The past year has taught us how important online technology is for most congregations. You probably have spent lots of time focused on sharing worship services by video and being more active on social media.

Most people will visit your congregation online before they visit in person. I hope that your homepage has essential information -- where you are located and how and when to worship are at the top of that list. Is there a "New Here?" link to take visitors to a welcome page?

You need a clearly marked place on your website where you do online what your congregation would do in person -- welcome new people and help them be comfortable joining you. Make sure they know what's important about your congregation. Offer a short description of what worship is like (how long services are, expected attire, place for kids, etc.). Given them an easy way to contact you or another leader in congregation with questions.

And one more eye-catching thing -- offer a short video welcome from you, the pastor. Share why you are part of the church. Share something personal about the importance of faith in your life. And invite the visitor to experience that too.

It doesn't need to be long. Don't worry too much about the technical stuff -- just make sure you are in focus and that the sound is clear. Don't try to fit all of your beliefs into the video. Most of all, just be yourself with it. After the past year where we've spent lots of time on camera, we've had enough practice to record a short video.

Here's a good video welcome from our colleague Leslie Dalstra of First Christian Church, Fort Madison, IA. You also can see their "About Us" page too.

I know many of us are worried about whether people will "come back" after COVID. I'm convinced there are people hungry for community after these months of physical/social distancing too. We need to welcome them into the communities that nurture us.