Putting Your Church on the Web

This page is meant to provide basic information about deciding whether a web site is desirable for your congregation. Those who decide to move ahead with a web site will also find basic information for setting one up.

Some initial decisions

Why? Consider why you want a church website.

Here are some of the reasons to move ahead.

· Keeping members of the congregation informed, augmenting the quality of a congregation's community life, connecting in new ways with the regional and general manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

· Introducing the congregation to others in the community

· Providing an online ministry to youth, children, families with special concerns or persons with special needs. For example, providing a "kid-safe" zone on the web; support for foster parents, adult caregivers, etc.

· Introducing the congregation to people moving to your community.

Why not?

If your only answer to the question "Why should we have a web site?" is "Everyone else is doing it," forget a web site for now.

First steps

Talk about and decide the primary message you want to communicate to anyone visiting the site. If the message is "we're a friendly lot," photos of congregants in "friendly" situations would be in order. If your message is "we've got the most glorious sanctuary in town," pictures of the sanctuary would be the ticket.

Decide who your primary audience will be. If your primarily communicating with your congregation, consider that members are of different generations. Consider a special "corner" for children, teens, young adults, parents, and older adults. If your aim is to attract seekers of a particular generation, ask for advice from a member of that generation in determining the content and style of your site.

This is the point when you'll want to choose the person(s) who will design, post and maintain your web pages. This person will need to know how to create web pages. These days, it's likely that someone in the congregation has some expertise in creating and posting pages. In our diocese we have contracted with the Episcopal Media Center to host and train people to use your website. To get their assistance call 404-815-0640 and talk to either Patrick or Simon.

Remember that setting up a web site requires a commitment to offer fresh content to the site at least once a week (more often is preferable). A web site that doesn't change is doomed to be ignored.

(adapted from the Disciples of Christ For Congregations website)