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Your church website is open around the clock and right now it is either welcoming first-time visitors or sending them somewhere else without you even knowing it. In this episode we get practical and specific about what a great church website actually needs in 2026. The conversation covers everything from homepage design and hero sections to mobile experience, Plan Your Visit pages, photography audits, and affordable solutions for smaller churches with limited budgets.  If your website was built for the people already in your seats instead of the people you are trying to reach, this episode will give you a clear and actionable path to change that fast. 

Ten years ago someone found a new church because a friend invited them. Today they Google it, watch a sermon clip, check the Instagram page, and make a decision before Sunday ever comes. The way people discover and evaluate churches has changed completely and most churches are still operating on an outdated playbook. In this episode we also welcome a new co-host to the show and get two fresh perspectives on how different generations approach church discovery in the digital age. This is a practical, honest, and eye-opening conversation packed with steps any church can take right now to show up where people are already searching.

This is not your typical episode and it is not your typical guest lineup.  For episode 301 we brought two of the sharpest minds at the intersection of church, research, and technology into one conversation. Ed Stetzer, Dean of Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, Editor-in-Chief of Outreach Magazine, and one of the most cited church researchers in America, sits down with Corey Alderin, CEO and Co-Founder of Sermon Shots, INC 5000 honoree, and the builder behind a platform now serving over 9,000 churches worldwide. Together they tackle the AI conversation the church cannot afford to get wrong, the state of church decline and what the data actually says, why most churches are wasting their best content every single Sunday, and what it is going to take for the local church to reach the next generation with clarity and confidence.

 AI is here and it is not going anywhere, but the way many churches are using it right now is doing more harm than good.  In this episode we are getting honest about the most common mistakes church leaders are making with artificial intelligence and what it is actually costing their ministry in trust, authenticity, and effectiveness. We are strong believers in the power of AI as a ministry tool, but only when it is used with the right strategy, the right boundaries, and the right understanding of what it can and cannot do.  This conversation is not anti-AI. It is pro-wisdom, and it is for every pastor and church leader who wants to use this technology in a way that genuinely serves their calling and reaches their community. Walk away from this episode with a clearer picture of how to make AI work for your ministry instead of against it. 

Every year a fresh wave of technology trends hits the church world and pastors are left asking the same question: is this actually worth our time and money? In this episode we are cutting through the noise and giving church leaders a clear, honest breakdown of what is actually moving the ministry needle right now and what is just hype dressed up in a good sales pitch. Technology is not the enemy of the local church, but the wrong technology at the wrong time absolutely can slow you down, drain your budget, and wear out your team. This conversation is for every pastor and church leader who wants to be a good steward of their resources while staying sharp enough to use the tools that genuinely help their church reach more people. Walk away from this episode with a clearer filter for every tech decision your church will face going forward. 

If your church outreach feels like a lot of effort producing very little fruit, you are not alone and you are not without hope. In this episode, we are unpacking the real difference between churches that are growing and churches that are stuck when it comes to outreach. The gap is not about budget, building size, or staff. It is about strategy, and the churches winning at outreach right now have figured out something that most leaders have not caught onto yet. This conversation will challenge the way you think about outreach and give you a practical starting point for building something that actually works in today's world.

Most pastors assume burnout is a staffing problem or a workload problem. But in this episode, we are pulling back the curtain on what is actually driving burnout inside church teams today. It is deeper than a calendar issue, and it is more serious than most leaders want to admit. If you care about the health of your team and the longevity of your ministry, this conversation is one you cannot afford to skip.

