There’s No Need to Feel Bad About Your Site

August 20, 2007

The other day I got an email from a church webmaster who was embarrassed about the site he manages. I can’t tell you how often this happens, and I’ve been there too. Typically the site in question is out-of-date, both in content and look, or it’s missing critical information. But almost without exception, there’s no need to take on the added burden of remorse.

In fact, I can only think of one exception, and that was a long time ago. Back around 1999, I had to pick up the pieces left by a webmaster who had promised the moon and delivered next-to-nothing. He was inexperienced, so that in itself wasn’t so bad. What made me want to go into scolding mother mode was that he locked the site down, wouldn’t share the password and made it impossible for others to help. Of course, he wasn’t embarrassed at all.

But that’s not the norm. Your average church webmaster is conscientious and doing the best he or she can. Many have been saddled with a site that barely works and looks woefully out-of-date. Often they don’t have a lot of background, but are plucky enough to be willing to do what it takes to improve the site.

So what are the keys to overcoming being self-conscious about a site you manage?

1. Understand to your core that the website is the responsibility of the whole church, not just you. I really can’t say this enough, and chances are you too are going to have to spread this message to others. Church leadership is especially accountable for the site, and often they don’t realize it. This is most obvious when they aren’t getting their content to you, but it’s true in other ways too. For example, the minister of my church is great to work with. While as best I can tell she doesn’t have a tech bone in her, nonetheless she’s appreciative and willing to manage staff on the rare occasions there’s a need for that.
2. Do the best you can. There are always things about the site that need work, so just get organized, set reasonable goals, and get going.
3. Enjoy. Celebrate what you’ve accomplished with others who have helped. It’s a joy to see a new technology you’ve installed work or to overhear a visitor say, “I found your church on the Web.”

Having said this, it cuts both ways. When the day comes that your church site is fabulous, you can’t puff and preen and take all the credit. Be prepared to share the glory. In any event, it turns out that’s more satisfying. What better feeling is there than to crow with others who have helped? And what more likely way is there to ensure that the site will continue to be first-rate?

Posted in: Church Websites