Top 10 Church & Religious Websites
April 5, 2007 by Oli · 112 Comments 
While compiling various lists for tutorialblog, something struck me – I kept noticing Religious and Church websites with really good standards compliant designs, something I wouldn’t have expected at first but makes complete sense – They are trying to embrace new technologies to get their message across. Here we bring together the best for you …
Revolution Church Kansas City
Soul Purpose
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
River City Church
Generation Church
Church of the Incarnation
The City Church
Edmonds First Baptist Church
Dulles Community Church
Mars Hill Church
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The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster is another good site!
http://www.venganza.org/
Check out www.hillsong.com, especially the Ministries > United Youth section
See the fabulous ‘Church de Katrineholm’ at www.katrineholmreview.blogspot.com. Impressive. No better example…
I think our church’s website has a great design. I don’t know how great the actual coding on it is but the design really stands out. You should definitely check it out. www.lifecenter.net
The Mars Hill Church site is actually monitored and designed completely on a volunteer basis. Almost everything Mars Hill does is volunteer work, minus the pastors of course. But most of their office work, janitorial, and most everything else is on a volunteer basis. They are just a HUGE church are are one of the fastest growing in the country, so pretty much they probably have people within their community that are mass good with Web Design. I’m probably going there tonight for their Good Friday service too, should be good times. They are an amazing church.
check out sermonaudio.com
here’s another one with a great design
http://www.vintagelawrence.com/
These are BOUGHT TEMPLATES. No wonder they look like club designs & portal sites.
Care to say where they are bought templates from ?
I highly doubt it.
Check out this one… has neat flash interface.
http://www.hopechapelmd.com
Wow, these are a lot of nice website sites. I saw musicshedd.com and its ok compared to these.
It’s probably not too surprising that three of your top 10 sites (City Church, Generation Church & Mars Hill) are located in the Seattle metropolitan area. A city with a large population of tech savvy individuals. What’s interesting about that to me is that Seattle is one of the most un-churched areas in the nation. I guess that just means that there are a higher percentage of Christian Geeks here.
It great when your church has a budget to devote to the website and you can get a design firm, great software or even just pay a tech-guy in the church for a day or two. But when all your money goes to the community and third world missions, you end up with a website made by an overworked guy who is the only willing/able web guy in a church of more than 600.
Like this: http://www.hamptonroadschurch.org
I’ve been working on this site in my spare time for free for more than five years. I don’t have time to catch up on the latest web technologies and I don’t have anyone to advise me on design and implementation. I’m really the only guy I know that can do this stuff.
On the topic of church cults, beliefs, this church versus that church… a true Christian will love God with everything he has, without pointing fingers at what others teach or do. After all, “…whoever is not against us, is for us.” Mark 9:40
Eh, I’m sure they’re just paying companies to build their websites like everyone else. To the deepest pockets go the quality!
Those sites look pretty good. I stumbled upon this Christian site too. It looks great in my opinion and they developed it in pure CSS/XHTML plus the fact that the content is really amazing.
Check it out: http://www.torahministry.com/
Nice work to the designers! As a follower of Jesus, I am thrilled to see websites like these that are done with excellence. To much in the church is done at a mediocre level.
I’m kind of stunned by all the comments assuming that churches have lots of money. I’m a pastor, and have been an intimate part of six or seven churches growing up. I have personal knowledge of a hundred or more churches, and every single one I know of struggles with financial resources.
Statistically the average church in the US has 75 members and a single full-time or part-time pastor as the only employee. I was on staff at a large church with over a thousand members, and that church struggled regularly with keeping up basic maintenance because we were responding to so many needs financially – missions, financial assistance, support groups, etc.
There’s maybe 2 or 3% of churches out there that have deep pockets full of cash. There are also a few denominational organizations (i.e. the Catholic church) that have a lot of cash. But even in those situations, the local congregations (the actual churches) don’t have much.
Man, half of these sites are just premade blogs or templates with some graphics design thrown on top of them. I agree with www.lds.org being a well made site, especially the music section -> http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/
I am LDS myself, and I just always found it fascinating why people think we’re a cult.
Funny how religious intolerence makes people such hypocrites.
Anyway, back on topic, those are some nice layouts. It’s good to see that religion is able to keep up with the times so that they can share their message (whatever it may be) with the people of today and not just the 1600s.
OK, I like those, but I could not help to show off the website that we have…..
http://www.th3waters.com
So, I am a designer and pastor…actually, church planter. We started a web design business for churches and ministries. check out our church site…www.mdchurch.org.
I will say that most churches don’t have money or a web site. Those that do are not all hypocrites…It is so not about externals. Anyway, good stuff. Thanks for the list.
All have ‘good looking designs’ – however, I think I might take a swing at this list in the near future as while some have excellent looks, they don’t function all that well.
Remember, it _IS_ about provided a service to the community as much as it is about providing an edifying web presence.
