Google My Church

Google My Church: A Practical Guide to Getting Found Online

In a digital-first world, your church’s online presence is often the first point of contact for new visitors. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about setting up and managing your church’s Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Learn why it matters, how to claim or update your listing, and how to use it to share updates, highlight ministries, and help people find their way to your door. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your online presence to the next level, this guide will help you put your church on the digital map — literally!

• Download Google My Church guide (PDF | 3mb) PDF
• Use the Table of Contents below to explore topics on the page

Read time: 15-18 minutes

Table of Conents

• Introduction
• Why a Google Business Profile is important for your church
• The importance of regular updates
• How to find and edit your church’s profile
• How to become a manager of an exising Google Business Profile
• What to do if there’s no profile for your church
• Conclusion

Introduction

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for any organisation, including churches. One of the easiest ways to get your church’s information online and make it accessible to your local community is through Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business). If you haven’t heard of it before, don’t worry – this page will walk you through how Google Business Profile can help your church grow and reach people in your area, why it’s important to keep the profile updated, and how to access and manage your church’s profile.

Why a Google Business Profile is important for your church

1 – Improve local visibility When people search for churches in your area, having an updated Google Business Profile means your church is more likely to appear in search results. Your church’s name, location, service times, and contact details will show up on Google Search and Google Maps, helping new visitors find you easily.

2 – Build trust with your community An updated profile allows you to showcase what makes your church special. You can share information about your services, activities, and community events, making it easier for people to learn about what’s happening at your church. When potential visitors see current, accurate information, they are more likely to trust your church. Be sure to include a business description on your Google My Business profile. This is your chance to share a brief and engaging paragraph that gives people a glimpse into who your church is. What’s your church’s purpose and mission? What traditions or values do you hold dear? And most importantly, what can visitors expect when they come through your doors? A well-written description will help potential visitors feel more connected and informed before they even arrive.

3 – Share important updates Whether you’re hosting a special event, offering new services, or changing your service times, Google My Business is a great place to quickly inform people of these updates. Posting pictures, events, and announcements on your profile helps to keep your congregation and visitors informed in real-time. Just like you might share updates on Facebook or Twitter, Google Business Profile is a great way to keep people in the loop about what’s happening at your church. You can use the “Post” and “Event” features to spread the word about upcoming services, events, or anything exciting going on!

4 – Attract new visitors A well-maintained Google Business Profile not only provides your regular attendees with easy access to your church’s information, but it also helps you attract newcomers. People looking for a church nearby or researching local services can easily find your church with a simple search, increasing your potential outreach.

The importance of regular updates

Keeping your church’s Google Business Profile updated is vital to ensuring that people can easily find and engage with your church. Regular updates help you to:

• Show accurate service times: If you have any changes to your regular service times or special seasonal events, make sure these are updated promptly to avoid confusion.
• Highlight new programs or ministries: Update your profile to reflect any new programs, youth groups, or outreach initiatives, so your community knows what to expect and can get involved.
• Share photos and videos: Give your church community – and those who might be looking for a church home – a window into the life and heart of your congregation. Share recent photos and videos from church events, services, small groups, or even behind-the-scenes moments. Whether it’s a joyful baptism, a heartfelt worship night, or a simple gathering over coffee, these glimpses tell a story of connection, faith, and belonging. They help people feel the warmth, love, and spirit of your church, even before they step through the doors.
• Engage with your community by responding to reviews: Google allows visitors to leave reviews and ask questions about your church. Responding to these promptly helps build trust and show that you are active and engaged in your community – thanking people for their kind words or addressing any concerns with care. It’s a great way to show your church is welcoming and attentive. Share posts about upcoming events, services, or special celebrations to keep your profile active and inviting. If anyone has questions about your church – like service times, accessibility, or what to expect when they visit – respond directly to help them feel more informed and comfortable before they even step through the door.

