FAQ

Some of the common questions that have come in to FlockHosting since the announcement of this project, got one? Ask away!

Why is this free?

It’s what God has asked FlockHosting to do. As outlined in the original blog post announcing this project, with the cost of website and design out of the loop, more funds are free to go back into the general budget helping local projects, youth events, camps, you name it, this blessing is meant to help churches.

Okay Okay… You had me going, free… you serious?

I am indeed 100% serious. Even offering the domain name if your just getting started in getting your church online! No costs, no secret list of requirements, no yearly payment, it is free, end to end! Email, Sermons, Website, and hopefully eventually video archives too! Even a handy community to help interact with other churches and build ideas to improve or enhance your church site!

Look We WANT to pay you something! Can We?

Sure, I am not above accepting some sort of love offering, however again it is NOT required, recommended, suggested, etc. If you feel like sending in a payment of something – I’m not going to say no for a ONE-TIME gift, but if you make it a regular deal, it’s not saving or helping your church put money into important ministries, instead consider spreading the word about FlockHosting to your church members, friends, family, local Christian businesses, word of mouth has always been FlockHosting’s greatest advertising, and that I would appreciate much more than taking money from your Church.

We have a designer, we don’t need WordPress, is it still free?

Yes! Simply choose the self managed option and your off and running! You’ll get FTP login information which works as well for WebDAV support for Frontpage & Dreamweaver users.

What can I do with WordPress?

What can’t you do? It was originally built as a Blogging Platform (and many use it for just that!) but with a few adjustments and some help it makes for a great website! The demo I created for this service for the “First Internet Church” showcases just a few things you can do! Unsure if this fits your needs? I am but a Email, IM, or Trouble Ticket away to assist in customizing and helping you learn how to manage plus building a community of folks who are happy to help too!

I love WordPress – But I have my own WordPress Setup & Theme, can I move it here?

You betcha! We can export your Pages, Posts and setup data on our server here, and you’ll be off and running! To take advantage of the service some features will be disabled for you, but core functionality will be kept in place! If you have something super custom, just get in touch! I am flexible!

Do I have to use your email?

Nope. Already setting up customers to use Google Apps for Non-Profit’s as well as using our upgraded email service vs. the standard it’s all workable, have a different 3rd party service? Let us know what it is and we can ensure your email continues to flow as it is!

Do you offer a newsletter service?

Nope. However, we do offer many great listings of free resources to get things rolling and keep everything affordable! For instance Mailchimp which freely offers newsletter/mailing services for email 100% free up to 2,000 subscribers! But if you need ideas, our growing community or myself are readily available to help where we can!

If I sign-up, don’t like it, can I keep the domain?

Sadly no. For ease of upkeep – if you wish to stop using Church Hosting and FlockHosting provided your domain, you must then pay for it. Because sadly there are those out there that would abuse this service, those who may not even be a church, or those out to save a few bucks for their own hosting service for customers – not a perfect world. If you decide to leave the standard current pricing/promotion on a domain applies.

I know a thing or two about domains, and don’t want my WHOIS information to be public! Can I make it Private?

Sadly I can’t provide this for free at the moment, already absorbing the cost of the domain, if you wish, open a support ticket after you get all settled in and I can offer you the service at the yearly rate of $8.50 – you can order this in your checkout, as some do choose to purchase the domain themselves, and tack on the additional $8.50 for privacy. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact me.

So its free but I wait DAYS for support right?

Wrong. You get the same support as all customers, you can open tickets, Live Chat, IM, Email, Community Forum, Twitter, Facebook – You name it, if I am attached to it, you get support! 24/7/365 – I am here to support your church in geting online and setup, not sure how to get your email rolling? New help setting up a MailChimp Newsletter? Want to take tithes and offerings online? You name it, you need help I’m your guy! Already helped one church build out their site & put together a refreshing of their church Logo! Free of charge! You need help, I’m your guy, open a ticket and I’ll get you you ASAP!