subject: What is a Web Based Church Management System? [print this page] What is a Web Based Church Management System?
Making the switch to a web based system of church management can seem intimdating tomany organizations. Fears often stem from insecurites about the stability of the internet, notions that it's use is restricted to specific generations and even concerns about privacy. Making the switch to manage everything with web applications is the current standard. Using the web removes the restrictions of geopgraphy, time and human resources that previously determined work flow. It is now common for churches to be geographically spread across cites in multi-site locations. Ministry is naturally a collaborative effort. Church is meant to consist of many members working together to accomplish both internal activites and external, public ministry. These team members can include not only the leadership, but also volunteers, church members, students, and outside organizations. Managing such efforts on the web allows all participants to stay in touch, have updated information, and collaborate more fully.
The concept of removing limitations makes the decision to choose a web based solution very easy. Why? Because efficiency, increased effectiveness and the ultimate in financial savings are the natural result of removing the restrictions. Some churches have even reported back to us that they have saved as much as 30% in administrative costs simply by selecting a web based solution.
Let's consider some other positive factors:
*No Development Costs
Don't pay for development costs for a different system that may not fit the bill. Web based products worth their weight are tried, tested and versatile. If a company offers a subscription based system it means that you will benefit of new technology as it's developed and released. I have run into too many churches that have spent tens of thousands trying to develop proprietary software for their church only to find out that 1) it doesn't serve all their needs, 2) there is no one to support it and 3) they could have had a solution for a fraction of the cost.
*Everything You Need
Content management system, memberships, content editor, audio and video, blogs, events and subscriptions, store, forums, calendar, polls, ad management, design options, mass mailing, SMS texting, schedules, IM chat, directories management, resource booking, analysis need I say more? Web based church management pulls all of your key tools into one dashboard.
*Everyone Can Use It
Your church benefits when everyone contributes, and so will your web site.All church operations can be run by the right people - whether or not they are trained in IT When talking to vendors, ask how you can delegate specific tasks to specific people, how this can be monitored and how your efficiency will be boosted.
*Instant, Easy Access
Web based church management gives your people access to the right information, securely, from anywhere. The web presents the environment for people to work smarter.
*You Won't Need Other Systems
Don't waste time and money buying lots of applications and trying to get them to work together. Select a service with all the applications you need, integrated through a single database and that works together perfectly.