Hope can be a powerful force, especially in difficult times. Faith is a reliable constant in so many people's lives that keeps them going. Amidst pandemic problems and restrictions, many need faith and connection more than ever. Those with a spiritual mindset know it's essential to stay connected with their congregation, remain active within the church community, and access important updates and information.
According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, Americans have shifted their religious habits in response to this pandemic; 55 percent of adults studied report praying for the virus to stop spreading. But even more notably, 15 percent of individuals who rarely or never pray say they have turned to prayer as a way to cope, while 24 percent of Americans who don't associate with any religion admit to doing the same.
Connect and Engage In The Mobile Revolution
While in-person church services and volunteering might look a bit different right now, that doesn't mean that church members can't remain active. Over 81 percent of all Americans now own smartphones and are spending an average of 5.4 hours per day on mobile devices. During 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile app usage rose by 10%. These numbers cannot be ignored and must be put to good use among church organizations.
Religious organizations have evolved to the point that managing them now requires more than just a church leader calling the shots. As these entities grow, so do the processes involved in running them. Simple tasks that used to be accomplished by a few individuals have become more complicated than ever before. No matter what organization you're involved with, it's essential to know, grow and engage with your members. "Our mission is reaching a city to touch a world, and none of that is possible without technology. Not everyone is going to walk through the church doors physically. For us to be able to reach folks where they're at, whether it's at home or a coffee shop, technology has been amazing with that." says Robert Ferguson of Bethel World Outreach.
Technology solutions are creating even higher engagement and more in-depth insight into people's faith journey, giving pastor's the ability to connect with them when it matters most, no matter where they are. Apps play a vital role in digital engagement strategy and branding for organizations. With more reading their Bible online, it's imperative to assess if your church is ready for the next level. Revolutionary church management software is now enabling everyone to connect like never before. It's an all-in-one management tool that helps increase website traffic, assist in online databases, communications, finances, events, media, and many other features that will help you manage your church more effectively.
The majority of pastors, church leaders, and directors don't get advanced degrees before they head into ministry. Church management software can provide a team of engineers, coders, and designers to make sure apps are ready to assist. Church apps can make for easier communication and streamline digital conversations with both fellow members and their organization's leaders. While administrative tasks may not feel rewarding, you will experience the blessing of being organized and taste the fruits of your growth.
Integrated Apps Provide Solutions
In today's smartphone-driven world, it's imperative to put technology to use. Teaching, giving, and connecting has become more digital than ever before. Whether members are looking to volunteer, help other members in need, organize events, donate, communicate, view calendars, submit prayer requests, church management software allows convenient and fast access to increase involvement.
Drive participation by sending out announcements and sharing sermons, so your congregation can engage with all of your communications in one place. Members can view service plans, calendars, fundraising, worship songs, podcasts, blogs, social media posts, newsletters, online resources, and files to ensure precious time isn't wasted. Grab your community's attention with notifications and messages to the right audience targeted by interest or location to ensure better communication and more participation. There are even features that allow organizations to ask their community for feedback and ideas and submit requests.
Financial Benefits For Everyone
Each generation continues to use online bill pay and needs digital payment options like never before. Electronic giving provides members, sponsors, and contributors opportunities to support their church or nonprofit organization. Since in-person donating isn't always available in certain areas, inspire generosity by making it easier, faster, and more secure for your members to be generous in a way that's convenient for them.
It can also assist church staff in managing data and knowing the financial status of accounts. Gifts given through mobile apps are higher on average than other online giving methods. These apps can also automatically collect, organize, and provide analytics about data and how people interact with your app, which helps you choose the best ways to engage your congregation. Facilities management, payroll organization, accounting, reports, and organization financials can be better managed in one central location.
Evolve With The Times
Church management software can also assist in others joining your church, provide access for members who cannot attend in person, help members who have relocated, and help missionaries serving in other areas. Ensure to do your research to see what app is best for your organization, including features, cost, support, and usability. Many companies provide free trials to allow the organization to know if the app is a good fit. Look for a company that offers tutorials, phone support, help centers, and coaching so that everyone on the team can benefit from it. No matter your church's size, the right software can help a church build and maintain relationships, stay organized, and prevent fraud.
Running a church and managing its members takes a lot of hard work and good organization. It's no wonder thousands of churches are using custom mobile apps to engage their congregations. These unique apps allow them to extend their ministry beyond their physical location by providing a digital hub for everything they do. Assure your organization and members they have the resources they need to deal with these challenging times and invest in church management software.
