The Pacific Northwest region is known for stunning and diverse landscapes, progressive communities that embrace the outdoors and technology, and the rich cultural tapestry created by the people who call it home. However, it’s also known for something else: a large part of the population has limited or no direct experience attending a faith community.
The Pacific Northwest’s None Zone reality presents both a challenge and an opportunity for United Methodist churches in this area. As we seek to live into our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, we need to adapt to meet people where they are. In today’s digital age, that means optimizing our online presence.
The importance of a welcoming digital front door
For many potential guests and visitors, the church website is their first point of contact. This is especially true in the Pacific Northwest, where traditional pathways to church attendance—such as learned behavior (growing up in the church) or community invitations—are not as strong. A well-crafted website can serve as a welcoming digital front door, providing a first impression that can invite someone in or turn them away.
In a region where many people are unfamiliar with church customs, jargon, and even the basic structure of a worship service, your website can demystify the experience and ease anxieties. By including clear information for guests and visitors, you can demonstrate hospitality and a genuine desire to connect with those seeking a new church home and exploring faith for the first time.
Designing your website for guests and visitors
To make your website as welcoming as possible, consider including the following elements. Don’t let the list be a barrier. If your website isn’t visitor friendly, start working on incorporating new ideas one at a time.
1. A dedicated “New Here” or “Plan Your Visit” page
A page dedicated to the needs and questions of newcomers can be a real asset. Such a page should be easy to find from your homepage and include the following details:
- Service times and locations: List the times of your worship services and provide the address of your church. Include a map (or a link to one) and information about parking, public transportation, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
- What to expect: Briefly describe what a typical service is like. Include information on the style of worship, how long the service typically lasts, and what people usually wear. If you have different services (e.g., traditional, contemporary, family-oriented like Messy Church), explain the differences so visitors can choose what suits them best.
- FAQs: Address common questions such as “Is there childcare?”, “Do I need to bring anything or give money?” and “Do I need to be a member to participate in communion?” Anticipating these questions can ease visitors’ concerns and make them feel more at home.
2. Visitor information on special events and services
Many first visit a church on holidays like Christmas and Easter, for special occasions like a wedding or funeral, or by participating in a community outreach program (e.g., community dinners, VBS, etc.). Ensure your website highlights these events and includes information specifically for first-time visitors. Explain if an event is family-friendly, whether RSVPs are needed, or if there’s anything special guests should know. Please plan so you understand how you will welcome and follow up with visitors who attend so their first visit is not their last.
3. Introduction to Church Leadership and Ministries
Incorporating a page introducing your church’s leadership, including pastors, ministry leaders, and essential volunteers, can help put a face to the name. Include brief bios and photos so visitors feel connected before entering your doors. Additionally, providing an overview of ministries visitors may be interested in, such as children’s programs, youth groups, adult Bible studies, and community outreach opportunities, is a chance to communicate how your church is vital and making a difference.
4. Clear and Warm Language
The language you use on your website matters. Again, avoid jargon or “church-speak” that might confuse someone unfamiliar with Christian or Methodist terminology. Instead, use clear, simple language that conveys warmth and openness. Remember, the goal is to make people feel welcome and included, regardless of their background or familiarity with church life.
Avoid using insider language and acronyms, especially on visitor-orientated pages and as much as possible across your website. For example, words like ‘traditional’ and ‘contemporary’ beg further description for people with no or little church experience.
5. Give visitors a look inside your building
Offering a virtual tour of your church through video or a photo gallery can help visitors feel more comfortable by giving them a sense of what to expect when they arrive. Consider including a simple map, especially if your church has several entrances. Showcasing different spaces—such as the sanctuary, fellowship hall, Sunday School classrooms and nurseries—can be particularly useful for those anxious about visiting a new place.
6. Contact information and follow-up
Make it easy for potential visitors to contact you with any questions. Include a contact form, email address, or phone number, and ensure that someone can respond promptly. Additionally, consider offering a way for visitors to let you know they’re planning to attend so you can greet them personally when they arrive.
Some good examples from across the region
Your church website needs to reflect the lived reality of your congregation and the ministries you engage in. While it is okay to be modestly aspirational, avoid using stock photography and language that presents the church other than it is.
That said, it can be helpful to look at other websites for examples of how they use their digital front doors to welcome people. Below is a list of good examples from across the area. Each communicates welcome and support to potential visitors in different ways.
- Bothell UMC—Bothell UMC’s website is a phenomenal example of a website designed for the community outside the church. While you can find things that can resource church members, nearly everything, including the home page, is intended to facilitate a connection between someone visiting the website and the church and its ministries. The site does an excellent job of communicating the church’s values, which likely assists visitors to know whether the community is right for them.
- Chugiak UMC—The first tab on the navigation of Chugiak UMC’s website takes you to a page titled “For Our Visitors,” which answers visitors’ questions and helpfully establishes shared expectations. The language used was down-to-earth and intentional about giving visitors agency in how the church will welcome them. This sensitivity is wise as not everyone appreciates the attention some churches give to first-time visitors.
- Hillview UMC—Hillview UMC’s website immediately greets visitors with an invitation declaring that “Jesus is good news for everyone” and inviting people to visit and find a place of belonging. The site delivers the message alongside two buttons, one reading “Plan your visit” and the other saying “Watch online.” Intentional or not, both are likely destinations for people checking a church out online in the age of streaming. Clicking the first button takes you to a page with information tailored for visitors and opportunities to learn more about the church.
- Portland First UMC—Similar to Bothell UMC’s website, First UMC of Portland’s attractive website also prioritizes guests. Whether you load it on mobile or the web, the website greets you with the large word “Welcome” and a “New Here” button, which takes you to a colorful page with information offered explicitly for new visitors. The website does an excellent job of balancing being visitor-friendly and communicating the life of an active congregation.
Embracing the Opportunity
“Don’t neglect to open up your homes to guests, because by doing this some have been hosts to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2 (CEB)
United Methodist congregations have an opportunity across our Greater Northwest Area to extend Christ’s love and hospitality through their online presence to people with limited direct church experience. By thoughtfully crafting your website with potential guests and visitors in mind, you can create a welcoming environment that encourages exploration, fosters connection, and ultimately leads to deeper community engagement.
As we seek to share the gospel and build relationships in an area that sometimes feels spiritually disconnected, let Paul’s letter to the Hebrews inspire us to open our spiritual homes for all. Today, hospitality often begins online, so let’s do what we can to open our digital front doors wide. You never know; the next person who visits your church may become a key leader tomorrow.
