Devloping your Church Near you
Here are some resources from the Church of England : Church Near You Training
Church Near You is often one of the first places people discover your church online. It acts as a simple, trusted directory listing and helps people find key information about your parish.
Why it matters:
- It helps people quickly find service times, your address, contact details, and upcoming events.
- It provides a welcoming first impression for those exploring church or looking for a local congregation.
- It improves your church’s visibility through search engines and the wider Church of England network.
- An up-to-date page shows your church is active, alive, and engaged with its community.
Keep it simple:
- Make sure service times, contact information, and opening hours are accurate.
- Add a clear church description that reflects your parish’s personality and mission.
- Use good-quality photos of your church building, congregation, and activities.
- Regularly update events, notices, and seasonal services.
What works well:
- A welcoming church description that clearly explains what visitors can expect.
- Accurate service and event listings.
- Up-to-date contact details and location information.
- Recent photos that reflect the life of the church.
- Direct links to your website, social media channels, and online giving where appropriate.
Developing your church website
Your website is your digital front door. It’s the place most visitors look before attending a service.
Why it matters:
- It helps people quickly find service times, address, parking, accessibility info, and contact details.
- It reassures new people, especially those anxious or exploring faith quietly.
- A clear website shows your parish is active, alive, and present today.
Keep it simple:
- Use a clean homepage with a welcome, service times, and easy navigation.
- Use your parish branding (colours, fonts, imagery) for consistency.
- Keep information up to date – outdated pages reduce trust.
What works well:
- A “Plan Your Visit” section, including car parking information or help to find the church’s entrance
- A clear menu (e.g. About / Services / Events / Contact)
- Linked calendar (e.g. ChurchSuite embed)
- Real photos of your congregation
Resources
Here are some links to guides to develop your website: