How to Make a Free Church Website & Domain Name
A website is a must these days for any business, including churches. A website gives both members and those interested a place to go for information, a schedule of activities and services and, for an Evangelical Free Church, a place to share core beliefs. Since each Free Church is autonomous, no permission is needed from the denomination headquarters to set up a website.
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Instructions
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Choose an Internet service provider. Check out local providers to see what works best for your situation. Discuss the benefits and requirements of a website at the church board meeting, so the leaders can understand the need and the benefits of Internet for the church. Include in the discussion making the church wireless, so equipment and computers can function throughout the building.
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Choose a host site. Compare different host site, examining costs and what design tools they offer to help you set up and maintain your Free Church website. The less you know about website design, the more you need to look for a host site that offers website design templates and tutorials. Choose a host site that allows you to purchase a domain name. Purchase domain names with different extensions for your church, such as yourchurchname.com, yourchurchname.org or yourchurchname.net. You do not want to leave open the possibility that a church domain name extension may be purchased by someone else, and used to direct visitors to a website that would embarrass your church.
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Plan your website. On the homepage, include your church name and church logo. Write a welcoming message and post pictures of your church. Make the website visitor-friendly by making sure the colors used do not bleed out the words, and the combination of text, color, illustrations and layout invite the visitor to further explore. Make retrieving information easy with well-labeled page tabs. Each page should focus on an aspect of the church---worship, youth ministry, children's ministry, choir, and outreach. On each page, include the goals, activities and staff for that ministry, along with contact information. Add a page with a schedule of activities and a link to the latest bulletin or newsletter.
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Explain the core values of your Free Church. Include a page explaining the mission statement, beliefs and goals. Add pictures, links to and/or videos of services, activities and outreach missions. Include a staff link with contact information for the pastor(s), key leaders, heads of departments and/or commissions.
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Add a link page. Include links to the Evangelical Free Church denomination, and any social service agencies or organizations you work with, such as Angel Food Ministries. Include staff links and contact information on this page, as well. The key to a good website is to make it as accessible as possible for those using it.
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Keep your Free Church website up-to-date, especially if you have a schedule included. If you are not able to keep the website up-to-date, find another church member who will be able to do so. A website is a way for visitors, attendees and members to access information and keep in touch. They need to know your Free Church cares enough to present the latest information.
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Resources
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