✅ - Get your FREE Church Marketing Review Here: https://reachrightstudios.com/analyze...) Many churches pour time, money, and energy into marketing tactics that look impressive but deliver very little real impact. Flashy graphics, trendy platforms, and expensive campaigns can feel productive, yet they often fail to reach the people who are actually searching for faith and community. In 2026, church marketing success is not about copying what other ministries are doing. It is about focusing on strategies that genuinely help people discover your church, connect with your message, and take their next step in faith. The reality is that some of the most popular church marketing strategies are wildly overrated. Meanwhile, a few simple and often overlooked approaches are consistently helping churches grow, connect, and build stronger communities. Digital outreach, clear messaging, and intentional follow-up are proving far more effective than hype-driven tactics. Church leaders who rethink their approach to marketing often see stronger engagement, better visibility online, and more meaningful connections with new visitors. Real church growth begins when leaders stop chasing trends and start focusing on what actually works. 0:00 - Intro2:02 - Big Outreach Events6:55 - Boosted Social Media Posts9:13 - Short-Form Videos11:34 - Email Follow-Up Funnels14:33 - AI Search Engine Optimization17:40 - Google Business Profile20:14 - High-Quality Promo Videos22:39 - Google Grant Advertising26:03 - Church Podcasting29:36 - Church Merch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - Learn More About REACHRIGHT:https://reachrightstudios.com/ Subscribe to the PodcastApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0KH4B4d...YouTube  • REACHRIGHT Podcast  Claim the $10,000 per month Google Grant for Churcheshttps://reachrightstudios.com/google-... Build a Beautiful Church Websitehttps://reachrightstudios.com/church-... Get Help Turning Your Sermon Videos into TikToks, Shorts, and Reelshttps://reachrightstudios.com/sermon-... Make Sure Your Church is Found On Local Searcheshttps://reachrightstudios.com/local-seo Follow Us On SocialFacebook:  

Is your church's social media strategy stuck in a rut? You're not alone. In this episode, Thomas and Ian break down 7 reasons why so many churches hit a wall with social media — and what to do about it. https://youtu.be/82CLWbxyi_k?si=ZgSPZTmsVRZq5Zbf We're talking about who you're actually creating content for (hint: it's probably not who you think), why you should stop trying to be everywhere at once, and whether short-form video is still worth the effort in 2025. Plus, we share a behind-the-scenes look at a recent content decision we made here at ReachRight that might surprise you. Here's what we cover: 00:00 – Why your church social media feels stuck 01:29 – You're not creating content for the right people 06:00 – You're using the wrong platforms the wrong way 09:16 – You don't have a consistent visual identity 11:17 – You're not leveraging short-form video 14:38 – You're posting but not engaging 17:31 – You don't have a plan 20:05 – You're expecting instant results Whether you're a solo pastor running your church's Instagram or you have a small team trying to figure out what's working, this episode will give you a practical reset for your social media approach. Want help with sermon repurposing and short-form video? Learn more about our Sermon Sling service: https://reachrightstudios.com/sermon-sling Have a question or something that's working for YOUR church on social media? Drop it in the comments — Thomas personally responds. — ReachRight helps churches reach more people through digital marketing, Google Ad Grants, SEO, web design, and sermon repurposing. We've served 800+ churches and counting. Website: https://reachrightstudios.com Phone: 608.561.2777 Email: [email protected] #ChurchSocialMedia #ChurchMarketing #ChurchGrowth #SocialMediaStrategy #PastorLife #ChurchLeadership #ReachRight

