Upon a parish's inquiry, the Digital Missioner or Director of Communications will promptly acknowledge the request. A "Parish Website Starter Pack" will be provided, including an introductory letter from diocesan leadership, an overview of the support offered (such as design, platform, hosting, training, and potential financial assistance), a roadmap of the intake process, and an Initial Discovery Questionnaire. This initial packet will also share examples of successful small parish websites and simplified diocesan branding and style guidelines, referencing resources like The Episcopal Church Writing Style Guide.

The core of this phase is the Initial Discovery Questionnaire. This document, which can be an online form or a printable document, prompts parishes to articulate their identity, mission, and vision for the new website. Key areas of inquiry include:

• Parish Information: Basic details, current website (if any), and existing branding.

• Mission & Vision: Primary audience, key website goals (e.g., attracting newcomers, sharing service times, showcasing ministries), and desired website "voice."

• Content & Features: Essential information (service times, location, contact), desired features (calendar, sermons, online giving), and plans for content creation and ongoing updates.

• Technical & Resources: Budget considerations (if any beyond diocesan support), technical comfort level of parish volunteers, and existing digital accounts (domain, social media).

• Timeline & Expectations: Desired launch dates and any specific concerns.

The diocesan lead will review the completed questionnaire to identify areas for clarification and potential challenges.

Following the questionnaire review, a consultation meeting (in-person or virtual) will be scheduled. This discussion will delve deeper into the parish's goals, clarify audience needs, and detail the diocesan website platform or solution (e.g., WordPress, Squarespace, or a custom diocesan system). Standard features, branding requirements, hosting, security, and backup provisions will be explained.

A significant portion of this meeting will focus on content planning – who will gather photos, write text, and potentially migrate existing content. Roles and responsibilities for both the diocese (design, technical build, training) and the parish (content provision, approvals) will be clearly defined. The training process and ongoing support options will also be outlined, leading to a collaboratively developed, realistic project timeline.

To ensure mutual understanding and commitment, a simple Project Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be drafted. This document will summarize the agreed-upon project scope, the responsibilities of both the diocese and the parish (with particular emphasis on timely content provision by the parish), key timeline deliverables, any financial agreements, and acknowledgment of diocesan guidelines. Parish leadership (e.g., Rector/Vicar or Wardens) will review and sign this agreement.

With a signed agreement in place, the project officially commences. The diocesan lead will reiterate the timeline and initial steps, such as the parish beginning content gathering and the diocese initiating site setup. Tools, templates, and guidance for content submission, including tips for writing for the web and image specifications, will be provided. A schedule for the first project check-in meeting will also be established.

Throughout this intake process, the emphasis will remain on clear communication, flexibility, and empowering small parishes to create a vibrant and effective digital presence that enhances their ministry and outreach in the community. This structured approach transforms a potentially overwhelming task into a manageable and collaborative endeavor.