Content every website should have typically can be summarized as who you are, what you do, why choose you, and where you are. For church, synagogue and related websites, this specifically breaks down as follows.

Potential Visitors and Newcomers

  • Contact information. This includes an address with the city and zip, a phone number and an email address.
  • A summary of your beliefs. If you belong to a denomination or similar umbrella organization, is that clear?
  • A staff directory.
  • A map and directions.
  • A brief biography of the minister.
  • The size of the congregation.
  • What newcomers can expect when they visit.
  • Service times.
  • Childcare. When is it?
  • Religious education for adults. Include at least a brief description.
  • Religious education for children. Include at least a brief description.
  • Music program and music ministry. Include at least a brief description.
  • Other activities. Do you have committees? What kind of social justice work are you involved in? Include at least a brief description.
  • What makes your congregation special?
For Regular Members
  • All of the above, plus….
  • A calendar. This can be surprisingly hard to pull off. If you can’t manage a regularly updated one, at least post a list of the broad patterns and major events.
  • Policies and procedures.
  • An online donation form. If people want to give money, don’t let the webmaster stand in the way.
  • Paths to more information. For example, if your denomination has a site, be sure to at least link to it.