able to imagine my family there, worshiping with you. I want to feel the warmth of a passing of the peace that goes on too long, or a hymn that is sung with gusto (but a little off key). I want to know how YOUR church can become OUR church.