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- How to Build Accessible Websites with WCAG Standards
- Introduction to SQL: Managing Data with Confidence
- Serving God Through Your Technical Skills
- How the Church Can Use Technology to Reach Communities
- Building a Church Website with WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Using Open Source Tools to Build a Non-Profit Website
- How to Create a Secure Volunteer Database System
A church website is often the first point of contact for visitors, newcomers, and curious seekers. In today’s digital age, having a well-designed, easy-to-navigate site is not just helpful—it’s essential. The good news? You don’t need to be a professional developer to build one. With WordPress, creating a church website is both achievable and affordable.
This guide walks you through the process—step by step—with a focus on accessibility, faithfulness, and user experience.
Step 1: Choose a Domain and Hosting Provider
Start by choosing a domain name that reflects your church’s name and mission. For example: www.holytrinitykingswood.org.uk.Then, select a reliable hosting provider like SiteGround, Bluehost, or 123 Reg (for UK churches). Many of these offer one-click WordPress installation.
Step 2: Install WordPress
Most hosting providers allow you to install WordPress in a few clicks. Once it’s set up, you can access your admin dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.
Step 3: Choose a Church-Friendly Theme
Look for a WordPress theme that’s:
- Clean and easy to navigate
- Mobile responsive
- Accessibility-ready (WCAG 2.1 or 2.2 compliant)
- Designed with churches or nonprofits in mind
Some great options:
- Astra (free + premium)
- Neve
- Saved by ChurchThemes.com
- Kadence (lightweight, customizable)
Step 4: Install Key Plugins
Plugins add features to your website. Here are some essentials:
- The Events Calendar – for service times, meetings, and events
- GiveWP – to accept online donations securely
- Yoast SEO – to improve search engine visibility
- WPForms – for prayer requests, sign-up forms, and contact pages
- WP Accessibility – helps ensure your site is usable for all
Step 5: Add Core Pages
Every church site should have:
- Home Page – a warm welcome and overview
- About Us – your mission, values, and leadership
- Service Times – with directions and parking info
- Sermons or Resources – audio/video or written messages
- Events Calendar – upcoming services, meetings, outreach
- Contact Page – phone, email, address, and contact form
- Giving Page – secure donation options with guidance
Step 6: Prioritise Accessibility and Clarity
Make sure your content is:
- Easy to read (clear fonts, proper contrast)
- Keyboard navigable
- Labeled with alt text on all images
- Free of jargon and clutter
You’re not just building a website—you’re building a digital front door to your church family. Everyone should feel welcome.
Step 7: Keep It Updated
Assign someone (or a team) to update your site regularly with new events, sermon recordings, and announcements. A stale website can make your church feel inactive—even if it’s thriving.
A Ministry Tool, Not Just a Project
A church website is more than pixels and pages. It’s a tool for welcome, discipleship, and outreach. With a little time and care, you can create something that reflects your church’s heart and helps others feel seen, included, and invited.
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