Top Mistakes Churches Make with Their Websites
Many churches believe that simply having a website is enough. But in our work with churches, we’ve seen common mistakes that not only weaken a church’s online presence but can actually create barriers for people who might otherwise visit.
In reality, most church websites fall into one of three categories:
Some inspire people to visit and get connected.
Most are neutral—neither inspiring nor discouraging.
Some unintentionally repel people, making them less likely to ever visit.
Below are four of the most common mistakes churches make with their websites.
1. Treating the Website Like a Brochure
When websites first appeared, many churches saw them as digital brochures—static places where people could read about the organization. But times have changed. Today, your website is more than just an information hub; it functions like a trusted staff member.
A modern church website should foster engagement and connection. It should serve both newcomers and members, offering tools for learning, training, community, and spiritual growth. If your site only pushes out information, you’re missing its true potential.
2. Underinvesting in Quality
Churches often hesitate to spend money on their website, reasoning that as long as something is online, it’s “good enough.” This usually results in assigning the project to a volunteer or staff member with limited experience. While well-intentioned, this approach leads to several problems:
Inconsistency: If that person moves, gets sick, or loses interest, updates stop, and the site becomes outdated—or worse, the church loses access to the domain.
Design vs. Assembly: Building a site is easy with DIY platforms. Designing a site that actually engages people is not. Poor design can silently turn people away.
Stale Content: Too many church websites list outdated events—sometimes years old. Visitors may not consciously notice, but the impression they leave with is negative.
Your website is often someone’s first impression of your church. If it looks neglected, people may assume the same about the church itself.
3. Being Invisible Online
Many churches assume that if a website exists, people will find it. That’s only partly true. There are two types of searches:
Direct searches: People who already know your church’s name and location. They’ll usually find you.
Discovery searches: People who are asking deeper questions but don’t know your church yet. For example, during COVID, one of the top searches was: “If I die, will people in heaven know me?” These kinds of spiritual questions are common, but most church websites don’t appear in the results.
If your site isn’t optimized for how people actually search, you’ll miss the opportunity to connect with those who are seeking answers.
4. Writing for Members Instead of Guests
Who is your website really for? Too often, church websites are written primarily for those who already attend. They use insider language, reference people by first name only (“See John for details”), and focus announcements on members.
To an outsider, this feels confusing and unwelcoming. A good rule of thumb: Write for guests first. Use clear, accessible language. Make it easy for a newcomer to know what to expect, where to go, and how to connect.
While there are many challenges church websites face, fixing these four areas—purpose, investment, visibility, and audience—will dramatically improve how your church presents itself online. Your website isn’t just a technical requirement. It’s a frontline ministry tool that can inspire people to visit, connect, and grow.
