When was the last time you had a thorough checkup for one of your most important assets?

Your church website is an important communication tool for church leaders to make the first step toward developing a relationship. As I spend time getting to know church leaders and their organizations, I feel a great need to reach out to help with what should be known as the front door of the church.

There are many companies touting templates to help churches build websites. It seems to me a template website is about as useful as a template theology or a template worship set. No template can capture the essence of your ministry better than when your site is designed with spiritual input.

When I visit some websites, I wonder, "Did anyone pray about this site? Is this how we want to present our faith? Do we answer questions for seekers and post content to equip the saints?

The biggest problem I see in website design is clutter. Just like an overprogrammed worship service can confuse rather than inspire, an overfilled landing page can lead to a church visitor's quick exit.

PRINCIPLE 1—Keep your landing page simple and powerful.

The first thing we want visitors to do when they land on our page is to FEEL a spiritual connection with us. We can do that with design elements, words and images. 

Visitors to our sites want quick answers. You know what they want to know, so give it to them on the landing page. Use bold menus and large fonts on the page.

PRINCIPLE 2—Make the pastor's welcome message front and center.

Present a clickable graphic with a short video of welcome from the senior pastor. Would it be a stretch to ask the pastor to pray for a visitor in your church lobby? Then why shouldn't the pastor connect with website visitors up front? Write the script so the pastor introduces the website visitor to key features on the landing page. Keep the video under 2 minutes. The key point to make in the pastor's message is how your church serves in any special way. What makes your ministry different?

PRINCIPLE 3—Address felt needs.

This is a key principle in all branded content. "Why did you come to this page?" Jesus asked the question, "What do you want from Me?" Shouldn't we ask the same?

My review of church websites led me to conclude we see all visitors as the same. We speak to a homogeneous visitor. Yet, you know everyone comes to the website with a different set of needs.

Again, if a pastor meets visitors in your lobby, will he begin speaking about your church programs or ask questions of the visitors to determine their needs? On your landing page, ask a few questions to demonstrate how you may be able to help. Tell them where to find help on your website.

Too many church websites are all about the church. Engage me. What's in your church for me? And don't bury the answer. Make it front and center. Don't tell me about your newest sermon series on the landing page. Your next sermon series is simply a product ingredient. Why is it on page one of your website? As a visitor, I want to know what the product will do for me.

PRINCIPLE 4—Prayerfully consider NOT having a "Give" button on your landing page.

I've visited many churches recently and I hear a common request, "If this is your first time here, please don't feel you need to give to our work. Be our guest today."

Perhaps visitors to your website already believe "Churches only want my money." When we highlight giving on page one, perhaps we send the wrong signal. I understand it's important to offer an electronic giving option. Consider a "members page" in which you have more freedom to ask.

PRINCIPLE 5—Do not delegate your landing page.

God bless web designers. They are gifted and know plenty about HOW to make a site look good and work well. But it's the job of the pastor to know WHAT should be on page one. A pastor has a vision for the church and the overall ministry. Get the heart of the pastor on the landing page!

The principles I've offered barely scratch the surface of what should be the heart of your website. If you need help in determining the proper strategy for your landing page, you may want to consider attending my Pastor's Platform training seminar. Visit this website for more information: platform.ministrytodaymag.com.  

Dr. Steve Greene is publisher and executive vice president of the Media Group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network.  Follow his daily, practical Greenelines blog at ministrytodaymag.com/blogs/greenelines and download his Greenelines leadership podcast at cpnshows.com.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.