I would like to make my church a website?

Question

My church has no website. All the other church's in our area do. I'm not saying this church should do what all other church's are doing, lol. I just think it would be easier for all the people in the parish, and anyone else, to get information on the church with the help of a website. They give out the bulletins after mass, but not too many people take them.


I would more then willingly make them an excellent website. I'm very excited to do so. Do you think it is a nice idea? Do you think they will say yes?

Answer 1

Yes, it's an excellent idea. My church has a web site. It's how I found out that one of the priest' died.



It also has Mass times and other special services.



Look at other church web sites to get some ideas. It would help your church out very much.



God Bless

.

Answer 2

YEAH.. Every Church should have a site now-a-days. I'm shocked your parrish doesn't



Since you used the word "parrish" your probably Catholic or Lutheran, since they are the ones who use that terminology the MOST.



A website will make it easier for people to look up information, since many 30yr olds and under think of the 'web FIRST and the yellowpages a distant 3rd or 4th. HECK, I'd probably search the web, then dial 1-800-Goog411 to get their number and listen to a recording, and ONLY THEN, even THINK about referring to the information in the yellowpages.



A Website ALSO allows them to be more wordy about what they say. They can include all sorts of special announcements, Prayer requests, a Weekly or Monthly BLOG of the priests. They can have people opt into newsletters which they use to electronically send out emails with announcements like "Please pray for Susie's Heart Surgery" and stuff like that.





Make sure you tell them stuff like that if they need convincing.



PERSONALLY .. I'd post questions in the Computer and Internet / section of Yahoo Answers if you need help.



I suggest using a Content Management system so that Staff at your parish can update the site without having to edit HTML code.



Something like Plone, Joomla, or Mumbo, are free and open source.



My Dad sets up Websites for small businesses and he uses Joomla so that once their setup, the owners of the business can access the site and update their own pages or create new one.



Some Internet Providers give you their OWN content management system if you design your site using their tools, but PERSONALLY I don't think they are as good as dedicated CMS like Plone, Joomla, Mumbo, etc.



A GOOD Content system allows you to delegate access to each page so that 1 person can have rights to 1 page but you can block their access to make changes on other pages, etc. You can also have changes made sent to an "approver" who then accepts the changes, thus making them active on the site.



::EDIT:: YEAH, Drupal - that's a another good one. Thanks for reminding me. I'm sure there are a bunch I don't know of, but those are the BIG, free, op-source CMS.



Please please, I beg of you, don't create it in MS Front Page or other "What you see if what you get" stand alone applications. Those things create TERRIBLY bloated pages that are un-editable by normal humans. -- If you're a web designer.. then I'm preaching to the choir, 'cause you already know that.



Anyways...



God Bless and Wish ya Luck!

Answer 3

I think it's a great idea. Many churches are getting online day after day. It's a great way to generate awareness of the church, get information to members, invite new people in to the church, and even help spread the gospel.



I am just about done building a website for my own church. We're very excited to launch it. One thing in particular we're excited about is recording the sermons and putting them online. This will be great for homebound members, and for attending members to listen again for something they missed, etc. Also a great way to entice new people to come give us a try because our pastor delivers amazing sermons.



I say go for it!



God bless you.

Answer 4

sure. If you can find a free host. You could make a myspace or facebook website for your church if you wanted.

As long as you are also the person who takes care about updating everything in a timely manner. Only if there is reliable and updated info on there will people be using it.

Answer 5

I think it's a good idea. Our church has a website, and I am one of the coordinators that work on it. It's fun to do, and very informative. If you have different pages for different groups in your church (Acteens, Youth, Choir, etc.) then each group can add their own information, announcements, and pictures.

Answer 6

I don't see why they wouldn't especially if your are doing it for free.



Just a word of advice though, make sure there is plenty of free media (audio/ video) and locate the "products page" (if your church has them to sell) on any page but the home page because that kind of turns a lot of people off.



Good luck!

Answer 7

No harm in asking.



I know from experience though that asking people if they want a website doesn't usually get you anywhere. They'd much rather make it themselves, even if it turns out completely rubbish, than allow someone else control over it.

Answer 8

yes it is a wonderfull idea, use technology to reach the people is a modern thought. and those involved should be happy if just for your enthusiasm. But it would be good manners to ask the boss first.

Answer 9

Making such a website would be easy, but maintaining it will be a lot of work. Be prepared to have it suck up large chunks of your life.

Answer 10

If it's free I'm sure they'd take it. Be sure and keep track of costs and factor your hourly rate and "donate" the site so you can write it off your taxes.

Answer 11

i don't know anything about your church, but I think its a good idea. good luck!

Answer 12

yes

Answer 13

http://drupal.org

Answer 14

I'm sure they'd love it.

Answer 15

No

Answer 16

you sound like a new age pimp?????