You know how much church management software can do. Because our world has become so tech-savvy and automation-focused, almost every church communicator has begun to rely on it to some degree. You get that a church management system (ChMS) isn’t just a luxury for the big churches or the rich churches. For almost all churches today, it’s a necessity. Even the basic tasks, like having a volunteer roster or using online giving, get so much easier when you have the power of an efficiency machine at your fingertips. These tools allow you to let the computers do the boring detail work, while you focus on developing the brand of your church with the creative and relational end of the work.
But you don’t just want this software to work. You want it to work for you––fueling your unique ministry in a way that is easy to use, adaptable, and always improving. You need church management software that matches your skill level and can grow with you. After all, you’ll become the master of this platform and use it day-in and day-out.
The difference between “average” and “really good” software boils down to 3 main things. Consider these when deciding which option is right for the goals and ministry of your church:
What Makes for Really Good Church Management Software?
Usability
You should feel that the ChMS you choose is a great fit for your skill level. Because you will mainly be responsible for the ins and outs and the actual usage of this tool, you should be able to picture yourself mastering it––even if it will take some time. The interface (layout, settings, and usable features) should be clear and simple. The software should have troubleshooting resources, like an FAQ or a help chat. You shouldn’t be daunted by the user experience or the features you’ll have at your disposal. Instead, you should be excited by all of the possibilities this new tool will open up for your church communications.
A lot of the things you read in your research, such as reviews or testimonials, can help you get a picture of what the software is like. But the best way to get real feedback is to ask people who have really used it. Reach out to other churches who have used the different ChMS brands, and ask them their honest opinions of the experience. Did they enjoy using the tool every day? Was it easy to find answers when they got stuck? Take their opinions with a grain of salt, but this will give you more information than you will be able to find online.
Complete Features for You
We've talked about how not all ChMS software is created equal. But the one that you'll think is really, really good will all depend on your needs. You shouldn't have to sacrifice features or usability on this investment because there are many options available. You should be able to find a good fit for your ministry. You should be able to look through a checklist of each software’s features and say, “Yep, that’s everything I need.” For example, if you need accounting in your tool, you should get it. If you can't live without worship planning, your software should have it. Don't just settle for something that doesn't really fit your ministry and communications needs. If you compromise too much, your church communications will reflect that. Things will get sloppy or confused. Or you’ll get frustrated trying to work with a lower quality tool. Don't just figure out what you need––figure out how your church communicates best, and then you can justify what you need to the other leaders making this decision with you.
Updates Happen
Just because a piece of software is constantly pushing out updates doesn't mean they're constantly improving. But when you're investing in any kind of subscription-based software, you should be getting a better product with every update. Every update should be a chance for the company’s development team to improve the experience for its clients. You want to work with someone who's going to grow. If your ChMS shows signs of growth and regular self-improvement, that’s a good indicator that you’re on the right track. You’re likely working with a company that doesn’t just pump out a tool and focus on profit, but one that constantly works to make it better for users (like you) and your church.
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The best way to know how often updates happen is simply to ask. If the salesperson you’re working with says that the product doesn’t really roll out updates, this can be a red flag. ChMS that don’t create new or updated features, learning opportunities, or even simple tech fixes probably aren’t up-to-date. It’s like investing in a restaurant that never creates new dishes or gets new equipment in the kitchen. |
You’ll also want to know if your voice, as a client, is heard. If your church has changes in the future, and your software needs change––will your subscription or features be flexible? If you discover a glitch in the event calendar searching function, will the developers stick with you until it’s resolved? These are the kinds of questions you want to be asking now in order to prepare for how your church uses this tool in the future.
