Recently I invited readers to participate in a church website survey to determine how church websites are really being used.  The survey, The State of the Church Online, Part 1, is beginning to produce new, concrete data about church website use.

What do people say are the most important features/activities they would like to engage on a church website?  So far, according to early survey results assessing 100 church websites, here’s what people are saying they want to do on a church website:

(out of 23 activities on the use of Church Websites by Attendees survey)

Highest Rated =

1.   Find service information (times, directions, etc).
2.   Listen to/download Sermons (audio recordings).
3.   Learn about the church’s Beliefs/Mission/Values
4.   Connect with other members.
5.   Read/download Sermons (text transcripts).
6.   Join and/or interact with a home/bible study group.
7.   View weekly information/calendar/news/events.
8.   Find serving opportunities at the church.
9.   Post prayer requests or needs.
10. Read articles or other content.

Guess reading a pastor’s blog doesn’t score in the top 10.  Check out more by keeping track of Drew Goodmanson’s personal blog.