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What online tools do religous organizations use today?
Hello! Thanks for your question about the online tools used by religious organizations. The short answer is that modern religious organizations use a variety of tools, including church management software, community platforms and social networks, education and training tools, worship and projection systems, and other services such as graphic design. You'll find a deep dive of my research below, with examples of each type of tool used by religious organizations.
CHURCH MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
One key online tool used by modern religious organizations is an organizational management software. Here are the top five, according to Capterra:
50,000 customers, 50 million members.
This company has been around for nearly 40 years and provides a variety of tools for church management, including donations, event management, finances, volunteers, scheduling, etc. Their three key products are Realm, for administration and community; The City, a social network; and Headmaster, for school administration.
35,000 customers, 40 million members.
A church management software that has been around for 25 years.
12,500 customers, 20 million members.
A Catholic church management and accounting software with features for education, giving, scheduling, and membership.
37,700 customers, 8.5 million members.
All-in-one church management software for record keeping, fundraising, events, membership, etc.
9,500 customers, 20 million members
Web-based church management software that includes online giving, volunteer management, member profiles, and event management.
COMMUNITY PLATFORMS
Modern religious organizations have branched out to online community platforms of all types, from Eventbrite to church-specific social networks.
In terms of mainstream social networks like Twitter and Facebook, churches and other organizations are using these platforms to reach the 35% of millennials who are religiously unaffiliated. In addition, they're using thsee platforms to increase the engagement of their members, encouraging participation every day of the week, not just on Sundays. These organizations are also using event tools like Eventbrite to reach a younger audience and to increase participation in activities.
Moreover, some community platforms and social networks unique to religious organizations have popped up online. Here are a couple of examples:
StudyChurch: A church small group discussion platform that allows small group bible study and communication to continue online.
The City: Similar to Facebook, this social network is built specifically for your church, with features to improve communication and engagement.
WORSHIP AND PROJECTION SYSTEMS
Another type of online tool used by religious organizations involves software and apps that enable the creation and projection of presentations for church services and other activities. Here are some examples:
Proclaim is cloud-based church presentation software with church-focused media for creating presentations.
Planning Center Online, a resource with a number of different online tools for churches, offers a Projector mobile app. It connects to the website to turn videos, lyrics and slides into presentations.
EasyWorship is another church presentation software for presentation design, access to media, and other tools.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Religious organizations are also using online tools for education and training, both of staff and of members. Here are some examples:
RightNowMedia is a resource hub and digital library of Bible study videos. These videos can be streamed instantly for classes and groups. The resource claims to have over 15,000 Bible studies available.
Ministry Grid is a leadership training tool for churches. It claims to have over 3,000 training videos, and has plans for individuals and churches.
Downline Builder is an interactive discipleship training platform. The tool enables the organization to create a customized discipleship curriculum.
TrainedUP is a platform for creating and distributing discipleship training material. It provides a video library for training volunteers and leadership.
Ministry Library is a leadership development system for pastors. The library has curated content and includes access to coaching and discussions.
OTHER SERVICES
In addition to these primary tools, modern religious organizations are using a wide variety of online tools. They're using website hosting and video hosting sevices, mobile apps, online giving platforms, and email services such as MailChimp. Another key service is graphic design; here are some examples of graphics services specific to religious organizations:
Ministry Pass focuses on sermon planning and graphics. The site features a large selection of resources for sermons and church growth.
CreationSwap is a free resource for church graphics and other media. It's a community-based website where Christians share graphics, artwork and photography.
CONCLUSION
To wrap up, modern religious organizations use a variety of tools, including church management software, community platforms and social networks, education and training tools, worship and projection systems, and other services such as graphic design. I hope this information is helpful to you! Thanks for using Wonder, and let us know if we can help you with anything else.