Over the past year, people have been online more than ever. Being at home and working from home, our lives have revolved around the interwebs. It’s where we have received our news, updates from friends, and even attended church.
Even with businesses, schools, and churches beginning to open back up since the beginning of the pandemic, our pull to online content isn’t going to go away. And though church doors are swinging wide, many people will still prefer to attend online or browse your church website to learn more.
Because of this, it’s important to have the most important features to create a powerful church website. Below are five ideas to integrate in order to continually move your ministry forward online.
1. Design
In order to have a powerful church website, the design needs to be appealing and user-friendly. If it’s difficult to navigate, it may turn people away from not only browsing your site but even attending your church because they can’t find the information they’re looking for. Utilizing templates and themes, like the great ones from Clover, will not only make your website visually appealing, but they will help you design an online platform that is easy to navigate and one that’s responsive, meaning it will look great no matter which device the visitor is on.
2. Events and Forms
Other effective tools for your website are events and forms. Update your congregation with information regarding any upcoming events. Include the necessary content like when and where the event will take place. You can also provide a form for registration and to stay organized. Hosting events, and highlighting them on your website, is a good way for people to stay connected and get more involved.
3. Sermons and Media
Reach people no matter where they are by uploading sermons, videos, and other media directly to your church website. Provide a glimpse into your Sunday service for guests who are interested in hearing what the messages are like. Update your audience with informational or promotional videos. Make your website feel more welcoming with media. These are all beneficial ways to intrigue new guests and members alike, and hopefully encourage them to get and stay connected.
4. Prayer
Prayer requests don’t have to only happen on Sundays. Consider including a prayer page or section on your website where people can submit their prayer requests. The Clover prayer wall allows you to not only track the requests that come in, but it provides the opportunity for visitors to the site to pray for one another. This is a fun and useful integration that will help people feel connected, cared about, and be able to participate in what God is doing through the prayers of His people.
5. Giving
Don’t forget about the power of an effective giving page. With Clover Give, your congregation will have the opportunity to donate online via your website, your church app, through text, or kiosks. On your giving page, highlight the reason why God calls His Church to give and maybe even provide some information about where their money will be going through specific campaigns. Have a clear call to action with an obvious link or button where they can give online to make it even easier.
Next Steps
Having a powerful church website can make all the difference in the growth of your ministry, particularly online. Incorporate these five features through Clover Sites and see the difference.
