September 29, 2012

Embracing technology as the pastor: Church website tips

We live in an internet age and so a church website has become an issue of great importance.  The truth is, many people will visit your church website long before they visit your church building.

So for the busy, cash-strapped pastor I have four tips that will help you get a church website up and running easily and for almost next to nothing.

Firstly, try signing up with the web-host FlexiHostings for free.  They offer non-profit organisations free packages with generous data allowances.  We've used them at Drummoyne Baptist for years without a hitch.

Second, find a free website template.  Designing a website from scratch is hard work particularly if you don't really know what you're doing.  Also, to design a 'good' website you need a bit of artistic ability.  If that isn't you, why not let someone else do the hard work, for free!  Many generous talented people give away website templates that you can use as your website free of charge (although usually you'll have to give an acknowledgement to the creator on your site).  What templates are available?  Simply punch into Google "free website templates" (or click the link) and see what comes up.

Third, you'll need a web design program to edit your template with your church's content.  I use the freebie Kompozer.  Wikipedia also has a chart of most editors.

Fourth, you'll also need a FTP client to upload your website.  Check out a review of the freebie FileZilla and other possible clients here.

If you follow these four tips, I can't see why every church shouldn't have a good looking website.


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