Your church’s website is more than just a digital placeholder—it’s a vital ability for ministry, outreach, and connection. Whether someone is searching for a new church, looking for service times, or wanting to give online, your website is often their first stop.
Too many church websites are missing the mark. They’re outdated, hard to navigate, or lack the features people expect in today’s digital world. If your website isn’t meeting the needs of your congregation and visitors, you’re leaving opportunities on the table.
1. Clear Service Times and Location
This is the most basic information people look for when visiting a church website. If your service times and location aren’t easy to find, you’re creating unnecessary barriers for potential visitors.
- Place service times and your address prominently on the homepage.
- Include a map with directions to make it easy for people to find you.
- If you have multiple campuses or services, list them clearly with times and locations.
Make it as simple as possible for someone to plan their visit.
2. Mobile-Friendly Design
Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re alienating a huge portion of your audience.
A mobile-friendly (or responsive) design ensures your website looks great and functions perfectly on any device, whether it’s a phone, tablet, or desktop. This isn’t optional—it’s a must-have.
Test your website on different devices to make sure it’s easy to navigate, loads quickly, and displays correctly.
3. Online Giving
Online giving has become a cornerstone of church life, especially since the pandemic. If your website doesn’t make it easy for people to give online, you’re missing out on a key opportunity to support your ministry.
- Use a secure, user-friendly giving platform.
- Offer multiple giving options (e.g., one-time gifts, recurring donations).
- Highlight the impact of giving by sharing stories or updates on how donations are being used.
Make the process as seamless as possible—people should be able to give in just a few clicks.
4. Sermon Archive
A sermon archive is one of the most valuable features you can offer on your website. It allows people to catch up on missed sermons, explore your teaching style, and engage with your message throughout the week.
- Include both video and audio options, if possible.
- Organise sermons by date, series, or topic to make them easy to find.
- Add a brief description or key points for each sermon to give visitors an idea of what to expect.
This feature not only serves your current congregation but also helps potential visitors get a sense of your church’s values and teachings.
5. Events Calendar
An up-to-date events calendar is essential for keeping your congregation informed and engaged. It’s also a great way to show visitors what’s happening in your church.
- Include details for each event, such as date, time, location, and a brief description.
- Make it easy for people to RSVP or sign up for events directly through the website.
- Highlight recurring events like Bible studies, youth group meetings, or community outreach programmes.
Consistency is key—keep your calendar updated so it’s always accurate.
6. About Us Page
Your “About Us” page is where visitors go to learn more about your church’s mission, values, and leadership. It’s an opportunity to share your story and connect with people on a deeper level.
- Include a clear mission statement that reflects your church’s purpose.
- Share a brief history of your church, if applicable.
- Introduce your leadership team with photos and short bios.
Keep it personal and authentic—this is your chance to show people who you are and what you stand for.
7. Contact Information
Make it easy for people to get in touch with you. Your contact information should be easy to find and include multiple ways for people to reach out.
- Include a contact form for general inquiries.
- List an email address and phone number.
- If possible, add a live chat feature for quick questions.
The goal is to remove any barriers that might prevent someone from reaching out.
8. Ministries and Programmes
Your website should highlight the ministries and programmes your church offers. This helps visitors see how they can get involved and find a place to belong.
- Create a dedicated page for each ministry (e.g., children’s ministry, youth group, small groups).
- Include photos, descriptions, and contact information for each programme.
- Share stories or testimonials from people who have been impacted by these ministries.
Show visitors that your church is active and invested in serving the community.
9. Easy Navigation
A confusing or cluttered website can frustrate visitors and drive them away. Your website’s navigation should be simple, intuitive, and user-friendly.
- Use a clear menu with straightforward labels like “Home,” “About Us,” “Sermons,” “Events,” and “Contact.”
- Avoid using church-specific jargon that might confuse new visitors.
- Make sure every page is no more than a few clicks away from the homepage.
The easier it is for people to find what they’re looking for, the more likely they are to stay engaged.
10. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
If people can’t find your website, it doesn’t matter how great it looks. Search engine optimisation (SEO) ensures your website shows up in search results when people are looking for a church in your area.
- Use relevant keywords like “church in [your city]” or “family-friendly church.”
- Optimise your website’s loading speed and mobile performance.
- Add meta descriptions and alt text for images.
SEO might sound technical, but it’s one of the most important ways to increase your website’s visibility.
11. Testimonials and Stories
People connect with stories, not just information. Sharing testimonials from members of your congregation can help visitors see the impact your church is making.
- Include written testimonials, photos, or even video stories.
- Highlight how your church has helped people grow spiritually, find community, or overcome challenges.
- Place these stories strategically throughout your website to inspire and encourage visitors.
12. Social Media Integration
Social media is a powerful ability for connecting with your congregation and reaching new people. Your website should make it easy for visitors to find and follow your social media accounts.
- Add social media icons that link directly to your profiles.
- Embed your latest posts or videos on your website.
- Encourage visitors to share your content on their own social media platforms.
This creates a seamless connection between your website and your social media presence.
Your church’s website is one of the most important abilities you have for ministry and outreach. By including these essential features, you can create a website that serves your congregation, engages visitors, and supports your mission.
Rour website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s a platform for connection, growth, and impact. Take the time to invest in a website that reflects the heart of your church and meets the needs of your audience.
The world is online, and your church should be too. Make it count.