For years, WordPress was the default choice for churches, ministries, non-profits, and small businesses building a website. Today, that popularity has become a liability—especially for organizations without a dedicated web team watching the site every week.
Why WordPress Sites Are Getting Hit
WordPress isn't a single piece of software. It's a stack of moving parts that all have to stay in sync, and missing even one update leaves the door open:
It's a top target for hackers. Because so many websites run on WordPress, automated attacks target it first.
Too many moving parts. The core software, server, design theme, and add-on plugins all require separate updates.
Plugins are the #1 entry point. Most break-ins start in outdated add-ons, leading to malware, stolen data, or vandalized pages.
Third-party themes age out. Designs built by outside companies require ongoing security patches of their own.
No clear owner. Many sites were built years ago and haven't been actively maintained since—the single most common way we see church websites get hacked.
An uncertain future. Since 2024, an ongoing legal battle between the companies behind WordPress has disrupted updates and created long-term uncertainty across the ecosystem.
Two Safer, Lower-Maintenance Options
The good news is that modern websites don't require anyone on your team to babysit a server or chase down plugin updates. Depending on how your team works, two paths stand out:
1. Move to a Hosted Platform (Squarespace, Wix, or similar)
With a hosted platform, the provider handles the server and security behind the scenes. You get a clean, modern design with nothing to patch or maintain on the technical side.
2. Switch to an AI-Assisted Website
If you don't even want to log into a website builder, an AI-assisted site connects directly to Microsoft Teams or Slack. After a one-time rebuild, security updates happen automatically in the background, and updating your site is as simple as sending a chat message, previewing the change, and clicking approve—no website login required.
Let's Take a Look Together
Not sure where your current site stands or which direction makes the most sense? We're happy to review your site with you, walk through your options, and answer any questions at no cost. Schedule a meeting to take a look together.