Managing church communications, event planning, and member engagement can be challenging without the right tools. A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system tailored for church needs can make all the difference. The best CRMs for churches can handle everything from tracking attendance and donations to sending updates and organizing events. Below, we’ll explore the top CRMs specifically designed for churches, with insights on features, pricing, and what each brings to the table.
Why Churches Need a CRM
Churches are unique in that they need to nurture relationships, organize events, manage donations, and communicate with both members and volunteers. A church-focused CRM helps you:
- Centralize Member Information: Track and update member details in one place.
- Streamline Communication: Send announcements, updates, and event reminders.
- Enhance Donation Tracking: Manage contributions, track donations, and generate financial reports.
- Facilitate Event Management: Plan, organize, and communicate event details.
- Improve Volunteer Coordination: Organize volunteer tasks and track participation.
Key Features to Look for in a Church CRM
When choosing a CRM for your church, look for these essential features:
- Member Management: Track member demographics, attendance, and engagement.
- Communication Tools: Send emails, texts, and automated messages.
- Donation & Giving Tracking: Simplify financial management and ensure transparency.
- Volunteer Management: Track volunteer hours, roles, and preferences.
- Event & Small Group Management: Organize events and monitor group attendance.
Top CRM Options for Churches
Let’s dive into some of the best CRM solutions tailored for churches.
1. Planning Center Online
Overview: Planning Center Online is one of the most popular CRMs for churches. Known for its flexibility and a strong suite of features, it handles everything from member check-ins to group and event management.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Member Database | Store detailed member information, attendance, and follow-ups. |
| Communication Tools | Send group texts, emails, and notifications to members and staff. |
| Event Scheduling | Organize and promote events, track RSVPs, and streamline volunteer roles. |
| Donation Tracking | Manage online giving, set up funds, and track donations with transparency. |
Pricing: Modular, with plans starting around $14 per month per module, so you pay for only what you use.
2. Church Community Builder
Overview: Known for its focus on community engagement, Church Community Builder helps churches improve communication and connection with their congregation through advanced features like volunteer coordination and donation tracking.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| People & Group Management | Organize members into groups and track engagement with follow-up options. |
| Volunteer Scheduling | Coordinate volunteers and manage sign-ups and scheduling. |
| Online Giving | Integrate donation management with automated follow-up for givers. |
| Event Management | Manage registrations, promote events, and keep members informed. |
Pricing: Available on request, but it is typically higher due to its comprehensive features.
3. Breeze Church Management
Overview: Breeze offers an easy-to-use platform that’s designed for churches of all sizes. It’s particularly appealing for smaller churches due to its simplicity and focus on core features.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Member Database | Easily add, update, and track members and visitors. |
| Communication Tools | Send emails and texts directly from the platform. |
| Online Giving | Track donations and generate detailed financial reports. |
| Event Management | Create events, track attendance, and manage sign-ups. |
Pricing: $72 per month for all features, which is an attractive flat rate for small to medium churches.
4. Tithe.ly Church Management
Overview: Tithe.ly offers an all-in-one solution for giving and member management, making it ideal for churches that want a seamless giving experience alongside CRM features.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Member Profiles | Maintain a centralized member and visitor database. |
| Communication | Send newsletters, reminders, and thank-you messages. |
| Event & Group Management | Organize events, track attendance, and manage groups. |
| Online Giving | Integrates with Tithe.ly’s online giving platform for smooth donation tracking. |
Pricing: $0 for basic CRM features with added fees for premium modules.
5. FellowshipOne
Overview: FellowshipOne is designed for larger churches with a need for advanced features like check-in systems, extensive volunteer management, and personalized member engagement.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Detailed Member Database | Track and monitor member engagement and attendance trends. |
| Volunteer & Event Management | Advanced tools for scheduling and managing large events. |
| Giving Management | Customize donation tracking and reporting for different funds. |
| Analytics & Reporting | Generate detailed reports on engagement, attendance, and giving. |
Pricing: Customized pricing based on the church’s needs; typically suited for larger organizations.
Choosing the Right CRM for Your Church
When deciding on the best CRM, consider these factors:
- Budget: If you’re a small church, a simpler CRM like Breeze may be more suitable. Larger churches with diverse needs may prefer FellowshipOne or Church Community Builder.
- Feature Prioritization: List your top priorities, whether it’s member tracking, donation management, or event coordination, to help guide your choice.
- Ease of Use: Some CRMs, like Breeze, are known for their user-friendly design, making them a great fit for teams without technical expertise.
- Volunteer & Event Management: For churches with active volunteer programs or frequent events, choose a CRM that makes scheduling and tracking easy, like Church Community Builder or Tithe.ly.
Final Tips to Maximize CRM Benefits
- Regularly Update Member Information: Ensure that records are kept current to improve communication effectiveness.
- Use Built-In Analytics: Take advantage of CRM reporting tools to assess attendance and giving trends.
- Integrate Giving with Communication: When donation management is linked with communication tools, it helps build stronger connections with donors.
Using the right CRM can truly transform church operations by making it easier to connect with members, streamline events, and manage donations effectively.