You have started down the road toward a new software purchase for your organization.
But somehow you have stalled in the process, and you’re unsure of where to go next.
Having to decide on a management software for your church can be overwhelming sometimes. And of course, the reason is not far-fetched; there are several options available; hence, the dilemma. Then, the fear of making the wrong decisions – there’s that too.
Nevertheless, your reason for a software search should be enough spur for you to pull this one off. You saw the need to adopt a technology solution or even replace the current one with something more prospective. And that only is enough reason. It’s without a doubt that a good software system for church management can make a huge difference. It can simplify everything, give you more free time, makes every complex process in your church simple, and we can go and on – the benefits are a bunch.
Whether you’re looking to switch to another church management software system— or even just getting started with a church management software for the first time, it takes a lot of planning and consideration. As the saying goes, information is key. The key to moving forward with selecting a good church management software is the right information.
To help you navigate this critical phase, here are a couple of essential questions to help your church find the best fit for its needs.
What do you want to accomplish?
Like any other software, a church management system is designed to solve specific problems. Now, the question is, what tasks are you looking for help with? Knowing what needs improvement is the first step toward choosing the right software tool for your church. It also helps to check with your staff or colleagues to see whether this choice might meet ample software needs in your church. It’s best when you have one solution to different things as there will be no or less need for add-on solutions subsequently – some of which may not complement the existing solution.
What is your budget?
While your budget alone should not be the determining factor in choosing a church management software for your church, it really can be the deciding factor as your church can only afford so much.
The pricing of church management software varies greatly, particularly with the features. Therefore, depending on your budget is, you may have to be willing to give up some aspects for a lower price. Even at that, you must still take into consideration how purchasing efficient software can give you a higher return on your investment. In deciding the software to go for, make sure you’re thinking long-term – it always pays off.
Does it align with your church vision & goals?
A clear understanding of the vision and goal – short- and long-term is vital in choosing a church management software. If you’re not a part of the leadership, you can talk to church leaders to get a better perspective. Technology can have more of an impact than we might think. So when thinking about what software will suit your church, you need a software that enables you to carry out the vision of your church.
Think about the type of features the system offers. Are they perfect for what your church needs to carry out, daily? Check to see if the software you are considering can empower you to do that job even better.
You also want to know if the management software you’re considering can grow with your church. For example, if your church is still small, you might only need a system that can manage small amounts of data. But once your church starts growing, you’ll need to find a more advanced and structured software system.
What things do you like and not like about your current software solution?
Even though you already concluded on a change, each software features at least one excellent quality that your next software solution might not have. Thus, it’s best to know what you like about your current software lest you go ahead and purchase a software solution that omits the features you presently enjoy.
In the same vein, note all the things you do not like about your current software that you would like to have in the next one.
What level of computer literacy do your staff or users have?
Some church management software systems are designed for novice users, while other software is better suited for users with moderate to advanced software skills. You want to know if the software you’re considering is flexible and user-friendly – irrespective of an individual’s computer literacy level.
Also, consider how your staff daily interact with the features of your current software. What adjustments need to be made to improve user experiences? Do some prefer a more mobile-based system or otherwise? Paying attention to details like these helps you make a better decision in choosing a software – one that would be of benefit to everyone.
Now to you
If you’re looking to adopt a simple yet highly encompassing management software for your Church, then you should consider ChurchPad. ChurchPad houses numerous quality features designed to help you solve various challenges as regards your church administration. Our unique Church management software provides a full suite of technology products –each of which come in handy for specific church management needs.