8. Feature updated and relevant content.

Make sure you look for a Web host who can provide your church with a simple and easy tool that anyone in your ministry can use to update the content on your site. Don’t get caught in a situation where you can’t afford to update your site’s content after the initial launch.

9. Make it easy to navigate.

We often become impressed by unique and creative navigation, but the bottom line is, you need to make sure people can find what they’re looking for.

—

Once you’ve included all of your Web site essentials, it’s important to look toward the future and consider upcoming trends. Many non-essential features (or at least those with a lower priority) are appearing on church sites; and they’ve been known to add value for visitors. Here is a list of some additional features your church may want to consider in the near future as your ministry continues to grow:

1. Archive your sermons on the site.

2. Stream video onto your site.

3. Launch live Webcasts for some of your most important events.

4. Include applications for small groups to register, communicate, share and connect online.

5. Develop micro-sites or even social networking pages for some of your ministry groups.

John Carley is president of Trinet Internet Solutions Inc. To see these principles applied, go to www.trinetsolutions.com/9essentials.