How can our church grow and reach more people in our community?
Growth isn’t only about numbers — it’s about helping more people encounter Jesus and feel part of His body. For many today, the first meeting point with a church isn’t stepping through the doors but searching online. A welcoming church website can be the modern “front porch,” but it’s just one part of a broader church growth strategy. By prayerfully exploring how to make your church website more engaging, alongside outreach and discipleship, your church can extend hospitality both online and in person.
Jesus said: “Go and make disciples of all nations… and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20). Growing the church is about walking faithfully in that mission — using every opportunity, digital and face-to-face, to share the love of Christ.
Knowing who you're called to reach
Behind every click, visit or conversation is a person loved by God. Church growth begins with understanding the people you are seeking to serve.
Families looking for community activities
Families often look for spaces where children are welcome, safe and able to grow in faith. Highlighting Sunday school, toddler groups, or family-friendly events on a welcoming church website reassures parents that your church is a place where their whole household can belong.
Students and young adults
For those new to an area or beginning their careers, a church provides not only worship but also friendship and support. Sharing information about small groups, social events, and opportunities to serve shows that your church values their stage of life and supports reaching new members online.
Older residents in the community
Many older people long for meaningful community and a sense of belonging. Emphasising accessible services, pastoral care and social activities such as coffee mornings helps communicate that your church offers companionship as well as spiritual nourishment.
When your church reflects these needs in word and action, growing the church becomes a natural response to genuine hospitality.
Being visible in your community
Improving church visibility often begins with online presence. Many in the UK search with phrases like “church near me” or “Sunday service in [town].” A welcoming church website ensures seekers in your area can find you.
Practical steps include:
Keep details up to date
Service times, contact info and recent photos should always be accurate.
Use location-based wording
Service times, contact info and recent photos should always be accurate.
Mobile Optimisation
Many people search from their phones, so ensure your site is fast and easy to navigate.
Build community connections
Collaborate with local schools, charities, or events — and whenever possible, link back to your church. This enhances church growth strategies by showing your church as active and engaged in the community.
Visibility isn’t just digital — it’s also about being present in your neighbourhood through service, kindness and collaboration.
Sharing the life of the church
A static list of service times doesn’t reflect the living body of Christ. Share your story with warmth and openness, both online and offline:
Weekly reflections rooted in Scripture
Short blog posts or reflections based on Bible passages can offer encouragement for both long-time members and those exploring faith for the first time. A regular rhythm of posting also signals to visitors — and search engines — that your site is active and trustworthy. As Paul reminds us, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly” (Colossians 3:16).
Sermon recordings and livestreams
Life circumstances may prevent attendance in person. Sharing recordings or livestreams helps keep people connected to your church family and supports reaching new members online.
Stories of community life and testimonies
Real photos of events, testimonies, and stories of faith show that your church is more than a building — it’s a living, welcoming family. These stories demonstrate church growth strategies in action by inspiring others to join your community.
Friendly guides for newcomers
Visiting church for the first time can feel daunting. A guide like “What to Expect at Our Services” helps lower barriers. Mentioning service length, worship style, children’s activities and where to find the loos (!) can make visitors feel at ease before they ever step inside. This is digital hospitality in action — reflecting a welcoming church website as well as the welcome of Christ Himself.
Engaging content not only strengthens your church’s online presence but also demonstrates the love Jesus calls us to show: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Extending your church's voice beyond Sundays
Social media and digital platforms can feel overwhelming, yet they provide powerful ways to reach beyond the walls of your church.
Ideas for churches on social media:
-
Share sermon clips or devotionals
-
Post event invitations that link back to your website.
-
Encourage members to share content with friends and family.
-
Display social feeds on your site so visitors see your church life in real time.
Social media is not a replacement for face-to-face fellowship, but it can be a bridge. When combined with your website, it helps ensure people who may be hesitant to visit in person still have a way to encounter Christ’s love.
Paying Attention to What’s Bearing Fruit
Growth takes stewardship. Just as churches prayerfully reflect on ministries, it’s wise to pay attention to how people engage with your church digitally.
Monitor website visitor behaviour
Use website analytics tools to track visits, popular pages, and time spent. Understand what content resonates and where guidance is needed.
Track search performance
Discover which search terms bring people to your site. Are visitors searching for service times, children’s activities, or community outreach? This helps refine church growth strategies.
Analyse User Journeys
Heatmaps or user-flow tools show how visitors navigate your website, where they pause, and where they drop off. Insights allow you to improve navigation, calls-to-action, and overall user experience.
By reviewing these areas, your church can see what’s bearing fruit and how to optimise growing the church efforts.
Conculsion
Growing the church is not a one-off project but a calling rooted in prayer, service and love. Whether through digital tools, local outreach or discipleship, every effort should reflect Christ and extend His welcome.
Every page, every conversation, every event is an invitation: “Come and see” (John 1:46). By approaching growth with faith, humility and creativity, your church can connect with more people in your community and beyond.
Helping More People Find Your Church Online
If you’ve wondered how to grow your church or improve its online presence, you’re not alone. At Two Fish Net, we support churches and faith-led community groups with websites that reflect mission, improve visibility and help attract new members in meaningful ways.
FAQS
How do I increase my church website's traffic?
One of the most effective ways to increase traffic is by creating a welcoming church website. Ensure it is easy to navigate, visually inviting, and highlights essential information such as service times, contact details, and community activities. Regular updates, engaging blog posts, and clear calls-to-action help keep visitors returning and encourage them to share your site, supporting growing the church and reaching new members online.
What does a welcoming church website look like?
A welcoming church website clearly communicates that all visitors are valued. Features like family-friendly service information, youth and children’s group details, and authentic photos of your congregation convey safety, warmth, and openness. These elements make first-time visitors feel comfortable and help your church demonstrate genuine hospitality, a key component of church growth strategies.
How can I make my church website more engaging?
To make your website more engaging, tell the stories of your church community. Share testimonies, weekly reflections rooted in Scripture, sermon recordings, and interactive event sign-ups. Highlighting activities like outreach programs or volunteer opportunities encourages visitors to participate, helping your church reach new members online and showing them the vibrant life of your church family.
Why is a welcoming church website important for outreach?
A welcoming church website is often the first impression for potential visitors. It lowers barriers for newcomers by providing clear guidance, a friendly tone, and a visual representation of community life. This digital hospitality reflects Christ’s love and supports church growth strategies by inviting people to engage with your church even before their first visit.
How can I use my website to support church growth?
Your website can be a tool for growing the church by combining clear information, inspiring content, and opportunities for involvement. Features such as event calendars, volunteer sign-ups, and donation links encourage participation. Highlighting stories of faith and community life not only engages current members but also helps reach new members online who are searching for a welcoming, Christ-centered environment.
What are some practical ways to attract new members online?
Promoting your website through social media, search engine optimisation, and local listings ensures that more people discover your church. Engaging content, such as livestreamed services, blog reflections, and community updates, can capture attention and build trust. These efforts complement a welcoming church website and support broader church growth strategies, creating multiple pathways for people to connect with your ministry.