URC Church Guides & Communications Support

We are modernising how we support local United Reformed Church congregations. To help you find practical help faster, all of our official guides, templates, and technical resources have been updated and moved to our new, dedicated URC Resource Hub.

Use the sections below to access our most popular guidance directly, or explore the full Communications library on the Hub.

Foundational policies and practical guidance to ensure your church’s communications are safe, accessible, inclusive, and visually consistent.

• Church Crisis Communications Plan – Step-by-step advice and practical guidance on managing sensitive media situations and crisis comms effectively.
• URC Visual Identity Guide – Clear standards to help your local congregation apply the URC logo, colours, and branding correctly across print and digital media.
• Welcoming People with Disabilities – Guidance on creating accessible, inclusive physical and digital environments for every member of your community.
• Portraying Diversity – Recommended best practice for reflecting the full breadth and diversity of your local church and community in your publications.

Looking for copyright advice, media consent forms, or press release guidance?

Explore all the essential church guides on the URC Resource Hub

Practical steps to expand your digital footprint, connect with your local neighbourhood, and streamline online giving.

• Doing Online Differently – A strategic roadmap exploring digital discipleship and how to build a meaningful online presence for your local church.
• Setting Up Public Wi-Fi for Your Church – Guidance on the practical, technical, and legal security options available for installing Wi-Fi in your church building.
• Online and Contactless Giving – Advice on choosing, setting up, and managing digital collection plates and online donation platforms for your congregation.

Need help with church websites or claiming your church on Google Maps?

Browse the complete digital setup library on the URC Resource Hub

Step-by-step help to set up, manage, and engage your wider community through popular social platforms safely.

• Using Facebook for Your Church – A complete beginner’s guide to creating, building, and running an engaging official Facebook page for your local congregation.
• Using Instagram for Your Church – Advice on sharing visual stories, events, and community updates through photos and short video.
• How to use WhatsApp – A guide to setting up WhatsApp and using it to set up groups and make video calls

Looking for editable graphic templates, video tips, or social media safety guidelines?

View all Social Media Resources on the URC Resource Hub

Technical and practical setups to help your church stream services, host online meetings, and stay connected remotely.

• Recording & Broadcasting Worship – How to record and stream acts of worship safely using Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom.
• Livestreaming Your Church Service – Technical advice on choosing equipment, audio setups, and streaming hardware for every budget.

Setting Up a Zoom Account – Clear guidance on creating, configuring, and running secure interactive Zoom accounts for church meetings and services.

Need guidance on music licensing for livestreams or hybrid AV setups?

Access the full Live Broadcasting Section on the URC Resource Hub

Social Media Guidelines & Digital Charter

For all who produce and manage websites and social media channels for the life and work of the URC

Tips for improving online worship

Tips and ideas to help you engage with people and make your online worship more intergenerational

iChurch

iChurch is a service from the URC that will help you build and manage your church or community group website