Ok, let's be realistic, every day is a "new school" day with technology. So, keeping up to date with the latest scripts, codes, systems and ideas is not realistic. However, it is important to realize that the world of web design is in a constant state of flux.
With that in mind, churches have to try to balance this flux with their own fluctuating revenue and generally tight budgets. An advantage some churches might have could come from a web designer in the congregation who could provide the services on the cheap. But, the Bible instructs that the worker is worthy of his pay, so I think the church shouldn't expect the designer in their midst to work for free (unless the guy offers).
The church might be tempted to just let the pastor or the office secretary design the web site. Two problems here: 1) it's very likely neither has real experience in web design, and 2) they have more important things to do than babysit the web page.
My suggestion, as I mentioned yesterday, is to use a content management system. They're cheaper, and can be set up to give different users differing amounts of access. So, if you wanted to post your nursery schedule, you can give the person in charge of that limisted access to make those edits. That's the general idea behind content management. One person doesn't have to be responsible for all the editing, and it becomes a team effort.
But, back to reality. Most churches don't go to this extent. They either settle for some poorly designed page (as referenced yesterday), or they don't have a site at all. With today's society so reliant upon the Internet, and web hosting relatively affordable, there is no excuse for not having a site. If you're serious about reaching your community for Jesus, you MUST have a web presence.
More and more people are leaving the yellow pages and going to the Internet to find a church to attend. They do this, because a web site can provide much more information about a church than any phone book ad ever could. And, they'll base the quality of your church by the quality of your web site. I know you probably don't like this little punch of reality, but it's reality, so accept it.
All of this intertwines to bring us to where we left off yesterday. What are some of the things your site can and should have? I've made a list:
- Your basic information, like service times and directions. The service times tend to be a no brainer, but you'd be surprised how many sites don't include directions, both written and map forms.
- Information that visitors would want to know. Highest on this list is what to expect during services, such as casual or formal attire, hymns or praise songs, etc. Visitors also want to know about childcare, and whether their kids will be getting a lesson about Jesus.
- Information about the various ministries and activities of the church are also important. Some churches include a calendar of events, which is helpful for visitors and regular attenders alike.
- A place for online giving. I know this one will be controversial with people who believe that all tithes should be given at the church building, but technology has moved well beyond just checks and cash. I don't know about you, but I rarely use checks anymore. An online portal for giving only makes sense, plus most are safe and secure.
- Video and/or audio casts of the messages. My personal preference is to include the entire service, but adding music also requires that license fees be paid, so I understand if your church doesn't go that route. But, the ability to include the messages online is as easy as creating a website. This is a great way to spead the church's message outside of the normal service times. And, your congregation will appreciate it any weekend they're not able to be in attendance.
- Contact information is a must. I wouldn't include the staff's email addresses, but there should be a general information email address and phone number included for anyone that wants to contact the church. You don't really want to publish your staff email links unless you're prepared for all the spam that will come with that. But, a general email address is great for people to contact the church from the outside world. Oh, by the way, please be sure to check it.
- Real pictures of your real people. One of my pet peeves with church websites is that when you let a design company develop the website, they have a tendency to use stock photos to give the site a human feel. A human touch is fine and all, but stock photos are pictures of people who don't go to your church or live in your area. When you have pictures of people on your website that no one in your church ever sees, your site becomes corporate and non-human. An even worse offense is when your designer rips off photos from other websites and tries to convince the world that those photos of people and their worshipping happened at your church. By the way, if your church is small, the hoax is all the more noticable.
Those are my things to do. Now, the things not to do can be summed up in one sentence: Don't let your site be cheap or cheesy. That's it.
Jesus didn't die on a cross so that the face you show to the public -- the impression the world gets of His church -- is one that comes off as cheap, cheesy and meaningless.
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