Updating Name Servers

If your domain is NOT already registered with Cloudflare, we recommend using Cloudfare as your DNS provider. Follow these steps to update your Nameservers for configuring your domain setup.

When you use Cloudflare as your DNS provider, your domain is still registered/hosted with your old provider. If you need to move your domain name registration to Cloudflare, we have created a different set of instructions for moving your domain name to Cloudflare. Choose this option instead of updating your name servers if you need to remove or discontinue all services with your old provider.

Step 1: Create a Cloudflare Account

Go to www.cloudflare.com and sign up for an account.

Step 2: Add Your Domain

After logging in, select "Add a Site." Then, enter your domain name (e.g., `yourdomain.com`).

Add your church domain to Cloudfare

Next, choose the Free plan.

Select free Cloudfare account

Step 3: Review DNS Records

Cloudflare will scan your current DNS settings. Review and make sure everything looks correct. Then select, "Continue."

WARNING: To minimize downtime, make sure your DNS is configured in Cloudflare prior to changing your name servers. Your previous site may no longer be available once the NAMESERVER changes are completed.

Step 4: Find Cloudfare Nameservers

Cloudflare will assign you TWO nameservers. Nameservers are just web addresses (URLs) that tell the internet where your site routing information is located on the internet.

Copy your Cloudfare Nameservers

Step 5: Change Your Nameservers at Your Domain Registrar:

Log in to your domain registrar (where you bought your domain, e.g., Hover).
Find the section for managing nameservers (often under DNS settings or domain management).
Replace the current nameservers with the two Cloudflare nameservers provided in step 4.
Save the changes.

Step 6: Verify Setup

Go back to Cloudflare and select "Continue". It may take a few hours for the nameserver change to propagate to the internet.

Once complete, Cloudflare will show your domain as "Active." Once active, you can return to ChurchTrac and continue setting up your domain. You can now choose the option that your domain name is with Cloudflare.

Nameserver complete

Important NOTE***

Delegating your DNS to Cloudflare by setting the NameServers in your registrar does NOT transfer your domain to Cloudflare. Deleting your current registrar account will result in loss of ownership of your domain.

NOTE: updating your nameservers may cause other services associated with your domain name to stop working, like email.