As Advent approaches, many visitors will turn to your church’s website to find service times, seasonal events and opportunities to connect. A few simple updates can make your site more welcoming and help ensure guests find the information they need quickly. Preparing your website now can set the tone for a warm and organized Advent season.
Start with what visitors need most
During Advent, your website becomes one of the first places new guests encounter your church. Review your homepage to make sure key information is easy to find. Verify that service times, address, parking details and contact information are accurate and visible without requiring much scrolling.
Add a clear link or button for Advent and Christmas services. Consider using a short, friendly headline such as “Join us for Advent worship” or “Celebrate Christmas with us.” The goal is to make visitors feel invited before they ever step through the door.
Update banners and imagery
A new season offers a perfect opportunity to refresh your site visually. Replace fall or general banners with Advent-themed images that reflect hope, peace, joy and love. Use simple graphics with candles, nativity scenes or community gatherings rather than busy designs.
If your church uses rotating homepage banners, include one that highlights outreach opportunities such as a food drive or Christmas Eve offering. Including these helps connect your website visitors to your mission beyond Sunday worship.
Review event listings and calendars
Make sure your calendar includes all Advent and Christmas events, such as children’s programs, choir concerts, mission projects and candlelight services. Remove outdated events so new ones stand out clearly.
If your site allows it, create a dedicated Advent page that lists all special events in one place. This can also serve as a central link to share in newsletters or on social media.
Check giving and connection pages
End-of-year giving plays a significant role in many churches’ budgets. Review your online giving page to make sure it is working correctly, clearly labeled and easy to use on both desktop and mobile devices.
Include a brief message of gratitude that connects giving with mission impact. For example, “Your generosity helps us share Christ’s light with our community this Advent.”
Also review contact forms and sign-up links for small groups, volunteer opportunities and email lists to ensure they work smoothly.
Make your site mobile-friendly
Many visitors will view your church’s website on their phones. Test your site by opening it on a mobile device and checking how quickly it loads and how easily you can navigate it. Buttons should be large enough to tap easily, and text should be clear without zooming in.
If something feels confusing or cluttered, make adjustments before the busy season begins.
Reflect the spirit of Advent
A well-prepared website can help communicate more than logistics. It can also share the spiritual heart of the season. Include a short devotional message, a Scripture verse or a simple note from your pastor welcoming visitors to experience Advent with your congregation.
When your site reflects both hospitality and hope, it becomes a meaningful part of your church’s ministry.
This article was written with the help of AI. For information on how your church can utilize AI visit these MyCom resources:
How to get what you need from AI
How AI can help your local church