What is Church Management Software? Analysis of Features, Types, Benefits and Pricing
Posted on 1st Jun 2021
As the name implies, church management software or ChMS is a type of computer software specially designed to help churches and religious groups manage, automate and organize their daily operations. Beyond that short definition, this type of software leverages computing technology to handle tasks and activities of churches such as managing membership databases, emails and communication, worship presentation programs, community and religious events, fundraising, finances, and report generation, among others.
Running a church is unlike operating a corporation. Their natures are vastly different – the former is non-profit and while the latter is profit-driven. Although both are people organizations with hierarchical setups and divisional components, businesses and corporations have the advantage of earning for their keep. Churches and faith-based organizations have to rely on the donations and contributions of their members, making it doubly important to efficiently handle finances, resources and activities as well as to effectively manage and expand their memberships. As the number of members grow so does management and administrative work. ChMS came about to address these unique needs.
In this article we’ll tackle the question of what is church management software and provide you with information and insights into its many aspects so that you’ll be better guided when you decide to acquire one. Beyond the definition of church management software, we’ll go over the following:
ChMS Facts and Figures
How ChMS Works
Benefits and Advantages
Features and Functions
Why You Should Use ChMS
Cost and Pricing Models
Example of ChMs
Latest Trends
What Does Church Management Software Do?
An exploration on what is church management software starts with the things that it can do. Its basic functionality is similar to most productivity applications – to streamline and automate tasks and processes, this time focusing on activities endemic to a church organization. What does church management software do can be summed up into four general categories:
Streamline common administrative tasks. This covers daily operations like service support, reporting, work coordination, emails, information dissemination, and many others. ChMS ensures the smooth running of the church on a day-to-day basis by automating recurring tasks and reducing the cost of operations.
Track and manage resources. A key feature of ChMS is accounting functionality and reporting to improve financial management; accurately keep tab of contributions and donations; enable the judicious utilization of resources; and come up with proper financial statements and reports.
Foster communication. The church is an organization of ministry leaders, administrators, staff, members and visitors, and a ChMS provides technology tools for better communication as well as informing every one of church news, updates and developments. It also makes for efficient and effective spreading of the Gospel.
Monitor growth of the congregation. This includes service attendance; managing contacts and membership; and prospecting for new members through various channels like emails and social media. ChMS also maintains a database of each member with details and information that can automatically be updated.
By: Allan Jay