Supplemental Guidelines in Writing the Content of a Church Website

Church & Non-profit Website Supplemental Guidelines

Your website is vital because it is your church’s foyer.  It allows your visitors to peek inside your church and be able to see what you offer.  This is your show room.  It must be inviting enough for people to come visit your actual church.

HOME PAGE

The home page is where you post the most important aspect of your church.  It is something that catches the attention and encourages your visitors to continue surfing your website.  It is your “sound bites” page.

ABOUT US

• Our Church - This page describes your church.  It tells about the history of your church.  It identifies the strengths of your church, what it brings to the community and what your church emphasizes.  This section explains why you exist as a church and what you are trying to accomplish--describing anything you want your visitors to know about your church.
• Meet the Staff - Visitors to your website may want to see the leadership of your church--your pastor and staff members.  Introducing your church pastors and staff members may include their educational attainment, family history and relationships, their spiritual journey and experiences, and finally, their individual passions or hobbies.
• Our Beliefs - It is also normal for your visitors to check out what you believe as a church.  This section will give them an idea of what they are entering into, if they agree with your beliefs and want to become a part of your church.  It is good to openly show people what you stand for and let them make up their mind.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission statement is another very important part of your website.  With a few words, you tell both your visitors and your church members the purpose of your church.  It answers a question, why you are doing what you are doing. 

In short, people may know why your church exists.  Besides a mission statement, you may include your church vision and values (maybe shown in a separate page on some templates).  Vision is the description of what you would like to accomplish in a specific time frame.

Three Rules of Thumb for Formulating a Mission Statement:

1. Concise – Your mission statement must be short enough that anyone could easily remember.
2. Clear – Your mission statement must be as clear as possible.  If someone reads your mission statement and asks “what?” that means it needs to be reworded to clearly articulate your message.
3. Compelling – Your mission statement must be convincing.  You must be able to come up with a mission statement that is relevant.  Something that moves people to action.  Most of all, a mission statement must be biblical.

MINISTRIES

This page is where you present your various ministries for your visitors.  For example, briefly explain about your children’s ministry, prayer group, visitation ministry or jail ministry and others.  You may share how your church is affecting the people in your community or describe your missions overseas, if you have one.

EVENTS

Church Event page is a place to announce your church future event or activities, such as VBS, baptism, Youth Camp, special meetings, weddings, house blessings or any other events that you want the people to know.

***CHURCH'S IMPACT

We  are living in a high-tech world.  People want information within their reach.  Your church website is the front lobby of your church, in order for your visitors to see what you offer or find information about your church. 

For existing church members, website will serve as your bulletin board or news stand.  It will enable them to catch the latest church events, schedules, announcements, and be able to listen to your sermons on audio or watch your video anytime, anywhere.  Through the website, your church is connected to world 24/7.

For your website to be more effective, always update your information.  Remove outdated schedules and events to keep your website current and relevant.