First impressions happen long before a visitor steps in the door of the church. For many people, choosing to visit a church begins with searching your website. So how do you design a website for your church that is welcoming and invitational, expresses who you are, conveys the necessary information, and also serves as a portal for the existing congregation? If you are a bit unsure where to start, a bit overwhelmed by the task at hand, or if you are aware that its time to take your website to the next level of excellence, then this on demand course is the place to begin.
The course will walk you step by step through planning, designing, choosing hosting space, domains, and platforms, and getting your site up and running. It will also invite you to reflect not only on logistics but on the task of the church, its mission and vision, and its invitational presence in your community.
Cost
To register as a team: $199
To register as an individual: $149
To add a personalized session: +$125
Learning Themes
- Thinking Theologically: Churches, Websites, and Presence
- How Many Cooks in the Kitchen: Working with Teams Successfully on this Project
- No Need to Reinvent the Wheel: Finding Good Sites for Inspiration
- Learning the Lingo: Components of a Webpage
- Finding a Platform, Hosting Space, and URL
- Editing Images Tips and Tricks
- HTML for Beginners: Deciphering Magic Codes to Make Life Easier
Course Text
Readings and media will be posted on the course classroom website.
Course Format
This course is designed as an on demand course. You can move through the material at the pace and time that works best for you.
Participants who would like to meet individually with the course instructor may select the optional upgrade for an individualized session.
Optional Personalized Session
For those with an existing website, the instructor will preview your website and then meet with you or your team for an hour long online conversation to discuss constructive next steps for improvement.
For those who are beginning the planning stage of a website, the instructor will meet with you or your team or an hour long conversation about planning and thinking through design elements.
**Please note that these individualized sessions are not meant to be tech support but rather to serve as a springboard for moving your team towards thinking through, laying out, designing, and working with a team. We’ll give you the necessary tools to troubleshoot the tech aspects of designing your website in the classroom.
Curriculum Curator and Coach
The Rev. Jonathan Chapman graduated from Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in May 2010. At Candler, he was active with the Office of Worship, and was awarded the Hoyt Hickman Award for Outstanding Liturgical Scholarship. Jonathan currently serves Westfield Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Danielson Connecticut as Pastor and Teacher. He writes at revjonchapman.com. You can see his website work there and on his church’s website, www.westfielducc.org.
FAQ
What resources will I need for this class?
You will need a computer and access to the Internet.
What is the coolest thing I’ll learn if I take this class?
Students will learn how to create professional looking websites for their DIY style congregation.
What does a typical module look like?
In a typical module session, you’ll be introduced to basic concepts through video, readings, and links to media. Each module has an activity that moves you a step closer in creating a great website. Participants also have the opportunity to crowdsource between sessions on the course discussion board.
Should I register as an individual or a congregational team?
Individual registration allows one user to view and interact with the material. Registration as a team allows you to show the videos and use the material with groups in your church such as a church council, ministry team, or working group.