People make decisions about whether they will return to a church within the first fifteen minutes of arriving for the first time.

Visitors begin their assessment considering concerns like available parking, exterior aesthetic, if, or how, they are greeted when they open the door, and even the condition of the bathroom. Of course, there are many other items on the assessment list in those early moments, but what you may notice is that often a decision is likely being formed long before someone speaks from the front of the worship space, or a hymn is sung, or a sermon is preached.

What is more interesting is that people are assessing our congregations long before they ever make the decision to start out on their journey one Sunday morning. It all starts with the Google search. Did you know that 75% of people judge an organization's credibility based on its website? And 60% of all searches are now happening on mobile devices?

Today, a church website is not just an afterthought – it's how people form their first impression of a congregation.

Creating engaging, accessible, and inspiring spaces online is crucial for reaching people where they are in this digital age. With this data in mind, Ministry Forum is launching an exciting Incubator Pilot Project: Improving Congregational Virtual Front Doors. Our goal is to help churches create online spaces that reflect their mission and build stronger connections with the communities they serve.

Ministry Forum will partner with a small group of congregations to provide hands-on support in the areas of: 

  • Website Design - creating modern, accessible sites that draw people in.

  • Google Ads Grant - apply for and take advantage of the Google Ad grant for non-profits - providing up to $10,000 each month in free Google advertising. 

  • Social Media - hosting regular digital conversations with the incubator congregations to develop social media literacy and individual strategies to engage their communities. 

“This isn't just about modernizing websites; it's about empowering congregations in our denomination to thrive, to extend their reach, welcome more people, and grow in creative ministries.”

Is your congregation a good fit for our Pilot Project?

We're looking for congregations that are already making an effort to connect with their communities, have seen some signs of growth, and are ready to expand their impact with the help of digital tools. This initiative is for congregations that recognize the potential of their online presence but need extra guidance to bring it all together.

If your church is ready to build a more robust digital foundation that reflects your mission and draws people into your community, then we'd love to have you apply for this project. —>