Choosing a Website Builder

How to Choose the Best Website Builder for Your Church

Building Your Church’s Online Home, One Step at a Time

So, you've secured your church's domain name—congratulations! 🎉 Now, it's time to take the next big step: choosing the right website builder.

For many small churches and ministries, the idea of building a website can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? What platform should you use? How do you make it simple and effective without spending a fortune? The good news is that there are plenty of easy-to-use website builders designed for beginners, and I’m here to walk you through the process step by step.

What is a Website Builder?

A website builder is an online tool that allows you to create a website without needing to know how to code. It provides templates, drag-and-drop design tools, and features that make it easy to customize your site. The right website builder will help you create a welcoming, engaging space where people can learn about your church and connect with your ministry.

Step 1: Identify Your Church’s Website Needs

Before selecting a platform, think about what your church’s website should include. Some key questions to ask:

• Do you need a page for online giving?
• Will you upload sermons or event calendars?
• Do you want to offer live-streamed services?
• Should members be able to contact the church directly through the site?
• How much are you willing to spend on monthly or yearly costs?
• Do you need support for a growing congregation with more technical features?

Once you have a vision for your website, it’ll be easier to pick the right tool.

Step 2: Compare Popular Website Builders

Here are a few beginner-friendly website builders that work well for churches:

1. Wix

✅ Drag-and-drop builder—no tech skills needed
✅ Many free and paid church templates
✅ Free plan available (but includes ads)
🚫 Slight learning curve for some features

2. Squarespace

 ✅ Sleek, modern designs with great visuals
✅ Good for churches that want a clean, professional look
✅ Built-in donation and event features
🚫 No free plan, but affordable pricing

3. WordPress 

✅ The most flexible platform, great for long-term growth
✅ Thousands of themes and plugins for added functionality
✅ Free to start (but you need hosting)
🚫 A little more complex for beginners

4. Tithe.ly

✅ Built specifically for churches and ministries
✅ Integrated online giving, sermon hosting, and event management
✅ Easy-to-use templates designed for faith communities
🚫 Paid plans only, but includes powerful ministry tools

5. Ueni

✅ Focused on small businesses and churches
✅ Affordable done-for-you website setup
✅ Great for churches that want a quick, hands-off solution
🚫 Less customization than other builders

Step 3: Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Website Builder

When considering a website platform, churches should ask:

• What is the total cost (including domain, hosting, and premium features)?
• Does this platform support the specific needs of my church (giving, sermons, event management)?
• How easy is it to update and maintain?
• Does the platform offer customer support if I run into issues?
• Are there any hidden fees?
• Will my church outgrow this platform in a few years?
• Can I integrate social media and email marketing easily?

Step 4: Choose a Builder and Sign Up

Once you’ve reviewed the options, pick the one that best fits your church’s needs and budget. Most platforms allow you to create an account for free and start designing right away.

Step 5: Select a Template and Customize Your Site

Most website builders offer pre-designed templates to help you get started quickly. Look for a layout that feels warm, inviting, and easy to navigate. Then, start adding:

• Your church’s name and mission statement
• A welcoming homepage message
• Service times and location details
• Photos and videos of your ministry
• Links to social media and contact info

Step 6: Preview and Publish Your Website

Before making your site live, take a moment to preview it. Check that everything looks great on both desktop and mobile devices, then hit publish!

Final Thoughts

Your website is your church’s digital front door. Choosing the right builder is an important step, but don’t worry about getting it perfect right away. You can always update and improve it as your ministry grows. The key is to start now and create an online space where people can find your church, engage with your message, and grow in faith.

Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll dive into designing an engaging and user-friendly church website!