In today’s digital world, a church website is one of the most important tools for staying connected with your members and reaching new people. But it’s not just about having a website—it’s about building the right kind of website. Whether you’re a small village church or a larger urban ministry, your website should serve your people, reflect your values, and function smoothly for anyone who visits.
Here are seven essential features every church website should include to achieve this goal.
1. Clear Service Information
The most basic but important feature of any church website is clear service details. Visitors should easily find:
- Your service times
- Location and directions
- What to expect if they attend
This helps first-time visitors feel more comfortable before walking in. If possible, include photos of your church building, interior, or recent gatherings. A simple and welcoming message can go a long way in helping someone decide to visit.
2. Sermon Access (Video or Audio)
Sharing sermons online is one of the best ways to extend the reach of your message. Not everyone can attend in person every week. Providing video or audio recordings of your services lets people catch up, revisit teachings, or explore your ministry before they visit.
Even if your church doesn’t have professional video equipment, you can still record audio or post sermon summaries. Ensure it’s easily accessible on your homepage or a dedicated “Sermons” page.
3. Events Calendar
Churches often host regular activities, including youth programs, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and community events. An online calendar helps members stay informed and engaged. It also shows new visitors that your church is active and involved.
Keep your event calendar simple and updated regularly. Highlight special services, holidays, or outreach events. When people see a full calendar, they see a living, growing community.
4. Online Giving Options
Today, many church members prefer to give online. Whether it’s tithes, offerings, or donations for a specific project, having a secure online giving feature is very helpful.
Your church website should include:
- A “Give” or “Donate” button
- A secure and easy-to-use platform
- Clear instructions and purpose of giving
This feature also supports those who may not attend every week but still want to contribute.
5. About Page with Mission and Beliefs
New visitors often want to know what your church stands for before they attend. A well-written “About Us” page helps build trust and sets clear expectations.
This page should include:
- A short history of the church
- Your mission or purpose
- Core beliefs or values
- Introductions to your leaders or pastors
Keep the language friendly and easy to understand. Avoid too much theological jargon. This section is about opening the door, not overwhelming visitors.
6. Contact Page with Map and Details
It might seem simple, but many websites miss this. A contact page should include:
- Church address with a Google Map
- Phone number and email
- Contact form for questions or prayer requests
- Social media links (if your church uses them)
Make it easy for people to reach out. Whether they have a question about service times, want to ask for prayer, or are looking for spiritual guidance—this page should welcome them.
7. Mobile-Friendly Design
Most people will visit your church website from their phone. If your site doesn’t load well on mobile devices, they may leave before reading a single word.
Your website should:
- Load quickly.
- Adjust to different screen sizes.
- Use simple navigation.
- Keep text easy to read.
A mobile-friendly website isn’t just a tech feature—it’s a sign of care and attention to the user experience.
Bonus: Bilingual Support
If your church serves both Thai and English-speaking communities, having bilingual content is a big advantage. It shows inclusivity and helps your message reach a wider audience. You don’t need to translate everything immediately—but having service info, welcome text, and basic pages in both languages can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
Your church website doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. But it should be clear, welcoming, and useful. With the right features in place, your website becomes a powerful tool for communication, outreach, and spiritual growth.
Whether you’re updating your old website or building one from scratch, focus on the essentials first. Make it easy for people to learn about your church, hear your message, and stay connected throughout the week.