Sometimes, it helps to know what to call the parts of your website. This can come in handy when talking to those who are working with you on the site. Here’s a diagram:
Archive for terminology
Your church website is a tool for communicating — primarily with potential visitors and newcomers. Remember to speak their language by avoiding “insider” language.
Every church or faith community has insider terms and language. These are the things that everyone who has been around for a while just “knows.” Things like:
- “PG” stands for “Plymouth Guild” and that is the women’s fellowship
- the “Sunshine Group” is the children’s choir
- the “Jewett Room” is the parlor off the fellowship hall, even though there is no sign indicating this
It can be hard to do (because you ARE an insider), but as much as possible, make sure the content of your website makes no assumptions about insider knowledge. Spell out the names of groups (Plymouth Guild), and include descriptions like “Plymouth Guild Women’s Fellowship” or “Plymouth Guild (women’s fellowship)”. Describe the locations for events or other assumptions that insiders “know” and visitors may not.
Speaking the (non-insider) language of visitors is a first step in offering them genuine hospitality.