From time to time a church website developer will publish a blog article with a list of what they consider to be the “best church websites.”
Usually, these lists include a bunch of mega churches that budget tens of thousands of dollars each year towards their website. Most have one or more full-time website developer on their paid staff.
I give the creators of the lists the benefit of the doubt that their motives are honorable. They want to encourage church leaders by showing that churches can build beautiful, well-functioning church websites that can stand alongside any multi-million dollar corporation or secular nonprofit. And they often provide insight into the tools or design principles used to do that.
But as someone who is a part of a small church, I understand that these lists can be discouraging for many small church leaders, because they can lead to thinking, “Our church could never create a website anything like that.”
So, in this article I want to offer some encouragement and…
Tips for the Best Small Church Websites
1) Whatever you do, do it well
One of the biggest mistakes small churches make is to look at all the content and features megachurches put on their website – sermon videos, podcasts, blogs, concert ticket sales, small group finder, etc – and then try to duplicate them on their website.
No bueno.
Because small churches only have a fraction of the time and resources, the end result is usually poor quality, buggy features, and content that is published inconsistently.
Small churches websites should start with the basics. Tell visitors when and where you gather for worship and what to expect. Tell people how to get involved – what ministries and events do you have coming up, and how can they participate.
Once you’re doing that consistently well, if you want to experiment with other content or features, add one thing at a time. Make sure it’s being done consistently well and advancing the mission of the church before you try adding something else.
And if a new feature or new content it taking time, energy and/or money but not resonating with visitors or advancing the mission of the church, kill it. Put that time, energy and money towards something else.
2) Complete your website
Along the same lines, it’s important to complete the pages and information you have on your website.
Don’t put a blank “Sermons” page on your website if you don’t have any sermons on it. Don’t leave a blank calendar on your website with no events listed. Don’t put social media icons on your website that link to social media profiles that you’re not regularly posting to.
It’s better to have a simple 3 page website with a Homepage, About page and Contact page than a bunch of blank or out-of-date pages.
3) Be Authentic
We live in a very superficial society where everyone seems to be trying to sell us on something. If you’re a part of a small church, it’s very important you don’t try to appear to be something you’re not.
If 95% of the people of your church are all one ethnicity, don’t say on your website you’re multi-ethnic congregation. If your worship is led by an organist, don’t show a stock image of a 12-person band with smoke and laser lights on your website.
For that matter… don’t use stock photos at all.
Be yourself.
And as Walt Disney said…
Whatever you do, do it well. -Walt Disney
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If you’re looking for inspiration, OurChurch.Com’s Best Church Websites of 2026 features mostly small church websites. Request a free website review, and you will not only get some valuable feedback, but you might win an award and get featured on our site.
Bonus Tip: Expand Your Capacity by Outsourcing
Using our WP-EZ Website Builder, you can build yourself a good, affordable small church website. It’s fast and easy to use, includes beautiful themes, and our friendly, Christian support team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
However, if you don’t have time to learn a website builder and do it with excellence, you can hire our team to build it for you better and faster than you can do yourself. Or bring in our team to create a custom website. The next step for either of these options is to complete the form below (mobile) or to the right (desktop), to schedule an exploratory call.
Comment and Discuss:
- What do you think is the key to creating a good small church website?
Continue reading… How to set and reach your goals in 2026!
Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.
