Ideas for Your Church Web Site
Smaller churches that simply can't afford to have a Web presence, can benefit from Bob's low rates and modest designs. Here are some thoughts for pastors, board members, Web site committees, and church members to consider when thinking about the benefits of a church Web site:
Fellowship Page: Your homepage reflects the warmth, friendliness, and love of your staff and congregation to those who might be "church shopping" or have recently moved to your town or community. This page would be like a welcome mat for them and would list your schedule of services, office hours, location, map, written directions, etc.
Church Ministries: Here you can emphasize in detail the various ministries and outreaches of your church.
People and Events Page: Here you would be able to let new folks see the exciting activities that your church offers. Pictures, announcements, upcoming events, special services and speakers, music groups, etc., could be listed on this page for all to see.
Prayer Page: This page would be visited often by your congregation to keep up with those in need and be encouraged to pray for each other daily. The page could also list the testimonies of answered prayers, which would build faith and be an encouragement to others. An online form for prayer requests could also be provided for the convenience of those in need.
Bible Study Page: A weekly or monthly Bible study could be available online for your congregation. Also, a "Scripture for this Day" feature would be a blessing to many folks. Reminders of in-church Bible study classes could be listed here as well.
Bookstore Page: If your church has books, CDs, DVDs, etc., to sell, these can be placed on a catalog page on your Web site. Perhaps you would like to put the background sound of your church choir, group, or soloist on this or another page.
Sermon Notes: Next week's scripture references and outline notes for the pastor's upcoming sermon goes here.
Directions to the Church: A map, and especially written directions are vital to new people interested in visiting your church services.
Contact Us: As with most any Web site, it's important to provide site visitors with a contact page so they can ask questions, seek prayer, learn about a new class or sign up for a new ministry, etc.
FINAL THOUGHT: The truth is, many churches let this golden opportunity to reach out to their community slip right through their hands. Many churches push the Web site aside, if they have one, and they don't publicize it enough or keep it fresh and up to date. A sad thing: Bob was just looking at the Church Directory page in the local community newspaper, and found a full page of church ads, nice-looking, nice size, nicely laid out, but of the 43 ads, only seven thought to list their Web site address (if they even had one). Your newspaper ad, weekly bulletin, radio program (and/or TV program), and outdoor signage, should always include your Web site address.
