Article 12
What we do not do (and what to do instead)
No texting, no app, no layout changes, no calls. Why, and the honest alternatives for each.
Essentials is a hands-off website. These are the lines we hold, and what to do instead.
Texting
We do not send text messages. Texting a congregation requires carrier registration for every church, consent rules, and a system someone has to watch. Email is cheaper, calmer, and does not get blocked.
Instead: collect emails through your forms (they are already in your inbox), and if you truly need texting, use a church texting service and link to its sign-up from your Connect page.
A mobile app
We do not build apps. For most churches an app is a second website nobody opens.
Instead: your site works on every phone and can be added to a home screen. For giving and events, your giving provider likely has an app already; link to it.
Members portal, directory, small group sign-ups
We make the front door, not the family room.
Instead: Planning Center, Breeze, Church Center and similar tools do this well. Several templates have a Church Center field; paste your subdomain and the buttons appear.
Layout changes and custom sections
You can change every word, photo, color and link. You cannot move sections or add new ones. That restriction is why your site cannot be broken and why it still looks designed in two years.
Instead: use the fields you have creatively. A "custom section" is often just the about page with a new headline and photo. If you need a truly custom site, Emberline Studio builds those with a designer, starting at $1,500.
Design revisions
There is no designer in the loop and no revision rounds. The fifteen designs are finished.
Instead: switch palettes, change photos, rewrite headlines. You will be surprised how different the same design looks with your church in it.
Calls and screen shares
Support is by email, answered within two business days. No phone, no Zoom.
Instead: this help library covers everything the portal does. When you email, include your church name, the page, and a screenshot. You get a written answer you can forward to your team.
Moving your old site
We do not import or host your old site.
Instead: copy your best text and photos into the editor. Most churches finish in an afternoon.