Every week, churches invest hours preparing for Sunday services. Sermons are written, worship teams rehearse, volunteers are scheduled, and buildings are made ready.
But when was the last time you checked your website?
For many visitors, your website is the first place they'll encounter your church. Before they walk through your doors, they'll often visit your site to find service times, directions, children's information, and get a feel for your community.
The good news? It only takes five minutes to make sure your website is ready for Sunday.
Minute 1: Check Your Service Times
This may seem obvious, but outdated service information is one of the most common issues on church websites.
Ask yourself:
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Are service times clearly visible on the homepage?
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Have there been any recent schedule changes?
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Are special services or events listed correctly?
A visitor shouldn't have to search through multiple pages to find out when your church meets.
Minute 2: Test Your Contact Information
Imagine a first-time visitor trying to reach you.
Check that:
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Phone numbers work correctly
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Contact forms are functioning
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Email addresses are up to date
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Social media links point to active accounts
Broken contact details can create unnecessary barriers for people trying to connect with your church.
Minute 3: Review Your Homepage
Open your homepage with fresh eyes.
Can a newcomer quickly answer these questions?
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Who are we?
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Where are we located?
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When do we meet?
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How do I plan a visit?
If these answers aren't immediately obvious, visitors may leave before exploring further.
Remember: your homepage isn't designed for regular attenders. It's designed for first-time visitors.
Minute 4: Check Your Website on Mobile
Well over half of church website visitors now browse on their phones.
Take a moment to:
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Open your site on a mobile device
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Check text is easy to read
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Test buttons and menus
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Ensure pages load quickly
A website that works beautifully on desktop but poorly on mobile can frustrate potential visitors before they ever arrive.
Minute 5: Test Your "Plan Your Visit" Experience
Pretend you're visiting your church for the first time.
Click through your website and ask:
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Is it easy to find directions?
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Can I see what to expect?
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Is there information for families and children?
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Are there welcoming photos of real people?
The goal is to reduce uncertainty and help visitors feel comfortable before they arrive.
Bonus Check: Is Your Google Listing Accurate?
Many people won't start on your website at all - they'll find you through Google or AI search.
Make sure your Google Business Profile includes:
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Correct service times
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Updated contact details
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Accurate address
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Recent photos
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Current website link
This small update can make a big difference in helping people find your church.
Your Website Is Part of Your Ministry
A church website isn't just a digital noticeboard. It's often the first conversation someone has with your church.
In just five minutes each week, you can ensure your website is helping people take their next step toward community, faith, and connection.
Before Sunday arrives, take five minutes and ask yourself:
If I were visiting for the first time today, would I feel welcomed by this website?