Ridiculous amounts of cash? Maybe some churches in the US might have money to spare but churches like the one I go to are treading water financially. Even so, the church supports a number of local ministries including soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
What you should be asking yourself is what have the humanist organizations done for their fellow many, especially the local poor lately? Many of those secular groups have a tonne of money but you don’t see them doing any “good” in the local communities.
I notice that while these websites look really good and use all the latest technologies – none of them seem to carry a clear message of salvation to the people who may look at them. None of them seem to state how you can be sure of going to Heaven. They may have really good websites but their members may be on the way to Hell and not know it!!
Our church doesn’t even have a website as such. We devote our money and energy into spreading the true Gospel and keeping people out of Hell. The time that is spent on some of these websites would be better put to good old fashioned door-knocking in their local communities.
Revolution Church’s design is amazing especially for a church.
Awesome collection, it is interesting to see how high tech churches have become. My church actually has podcasts and videos on-demand.
Several of those websites are outstanding… especially the first one, revolution.
But I have to disagree about on the discussion about limited church funds being an issue.
I think that it totally the wrong kind of thinking, and when it comes to churches, “Size doesn’t matter” in my opinion.
What really matters are these key points.
1.) Does the church leadership see the value of a website.
2.) Does the church leadership have a vision that allows for the development for a website.
3.) Is the church leadership controlling? A controlling leadership won’t make for a very artistic or relative website.
4.) Does the talent exist within a church along with the desire to develop a church website?
5.) Does the church have multiple talents that can work together on a web site.
If the leadership of the church can see the vision and are not caught up with control and power issues, then that allows the talent in the church to develop a vision. But the problem that often occurs is that too often, it becomes a one person project and obtaining information for other leaders and church ministry leaders is too difficult, causing frustration and a website that ends up never being update.
If you can pull a team together of talent even within a small church, and release them in their gifts working together then you got a winning plan.
Money. Well, money should never be an issue even for a small church. It’s just a matter of getting someone you know or someone’s, to be able to see the value of the website and catch you vision. Most people in the church know they could never do it and would never try, and therefore are more likely to contribute some money towards the project.
I am reminded of the church in ACTS that sold houses and other possessions to meet the needs of each other and the church. That should not be any less of an ideal for a website.
I believe that if church leadership is sold on the idea of a website, that support alone is enough to encourage the talent in the church to contribute their own finances towards a church website development project also.
But yes, most people I guess find it difficult to contribute anything towards a church project, none-the-less tithe at all. In that case, the person or people building the website could skip tithe once a month and use that money to invest in the cost of developing the website. Such as $6 to $10 a month to rent the domain name for a year, $10 or less (bluehost.com) per month to rent webspace, by your webpage software and any equipment on sale or for software, buy a year old version on ebay for dirt cheap.
Do it over a year with one or two people and the money won’t be such a big hit on a small church. Better yet, tithe like normal and then make your web related purchases an “Offering” beyond your tithe and have your church keep records and add it to your gifts/tithes/and contribution records – then count it off on your taxes at the end of the year.
If that doesn’t work – find someone in the church who will sponser the website in exchange for a tax write off at the end of the year. If they have a high paying salary or own their own business, they would probably be more than happy to be involved.
Money should never be an issue.
Randy
CCCI Web Team
www.cornerstonecelebration.com
All these faith-based websites listed are great, whether they are heavily funded, outsources, created by paid church staff, or done “voluntarily” by its members…as is the case in our church. Our site is much improved than it was 3 years ago, and I know it will only get better: www.solidrockcog.com
www.aplacetocomealive.com
It would be nice if you religious types would quit killing each other.
Hey all- I am a Pastor of a ministry called Fusion. It is a ministry of Bethlehem Evangelical Free Church in Randolph NJ. We are ministering to the unchurched in Morristown NJ and spreading that into the local state colleges in the area (Montclair State University, William Paterson University, County College of Morris, Nyack College). Just wanted to let you all know about what we are doing. Suggestions and comments are always welcome. Shoot us an email at mcardillo@bethlehemchurch.org
Sorry all- I forgot the link to our site. www.door2fusion.com
Except for 7 and 9 I like the new designs. I’ve seen the general template for 7 and 9 before. They need to be more original. Granted it is probably better than what they had before.
This is a great discussion; I agree with Randy, that pure examination of budget is a misguided way to decide whether to have a Website for a church. An effective Website is THE front door for your church, and if done with excellence can also become the water cooler, prayer room, and E.R. for your church members. Unfortunately, some churches think of the Website as just another I.T. expense (like computers or toner cartridges). Instead, it should be viewed as a ministry expense–like missions or congregational care.
As for the earlier questions about CMS tools, there are many out there that are actually designed around the needs of a church. This can include not only tools to manage content (and make it standards-based in the process) but also do things such as advanced audio/video management for sermons, photo galleries, event registration, member database management, online giving, discussion forums, password-protected areas, etc.
http://www.siteorganic.com
I think our youth website is pretty good considering it was put together by a uni student. www.bpcwa.com/ypg
Why does a church need a fancy website? Personally I’d rather see a plain information packed website.