How to find and edit your church’s profile

51��Ƶ Churches on Google are ‘owned’ by the administration of the Communications/Ministries offices of the 51��Ƶ. All ownership rights are held together at Church House for safeguarding reasons, but the profiles are managed and updated by local churches.

Note: If you are an LEP, you will need to choose which denomination will hold the ownership rights to your page.

About your Google church ownership

To help protect each church’s Google Business Profile and ensure continued access, all 51��Ƶ profiles are now owned by Church House. A designated person at your local church will still have full management access, but overall ownership stays with us at Church House – so your church keeps full use of the profile without the risk of losing access.

We’ve made this decision based on past experiences where a site manager moved away, became unavailable due to illness, or passed away. In those cases, the church was left without access to their own pages, which was understandably frustrating and difficult to resolve.

By keeping ownership at Church House, we can make sure your church never loses access. If there’s ever a gap – like if the current volunteer steps down – we’re able to step in and help manage the site until a new person is appointed. This approach is simply about safeguarding your church’s online presence and ensuring everything keeps running smoothly, no matter what happens. These actions will ensure that the church access is safeguarded for all eventualities.

If you are part of a local 51��Ƶ, chances are the 51��Ƶ offices have already set up a Google Business Profile for your church. Here’s how to find and manage it:

Step 1: Search for your church’s name on Google

Start by typing your church’s name into Google Search or Google Maps. Your church’s profile may appear directly in the search results or on the map. If you find your church’s profile, click on it.

Step 2: Make updates

If you are already a manager, you can update all the details, including:

• Church name and address,
• Church phone number or, if there is not one, your Synod office number
• Service times
• Website or Facebook link etc (if applicable)
• Photos of your church and activities
• Hours of operation
• Special events
• Correct positioning on Google maps
• You can also respond to reviews, add posts about upcoming events, and answer any questions people may ask about your church

How to become a manager of an exising Google Business Profile

If you’d like to help manage your church’s Google Business Profile – whether that’s updating information, posting events, or responding to reviews – you can become a Manager of the profile (you can have several managers per church). Here’s how to request access:

Step 1: Confirm permission with your church secretary

Before submitting your request to Church House, please confirm with your own Church Secretary that you have your churches approval to manage the profile on their behalf. Please supply your Church Secretary with the name and email address that will be used and then you can submit a request to Church House, as described below. Once your Google online request has been received Church House will check with your Church Secretary to confirm that you have received this permission, which may cause a delay of a few days. You will then be granted Manager access to your church’s Google Business Profile (you will receive confirmation by email).

Step 2: Submit a request via Google Business Profile

To request Manager (not ownership) access to your church’s Google Business Profile, you can submit an online request by follow these steps:

1. Sign in to Google: Make sure you are signed in with your Google account. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to create it.

2. Search for your church: On Google or Google Maps, search for the business or place you want to request management access to.

3. Find the “Request Access” option: You should see an option such as “Request Access” on the business profile page. This is typically located under the “Own this business?” or “Is this your business?” section. Some interface options can appear differently depending on the device. You may need to try from a different device or browser.

4. Fill out the Request Form: Click Request Access, and a pop-up will appear asking for your contact information and relationship to the business.

5. Wait for the response from 51��Ƶ Church House: Once you submit the request, Church House staff will receive a notification. A response may take a few days as they need to verify your details.

Alternative Step 2: Submit a request via Church House

You may email church house directly with your request at urcgoogleaccount@urc.org.uk. Please include your church’s full name, address, and a URL linking to the google link you are requesting access to, along with the name and the email address that you are requesting access for. A response may take a few days as we still need to verify details.

What to do if there’s no profile for your church

If you’ve searched for your church and can’t find an existing profile, don’t worry! It’s easy to get one set up.

1. Contact the 51��Ƶ office: If you believe your church does not yet have a Google Business Profile, you can get in touch with the 51��Ƶ staff for assistance. Just email urcgoogleaccount@urc.org.uk to let them know you need a profile for your church. The 51��Ƶ office will create and help set you up for managing your Google church profile.