Most churches work hard to create a welcoming Sunday experience. The lights are on, the coffee is hot, the volunteers are smiling. And when new guests walk through the door, everyone hopes they feel like they’ve found a home. But far too often, those same visitors never show up again. They attend once, maybe twice, then vanish. No explanation. No warning. Just gone. So what’s happening? Why do first-time guests leave without coming back? Let’s start with the biggest reason. Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Table of contents The #1 Reason: No Real Follow-UpOther Reasons People Don’t Come Back2. They Didn’t Feel Personally Welcome3. They Were Confused About What to Do Next4. No Clear Path Into Community5. Kids Ministry UncertaintyThe Pattern Churches MissWhat the Fastest-Growing Churches UnderstandYou Only Get One First ImpressionMore Resources on Church Guests The #1 Reason: No Real Follow-Up Churches lose more visitors to silence than to anything else. If someone visits your church, fills out a connection card, and never hears from you again, that sends a message. It says, “We noticed you came, but not enough to care.” And this happens way too often. Many churches have a visitor follow-up sequence that looks great on paper. But when it comes to actually sending that text, writing that email, or dropping that note in the mail, it doesn’t happen. Or worse, it only happens once and never again. This is one of the fastest ways to lose a potential church member. People need to feel like more than a number. They need to know that someone saw them, remembered them, and wants to help them find their place in the church community. A few key mistakes to watch out for: You’re not collecting contact details clearly (use a digital connect card and simplify the process) Your emails land in the new visitor’s email inbox with a generic subject line or templated message You don’t have a clear person on staff who owns visitor follow-up You wait too long to initiate follow up This is not about being polished or perfect. It is about being intentional. First time guests need to feel personally valued, not like they were just another head in the room. Every healthy church needs a follow-up system that is timely, thoughtful, and relational. Other Reasons People Don’t Come Back Once you fix your follow-up process, that alone can move the needle. But let’s not stop there. Even churches with strong communication systems lose people for other preventable reasons. Here are some of the most common. 2. They Didn’t Feel Personally Welcome A friendly church is not the same thing as a personal one. Guests expect a handshake and a smile. But what they remember is who actually talked to them. Who asked their name. Who introduced them to someone else. Church welcome cards, coffee stations, and signs help create a friendly environment. But it’s your people that turn a friendly church into a family. If guests feel ignored or invisible, they won’t return. And even worse, they’ll assume that’s how your church treats everyone. This is where church members matter most. They must be trained and encouraged to view hospitality as ministry, not just something for the welcome team. Personal greetings. Eye contact. An invitation to lunch or a small group. These moments are where the church brand is built. 3. They Were Confused About What to Do Next Many churches unintentionally leave new guests wondering what their next step should be. You may have dozens of great opportunities: small groups, ministries, volunteer roles, classes. But if a new visitor doesn’t know where to start, they won’t start at all. Clarity is kindness. That’s why your church website needs more than just a list of programs. It needs to guide guests from visit to involvement with next steps that are clear and actionable. Use your Sunday services to point guests toward these steps. Mention these next steps from the stage. Feature them on your homepage. Send a personal invitation in your follow-up email. Think of your visitor experience like a trail. If the path disappears after the first mile, most people turn around and go home. 4. No Clear Path Into Community If someone visits your church and enjoys the worship but never finds real connection, they will eventually drift. Belonging happens in smaller circles. If all someone ever experiences is sitting in a row on Sunday, they are missing what makes church life truly transformative. That is why promoting small group involvement is not just a side ministry. It is central to the health of your church. Don’t assume guests will naturally find their way into community. Build clear, obvious pathways. Talk about groups from the stage. Have real people ready to meet new guests and help them find a fit. A connected visitor becomes a growing church member. And a connected member becomes a multiplying disciple. 5. Kids Ministry Uncertainty For families with kids, the children’s ministry is often a make-or-break moment. No matter how powerful the worship is or how engaging the message might be, if a parent feels uneasy about where their kids are, they won’t come back. They want to know: Are their children safe?

