I'll cut right to the chase...

There are over 200 Church Software systems. They all claim to be "The Best Church Management Software".

Before you decide which one to choose for your ministry, I want you to take a deep breath and ask yourself... Do I need Church Management Software?

The answer may surprise you...

What is Church Management?

Church management involves organizing and coordinating the various activities, resources, and people within a church to ensure smooth and effective ministry operations.

It includes tasks like managing membership records, pastoral care, overseeing finances, and ensuring clear communication among staff and the entire church.

What is Church Management Software?

Church management software (ChMS) programs exist to help churches with the administrative work church leaders do to help the church thrive.

These software platforms can help streamline the behind-the-scenes processes your church has in place so that you can spend less time managing spreadsheets and more time doing ministry.

What Does A Church Management System Do?

A church management system is a platform designed to help church leaders create an online member database, track donations and online giving.

But these programs aren't always what they're chalked up to be. I've seen some companies make bold claims and heard church leaders spread a few myths. Let's tackle the biggest myths I've heard:

4 Myths About Church Software

Here are some common claims that many ChMS systems make:

Myth 1: Our software solution can do everything

Truth: NO "all-in-one church management software" does every single task your ministry needs. You will need to integrate that software with other tools for things like background checks or mass church texting.

Myth 2: Church Management Software is Too Expensive for Small Churches

Truth: SOME programs are expensive. However, many church management software solutions offer tiered pricing plans based on the size and needs of the church.

There are affordable options for small churches and church plants, so churches with limited budgets can benefit from these tools.

Myth 3: All Church Management Software is the Same

Truth: Not all ChMS programs are created equal! There is a wide variety of church management software available, each with unique features, strengths, and focus areas.

It’s important to evaluate different options to find the one that best meets the specific needs of your ministry.

Myth 4: You Need a Church App

Truth: As great as mobile apps are, they can't replace a church website. They're simply another tool for member engagement.

The effectiveness of a church's app is measured by whether members use it. If fewer than 25% of your members will use your app at least once a week, is it worth the time or money?

Using ChMS vs Not Using It

I hung new curtains in my home recently. I had the option to use a screwdriver or a power drill to do it. Which did I choose?

The power drill, of course!

It made the job much faster and easier than doing it by hand power.

But if I had never used either tool before, the power drill would have done me no good. I still needed the skills necessary to get the job done.

Develop the Skills First

Choosing between ChMS or sticking with ye olde spreadsheets is like the difference between a power drill and a screwdriver. The software won't help you unless you already have the skills and habits necessary to manage your church effectively.

Are you hoping this software will fix your church's administrative shortcomings? If so, put your search on hold. No software will give you what you don't already have.

My Experience with Church Management Systems

I've served on staff and volunteered with churches of all sizes. I've used a dozen different management systems and suites of tools for churches.

Here's what I found...

A ChMS Isn't The Ultimate Solution

No matter what software was used, the success of that system had nothing to do with which platform it was. It always came down to whether or not church leaders and church members actually used it consistently!

The adoption of a church system depends on church communication. This includes communication with the church admins, the pastoral team, the worship team, and even the congregation.

A ChMS won't help your church if your church doesn't use it.

Do You Need a Church Management Tool?

Many companies claim you NEED their solution to simplify and streamline your church operations. These solutions are like different “diets” you can choose to make your church healthy. However, a good diet without exercise won’t make you fit; similarly, relying solely on software without active participation won’t help your church.

If your church lacks intentional and consistent efforts in daily operations, software won't solve the problem. It could even make it worse.

But...

When you pair consistency and intentionality with the right management software, it can make your work much easier and your ministry more effective.

Church Management FAQS

Is church membership and church database software the same?

Typically yes. Almost every management software for churches has some sort of member management capability built-in.

What is a church CRM?

Customer Relationship Management is a system for managing interactions with current and potential customers. A church CRM is a software system designed to assist churches.

Why use church management software?

Church software is designed to cut down on church administrative tasks and aid in overall church growth.

What Is The Purpose of Church Management?

The purpose of church management is to steward the resources God has given your church so you can do more effective ministry. It's the grease in the gears of your organization.

Matt Church Engagement