What To Look For in a Church Check-In System
In a world where safety is more critical than ever, having a reliable check-in system for your church isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential. For years, we’ve provided a child check-in system that has helped churches around the globe streamline their check-in process and prioritize child safety.
Here are six things to consider when looking for the right check-in system for your church.
1. User-Friendliness
A key element of any effective check-in system is user-friendliness. Volunteers and staff should be able to handle check-ins swiftly and smoothly, especially during busy Sunday services or special events like VBS.
Our web-based system has always prioritized user-friendliness, and our new app brings that simplicity to the next level. Volunteers can quickly navigate the system, even with minimal training, making check-ins smoother for first-time visitors and regular attendees alike.
2. Dedicated iPad App
Here's where the excitement really kicks in. While our web-based check-in system is a tried-and-true solution, imagine a kiosk-based check-in system that prints labels anywhere in your church, whether it's the main entrance or the nursery. The portability of an iPad combined with our new app makes this a reality (and eliminates long lines at the check-in!). Download the new ChurchTrac Check-In App today!
Bonus: The app works seamlessly with your current setup, adding functionality without disrupting what’s already in place. Check out this article on Using the Check-In App to get started.
3. Security Features to Keep Kids Safe
Security is a top priority for any children's church check-in system. Parents need to trust that their children are safe and secure from the moment they drop them off till they pick them up.
Our web-based system offers essential children's ministry security features, including an ID label for each child, a security label for each parent, and even an option for volunteer background checks. With the new iPad app and a label printer, these security measures will be even more accessible at your child's check-in station.
4. Customizable Check-in Options
One size doesn't fit all when it comes to church check-ins. Every church has unique needs, but a great system should accommodate them.
For example, some churches may set up staffed check-in stations, while others may prefer self-check-in stations. It's important that you can customize check-ins for different events and groups whether you're tracking attendance for Sunday School, Youth Group, or special events that will need custom labels or name tags.
5. Parental Notifications
Parental communication is a crucial aspect of child check-in. Our web-based system already allows for instant parental messages via text or email, and the new iPad app makes this even more convenient.
Whether there's an emergency (someone forgot to pack a bottle!) or just a quick update, you can notify parents directly from the app.
6. Integration with Church Management Software
Make sure your check-in system integrates with your full-featured church management system. One of the strengths of ChurchTrac is its all-in-one approach!
The new iPad app isn't just a standalone tool; it works with the rest of your ChurchTrac account. This makes it easier to manage check-ins alongside other important functions such as member management and event planning. This makes for an organized check-in and check-out process all around.
7. Affordability and Value
We understand that affordability is a concern for a lot of churches, which is why we've always been committed to offering an affordable solution without compromising on quality. The new iPad app is no exception. We want you to be able to get the most out of this feature without breaking the bank.
You can download the new ChurchTrac Check-In App from the App Store today, and it's completely free!
FAQs
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about church check-in systems:
- Why does my church need a check-in system? A check-in system ensures a secure and organized process for tracking attendance, managing children’s ministry, and improving overall church operations.
- How does a church check-in system enhance safety? By providing name tags, unique codes, and parent pick-up labels, a check-in system helps keep children safe and ensures that only authorized individuals can pick them up.
- What hardware is required for a check-in system? Most systems work with desktops or tablets (like iPads) and label printers. iPads are often affordable and frequently go on sale.
- Is it difficult to set up and use a check-in system? Most systems are designed to be user-friendly with easy setup and intuitive interfaces, making it simple for volunteers to operate.
- Is a church check-in system expensive? Many options are quite affordable, especially considering the time saved, increased security, and streamlined operations it offers.
The Best Check-in Solution for Churches
Ultimately, a reliable check-in system is essential for every church. Our new child check-in app takes everything we love about our web-based system and brings it even further into the modern (mobile) era. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to upgrade your child check-in system and take the overall safety of your congregation to the next level with ChurchTrac Check-in. Read our article on Getting Started with Check-In to learn more.