Not having a modern church website means missing out in connections with your community.

Thankfully, your church's website can be saved! I'll show you how...

TL;DR: Many church websites are outdated, confusing, and slow. This turns people away before they ever set foot in your building. This guide quickly breaks down what every modern church website needs, how to choose a site builder, and includes a glow-up checklist.

What a Modern Church Site Actually Needs

You don’t need a flashy homepage or a 47-tab menu. You just need a site that helps people take the next step.

A modern church website should do the following:

• Answer the basics: What time are your services? Where are you located?
• Help visitors plan a visit: What should they expect when they walk in?
• Offer easy access to sermons: On-demand messages, not broken video links.
• Make giving simple: Fast, secure, and user-friendly.
• Mobile friendly: Because that’s where most people will find you. On a mobile app.
• Use real images: Show your actual congregation. Authenticity beats polish.
• Stay up to date: Outdated content kills credibility. Assign someone to keep it fresh.

Choosing the Right Website Builder for Your Church

Building a website shouldn’t feel like solving a 1,000-piece puzzle without the picture on the box!

If updating your older church website requires calling a developer or digging through code, it’s time to switch to something simpler. 

What You Need in a Website Platform

A modern church website starts with the right foundation. Look for a platform that’s easy to use, mobile-friendly out of the box, and simple enough that a volunteer or admin can manage it without needing tech skills.

Here's what an effective church website platform should include: 

• Drag-and-drop editing: If you can use PowerPoint, you can use it.
• Responsive templates: So you don't need to design it twice. 
• Customization tools: You want enough options to match your church’s branding without overwhelming yourself.

Platforms Churches Love

Squarespace is a favorite for its sleek templates and intuitive editing experience. It’s a great choice if you want a clean, modern look with minimal effort.

Wix offers a lot of customization and creative control, though it can get overwhelming if you’re trying to do too much.

WordPress is the most flexible option, but it also comes with the steepest learning curve. Unless you have someone on staff who knows what they’re doing (and the time to maintain it), tread carefully.

ChurchTrac is designed specifically for churches, with giving, events, and people management built in (no extra plugins or tools needed).

The Church Website Glow-Up Checklist

Design isn’t just about looking pretty, it’s about being useful. Here's what separates a clunky older church website from a clean, modern one:

1. Make Your Homepage Clear, Not Clever

Where is your church? What time are services? How do I visit?

If those answers aren’t obvious in 10 seconds, start over.

2. Use Real Photos (Not Stock Images)

Show your people. Show your building. Show Sunday morning. Show small groups. Show missionaries.

People aren’t looking for a perfect church. They’re looking for a real one.

3. Fewer Clicks, The Better 

Limit your main menu to 5–7 items. Prioritize: Plan a Visit, Watch Now, Give Now, Upcoming Events, Contact Us.

Avoid ministry page overload, keep things focused.

4. Think Like a Visitor, Not a Member

Ask: “If I’ve never been to our church, can I figure this site out without guessing?” Your website isn't your church bulletin. It's your first impression. 

Design Like It’s 2025, Not 2005

You don’t need a $5,000 redesign. You just need to stop relying on an older church website that confuses visitors and start building a modern one that actually serves them. 

Take one simple step today: clean up your homepage. Add a clear “Plan Your Visit” section, make your giving button obvious, and finally, remove that Christmas party announcement from two years ago.

Modern Church Website FAQs

What should be included in a modern church website?

At the bare minimum: service times, location, contact information, online giving, and a way to watch sermons. Bonus points for a clear “Plan Your Visit” page and photos that show real people from your church. If visitors have to dig to find those basics, your site’s not doing its job.

What is the best website builder for churches?

It depends on your needs and your team. Squarespace is sleek and easy to use. ChurchTrac is made just for churches and ties in with other tools you’re probably already using. Wix offers more flexibility, and WordPress is powerful, but more complex. The best platform is the one your team can actually manage.

How much does a church website cost?

You can build a great church website for under $20/month using a DIY platform. If you hire a designer, expect to spend anywhere from $1,000–$5,000 or more. But the real cost? A bad website that turns visitors away.

Why does my church need a website?

Because it’s your digital front door. Most people will visit your website before they ever visit your service. No website (or a bad one) makes your church invisible.

What makes a church website effective?

A great church website makes it easy for people to learn who you are and take the next step, whether that’s visiting, giving, or watching a sermon.

What should the homepage of a church website say?

Who you are, where you meet, and how to visit. Your homepage should guide new visitors, not overwhelm them. Include things like: Service times, location, a welcoming message, and call to action buttons like “Plan Your Visit” and “Watch Now.”

How can I get more people to visit my church through the website?

Think like a visitor. Make sure the site answers their questions fast. Use real photos, keep info up to date, and make next steps obvious. Also, basic SEO helps; use clear page titles and meta descriptions so people can find you on Google.

Should a church website have online giving?

Yes. A modern church website without online giving is like a coffee shop that only takes checks. People expect it. Just make sure it’s secure, simple, and works well on mobile.

Want a website that does more than just look good? Try out Church Connect today.