Building a Church Website: Getting Started
Having a website for your church is not an option in this day and age; it should be looked at as a necessity.
This article talks about how to build a church website and how it can benefit your church.
A church website actually serves a twofold purpose:
- To serve would be visitors
- To serve current members
How a Church Website Can Serve Visitors
Your website can serve as the introduction to your church and is the perfect instrument for those who may be looking for a permanent place of worship to get a “taste” of what your church offers.
The information on the site should always be current, relevant, and inviting. The church’s location, time of services, ministries of the church, a Pastor’s page and the mission are just some of the important pieces of information that need to be included on the website. Providing the visitor with this information can go a long way in helping them to decide if they want to come and visit the church.
It is also wise to include a section on the website with information that lets visitors know what they can expect when they visit for the first time.
How a Church Website can Serve Current Members
Members should also be considered important when creating your website. Members should also be kept abreast of current programs and events of the church. This is another way to have them connected to their congregation, especially if they happen to miss a Sunday or two.
Having the Pastor’s messages uploaded can also be important to both the members and visitors. For visitors this can provide them with more information about the Pastor and again, if a member misses a Sunday, they would be able to visit the website to hear the sermon.
If a church has a website, it can provide sermons 24/7 through media libraries. Members don’t have to wait until the next Sunday to hear a Word of encouragement from the pastor, a sermon is just a few clicks away.
Another benefit of having a website for your current members would be the including of tools, resources and information that help them connect with the church and with other members.
A Website is Not a Replacement for Church.
We want to also point out what a website is not. It is not a substitution for attending church itself. While, reading scriptures and information on a web page or listening to an online sermon by the pastor may provide some spiritual comfort, it will never be a replacement for church.
A website should only serve as an extension of the church and its message.
