Your church website isn’t just a place to host sermons or list service times. It’s often the first impression visitors have of your ministry and a key tool for staying connected with your congregation. A well-designed site can build trust, spread your message, and create a sense of belonging. If you’re starting from scratch or thinking of refreshing your existing site, here are 10 essential features every church website should include.
1. Service Times and Location Information
Your homepage is prime real estate, and the first thing visitors should see is when and where they can find you. Clearly display your service times and the physical address of your church. If you have multiple locations, include an easy-to-navigate map and a way to find details for each campus. Bonus points if you can integrate a “Plan Your Visit” button to guide newcomers through the process.
Keep it clear and concise. For example:
- Sunday Worship at 9 AM and 11 AM
- Address: 123 Main Street, Springfield [Google Maps link]
💡 TIP: It’s good for user experience (and indirectly helpful for SEO) to link your address to Google driving directions, so make sure your Google Business Profile is also claimed and optimized.
2. Sermon Archive
Not everyone can make it to every service, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out. A sermon archive allows your congregation (and newcomers) to revisit inspiring messages. Offer audio, video, or even written transcripts for accessibility.
The archive should be:
- Easy to search by date, speaker, or topic
- Mobile-friendly so users can listen on the go
- Shareable for those who want to spread the word
Why this matters: Sermon archives showcase your teaching style and offer spiritual guidance beyond Sunday, allowing your congregation to deepen their faith throughout the week and share meaningful messages with others who may need encouragement.
3. Simple Online Giving Options
Integrating secure and simple online giving options is a non-negotiable for modern church websites. Make it easy for members to support your church on their own time. Include one-time and recurring donation options, and ensure the process is mobile-friendly.
Consider including these features:
- Multiple payment methods (credit card, ACH, etc.)
- Integration with your church’s financial management software
- A heartfelt thank-you page or email once a donation is complete
Why this matters: Studies show that churches with online giving tools see 32% higher overall donations. By providing a seamless and convenient way for members to give, churches can inspire consistent generosity and foster a stronger sense of community support.
4. Event Calendar
Keeping your congregation engaged is all about communication. An updated calendar is essential for listing weekly services, small groups, outreach opportunities, and special events. Include descriptions, locations, and RSVP links when necessary.
💡 TIP: Color-code your events by category (e.g., worship, youth, community outreach) to make the calendar visually appealing and easy to skim. Online calendars can even send out automated reminders, reducing the amount of manual work and helping ensure your congregation stays informed and engaged.
5. Mobile-Friendly Design
Over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices, and church websites are no different. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile browsing, you risk losing visitors before they even get past the homepage.
What to prioritize in mobile-friendly church website design:
- Simplified navigation
- Clickable buttons large enough for all fingers
- Fast loading times to keep visitors engaged
Why this matters: A responsive design ensures that everyone, no matter their device, has a seamless experience. This not only improves user satisfaction but also helps establish trust and credibility for your church’s online presence.
6. About Page with Mission and Beliefs
Most visitors will check your “About” page to learn more about your church’s identity and values. Use this space to share your mission, core beliefs, and leadership team bios. Personal touches, like photos of pastors and staff, help to build trust and make your church feel approachable.
What to include:
- Your church’s story and vision
- Core beliefs in an easy-to-understand format
- Short bios of leadership team members, including their roles and passions
Why this matters: When someone is searching for a new church, they are often looking for a place where they feel a connection not only to the community but also to the values and mission of the church itself. By authentically sharing your story, beliefs, and the heart behind your ministry, you create a welcoming environment that encourages newcomers to explore further. Transparency and authenticity help people determine if your church aligns with their own beliefs and values, building trust from the start. This can ease the decision-making process for potential members and ensure that they feel genuinely seen and included from their very first visit.
7. Welcome Section for New Visitors
For many, visiting a church for the first time can feel intimidating. Create a section specifically for newcomers that answers common questions, such as:
- What should I wear to church?
- Where can I park?
- Are children’s services available?
- Does the church offer coffee?
💡 TIP: Adding a friendly welcome video from the pastors or ministry leaders can instantly make new visitors feel more at home. This personal touch helps convey warmth, authenticity, and a genuine invitation to become part of the community.
8. Contact Information and Forms
Your church website needs a dedicated contact page with clear, easy-to-find information. Make sure to prominently display your phone number and email address so visitors can quickly get in touch. Include a simple, user-friendly contact form to make reaching out even more convenient. Adding a prayer request form is another meaningful touch that can strengthen your connection with the community and show that your church cares deeply about their needs. Keep the page approachable and inviting to encourage engagement.
💡 TIP: Include office hours and a dedicated point of contact for specific inquiries (e.g., baptisms, weddings, or counseling). Clearly showcasing how and when you’re available adds a personal touch and reassures people that their questions or needs will be addressed promptly and thoughtfully.
9. Overview of Ministries and Programs
Your church is likely buzzing with activities, from youth groups to community outreach. Use your website to showcase the variety of ways people can engage. Highlight key ministries with short descriptions, images, and links to learn more. Be sure to emphasize how each program aligns with your mission to serve and uplift the community, inspiring visitors to become actively involved in something meaningful. Sharing testimonials or success stories from these initiatives can further demonstrate the impact of your ministries and invite deeper connections.
Ideas to include:
- Sunday school programs
- Worship team opportunities
- Mission trips or outreach programs
Why this matters: A rich variety of ministries not only shows your church’s vibrancy but also gives members and visitors a chance to get involved in areas that resonate with them.
10. Social Media Integration
A strong social media presence keeps your church connected throughout the week. Link your website to your social platforms and embed a feed of recent posts. This encourages visitors to engage beyond Sunday and stay updated on events, announcements, and devotional content. Make sure your social media reflects the authentic heart of your church by sharing meaningful stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and genuine connections within your community. Consistency in presenting your mission and values will foster trust and inspire deeper engagement among followers.
Why this matters: Social media is a powerful tool for growing your reach and maintaining community engagement.
Building a Church Website That Serves Your Ministry
A great church website isn’t just a digital brochure; it’s a hub for connection, engagement, and outreach. These 10 essential features will help you create a site that reflects your church’s mission while serving your congregation and welcoming newcomers.
Need extra help building a church website that stands out?
At Moonlit Media, we specialize in modern, meaningful, and ministry-driven church website design. Get in touch today to create a site that beautifully represents your mission.