Every year, churches ask the same question in a hundred different ways: “How do we grow?” And in 2026, the answer might look different from what it did just a few years ago. The pandemic forced churches to adapt. New technologies have emerged. Generational shifts have changed the way people think about community and faith. But some principles have not changed at all. The local church still exists to bring glory to God, to equip believers for ministry, and to make disciples in the name of Jesus Christ. Yet even with all of that in mind, many churches are still looking in the wrong places for growth. They chase trends, copy other churches, or simply wait for new visitors to show up on their own. But real, sustainable church growth in 2026 is happening in places most church leaders are still overlooking. Let’s talk about where to look next. Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Table of contents You’re Looking in the Wrong Direction6 Church Growth Opportunities You’re Probably Overlooking1. The Follow-Up Funnel2. Family Ministry with a Purpose3. Midweek Micro-Communities4. Optimizing for AI Search5. Measuring What Actually Matters6. Updated Church WebsiteWhat the Fastest-Growing Churches UnderstandWhere Growth BeginsMore Resources on Church Growth You’re Looking in the Wrong Direction If the only thing your team is doing to drive growth is planning better Sunday services, you’re likely missing the bigger picture. Yes, your weekend gathering matters. It’s a chance to preach Christ, invite people to salvation, and encourage the saints. But most people are not evaluating your church just by what happens on Sunday. They are also watching what your church values throughout the week. They are looking for connection, for purpose, and for something real. And they are making decisions quickly. A growing church in 2026 must focus not just on attracting people, but on forming them. You cannot just get people in the door. You need to help them become fully alive in Jesus. Here are six church growth opportunities that healthy churches are using right now. These may not show up in a flashy ad or get you viral clicks, but they will help your church grow the right way. 6 Church Growth Opportunities You’re Probably Overlooking This list is not about gimmicks or trends. It is about areas of church life that are often underdeveloped or misunderstood, but have massive potential when nurtured intentionally. 1. The Follow-Up Funnel Your sermon might have been amazing. The worship team might have nailed it. But if a first-time guest never hears from you again, the experience is already fading. Church growth strategy begins the moment someone fills out a connection card. The follow-up funnel should include a timely email, a text from a real church member, a warm invite to a newcomers’ gathering, and a path toward meaningful next steps. Too many churches lose people not because the service was bad, but because the system was nonexistent. In healthy churches, every visitor is treated like a welcome part of God’s people. You don’t need to impress them. You need to pursue them. What this builds: A culture of care that reflects Christ and makes guests feel seen. 2. Family Ministry with a Purpose If you want your church to grow in 2026, look no further than your children’s and youth ministries. But don’t just think in terms of programs. Think strategy. Church leaders should invest in equipping parents, encouraging family discipleship, and creating intergenerational connections. Many churches silo kids and teens into a corner. But growing churches are bringing them front and center. You should let them serve. Let them lead. Let them experience the work of the Holy Spirit. Kids are not the future church. They are the church now. What this builds: A multigenerational, purpose-driven church body that nurtures spiritual growth early. 3. Midweek Micro-Communities Most people don’t need more content. They need more connection. That’s why midweek micro-communities are so effective. These are not always traditional small groups. Sometimes they are two friends meeting after work for prayer. Sometimes they’re neighbors who read the Bible together. And sometimes it’s a few moms texting encouragement and scriptures during the week. They are not flashy, but they are powerful. As Andy Stanley once said, “Life change happens in circles, not in rows.” And it is in those circles where people begin to use their spiritual gifts and grow in community. What this builds: Real-life discipleship, personal accountability, and deeper bonds within the local church. 4. Optimizing for AI Search Church growth in 2026 will be shaped by how easily people can find you online. And it is not just about being on Google anymore. Artificial intelligence is changing search forever. People are now asking spiritual questions to ChatGPT, using smart assistants, and reading AI summaries instead of browsing dozens of websites. Your church website needs to be optimized for how people search today. Use plain language. Answer common questions. Share service times, ministry opportunities, and stories of life change. Include phrases that help seekers find biblical teaching, local churches, and spiritual resources. Write as if someone is asking, “Where can I find a Christian church that will actually care about me?” What this builds: A digital front door that works 24/7 to invite people into your church’s life. 5. Measuring What Actually M...

