What should be on a church website?

[Lamb]

What are some things that should be on a church website? If you were shopping for a new church, what would you want to see there?

 

[tango]

I'd say the crucial things are what times everything happens and a statement of the church's beliefs. If anything about attending a service isn't readily obvious to a person who has never been to church before, or who has never been to that particular church before, that should also be listed.

Some pictures of church activities can also be useful to give an idea of the demographics of the church. If you're retired you might prefer a church with more older people; if you're a family with small children you'll want a church that has some kind of youth ministry and so on.

It seems I'm quite unusual in that if I want to know more about a local church I'll just go along and find out. It seems these days churches are endlessly catering to the group that want to read endless detail on a web site, then watch several services online, and only then consider whether they feel safe setting foot in the church. Sometimes it seems like church has become just another consumer product that people consume at will without feeling a need to become part of the community.

 

[Albion]

Some churches have wonderful websites, and others have none at all or else ones that are so plain and brief that they're almost useless. These certainly can't make much of an impression on people thinking of finding a church for themselves.

My feeling is that having a good website is important, assuming of course that the congregation really wants to welcome new people. So, it seems a shame that the ones in the second category don't bother even putting together a decent page on a free website.

Then, there are those that look attractive and helpful but, surprisingly, omit some info that I'd consider important, such as the pastor's name, that congregation's affiliation, or a map, or, sometimes, even the address.

 

[tango]

Some churches have wonderful websites, and others have none at all or else ones that are so plain and brief that they're almost useless. These certainly can't make much of an impression on people thinking of finding a church for themselves.

My feeling is that having a good website is important, assuming of course that the congregation really wants to welcome new people. So, it seems a shame that the ones in the second category don't bother even putting together a decent page on a free website.

Then, there are those that look attractive and helpful but, surprisingly, omit some info that I'd consider important, such as the pastor's name, that congregation's affiliation, or a map, or, sometimes, even the address.

Knowing where to find the church is kinda useful if you want to visit.

Why do you consider the name of the pastor to be important?

 

[Albion]

Knowing where to find the church is kinda useful if you want to visit.

Why do you consider the name of the pastor to be important?

Well, the better pages usually come with a photo and some text. I just think that when people are looking for a church for themselves, a little mention of the minister(s), with or without a small bio, makes the church seem established and welcoming. The same with references to youth groups, Bible study, local charities supported by that church, and etc.

 

[tango]

Well, the better pages usually come with a photo and some text. I just think that when people are looking for a church for themselves, a little mention of the minister(s), with or without a small bio, makes the church seem established and welcoming. The same with references to youth groups, Bible study, local charities supported by that church, and etc.

Fair enough, I personally wouldn't worry too much about the pastor's information but that makes sense. Information about youth groups and things happening during the week can indicate a church that isn't just a Sunday morning thing.