2. Provide the required information: When contacting the 51��Ƶ office, be ready to provide your church’s full name, address, and any other relevant information to help create the profile.

Conclusion

In today’s digital world, Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for churches to connect with their community, share updates, and increase visibility. By regularly updating your church’s Google profile, you can ensure that new and returning visitors can easily find information about your church, its services, and activities. If your church does not yet have a profile, don’t hesitate to contact the 51��Ƶ office at urcgoogleaccount@urc.org.uk to get started.

Your church’s profile is an opportunity to shine online, share your mission, and welcome new members into your congregation. Take the time today to explore and update your church’s profile – your community is waiting to find you!

Download this guidance

• Google My Church (PDF | 3mb)

Creative Connections

A practical resource to help local churches and young adults build and keep connections.

Children and Youth Friendly Church & Synod Scheme

A scheme that can help your church improve the welcome it gives to children, young people and families

Regenerational

Introducing churches to intergenerational ministry through gathered worship.

Lundie Memorial Award

Nominate a child or young person for the Lundie Memorial Award and celebrate the good work they do for their church and community

Where Are The Children?��

A free online resource that provides a simple framework to help develop churches’ engagement with children

The Gift

A booklet that makes an ideal present for grandparents, godparents, and all who hold individual children in their hearts

Families on Faith Adventures

A free weekly resource to help families worship, pray and develop their faith together

Children and youth work

Free resources and ideas for children and youth workers to help support them with their activities

51��Ƶ Youth

A movement of young people and adults (aged 11 – 25) who are connected with the 51��Ƶ that gives them a voice in the Church

Mission Enabling Fund

The United Reformed Church is a Multicultural Church engaging in Mission in the world and working to become an anti-racist church. Through the Mission Enabling Fund we aim to give some financial support to Mission projects.

Who can apply?

There are two categories of grants available from the Mission Enabling Fund:����

 

1. Special project grants

• These can be applied for by any local United Reformed Church.
• A grant may be used for a one-off Mission Project for example, starting a Church Holiday Club, helping fund a local week of Mission etc.
• A maximum of £1,000 may be applied for. ��

2. Three-year developmental grants for mission projects/organisations

• These can be applied for by any local United Reformed Church, Synod, or wider Mission Organisation.
• A grant may be used for a longer-term project or programme.
• A maximum of £6,000 over three years (i.e. £2,000 per year) may be applied for.

Criteria and process

Applicants are required to fill in the following application form. Applications should pay particular attention to:

• Providing a brief description of the project and its impact.
• Addressing one or more of the priorities for mission
• Demonstrating an element of collaboration or partnership.
• Indicating what other sources of funding or voluntary/in-kind support are available for the project.

Please note:

• A local church, synod or mission organisation may only apply for a grant once per year.
• If the same church, synod or organisation applies again in a following year, it must be for a different project.
• The project applied for must take place after the closing date for application.
• Any organisation or church or project currently receiving 51��Ƶ Legacy funding will not be eligible for a grant from the Mission Enabling Fund.

Expectations

The Mission Committee of the United Reformed Church will expect to receive a written evaluation report of the Mission Project and how the funding was used.

Special project grants: a final evaluation report must be received no later than 6 months after the grant is given.

Developmental grants: a report must be received at the end of each year (the following year’s funding will not be released until this is received) and a final evaluation report must be received no later than 6 months after the project has ended.

Priorities for mission

��Spirituality and prayer

We will grow in our practice of prayer and spirituality, nurturing strength for our witness to Jesus Christ, and developing our discernment of where God is and what God is calling us to do by reading and studying the Bible and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Identity

The 51��Ƶ will be a Church where every local congregation will be able to say who they are, what they do and why they do it

Christian Ecumenical Partnerships

We will be more confident in our identity, valuing the treasures of our tradition, discerning when to seek ecumenical partnerships, and when and how to seek the further unity of the Church

Community partnerships

We will be a Church that is more active in the life of local neighbourhoods.

