Can technology improve the way we experience church? Some may question whether technology has any role in church other than what’s necessary to function in this modern age. They may worry that technology will make the church more disconnected and impersonal. In truth, the right technology can make churches even more connected. Let’s examine five ways technology improves the modern church-going experience.
1. Technology Communicates Life Changes
As congregations have grown, it’s easy for people to fall through the cracks. A member loses his job, falls ill, or stops attending, and it takes weeks or even months before leadership learns of the crisis. In the past, these kinds of situations often relied on the church grapevine to inform church leadership. That’s no longer the case with the right church management software (ChMS). Leaders can pull reports to monitor attendance to weekend services or small groups or changes in giving. All of these instances clue leadership into life changes that affect members and help them serve their members better.
2. Technology Keeps Communication Relevant
Members who are retirement age may not need information about youth services and vice versa. With a robust ChMS that includes email segmentation capabilities, ministries within the church can connect to those involved in that particular ministry. This provides for better, more complete communication and prevents pertinent information from being lost within a larger email blast that covers all of the church’s communication.
3. Technology Gives Members Control
With the right ChMS, members have control over their information. They can update their address, email, phone number, family members, marital status and more. This helps the church by keeping members’ information up-to-date and helps the members because they’re able to receive pertinent information that applies to them and their families.
4. Technology Connects People
Churches know that small groups are a way to provide community, regardless of how big a church is. And with a ChMs like FellowshipOne, churches can provide information about small groups and allow members to sign up for the small groups online. Members can learn the type of small groups available (singles, college career, Bible study, etc.), the names of the small group leaders, when and where the groups meet. It then allows members to sign up for a group online so they can receive information via email and text.
5. Technology Clarifies Roles
Scheduling and keeping track of volunteers’ assignments can be challenging. People go on vacation or miss events due to illness or work. With the right communication system, leaders can keep track of volunteer attendance, make adjustments to assignments, and communicate those changes quickly and easily.
6. Technology Simplifies Giving
More than half of all donors prefer to give online and the number is only growing. An integrated financial system, like FellowshipOne Giving, makes this an easy and seamless option for members to give via web, mobile, text, and kiosk while keeping clear records for the church staff, too.
7. Technology Improves Security for Children
Children’s ministry is a key part of the church. It’s a driving force behind many families’ church attendance, so making sure children’s ministry is safe is paramount. A ChMS like FellowshipOne allows churches to conduct criminal background checks easily for potential volunteers. It also helps leadership keep track of food allergies or special needs.
If you question whether technology has improved your church’s ability to minister effectively, take another look at what’s available today. With the right ChMS like FellowshipOne, churches are able to keep in better touch with their members while providing pertinent and personalize ministry, too. Visit FellowshipOne to learn more about the solutions we provide and how we can partner with you to do all you’ve been called to do for the Kingdom. Request a free demo today!
