The best church management software can solve many problems. It’s a time saver. It can be used as an organizational tool. It tracks people skills. It tracks church finances. It acts as a communication tool. It is a communication tool. A church’s ability to manage people’s expectations and needs can strengthen all its activities. Good church management programs include communication, communication, accounting, contributions and reporting.

Let’s first look at membership and skills management. How helpful do people feel in a church? Are they called upon to assist when there is a need? It is a great way to get church members involved. Ask them what area of service they are comfortable doing. It is easy to engage people when there are needs. An easy-to-use module to track the interests of members will be part of any church management software. The next step is to communicate with your members. Integrated church management software allows members to reach out through multiple media. A direct link to email or any other online communication resource is a huge benefit for the church. A great feature is the ability to create email groups or phone groups based on skills and needs.

Accounting systems for churches are of great value. A dual-entry system of accounting adds integrity to the church’s finances. Although the learning curve for dual-entry accounting is steeper, the rewards are in being able produce an auditable document that insures proper church money use. Church management software also includes key elements such as recording contributions and providing tax reports. Report generation is an important area that covers all the other areas. Members reporting may include attendance, scheduling, regular email communication, as well as scheduling. Different levels of detail can be made available for different audiences. Reports for church accounting can include budgeting reports as well as financial analysis reports. They also include accounts payable and receivable reports, annual reports for congregations, and financial analysis reports. Reports on contribution include tax reports for individuals, contributions trends, pledges and fulfillment and envelop numbering.