Hospitality and diversity

We will be a Church committed to becoming even more welcoming and hospitable, and embracing all people equally.

Evangelism

We will be more confident to engage in evangelism, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God with friends, families and strangers, through story and action

Church growth

We will be a growing Church with an increasing membership.

Global partnerships

We will be a Church that is an active partner in God’s global mission with other Churches around the world

Justice and peace

We will be a Church committed to peacemaking and reconciliation that keeps faith with the poor and challenges injustice

The integrity of creation

We will be a Church that has taken significant steps to safeguard the integrity of creation, to sustain and renew the life of the earth.

How to apply for the fund

Download�� and complete the Mission Enabling Fund application form below:

• Mission Enabling Fund application form (Word | 36kb)

Completed applications should be emailed to mission@urc.org.uk

Applications will be considered within 28 days of receipt, and applicants will be informed by email of decisions made.

Grants & funding opportunities

Find out about the grants and funding opportunities the 51��Ƶ offers churches, community groups and individuals

Portraying diversity

Guidelines for portraying diversity in your publications.

The 51��Ƶ is a diverse denomination. We celebrate a rich, cultural diversity along with treasured differences in gender identities, abilities, ages and talents. The way we represent the 51��Ƶ in our media is critical. Any 51��Ƶ person planning, producing or delivering a presentation, picture or communication should clearly and intentionally reflect the 51��Ƶ’s diversity.

We hope that this guidance will help you in that critical task.

Questions to ��consider

• Is your language inclusive and expansive?
• Do your pictures show a variety of ethnicities?
• Are people who are differently abled represented?
• With safeguarding firmly in mind, do children and elderly people feature?
• Can you find ways to encourage wider participation in the production and delivery of your work?
• Could you include large print, signers, Makaton, subtitles et to make it easier for people to follow?
• Ask what else can you do to ensure inclusivity and diversity?

Annual Letter To Local Churches

The purpose of the Annual Letter to Local Churches and annexes is to provide churches with an annual update on the Ministry and Mission (M&M) Fund, as requested by General Assembly. We hope this will find its way into church magazines/newsletters as well as synod newsletters and onto church and synod websites. Ideally, we would like every member of your congregation(s) to have sight of a copy.

Download the letter

• Ministry And Mission Fund – Annual Letter To Local Churches 2025 (PDF | 560kb)
• Ministry And Mission Fund – Annual Letter To Local Churches 2025 (Word | 5mb)

What is Commitment for Life?

Find out more about Commitment for Life and how your church can join and make a difference to vulnerable communities.

What happens when your church joins?

You choose which region to support and receive updates and resources about it.

The three regions are:

• Bangladesh
• Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory
• Zimbabwe

Each church appoints a Commitment for Life link person. Through your link person,��your church receives Moving Stories six times a year together with three mailings a year.

Giving

There are several ways your church can support people through Commitment for Life:

• Pray for your region ‘without ceasing’
• Stand up for global justice through action and advocacy
• Hold an annual Commitment for Life service
• Consider commiting 1% of your income
• Collect envelopes. Gift Aid can be added via your church
• Consider leaving a legacy
• Host social, educational and children’s events.

Contributions can be made to by cheque or bank transfer. Please download our remittance advice form (PDF | 206kb) and email it to suzanne.pearson@urc.org.uk.

If sending contributions by bank transfer, please ensure you quote your church Yearbook number/CFL/church name.

Find out more

If you are interested in the programme, we would love to hear from you.

Write to us at: Commitment for Life, 86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT
Call us on: 020 7916 8638
Email us at: commitmentforlife@urc.org.uk

Commitment for Life videos

Watch our Commitment for Life videos to find out more about the issue of global injustice and what you can do to help fight it.