Free Resource

Digital Ministry in 7 Simple Steps

For small & mid-size churches ready to reach people online, reduce admin time, and make giving simple—without hiring an IT team. Each step includes the exact tools you need to get started today.

Our Goal for Your Ministry

Reach people online, reduce admin time, and make giving simple—without hiring an IT team. This guide provides practical, faith-centered steps that any church can implement, regardless of technical expertise.

The 7-Step Framework

Follow these proven steps to build a digital presence that serves your congregation and community. Each step includes recommended tools and resources to help you implement immediately.

01

Clarify Your 'One Thing'

Who are we serving online first (members, seekers, youth)?

What's the one action we want them to take weekly? (Watch sermon, join group, request prayer.)

Recommended Tools

YouVersion for Churches

Create a church profile in the Bible App; free tools to engage attenders all week.

Life.Church Open Network

35,000+ free resources: sermons, kids lessons, graphics, ministry trainings.

02

Website Essentials

  • Home: service times, location/stream link, 'Plan a Visit.'
  • Sermons: latest video + simple archive.
  • Ministries: 3–6 key ministries with a clear contact for each.
  • Giving: secure page with 2–3 options (card, bank, PayPal).

Recommended Tools

Google for Nonprofits

Professional email on your domain, Drive, Meet, Forms—free or steep nonprofit discounts.

Canva for Nonprofits

Pro design tools & templates free for eligible nonprofits.

Calendly (scheduling)

Let visitors book pastoral meetings, plan visits, or volunteer interviews.

03

Simple Online Giving

  • Choose one processor; make the button easy to find.
  • Add a Giving FAQ: how it's used, security, recurring gifts.
  • Send a thank-you email/receipt that includes a brief impact note.

Recommended Tools

Tithely (giving + ChMS + text)

Online/text giving, apps, and church websites—30-day trial.

Church Metrics (free)

Track attendance, salvations, baptisms, giving; dashboards & mobile apps.

04

Volunteer & Prayer Systems

  • Volunteer signup form → auto add to spreadsheet + email the leader.
  • Prayer request form → add to private list + notify pastor/prayer team.
  • Keep forms short; follow up in <48 hours.

Recommended Tools

Planning Center Services

Schedule teams, plan services; generous free trial.

Google Forms (via Google for Nonprofits)

Create volunteer and prayer request forms with auto-notifications.

05

Weekly Communication Rhythm

  • One weekly 'church update' email + social post (same content).
  • Template: Sunday recap → midweek event → prayer focus → CTA to join a small group.
  • Reuse the same format so it's easy to ship.

Recommended Tools

Mailchimp nonprofit discount

15% off for verified nonprofits; reliable email newsletters.

Brevo (Sendinblue) – free email plan

Free plan with daily send limits; SMS & CRM add-ons.

06

Youth & Community Touchpoints

  • Consider a moderated Discord or WhatsApp group (clear rules, 2–3 trained mods).
  • Host a monthly Q&A livestream: 'Ask Anything (Faith & Life).'

Recommended Tools

Discord – Moderator Guidelines

Best practices for safe youth/community servers.

WhatsApp Communities

Manage multiple groups under one community for ministries.

Church Online Platform (free)

Host services with live chat & prayer; integrates with YouTube, Vimeo, etc.

07

Measure What Matters

  • Attendance (in-person/online), new visitors, prayer requests, volunteers, giving participation (not just totals).
  • Review monthly; choose one focus to improve.

Recommended Tools

Church Metrics (free)

Track attendance, salvations, baptisms, giving; dashboards & mobile apps.

YouVersion Events

Host passages, notes, and links right inside the app—free.

Quick Implementation Tips

Pro tips to help you implement these steps more effectively.

  • If OBS scenes stutter after a Windows update, verify your capture source and consider using StreamYard/Restream browser capture as a quick fallback.

    Learn more
  • Use a single Google Form for 'Plan a Visit', 'Volunteer', and 'Prayer'—route responses with Google Sheets filters & email notifications.

    Learn more
  • Batch your weekly 'Church Update' email and social posts—write once, publish to Mailchimp and schedule the same copy on Facebook/Instagram.

    Learn more

Ready to Implement These Steps?

We help churches in Minneapolis and beyond turn these principles into reality. From website setup to automation systems, we'll walk with you every step of the way.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord." — Colossians 3:23