There’s a lot of data we store, process and use in church. We don’t always realise just how much we’re working with. And once we realise this, it can be overwhelming making sense of it so that we can serve our church and community more effectively. In this episode Blessing Mpofu has a conversation with Jono Hesp, who has extensive experience working data, church management systems. They talk about getting started with data management in your church. Moving from not having data or database systems to understanding your church’s trends.
[Read more…] about Getting Started With Data Management [Podcast #329]Know Your People; Unleash Them For Mission
I’ve been lucky enough to speak at a number conferences. I’ve asked the question “How many of you have databases on your congregation?” Many have something. When you dive a little deeper though, the information they have is, well, small and basic. From the data and relationships you have in your church, can you truly say you really know your people?
[Read more…] about Know Your People; Unleash Them For MissionThe Art of Making Church Admin Disappear
I’m one of the odd ones. I don’t just like admin, but I love admin when it works. When it blends seamlessly into the background. That is how most ministers or people feel about admin — they like it when it disappears. But church admin only disappears into the background when you’ve done it well. When you’ve been intentional about it.
Until then, church administration takes the wind out of ministers’ sails. Just mention the word admin and you are met with a groan. Alas, we all have to do some form of admin to effectively minister to the people God entrusted to us.
[Read more…] about The Art of Making Church Admin DisappearWhy You Should Use A Church Management System
Regardless of the size of your church you don’t have the luxury of debating when and why you should use church management system (ChMS) or software. If anything, this post is helping you clarify the why. I’ll also suggest some self-diagnostic questions. We’ll also explore what should / shouldn’t be happening in churches already using ChMS. So, churches already using ChMS should also find this useful.
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2018 Big List of Church Management Software
We’ve found that it is hard to compare church management software. The pricing can be hidden. And the features can seem more like comparing apples to watermelons rather than apples to apples.
So this fall we sent surveys to over 200 church management software providers asking in-depth questions about features, pricing, clientele, and the companies behind the code. Sixty-one responded and were willing to share details beyond their sales pitch.
This list represents over 12,000 cells of spreadsheet data that’s been analyzed and distilled into an easier way to compare cost and features. In fact, we calculated the estimated 3-year costs for each solution regardless of if pricing was a one-time purchase, a flat rate subscription, or a tiered-rate subscription (i.e., based on congregation size, licensed users, or modules).
[Read more…] about 2018 Big List of Church Management Software
What WordPress 4.9 Means for Churches
There’s a good chance your church website is using WordPress. After all, WordPress powers 29% of internet sites thanks to its free price for the actual software, the wide supply of themes and plugins to customize the look and add powerful functionality. Well, the latest update to WordPress, WordPress 4.9, adds some very useful functionality for churches that you should check out.