The way people find a new church is changing fast. It used to be all about word of mouth, road signs, or searching “church near me” on Google. But in 2026, the landscape looks different. Artificial intelligence is playing a major role in how people search for spiritual communities. Whether someone is relocating to a new city or simply feeling the tug to reconnect with their faith, they are likely starting their search online. And more often than not, that search is being filtered through some form of AI. The question church leaders need to be asking is not just “Are we on Google?” but “Are we findable through AI?” The churches that answer that well are the ones that will grow. Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Table of contents Search Is More Than Google5 Ways AI Is Shaping Church Discovery1. AI Answers Questions, Not Just Searches2. Your Website Needs to Be AI-Friendly3. Local Search Is Influenced by Digital Signals4. Sermons and Videos Are Now Searchable5. The Churches That Will Be Found Are the Ones That ServeWhat Church Leaders Should Do NextA New Era of SearchMore Resources on Church AI Search Is More Than Google Google is still a major player, but the way people interact with it has evolved. Instead of typing in short phrases, users now ask full questions and expect a conversational answer. This is the influence of AI systems like Google’s Search Generative Experience and tools like ChatGPT. Someone searching for a church might not just type “church in Dallas” anymore. They might ask, “What’s a welcoming church in Dallas with strong kids’ programs and contemporary worship?” AI can now deliver personalized, context-aware answers. That means your church needs to be discoverable not just through traditional keywords but through AI-generated responses that highlight what people really want to know. 5 Ways AI Is Shaping Church Discovery AI is not just changing the tools people use. It is changing what they expect from those tools. Below are five major shifts every church should understand. 1. AI Answers Questions, Not Just Searches People used to search for churches by typing in a few keywords. Now, they are asking questions. And AI is learning how to answer them as a human would. If someone types, “Where can I find a church that values community involvement and has great sermons for young families?” the results will not just show a list of churches. AI will attempt to answer the question directly, often by pulling from content it finds across the web. If your church website does not answer questions like this clearly, you are missing out. What to do: Review your website and online profiles. Do they answer common questions in plain language? Do you clearly communicate your values, service times, children’s ministry info, and community outreach programs? Write with questions in mind, not just keywords. 2. Your Website Needs to Be AI-Friendly AI systems do not just scrape your homepage. They pull content from your entire online presence to craft their answers. That includes your sermon libraries, blog posts, staff bios, about pages, and even your event descriptions. If your website is hard to navigate, outdated, or thin on content, AI will have a harder time understanding who you are and what you offer. This is where AI-friendly church website design becomes critical. A good website builder can help you optimize for structured data, internal links, and accessibility. These things are not just about looks. They help AI index your site and extract useful answers. What to do: Audit your church website for structure and clarity. Use clear headlines, well-labeled sections, and updated information. Include keywords, but do not overdo it. Focus on real, helpful content that reflects your church’s mission and ministry. 3. Local Search Is Influenced by Digital Signals AI is heavily influencing local search. This means things like reviews, listings, and engagement are playing a bigger role in determining which churches get recommended. Google Business Profiles, local directories, and community review sites now factor into how AI tools rank and recommend results. Churches with strong digital signals across multiple platforms are more likely to appear in relevant searches. What to do: Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete and regularly updated. Encourage members to leave honest reviews. Submit your church to local directories and update your listings frequently. List your events and ministries in places that local residents are likely to search. 4. Sermons and Videos Are Now Searchable AI can now search inside audio and video content. If your sermons are online, AI tools may be analyzing them to find relevant answers for user questions. This is a big...

