Yes. Your church needs a website… But not a complicated one!
As the younger generation becomes more and more web-driven it is essential for churches to have websites if they are going to reach out and make new disciples for Christ. The Pew Internet Project revealed that 93% of youth ages 12 – 17 go online for their information. This means that your church must have an online presence if it is going to meet youngsters where they are – online.
However, the trend is moving away from large, complicated websites and towards ones that are “mobile friendly”. Your church website can have all the information about every program you have, every meeting you run, and every person who comes to worship on Sunday… But what your website really needs is actually very simple. A nice clean design, with mobile access (map) to your address and a clear presentation of your service times.
Sure, your congregation may enjoy downloading and listening to your sermons or streaming them online… And your board members may appreciate access to names, phone numbers, and meeting times… But when someone moves into your area or is looking for a new church and they come to your website they generally want to know three things:
- What are Your Service Times?
- Where are You Located?
- What Can I Expect? (Dress, Childcare, Etc)
That’s it…
You might be thinking “NOW WAIT A MINUTE, THEY WILL WANT TO KNOW WHAT WE BELIEVE, WHAT BIBLE VERSION WE USE, ALL ABOUT OUR PASTOR…”
Sure, those things are not bad to have on your website and it is information you might like to know — but the three things listed are the essentials and, if you’re looking to get a church website for the first time, where you should start. You don’t need to “get complicated”, you just need to meet people where they are at — and where they are at is online.
In fact, just $10 and about 20 minutes of your time is all it takes to get a high-quality (mobile ready) church website. Simple, yet professional. And, the best part is, it is very easy to maintain!