Does Your Website Match Your Vision and Strategy?

Have you ever examined your website to see how closely it matches your church’s vision? Did you know that the design of your website is often a better indicator of your church’s below-the-water-line vision and strategy than the handout at the membership class?

Take a look at Saddleback’s homepage. Click here to open it up in another browser window.  There are several key items that you need to see:

1. Notice that the first image you see in the middle of the page says, “Experience Life Together.”  It is part of a rotating image set that reflects their vision and strategy very well, but it is essential that you think about the way those images are ordered.  Do you think it is an accident that the small group image is first?
2. Notice that the Small Groups button is on the home page in the top spot on the right hand column?  Is it there at your church?  Or do you have to start by clicking Ministries and then click Adults and then click Discipleship and finally come across Small Groups?  It’s position is directly connected to its real strategic priority at your church.
3. Notice that the Small Group tab is also linked to the rotating image in the center of the page?
4. Notice that when you click on the image it takes you to a short explanation for the importance of group life.
5. Notice there is a link to email with questions.
6. And when you select your campus it takes you a page that features a welcome video from Small Group Pastor Steve Gladen and several next steps to choose from.  Before you click on anything…notice the order of the links.  Above “Find a Group” is “Start a Group.”  Think that’s accidental?
7. Notice that when you click on “Find a Group” it takes you to a search function that allows you to simply enter the kind of group you’re looking for?

Is the Saddleback site perfect?  No.  There’s room for improvement.  But can you see the connection between their stated vision and strategy and the website?  What about yours?