Is Your Church Website Engaging or Just Existing?

Far too many church websites function like a digital bulletin board—static, outdated, and uninspiring. But your website should do more than just exist. It should engage, invite, and guide people toward real connection.

If your church is investing in a website (and you should), don’t let it sit there like digital wallpaper. Here’s how to make sure your online presence actually moves people toward Jesus and your local church community.

1. Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Don’t leave visitors guessing what to do next. Every page on your site should include a clear, simple next step.

Here are some powerful examples:

• Plan a Visit – Invite first-time guests to let you know they’re coming

• Watch Sermons – Give people access to the Word anytime

• Join a Small Group – Help them find connection and accountability

• Ask for Prayer – Create a space where people can be heard and loved

Your goal: Make it easy for people to move from anonymous browsers to engaged members.

2. Mobile-Friendly Design

Over 60% of church website traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website doesn’t work smoothly on a phone or tablet, you’re losing visitors fast.

What mobile-friendly means:

• Quick loading time

• Easy-to-read fonts

• Clickable buttons that aren’t tiny or hidden

• Navigation that’s intuitive on smaller screens

Test your site on multiple devices—and don’t assume your desktop version is enough.

3. Keep Content Fresh and Updated

If the last sermon on your site is from Christmas... and it’s June… that’s a red flag.

Here’s what should stay updated:

• Weekly sermons or podcasts

• Current event details (with accurate dates)

• Active contact forms

• Seasonal ministry opportunities (like VBS, baptisms, etc.)

An updated website shows people your church is alive and active. A stale one does the opposite.

4. Offer Live Chat or a Simple Contact Form

People may have questions or needs they’re not ready to voice in person—but online, they might reach out.

Here’s how you can help:

• Live chat tools let someone ask, “What time is kids check-in?” or “Is this church safe for someone who’s been hurt?”

• Contact forms for prayer requests, volunteer interest, or general inquiries help build trust

If your website is a conversation starter, people are far more likely to take a step toward real-world engagement.

5. Tell Stories That Matter

One of the most powerful ways to engage visitors is through testimonies. Stories of life change, healing, and answered prayer speak louder than bullet points ever will.

You can:

• Feature short video clips of members sharing their journey

• Write blog posts highlighting what God is doing in your church

• Add quotes or photo testimonies on key pages (like Small Groups or Baptism)

People connect with people—so let them see the real lives behind your church.

Don’t Waste the Platform

Your website is more than a digital placeholder. It’s a chance to reflect God’s heart and extend His invitation to the people in your city. If your site isn’t built to engage, it’s not doing its job.

At 29Eleven Designs, we build church websites that do more than look good—they work hard behind the scenes to help you disciple, communicate, and grow. If your site needs a refresh, or you’re ready to build one that actually makes a difference, we’re ready to help.