<\/p>\n
From time to time a church website developer will publish a blog article with a list of what they consider to be the \u201cbest church websites.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But as someone who is a part of a small church, I understand that\u00a0these lists can be discouraging<\/strong>\u00a0for many small church leaders, because they can lead to thinking, \u201cOur church could never create a website anything like that.\u201d<\/p>\n So, in this article I want to offer some encouragement and\u2026<\/p>\n One of the biggest mistakes small churches make is to look at all the content and features megachurches put on their website \u2013 sermon videos, podcasts, blogs, concert ticket sales, small group finder, etc \u2013 and then try to duplicate them on their website.<\/p>\n No bueno.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Small churches websites should start with the basics<\/strong>. Tell visitors when and where you gather for worship and what to expect. Tell people how to get involved \u2013 what ministries and events do you have coming up, and how can they participate.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019re doing that consistently well, if you want to experiment with other content or features, add one thing at a time<\/strong>. Make sure it\u2019s being done consistently well and advancing the mission of the church before you try adding something else.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 Put that time, energy and money towards something else.<\/p>\n Along the same lines, it\u2019s important to complete the pages and information you have on your website.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t put a blank \u201cSermons\u201d page on your website if you don\u2019t have any sermons on it. Don\u2019t leave a blank calendar on your website with no events listed. Don\u2019t put social media icons on your website that link to social media profiles that you\u2019re not regularly posting to.<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n We live in a very superficial society where everyone seems to be trying to sell us on something. If you\u2019re a part of a small church, it\u2019s very important you don\u2019t try to appear to be something you\u2019re not.<\/p>\n If 95% of the people of your church are all one ethnicity, don\u2019t say on your website you\u2019re multi-ethnic congregation. If your worship is led by an organist, don\u2019t show a stock image of a 12-person band with smoke and laser lights on your website.<\/p>\n For that matter\u2026 don\u2019t use stock photos at all.<\/p>\n Be yourself.<\/p>\n And as Walt Disney said\u2026<\/p>\n Whatever you do, do it well. -Walt Disney<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Click to share this image on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram <\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for inspiration, OurChurch.Com\u2019s\u00a0Best Church Websites of 2026\u00a0features mostly small church websites.\u00a0Request 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.<\/p>\n Using our WP-EZ Website Builder, you can build yourself a good, affordable small church website. It\u2019s fast and easy to use, includes beautiful themes, and our friendly, Christian support team is ready to answer any questions you may have.<\/p>\n However, if you don\u2019t 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n Continue reading\u2026\u00a0How to set and reach your goals in 2026!<\/p>\n Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com<\/strong><\/p>\n Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.<\/span><\/p>\n An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like <\/span>ChurchLeaders.com<\/span>, <\/span>The JoyFM<\/span>, and his personal blog, <\/span>LiveIntentionally.org<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at <\/span>Journey Community Church<\/span> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTips for the Best Small Church Websites<\/strong><\/h2>\n
1) Whatever you do, do it well<\/strong><\/h4>\n
2) Complete your website<\/strong><\/h4>\n
3) Be Authentic<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Bonus Tip: Expand Your Capacity by Outsourcing<\/h4>\n
Comment and Discuss:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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