In this ReachRight Mailbag, we’re unpacking some of the most relevant (and sometimes overlooked) questions churches are asking right now. From how to get started on YouTube, to whether AI poses a spiritual risk, to what prayer software churches are using in 2026, we’re diving into it all. Plus, we tackle a simple but surprisingly common question: If you cut down your church announcements on Sunday mornings, how do you get the word out about the rest? Let’s get into it. Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Table of contents How Should Churches Get Started on YouTube?Could AI Harm Spiritual Connection?What’s the Best Tool for Handling Prayer Requests?How Do You Share Announcements Without Overwhelming People?Is the Google Ad Grant Still Worth It?Tools Don’t Replace CallingMore Resources How Should Churches Get Started on YouTube? One listener asked:“What are some best practices for churches starting out, wanting to succeed on YouTube?” There’s never been a better time to start. YouTube is where people go when they’re asking real questions. But if your church only posts full Sunday services with a title like “December 17, 2025,” you’re not going to reach them. Here’s how to start strong: 1. Lead with short-form content. Full services are great for your members, but short sermon clips, Q&A videos, or testimony highlights are what attract new people. Post those in addition to your livestreams. 2. Your first 10 seconds matter. If the video opens with a countdown or a bumper, most people scroll away. Start with a strong quote or a tension-filled question. 3. Thumbnails and titles are everything. Use high-contrast graphics, big text, and human faces with emotion. Don’t label your sermon “Week 3 – Rooted.” Call it something that gets a click, like “What To Do When God Feels Distant.” 4. Think like a missionary. This is the real one. Your YouTube isn’t just for your congregation. It’s for the parent searching “how to pray for my kid,” or the teen asking “does God hate me?” If your church wants to grow online, YouTube is a mission field. Treat it that way. Could AI Harm Spiritual Connection? A listener asked:“Could AI pose a threat to people connecting with God and each other?” That’s a real concern. And it depends on how we use it. AI can help churches with sermon prep, admin tasks, outreach, and organization. But the danger comes when churches start letting AI replace things only people can do. Prayer. Presence. Discipleship. Discernment. AI can help you write an outline. It can’t pray with someone in a hospital room. It can help organize a sermon, but it can’t weep with a member after a funeral. The line is simple: Use AI for tasks. Rely on the Holy Spirit for truth and transformation. So no, AI is not automatically harmful. But it can cause damage if churches stop asking the hard questions and start chasing convenience over calling. What’s the Best Tool for Handling Prayer Requests? A listener asked:“What’s the best prayer request software out there right now?” Here are three solid picks: 1. ChurchteamsIdeal for groups and teams. Members can post requests and leaders can track updates and answered prayers. 2. Tithe.ly Prayer WallLets members submit public or private requests. Great for building a visible culture of prayer on your website or app. 3. SubsplashIf your church already uses Subsplash for giving or livestreaming, you may already have access to their built-in prayer request tool. Whatever you choose, make it simple. The best prayer systems let people submit requests anytime, and help your team follow up like a real person actually read it. Bonus tip: Add a prayer link to your connect card or website homepage. People are more likely to ask for prayer than register for an event. How Do You Share Announcements Without Overwhelming People? A listener wrote in:“If announcements should be short, how do we tell people about the rest of what’s going on?” This is one of the most common church communication questions. You don’t want to overwhelm your service with announcements. But you also don’t want people to miss everything that didn’t get said on stage. Here’s what works: 1. Centralize everything.Create one digital space where all events, groups, and opportunities live. Your website. Your app. Even your lobby kiosk. Pick one hub and use it well. 2. Use layers.Not everything needs to be said from the stage. Use screens, email, texts, social media, and ministry-specific reminders. Let the Sunday announcement hit the highlights, then point people where to find the rest. 3. Announce next steps, not news.The platform is for action, not information. Announce what people need to do. Sign up. Show up. Join in. Leave the calendar and details for your hub. People are not ignoring church events. They just need clearer paths to engagement. Don’t give them noise. Give them next steps. Is the Google Ad Grant Still Worth It? One listener asked:

