You're getting close to launch! Preparing your church for the release of your new website and Church Center app is an important step and we're here to help.
This guide will walk you through four simple steps you can take to prepare.
Step 1: Preparation and Training
Recommended timing: 4 weeks before launch
The first step is all about preparing your leadership team and getting your announcement materials ready to ensure a smooth transition.
Announcement Preparation
We recommend having both physical signage and digital announcement slides prepared to promote the Church Center app to your congregation on the first Sunday after launch. If you need assistance, we can help design, print, and ship retractable banner signage directly to your church in time for launch day. Contact us for pricing details! [Physical sign offering is coming soon]
Training Your Leadership Team & Administrative Staff
If people on your leadership team or administrative staff haven't been involved in the project, we recommend hosting a “show-and-tell” meeting to familiarize them with Church Center. This will help them understand its benefits and ensure consistent messaging to the congregation after launch. It will also discourage the return to old habits like saying, "talk to this person" for event details or "reach out to a pastor" to get involved, allowing Church Center to be the primary hub for communication.
Step 2: Communicating the upcoming launch
Recommended timing: ~1 week before launch
We recommend sending an email about one week before the launch to inform your congregation about the upcoming changes. Below is a sample email that you can personalize for your church. This message will introduce your congregation to the new online platform and highlight what they can expect:
EMAIL #1:
Hello church!
We're excited to announce that our new website will be launching in just [X] weeks! With a fresh redesign, our online presence is taking a major leap forward. Alongside the website, we're also introducing Church Center, a new app created specifically for our members. We believe these updates will enhance our ability to connect with the community and better serve both members and visitors. Here’s a brief introduction to what’s coming:
Redesigned Website:
Our new website has been built from the ground up with a singular goal: outreach. It's simplified, streamlined, and tailored to people who are searching - either for a church home or for answers to life's biggest questions. The website provides an introduction to our church and encourages new folks, no matter their background or story, to visit on a Sunday morning. So what can you find on the new website?
- Our beliefs, values, and mission
- What a new visitor can expect on Sunday morning + directions
- A place where people can get to know the leadership team
- The ministries we offer and ways to get involved and serve
- Featured sermons that give an introduction to the preaching
In addition, this site gives you a tool to reach your friends, family, and co-workers. Because it was built with new folks in mind, you can share the site via social media, text message, email, etc. and those folks can easily get to know our church family.
Church Center App:
The new Church Center app was built with members and regular attenders in view. We realize that in the past it could be difficult at times to find the information you need. Church Center is intended to be your single resource for any information pertaining to the day to day life of the church. That includes things like:
- What announcements were shared on Sunday? (Announcements)
- What time does fill in the blank event start (Calendar)
- How do I register for an upcoming event? (Signups)
- How do I join a new small group or ministry team? (Groups)
- Where can I listen to a past sermon? (Sermons)
- How do I give online or see my giving history? (Giving)
Following the launch, we encourage you to download the Church Center app, as it will become a key resource moving forward. We believe this new platform will streamline everything happening at our church and will grow with us over time.
We hope these new websites achieve two goals: reach more people in our community for Christ and serve you, our members, so that technology aids church life and doesn't get in the way.
-- Your Pastors
Step 3: Announce the launch and provide links
Recommended timing: 1 day after the launch
The second email announces that the launch is official! This is an opportunity to reinforce the purpose of the new website and the Church Center app, while also providing links for your congregation to explore both platforms.
We recommend sending this email the day after the launch to ensure everything is running smoothly and there are no technical issues.
Reminder: Be sure to update the links in the email (use the setup link for Church Center) and swap out the images!
EMAIL #2:
Hello church,
We’re excited to announce that our new website and Church Center app have officially launched! We want you to be among the first to explore these new tools. Below is a brief overview of both, along with links for easy access.
New Guest Focused Website:
Our new website has been built from the ground up with a singular goal: outreach. It’s designed to be simple, intuitive, and geared toward those seeking a church community or answers to life’s big questions. The site offers a welcoming introduction to our church and invites people from all walks of life to join us on a Sunday morning, no matter their background or story.
Explore our new, guest-focused website >> [INSERT LINK]
Our New Church Center App:
The new Church Center app is designed specifically for our members and regular attenders. We understand that finding important information hasn't always been easy in the past, so Church Center is here to simplify that experience. It’s your go-to resource for everything related to the daily life of our church.
Download the Church Center app>> [INSERT LINK]
You’ll hear more about this on Sunday, and we’ll be offering help if you have any questions about the Church Center app.
-- Your Pastors
Step 4: Announce on Sunday morning + Provide Help
Recommended timing: The first Sunday after launch
A brief announcement on Sunday morning is helpful to ensure everyone has heard the message. Since it's likely that not everyone in your church has read the emails, some will be hearing about this for the first time. Be sure to show your announcement slides on the screen so people can see and better understand the value of the app.
We also recommend making 1-2 people available after the service to answer questions specifically about downloading and using the Church Center app.
Frequently Asked Question: Does everyone have to download the Church Center app? No! While the best user experience is in the app, all of the content in the app (registrations, giving, announcements, etc.) is available online and can be accessed from a web browser.