Over the past few months, I’ve been trying to watch out for great websites among ministries and missions. I’ve formed some general conclusions; see if you agree.

*** The front page should be living and vibrant: By that, I mean it should change… *often*. At least once a week, if not more so. If it stays the same, your site is already dead. Take the Partners Int’l front page:

http://www.partnersintl.org/

There are giant pictures with lots of face shots. You can look into the eyes of *people*. But notice how that it’s not just an art show. Every shot links to something unique on their site. Sponsoring a child, watching a mobilization video, providing relief for Indonesia — it all leads to deeper levels in the site.

*** The front page should reveal stories about people: I’m convinced… if a front page *only* becomes an art show, the site hasn’t done its job. I’m convinced that the front page needs to reveal *story* lines. Back to Partners Int’l for instance. “Meet our indigenous ministry partners” shares stories about people from various places. “News from the field” gives news updates, the “President’s blog” let’s the leader express a byline, and “Today’s Prayer Request” leads to tons of current and previous prayer needs.

*** The menu structure should be simple, clean, & meaningful: Back to Partners, how could one say it any better? “Who we are,” “What we do,” and “Where we work,” along with “News & Blog,” “Get involved!” and “Contact us.”

*** Give clear pathways for donating: Once again, Partners shines in this area. “Sponsor a child,” “Partner,” “Harvest of Hope,” and “Donate Now,” all at the top right, plainly visible, clearly set apart.

When I grow up, I’d want my website to be so perfect. 100%. A+.

How ’bout you? What do you look for in a ministry/mission website? Just follow the link below to the online version of this item, then click “Comment” and have at it.

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