Church websites are not just digital bulletin boards anymore. They are front doors to your church, spiritual hubs, and key tools for outreach and discipleship. Yet even in 2026, too many church websites still feel stuck in the past. An outdated site can make your church look disconnected or disorganized. It can confuse first-time visitors, frustrate members looking for basic info, and fail to reflect your church’s heart and mission. A fresh coat of digital paint is not enough. Let’s talk about what really makes a modern church website work. Estimated reading time: 7 minutes Table of contents It’s Not Just About a New Theme Anymore6 Reasons Your Website Still Feels Outdated1. Your Homepage Tries to Say Too Much2. Your Site Is Not Optimized for Mobile3. You’re Not Answering the Right Questions4. You Still Use Stock Photos or Staged Poses5. There’s No Clear Path for a First-Time Guest6. Your Content Rarely Gets UpdatedWhat a Modern Church Website Should Actually DoWhat’s Next?More Resources on Church Websites It’s Not Just About a New Theme Anymore Swapping out your church website theme or logo is easy. But surface-level changes do not fix a deeper disconnect. Your website is often the first place people go before they ever set foot on your campus. It has to do more than look good. It has to communicate clearly and serve people well. The best church websites today are purpose-built. They help people find service times, submit prayer requests, stream past sermons, and take next steps. They answer questions before anyone has to ask them. And they tell a consistent story that reflects your values, your vision, and your community involvement. If your church website still feels outdated, it is time to dig a little deeper. 6 Reasons Your Website Still Feels Outdated Even churches that put effort into their website often miss the deeper issues. These are some of the most common reasons your site still feels stuck. 1. Your Homepage Tries to Say Too Much Too many church websites overload their homepage with every ministry, every announcement, and every event. Instead of welcoming guests, it overwhelms them. Your homepage is not the place to tell your entire story. It is the front door, not the full tour. What to do instead: Feature only the most essential information for first-time visitors. Start with a strong welcoming message, your service times, church locations, and one clear next step. Keep your visuals clean and focused. Less clutter means more clarity. 2. Your Site Is Not Optimized for Mobile More than 60 percent of website visits now come from mobile devices. If your site is not mobile responsive, people will click away quickly. Clunky menus, small fonts, and slow loading times make a bad first impression. A beautiful desktop site that falls apart on a phone will not get the job done. What to do instead: Use a website builder with mobile optimization built in. Test your pages on phones and tablets. Make sure every key feature works well, from your digital connection card to your sermon libraries. 3. You’re Not Answering the Right Questions Too many church websites are built around what the church wants to say instead of what visitors need to know. You may list your staff bios and ministry names, but forget the practical questions like where to park or how to check in kids. When people cannot find what they are looking for, they will assume your church is not ready for them. What to do instead: Ask a few people outside your church to navigate your site. Take note of where they get stuck. Highlight answers to questions like what to expect on a Sunday, how to join a group, or how to request prayer. Put your search bar in a prominent place. 4. You Still Use Stock Photos or Staged Poses Nothing says “out of touch” like stiff stock images of people in suits smiling at the camera. These types of visuals do not reflect the real life and energy of your church community. People want to see authenticity. They want to know who you really are. What to do instead: Use high-quality images of your actual church members and ministries. Capture moments of real worship, community outreach, baptisms, and kids’ events. Visual storytelling builds trust and invites people into the experience. 5. There’s No Clear Path for a First-Time Guest A first-time visitor should not have to click ten times just to know what to do next. If your church website does not lead them toward a clear action, it will feel more like a maze than a ministry tool. A modern website should guide people naturally from interest to involvement. What to do instead: Build a simple, dedicated page for new visitors. Include a warm welcome, service times, directions, and event details. Add a form where they can plan a visit or ask a question. Make sure your key features and important links are always easy to find. 6. Your Content Rarely Gets Updated A church website with outdated event calendars, broken links, or last year’s sermon series gives the wrong impression. It makes people wonder if your church is still active. Keeping your content fresh is not just about appearances. It shows that you care. What to do instead: Set a reminder to update your site weekly or monthly. Add upcoming events, new sermon content, and prayer request forms. Highlight volunteer opportunities and new ways to connect. A site that reflects your current church life is far more welcoming than one stuck in the past. What a Modern Church Website Should Actually Do

