I know I need a web site, but...

Dustin Stearman is the Lead Project Director of Church Plant Media, a web development firm that specializes in working with church plants.

"I know I need a web site, but..."

I don't know where to start!
I don't know what type of content to include!
I don't have time to handle it!

Don't worry, you're not alone. The majority of churches realize that they need a cutting-edge web site, but most don't know where to go, or much less, how the process works. If this sounds like you, then read on!

A web site can be a huge asset to a church plant, if it is designed and implemented with the needs of both the planter and the churchgoer in mind. A web site can accomplish many things:

  • Embody Christ to your local area.
  • Portray a certain image to current and potential churchgoers.
  • Generate interest and support for your church.
  • Position your church as one that connects with your local culture.
  • Communicate the Gospel to the culture in their language.
  • Aid marketing and outreach to your local audience.
  • Increase ease of contact for churchgoers.
  • Provide site visitors with easily accessible (and useful) information and tools.
  • Save money by updating the web site with time critical information, instead of reprinting brochures.

I'm not telling you things that you don't already know, as these are standard goals in any church web site. With those in mind, let's explore some of the common reasons people hesitate to develop a web site.

1) I don't know where to start!

This is one of the most common reasons people put off developing a web site. Who can blame you? There are dozens of companies in the yellow pages, thousands of companies online, and your 12-year-old nephew just took a class on web site design in school. How do you choose?

Simple. One way is to find web sites that you like and find out which company developed them. Another way is to talk with other church planters to see which company they used. Contact the company. Ask questions. Check references. Look at their portfolio. By doing a few minutes of background work, you can usually find a company that you feel comfortable with.

2) I don't know what type of content to include!

Each church web site differs in the type and amount of content that they include, but most have the following pages in their site.

  • Home (welcome message, e-newsletter sign up form)
  • Who we are (staff bios and pictures, what we believe, church membership, partner ministries, values, mission, how to become a Christian)
  • Events (calendar, activities)
  • Sundays (service information, small group information, special needs)
  • Mid week (men, women, children, teens, other community groups and ministries)
  • Ministry supporters
  • What's new
  • Contact us (contact information, parking and facilities, directions to church)
  • How you can help
  • Search our site

Of course, each church differs on what they need and require in their web site. There are many features that some would consider optional and not necessarily critical to the success of their web site. The following list includes features that most consider optional, and some choose to add them after they have already developed their basic site.

  • Audio sermons and sermon note downloads
  • Welcome video
  • Weekly or monthly devotional
  • Online event registrations
  • Weekly questions and answers from the staff. For example: What do I have to do to become a member? A different question can be posed as often as you wish.
  • Christian links (internet filtering software, etc.)
  • Online giving
  • Spiritual growth tools
  • Chats, bulletin boards, polls, and blogs
  • Testimonies
  • Scripture of the day

The bottom line is this… each church plant has different needs and requirements, so it is best to research other church web sites, make a list of what you like and don't like, and then use your findings to develop a list of features that you would like on your site.

3) I don't have time to handle it!

Anything worth doing will take a little time. There is no way around it. However, developing a web site doesn't have to be a drain on your time and energy. Find a company who will spend the time to educate you, listen to you, and ultimately, will keep your best interest in mind.

In summary, the development of a web site takes effort by both the church plant and the developer. The effort that you put in now to develop the web site will pay off in the future as you showcase your web site to your supporters and your current and potential churchgoers. It will be worth it!

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You may visit Church Plant Media at www.churchplantmedia.com or by calling 800.409.6631. All Acts 29 member churches get a 10% discount off any website package.