If you are like most small churches, you’ve got a church management program that works…sometimes…but very people in the church understand it or can use it.  It often is one of the most frustrating programs you use in ministry.  Thoughts of upgrading it or changing it scare you because you’re not sure where to start, or you upgrade your computer and now it doesn’t work anymore.  Does this sound familiar?  Perhaps a bit frustrating?

Well, here are a few membership programs designed for small churches that just might keep you from becoming so frustrated.

If you research “church membership programs” in Google, you will find hundreds of programs from shareware systems to professional systems that cost thousands of dollars.  (See Capterra for an example of the myriad of programs available.) There are a few “standard” programs out there that work well, but are a bit cost prohibitive for small churches.  These programs are very good if you can afford them.

The programs that appear to be cost effective are listed below in two different categories.

Online programs to use over the Internet:  If you have a high speed Internet connection at your church, and if you have multiple people who want to use this program, and if you don’t want to worry with installing a program and hoping it works with your computer, then these options may fill your need.

• Church Office Online: ($15 – $100 per month)  See pricing here - I’m getting ready to switch over to this program and may write a blog about how it works in the future.
• Power Church Online: ($40 per month or $455 a year with a $100 setup fee)
• Fellowship One: ($20 – $110 per month)

Software to install on your computer: These programs are usually less expensive than the online versions, but can create frustrations when multiple people need to use it or the software isn’t compatible with the latest operating system, etc.

• Servant Keeper: ($250 – $800)
• PowerChurch:  ($400 – $600)
• Membership Plus: ($250 – $450)

As you can see, some programs are priced according to the number of attenders or according to the features you need.  Using a simple comparison chart can help you narrow down the choices and select a program that will help you with your ministry needs.