For a church, a website is a unique and vital tool. It has to serve two very different audiences at the same time. First, it is a critical hub for your existing members, providing them with event calendars, sermon archives, and ways to get involved. Second, it is the digital front door for potential new visitors. It is often the very first impression someone will have of your church, and it needs to be as warm and welcoming as your actual front door.

A great church website is more than just a source of information; it is a tool for ministry. It is a place where people can connect, grow, and take the next step in their faith journey. Building a website that does this well requires a thoughtful plan. It is about creating a digital space that reflects the heart and mission of your church. This guide will walk you through the 10 key features every church website needs to serve its community well. By focusing on these elements, you can build a website that is a powerful extension of your ministry.

Feature 1: A Clear “I’m New” or “Plan a Visit” Page

This is the most important page on your website for a first-time visitor. The goal of this page is to answer every question a potential guest might have and to remove any anxiety they might feel about showing up on a Sunday morning. A great “I’m New” page should be very easy to find from your homepage.

What to Include on Your “Plan a Visit” Page:

• Service Times and Location: This should be the very first thing people see. Include your address and a link to Google Maps.
• What to Expect: Briefly describe a typical service. What is the music like? How long does the service last? What do people usually wear?
• Information for Kids: For parents, knowing that their children will be safe and well-cared for is the most important factor. Describe your children’s ministry, your check-in process, and your safety procedures.

Feature 2: An Easy-to-Find Sermon Archive

Before someone visits your church, they will likely want to know what your teaching is like. A sermon archive is one of the most valuable features for your current members and for people who are checking out your church for the first time. It allows people to catch up on a missed week or to get a feel for your church’s theological perspective.

Your sermon archive should be easy to navigate and search. Offering both video and audio-only options is a great way to make your teaching accessible to everyone. This is a key part of your content strategy.

Feature 3: A Clear and Simple “Give” Page

Your website is a key tool for receiving tithes and offerings. Your “Give” button should be easy to find in the top right corner of every page. Your giving page should be simple, secure, and mobile-friendly. It’s a great idea to use a modern online giving platform that makes it easy for people to set up recurring giving. This helps create a stable and predictable source of income for your ministry.

Feature 4: A Hub for Ministries and Small Groups

Your website should be the central place where your members can find information about all of your different ministries, from the youth group to the women’s Bible study. Each ministry should have its own page with a clear description, meeting times, and contact information for the leader. If your church has a small group program, your website should have a directory where people can find a group that is a good fit for them.

Feature 5: A Detailed Events Calendar

A church is a busy place. Your website needs a central, up-to-date events calendar. A great calendar will be easy to filter and search. For each event, be sure to include the date, time, location, and a short description. If the event requires registration, include a clear link to the sign-up form. This is a critical tool for keeping your congregation informed and engaged.

Feature 6: A Clear “Serve” or “Get Involved” Section

Your website should make it easy for your members to take the next step and start serving. A dedicated “Serve” section should clearly list all of the different volunteer teams at your church. For each team, provide a short description of what they do and a simple online form for people to express interest. This is a key part of your plan for volunteer management.

Feature 7: Staff and Leadership Bios

People want to know who is leading your church. A staff and leadership page with friendly photos and short bios helps to build trust and make your church feel more personal. This is similar to the principles we discuss in our guide to writing a great non-profit About Us page.

Feature 8: A Clear Statement of Beliefs

For many potential visitors, understanding what your church believes is a critical step. A clear, easy-to-understand “What We Believe” page is an important part of a welcoming church website. Write in plain language and avoid overly technical theological terms. This page helps people understand your church’s core convictions and whether it might be a good fit for them.

Feature 9: A Prayer Request Form

Your website can be a tool for ministry. A simple, confidential prayer request form is a powerful way to care for your community. It gives people a way to share their needs with your pastoral team and prayer ministry. Make sure it is clear on the form who will see the requests and how they will be prayed for.

Feature 10: Clear Contact Information and Service Times

This seems simple, but it is one of the most important things. Your service times, your physical address, your phone number, and your general email address should be in the footer of every single page of your website. Do not make people hunt for this basic information.

A church website is not just a digital bulletin board; it is a digital ministry tool.

Conclusion: Your Digital Welcome Mat

Your church website is your digital welcome mat. It is a 24/7 opportunity to serve your members and welcome new people into your community. By focusing on these 10 key features, you can create a website that is a warm, welcoming, and effective tool for your ministry. It is an investment in the health of your church and the growth of your impact in your community.