I love Mars Hill Bible Church [http://www.marshill.org/] in Michigan… cool site..
Bruce Said: “What’s interesting about that to me is that Seattle is one of the most un-churched areas in the nation.”
Its true Bruce, I live in Seattle and go to The City Church and Generation Church (the youth ministry of The city Church) and what I notice here is that while Seattle is very unchurched the people who go to church are passionate about it because it is “unpopular”.
As a result churches are growing like crazy because people are experiencing the real deal. It is really fun to watch.
For what it’s worth, I would like to see any web site, these included, pay special attention to spelling and grammar. It’s annoying to have to decipher the English language. Also, decide on a style. Is it God or god?
I haven’t read through all of the comments, but I can’t help but say that design is only as good as the brand promise it delivers. Cool, beautiful, engaging work must always reflect the culture it purports to sell. rethinkchurch.ca
Hi Well I’ve not seen too many comments about the websites in the UK.
I’m new to web development 6 – 8 months and I came up with http://www.pbce.org.uk for the church I attend.
I am a member of the Cornerstone Celebration Center International Church Media Development Team and I am researching resources for moving into producing video broadcast and podcast available via the Internet.
Does anyone have any resources you can provide of articles on preparing for video. Any good websites of churches currently doing video podcasts, recommendations for equipment and suggestions on equipment to use?
Thanks
Randy Gorden
CCCI Web Support
www.cccrevolution.com
Hi All,
Thank you for commending our website – www.torahministry.com. It was designed and coded by my husband, Wyeth Mendoza, by the grace of our Lord Jesus. All contents were written by our ministry with the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We are a prophetic ministry and yes, we want to embrace the Internet to reach out as many people as we are commissioned by our Lord Jesus Christ to preach the gospel to the world. We pray that many people will get saved through this website.
This website though, wasn’t paid with lots of money but with dedication and the help of our heavenly Father.
If you know churches or ministries who want to improve their websites, we could help in giving free design directions to improve your existing websites. Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@torahministry.com.
In Christ,
Kaye
We just got online last week. Would lovesome candid feedback.
Wow, cool to see technology used in a good way that can help others.
Please note the designe and crafts in this site. Pretty enough!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.inhisvineyard.net/home.html
Hey,
some good websites there – might just have to steal some of the ideas.
On the LDS stuff – Paul warned of those who would bring another Gospel and Christ – the Book of Mormon promposes a different way and certainly a different Christ – eg. Jesus as brother of Satan – the Holy Ghost and Spirit being different beings.
Josh
LifeCity Church Canberra
www.lifecitychurch.com
Jireh International House of Prayer Ministry.
(The Land Of Bethel)
No 128 Rue de france/Houphet Boigny
Lome-Togo WestAfrica.
Tel+2289815292 or 2289124401.
Dear Minister of God.
I am using this oppurturnity to extend my warmest & Calavary Greetings to you all in christ jesus,according to the book of psalm 133 vs 1 how is pleasant for the togtherness of the brethern.
I am prophet Enoch Herbert.
I am here in the repulblic of Togo West Africa.
I am writting this letter to you the Five hold ministers of God by Ordinance.
(Apostle,Prophets,Evangelist,Pastor or Teacher in the house of God for divine help and total assistance regarding to the work of God here in the repulblic of Togo concerning our Prayer Ministry JIREH INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PRAYER MINISTRY LOME-TOGO
(THE LAND OF BETHEL).
Although we are trying a little bit,but we are not many,the vision of this PRAYER HOUSE just started newly last year,and the by grace of God we are trying our best we can,and we sincerely plead to your indulgence for help in any aspect you choosed to help this PRAYER HOUSE MINISTRY TO GROW IN FAITH AND IN PRAYER according to the Book of 1 thessolonians 5 vs 17 the bible says that we should pray without ceasing and according to the book of mark 6 vs 33 seek yea first the kingdom of God and his rightousness and other things will be added unto you.We just started and we need sponsors and supporters all over the world so that we will pray togther and RETRIEVE BACK OUR LOST PRIDE from the enemy satan whom has stolen it away,please minister of God,try to help this PRAYER HOUSE by your own contribution on anything you will so that the work of God will be expanded.
May God give you the grace to understand this mail.
May God Be with you & prosper you and the ministry of God.
Prophet Enoch U. Herberts
Founder Jireh International House of Prayer ministry Togo Tel+2289815292.
Mathew 25:35-40
I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
“Then the good people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you alone and away from home and invite you into our house? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’
“Then the King will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, anything you did for even the least of my people here, you also did for me.
May God RIcehely Bless as you surpport this PRAYER HOUSE AMEN!
Hi all!
Very interesting information! Thanks!
G’night
What about this one: www.firstfrederick.org
try http://www.primalyouth.com