Since we moved to Memphis, we’ve visited several different churches as we are looking for a church home for our family. When I’m investigating the church the first thing I check out is the church website for some basic information about the church. So the church’s site gives me the first impression of a church. I don’t expect a church to have a fabulous modern looking design, but I do expect a church to have an up to date site with basic information that is easy to find through a simple search.
As a first time visitor, I have a few simple questions that I want answered and a good church site should have this information either on the site’s home page or on a highly visible link clearly labeled for visitors. Here’s what I’m looking for on the church site as a first time visitor:
- Location – Where is it, how do I find it.
- Service Times – So I know when to show up.
- Kid’s Options during service – Do they have a nursery, kid’s church and for what ages so I can let my kids know what to expect.
- Dress – Do they dress up or go casual? I prefer casual, but can handle either.
Besides those first time visitor questions, I have a couple of other things that it would be nice to find out from the web site. These are less church website essentials and more to determine if it would be a good fit for us.
- Beliefs
- Bible Study/Small Group/Sunday School Options
- Missions opportunities
- Children’s ministry information and activities
- Staff Members Background
- Denominational Affiliation
A good church website is not a make or break thing for me about a church, but it definitely makes me feel more comfortable about visiting a new church (something I dislike doing) if I have some basic information.