Every year, we kick off the season with one of our favorite traditions: the stats episode. We go through dozens of recent church statistics, pick the ones that made our jaws drop, and share our top six on the podcast. These stats help church leaders understand the cultural shifts happening right now and how to respond with purpose and strategy. Some are encouraging. Some are convicting. All of them will make you think twice about how we do ministry in 2026. Let’s get into it. Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Table of contents Gen Z Churchgoers Are Showing Up More Than Any Other GenerationOnly 20% of Americans Attend Church WeeklyThe Gender Gap in Faith Is Shrinking (But Not the Way You Think)Young Adults Still Want Faith That MattersThe Tithing Gap Between What We Say and What We Actually GiveMillennials Are the Most Faithful Weekly AttendersWhat Surprised You?More Resources on Church Stats Gen Z Churchgoers Are Showing Up More Than Any Other Generation Thomas kicked us off with a stat from Barna that caused some serious conversation this year. According to the data, Gen Z churchgoers are attending services more frequently than any other generation. On average, Gen Z churchgoers attend 1.9 times per month, compared to: Millennials: 1.8 Gen X: 1.6 Boomers: 1.4 Now, this stat often gets misunderstood. Some people have claimed Gen Z is now the most Christian generation, but that’s not what the numbers say. The study specifically refers to churchgoers, not the entire generation. What it does show is that those in Gen Z who follow Jesus are deeply committed. And that’s worth celebrating. Churches should be encouraged by this hunger and think seriously about how to disciple Gen Z with purpose and intentionality. Only 20% of Americans Attend Church Weekly Ian followed up with a stat that feels all too real: just 20% of Americans attend church every week. That’s a major drop from what many pastors used to expect from a “committed” church member. In today’s world, twice-a-month attendance is the new normal for many families. And it’s not just laziness. Youth sports are scheduled on Sundays. Work schedules are all over the place. Even Easter Sunday can get hijacked by a 10 a.m. high school soccer game. We get it. That doesn’t make it less frustrating, but it does mean pastors and church leaders need to rethink what engagement looks like. Weekly attendance is no longer the only measure of discipleship. People might miss a Sunday but show up in a small group or serve behind the scenes. Still, the stat is a wake-up call. If your strategy is built on the assumption that people are attending 50 Sundays a year, it might be time for a reset. The Gender Gap in Faith Is Shrinking (But Not the Way You Think) Thomas shared another one that sparked conversation. A Pew study revealed that the gender gap in religious engagement is narrowing, but not because men are growing in faith. It’s because women are dropping off. From 2007 to 2023, the number of women identifying with a religion dropped from 86% to 72%. Men also declined, but only from 79% to 67%. Daily prayer, belief in God, and other markers of faith have also declined more sharply among women than men. This is a trend worth watching. Historically, women have often been the spiritual anchors in their homes and churches. If that’s shifting, the impact will ripple across generations. There’s a bit of good news: as men hold steady or slightly increase, there may be new opportunities to reach them more effectively. We’ve seen over and over that when a man comes to Christ, the rest of the family often follows. But overall, this stat highlights a net loss. Churches need to understand why women are disengaging and respond with wisdom and care. Young Adults Still Want Faith That Matters Ian brought in a stat that focused on non-churched adults aged 18 to 30. According to their research, this group is actively seeking a faith that: Feels relevant to everyday life Makes a global impact This might not sound shocking on the surface, but consider the context. These are young adults who aren’t currently attending church. In a culture often marked by cynicism and skepticism, the desire for authentic and world-changing faith stands out. This is good news for pastors and ministry leaders. It means people are still searching. They’re not interested in surface-level religion or flashy Sunday productions. They want something real. Something that speaks to their pain, purpose, and place in the world. The church has something to say here. This is not a time to shrink back. It’s a time to speak clearly, serve boldly, and invite people into a story bigger than themselves. The Tithing Gap Between What We Say and What We Actually Give Thomas came back with a stat combo that made us both cringe a little. Barna reports that: 42% of practicing Christians say they tithe 10% of their income But only 10 to 15% actually do That’s a big gap between what people...