Church leaders are always told there's a new tool or trend they "have to" adopt — this newsletter cuts through the noise with a straight answer on what's actually worth your time. One trend, one verdict, and one step you can take this week. Let’s go.
Three out of four people on your website are on their phone. Does it show?
Your website might look great on your office monitor. The question is whether it holds up on the phone screen where most people are actually seeing it.
Trend, Translation, Verdict & One Move
The Trend
Mobile usage continues to rise, and in 2026 over 75% of church website traffic comes from phones or tablets — shifting the standard from "mobile-friendly" to "mobile-first," where sites are designed to feel and function like an app. At the same time, many ministries still serve older congregations who rely on desktop access. Worship TimesWorship Times
The Translation
"Mobile-friendly" used to mean the site didn't break on a phone. "Mobile-first" means the phone experience is the actual design — fast load times, thumb-reachable buttons, minimal scrolling to the point. Desktop becomes the secondary consideration, not the primary one.
Verdict: Worth It — but don't abandon desktop
Design for mobile first, but don't strip out desktop usability while you do it. If a meaningful share of your congregation skews older and desktop-reliant, mobile-first shouldn't mean desktop-hostile. You can find out your desktop to mobile user ratio by opening your website’s analytics (native for many platforms or connect to google analytics).
One Move
Pull up your own website on your phone right now, away from your desk, and try to find service times in under 10 seconds. If you can't, neither can your visitors.
If you feel like you need more hand-on communicaitons coaching, just reach out! We can start a consulting and/or coaching relationship that fits your church culture.
Until next week,
Josh
The Church Comms Guy
Got a trend you want translated? Hit reply or reach out below and let us know.