In today’s digital age, a church’s website often serves as the first point of connection for potential visitors and members. It’s a platform where seekers find information, members stay connected, and the community grows.
But not all church websites are created equal. Some are shining examples of effective design and communication, while others miss the mark, potentially turning people away. From modern layouts and intuitive navigation to outdated designs and overwhelming content, church websites run the gamut.
In this podcast, we’ll explore the best and worst trends shaping church websites today. We’ll highlight what works—engaging visuals, clear calls to action, and mobile-friendly interfaces—and discuss what doesn’t, like cluttered layouts, slow load times, or confusing structures.
Whether you’re designing a new site or improving an existing one, understanding these trends will help your church create a welcoming and impactful online presence.
Let’s get into it.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Ranking Website Trends
Here is our list of website trends, from pop-ups to online giving buttons and sermon VODs. We’ll look at each of these and their impact on church websites and the website-viewing experience. What works? What doesn’t?
Let’s jump in and find out.
Pop-ups
Pop-ups are common on most church websites, often used to share announcements or encourage sign-ups. When used carefully, they can grab attention and guide site visitors to important information, like upcoming events or newsletters.
However, they don’t always work well. Too many pop-ups or poorly timed ones can frustrate visitors and make them leave the site. To be effective, pop-ups should be minimal, easy to close, and provide value, ensuring they enhance the experience instead of disrupting it.
“Plan a Visit” Buttons/Pages
“Plan a Visit” buttons or pages are a helpful feature on the best church websites. They give site visitors clear information about what to expect, like service times, parking, and childcare, which can make attending less stressful.
A new church website should include this feature to create a welcoming experience. However, if the page is hard to find or lacks key details, it won’t be effective. A well-designed “Plan a Visit” section makes visitors feel prepared and more likely to attend.
Online Giving Buttons/Pages
Online Giving buttons or pages are a practical feature for church members to support their church conveniently. When placed prominently and designed simply, they work well by allowing secure and easy donations. Many churches also connect this feature to their church app for added flexibility.
However, if the giving page is hard to find or confusing, it may discourage donations. A clear, user-friendly Online Giving option helps church members contribute while supporting the church’s financial needs effectively.
Video/Photo Backgrounds
Video or photo backgrounds on homepages can create a warm and inviting first impression for site visitors. They’re a great way to showcase a church’s close-knit community and highlight events, worship, or the leadership team.
All that being said, they don’t always work if the videos are too distracting or take too long to load. For the best results, use high-quality visuals that reflect your church’s personality and ensure they don’t slow down the site. This keeps visitors engaged and informed.
Livestreaming Services
Livestreaming services directly from the website is a powerful feature for connecting with site visitors, especially in a multisite church. It allows people to join worship from anywhere, fostering unity across campuses.
A skilled web designer can ensure the livestream is easy to find and runs smoothly. However, poor video quality or technical issues can frustrate viewers. To work well, livestreams should be reliable, accessible, and supported by clear instructions, making it a valuable tool for engaging the congregation.
Sermon VODs
Promoting sermon VODs (Video On Demand) is a growing trend that helps engage visitors by offering easy access to past messages. Churches like Elevation Church use this feature effectively, allowing people to watch sermons anytime, which can deepen their connection and faith.
However, it doesn’t work well if the videos are hard to find or poorly organized. To engage visitors successfully, ensure the VODs are high quality, clearly labeled, and easy to navigate, making them a valuable resource for all.
Mobile Viewing
Designing for mobile viewing is essential for church websites since most site visitors browse on their phones. Mobile-friendly sites work well by being easy to navigate and quick to load. When done poorly, they can frustrate users. Here’s what works:
- Responsive design: Adjusts layout to fit any screen size.
- Clear buttons: Easy to tap on small screens.
- Fast load times: Keeps visitors from leaving.
A mobile-friendly site ensures visitors stay engaged and find information easily.
Interactive Church Calendars
Interactive church calendars are a useful tool for a robust church to keep site visitors informed about events. They work well when they’re easy to use and include details like service times, life groups, and special activities. A clear layout and clickable links make it simple to stay connected.
On the other hand, if the calendar is outdated or hard to navigate, it can confuse visitors. A well-maintained interactive calendar helps people stay engaged and involved in the church community.
Member Portals
Member portals are a great addition to church websites, allowing visitors to connect more deeply. They often provide spaces for submitting prayer requests, accessing event updates, and managing personal information. When designed well, they can enhance engagement and foster a sense of community.
If the portal is difficult to navigate or requires too many steps to access, visitors may become frustrated. A streamlined, user-friendly portal makes it easier for members to stay involved and share their needs with the church.
Google Maps Integration
Google Maps integration is a helpful trend for church websites, making it easy for site visitors to find the church’s location. It works well when visitors can quickly access directions and see nearby landmarks. Here’s what works:
- Clickable map: Shows church location and surrounding area.
- Easy to navigate: Visitors can get directions right on the site.
- Mobile-friendly: Works well on phones for on-the-go access.
When not integrated correctly, it may frustrate visitors who can’t find the map or directions easily.
Testimonial Sections
Testimonial sections are a popular trend on church websites, offering site visitors personal stories from church members. These stories can help build trust and show how the church has impacted lives. When done well, they create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage visitors to join.
However, if the testimonials are too generic or difficult to find, they may not resonate with visitors. A well-placed and authentic testimonial section can inspire visitors to learn more and feel more connected to the church.
Search Bars
Search bars are a useful trend on church websites, allowing visitors to quickly find information. They work well when they’re easy to locate and provide relevant results, helping visitors find events, sermons, or details about services.
If the search bar is hard to spot or doesn’t return helpful results, it can frustrate visitors. A well-designed search bar can improve navigation, making it easier for visitors to access the information they need without unnecessary clicks.
FAQs for Newcomers
FAQs for newcomers are a great trend on church websites, offering quick answers to common questions. They work well when they cover key topics like service times, parking, and what to expect during a visit. This helps visitors feel more comfortable and prepared.
However, if the FAQ section is too vague or missing important details, it can leave visitors confused. A clear, easy-to-navigate FAQ section ensures newcomers feel informed and confident about attending their first service.
Church Website Design
In conclusion, a church website is more than just an online presence; it’s a tool to connect, inform, and engage both current members and newcomers. By implementing the right trends, such as mobile-friendly design, interactive calendars, and well-organized FAQs, churches can create a welcoming and functional experience for site visitors.
Features like livestreaming, online giving, and member portals help deepen engagement and make church life more accessible. However, it’s important to ensure these elements are user-friendly and up-to-date to avoid frustrating visitors. As churches continue to embrace technology, finding the balance between functionality and simplicity is key to creating a website that truly serves its community.
With the right approach, a church website can be a powerful platform for building relationships, fostering spiritual growth, and reaching out to those seeking connection.
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