4 Things the First Thanksgiving Can Teach us About Church Websites

On Thursday, Americans will sit around tables with family and gorge themselves with food. Afterward, they'll try to stave off naps with football and pumpkin pie. And, if they remember, they'll thank God for the many blessings he's provided them over the past year.

Our history books (Wikipedia) tell us that this event hearkens back to a 1621 feast held by Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe to celebrate a successful harvest season. Since history can be studied to teach us lessons for the future, I thought it would be fun to see what the first Thanksgiving could teach us about church websites.

Don't assume newcomers know what they're doing.

"Squanto, a Patuxet Native American who resided with the Wampanoag tribe, taught the Pilgrims how to catch eel and grow corn and served as an interpreter for them."

History
After landing in Plymouth in 1620, the Pilgrims found their new home unforgiving--less than half of the original survived the first winter. It was only because the local Native Americans welcomed them and showed them how to gather food that they later thrived.

Church Website Wisdom
If your visitors are new to your site, they could be easily overwhelmed by confusing navigation and uncertain messaging. Make it clear what your users should do next with clear calls to action.

Put your own spin on the commonly done--it might go viral.

"Thanksgiving services were routine in what was to become the Commonwealth of Virginia as early as 1607, with the first permanent settlement of Jamestown, Virginia holding a thanksgiving in 1610 ... harvest festivals [previously] existed in English and Wampanoag tradition alike."

History
The first Thanksgiving was not the first time a similar event had taken place. Other harvest feasts in the U.S. were celebrated as far back as the 16th century, but when we think Thanksgiving, we think of the one held in Plymouth.

Church Website Wisdom
Just because pastor blogs, sermon podcasts, ministry videos, and other content have been made before, doesn't mean you can't do it better. Be creative when posting content on your church website and watch it spread.

Being social and sharing are good.

"Wampanoag leader Massasoit had donated food stores to the fledgling colony during the first winter when supplies brought from England were insufficient ... The celebration lasted three days and featured a feast that included numerous types of waterfowl, wild turkeys and fish procured by the colonists, and five deer brought by the Native Americans."

History
The Pilgrims weren't alone when they celebrated Thanksgiving. They were joined by 90 Native Americans, contributing food and reveling in the colony's success.

Church Website Wisdom
Engaging your users through social media, by re-posting content from your website on Facebook or linking to it from Twitter, is an effective way to get people to your website. Getting people to interact with or share your content with others also can positively influence your search rankings.

Focus on the purpose.

"Thus they found the Lord to be with them in all their ways, and to bless their outgoings and incomings, for which let His holy name have the praise forever, to all posterity." - William Bradford

History
Although the Pilgrims had achieved some success in hunting, harvesting crops, and reviving a dying colony the Pilgrims did not forget the true source of their blessings--God and the Native Americans whom God sent.

Church Website Wisdom
Never forget why your website exists. It is for your users to find information about you and your ministry, and ultimately to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. This understanding will drive everything else you do on your website.