White Oak Media

Hospitality starts before the first handshake. Most people will visit your church online long before they ever walk through your doors. They’re scanning your website, your social media, and even your Google listing to decide if they feel welcome, understood, and safe enough to show up in person. That’s why I put together the Digital Hospitality Checklist—a free, practical resource created specifically with churches like yours in mind. Here’s a quick preview of what’s inside: Have you claimed...

A lot of churches don’t realize that some of the best digital tools out there are already available to them, completely free, through nonprofit grants. These aren’t just trial versions or discounts. They’re full access to platforms that can help you communicate clearly, stay organized, and reach more people in your community. Here are three grants that we often recommend: Canva for Nonprofits — Free access to Canva Pro. It’s great for creating sermon graphics, event invites, and social media...

It’s easy for a church website to become like the bulletin board in the fellowship hall: well-intentioned, occasionally updated, and mostly overlooked by those who know their way around. But to a visitor? It speaks volumes. In our work with churches across New England, we’ve seen a recurring pattern: long-time members naturally become blind to the website’s blind spots. They already know service times, staff names, and how to get to the building. But a first-time guest, often exploring your...

Your online audience is out there, but are you even aware of them? Hey there! I've been thinking about church websites...obviously! I can't seem to understand why people put so little emphasis on them. Your church website is often the first place people go to learn about your ministry. But if your pages aren’t clear, engaging, and easy to navigate, visitors might not stick around long enough to get connected. Here's a quick formula to help you optimize each page on your site so your visitors...

The Key to Engaging New Visitors? A Great Follow-Up Email A first-time visitor walked through your doors, filled out a connection card… now what? The way you follow up can make the difference between a one-time visit and someone who becomes part of your church family. A great follow-up email should feel personal, timely, and inviting—not like a generic mass message. Here’s how to craft one that makes an impact: 1. Send It Within 24–48 Hours The sooner, the better! Reaching out quickly shows...

Are Your Connection Cards Doing Their Job? Connection cards are one of the simplest ways to help visitors take their first step toward deeper involvement in your church—but are yours as effective as they could be? The traditional paper card can still work, but today’s digital age offers new opportunities to modernize and make them even more impactful. Here are a few ideas: Simplify the Design: A cluttered connection card can overwhelm visitors. Instead, keep it clean and focused on the...

Are these Social Media Mistakes Holding Your Church Back? Hey, it's Zach. Social media has incredible potential to amplify your church’s mission, but it can also become a missed opportunity if not used intentionally. Let’s look at three common mistakes churches make on social media—and how to turn them into wins: Over-Promoting Events When every post is an announcement or invitation, followers might disengage. Instead, think of your social media as a ministry tool, not just a bulletin board....

Perfect Your Live Stream with Better Camera Angles Your live stream is an extension of your ministry, reaching people far beyond your physical space. But if the camera angles are off, it can distract from the message and limit engagement. Here’s how to optimize your camera setup for a professional, impactful live stream: Find the Right Main Angle Your primary camera should capture the speaker head-on, at eye level. This creates a personal connection with your viewers. Pro Tip: Position the...

Introducing The Evergreen We’re excited to announce the launch of The Evergreen, a newsletter designed to equip churches, ministries, and nonprofits with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s digital and social landscape. What is The Evergreen? The Evergreen is a curated resource for leaders who want to grow their impact, adapt to change, and serve their communities with excellence. Much like the evergreen tree, which remains strong and vibrant year-round, this newsletter aims to...