Hi there! I’m Jessica from SteepleMate, and I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of ministries create websites that make an impact in their community. In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps to creating a free church website and share what you need to know before you get started.
A Few Big Things to Know Before Creating a Free Church Website
Creating a church website is an exciting step in extending your ministry’s reach, but it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of using free website services. Week after week, my team encounters church admins desperately trying to salvage their failed (but free) websites. Let’s take a closer look at what you should know before you dive in.
Free platforms might seem like an easy solution, but they often come with serious drawbacks that can limit your church’s ability to grow and engage effectively. Here are the key challenges to watch out for:
1. The Domain
Free website builders often provide a subdomain like yourchurch.wordpress.com. While functional, this setup:
- Looks unprofessional.
- Fails to reflect your church’s identity.
- Makes it harder for people to find and trust your site.
Upgrading to a custom domain (e.g., yourchurch.org) often costs extra, and managing it requires careful attention. I’ve seen too many cases where churches lose access to their domain login credentials, resulting in expired domains and websites going offline. In some cases, we’ve had to help churches purchase new domains altogether—a frustrating and avoidable situation.
2. Hidden Costs
While free platforms promise a no-cost start, you’ll likely end up paying for extras like:
- A custom domain to remove platform branding.
- Increased storage for sermons, videos, and photos.
- Advanced features like event calendars or online giving.
- Removing ads displayed by the platform.
These additional fees quickly add up, turning a “free” website into an ongoing expense.
3. Limited Customization
Free website builders often provide generic templates with limited flexibility. Churches need unique features that serve their mission, such as:
- Sermon Libraries: Tools for storing and organizing sermon videos and audio.
- Event Calendars: To keep the congregation informed of upcoming events.
- Online Giving: A seamless way to enable tithes and donations.
- Prayer Requests: Forms for congregation needs.
Many free platforms either don’t offer these tools or require expensive upgrades or third-party integrations to enable them.
4. Ads on Your Website
Free plans often include platform-sponsored ads on your website. These ads:
- Distract from your church’s message.
- Undermine your website’s professionalism.
- May promote unrelated—or even inappropriate—products.
Your website represents your ministry, and ads can interfere with the experience you want to create.
5. Storage Restrictions
Free platforms typically impose strict storage limits, making it difficult to upload weekly sermons, photos, or videos. When you hit these limits, you’ll need to:
- Upgrade to a paid plan for more storage.
- Remove older content to make room for new materials.
Both options can disrupt your ability to build a rich online archive for your church.
6. SSL Certificate and Security Issues
An SSL certificate ensures your website is secure and displays “https” instead of “http” in the address bar. It’s also crucial for protecting your visitors’ information and building trust. Many free platforms:
- Don’t include SSL certificates in their free plans.
- Require additional fees to enable SSL.
Without SSL, your website may display a “Not Secure” warning, deterring visitors—especially if you’re accepting donations or collecting prayer requests. Managing SSL certificates and domain security can be a major challenge, leaving your website vulnerable to hacking and data breaches.
How to Create a Free Church Website
If you still want to try a free church website, here’s how to get started:
- Plan Your Website: Take some time to plan what you need vs what you wish to have on your church website. For example, you may prioritize sharing sermons but you may not want an online giving button. Map your goals the old school way, with paper!
- Choose a Free Website Builder: Several free website builders make it easy to create a professional-looking site without technical expertise. Popular options include:
- Wordpress: Offers free themes and a user-friendly editor.
- Wix: Great for drag-and-drop editing and beautiful websites.
- Weebly: Known for its simple setup and free hosting.
- Pick a Template: Select a design that aligns with your church’s mission. Many of these platforms have specific templates for churches or non-profits. Look for clean designs, easy navigation menus, space for photos, and integration options for donation buttons or church calendars.
- Add Content: Your website is your church's online home. Good church websites typically include:
- About Us: Share your church's story, mission, and beliefs.
- Services & Events: Display service times, special events, and Bible studies.
- Contact Information: Make it easy for church visitors to reach you.
- Media Library: Add past sermons, video messsages, or photo galleries.
- Online Giving: If your church accepts donations online, include a link or widget.
- Integrate Social Media: Connect your website to your social media pages for added engagement. Add links to your Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube accounts so visitors can follow you and stay connected.
- Publish and Promote Your Church Website: Once your website is ready, publish it! Share the link on your social media pages, in church bulletins, and through email newsletters. Encourage members to visit and explore.
- Monitor Features and Costs: Keep track of additional fees for storage, SSL, or advanced tools as your site grows. If things get a wonky or add-ons get out of control, call SteepleMate for help. We are here to serve you!
Why SteepleMate is the Better Option
At just $69.99/month, SteepleMate offers an all-in-one solution specifically designed for churches. Unlike free platforms that come with hidden costs, limited features, and security risks, SteepleMate provides everything your ministry needs in one seamless platform. Here’s why churches love SteepleMate:
What’s Included:
A Church Website Ready in 5 Minutes
Your church website can be up and running in just five minutes! Professionally designed by our leading development team, SteepleMate offers stunning templates tailored to churches. Simply sign up, choose your preferred design, and your polished, professional site is automatically deployed—no coding or tech expertise required.
Unlimited Storage
Never worry about running out of space for your ministry’s growing needs. With SteepleMate, you can upload:
- Weekly sermon videos and audio files.
- High-resolution event photos and galleries.
- Church newsletters, bulletins, and other resources.
There are no bandwidth caps or hidden storage fees—just unlimited space to share your message.
SSL Certificate and Security
Every SteepleMate website comes with a built-in SSL certificate and robust security measures, ensuring that your site:
- Displays “https” to give visitors confidence that their data is safe.
- Protects sensitive information, like online donations and prayer requests.
- Stays secure from hackers and potential vulnerabilities.
You can focus on your ministry, knowing your website is in safe hands.
Built-In Church Features
No need to search for add-ons or plugins—SteepleMate has everything your church needs to thrive online, including:
- Sermon Archives: Store and organize sermon videos, audio, and transcripts for your congregation to access anytime.
- Event Calendars: Keep your congregation informed with beautifully designed calendars for services, Bible studies, and special events.
- Online Giving: Enable secure, seamless donations directly through your site, with no hidden fees or third-party tools required.
- Prayer Request Forms: Provide a simple, secure way for members to share their needs with church leadership.
Dedicated Support
At SteepleMate, we’re more than a software provider—we’re a partner in your ministry’s success. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way:
- From setup and configuration to launch.
- With ongoing training to help you make the most of your site.
- Offering fast, friendly support whenever you need assistance.
We take care of the technical details so you can focus on what truly matters: serving your congregation and sharing your mission.
A Better Website for Your Ministry
SteepleMate takes the hassle out of creating and managing your church website, providing everything you need to succeed online—all at an affordable price. Say goodbye to the limitations of free platforms and hello to a professional, feature-rich website that grows with your ministry.
Ready to get started? Click Here to Learn More About SteepleMate!