18 Best Church Contact Management Software Picks For 2024
10 The Best Church Contact Management Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Over my 20+ years of church ministry experience, I’ve learned a lot about the best ways to save time on church admin tasks so I can dedicate more energy to my ministry. Before using a church contact management software tool, our leadership team struggled:
- Communication between different ministry teams was slow and inefficient.
- Finding contact information for members was a nightmare.
- Church events were difficult to organize and manage.
- Financial donations were hard to track.
- Admin staff spent hours manually updating member contact info.
Church contact management software has been a big part of our church’s administrative turnaround. And in this article, we’ll dig deep into this important church management tool, providing:
- Tool Recommendations
- Detailed reviews
- Proven insights
- Pricing Guide
- Features & Benefits
Read on to learn more!
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
We've been testing and reviewing church contact management software since we launched TheLeadPastor.com in 2019. As pastors and church leaders ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software.
My team and I invest in deep research to help you make better software purchasing decisions. We've tested over 2,000 tools for different church management use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews.
Learn how we stay transparent and check out our church contact management software review methodology.
What is Church Contact Management Software?
Church contact management software is a type of software designed to help pastors and church leaders manage their contacts and communications more effectively. It includes features such as:
- A centralized database for storing and managing contact information
- Tools for sending mass emails, texts, and phone calls
- Event management capabilities
- Donor management tools
- Reporting functionalities
Think of it like a high-performing personal assistant that keeps your congregation organized, ensures everyone stays informed, and frees you up to focus on your ministry work.
The 10 Best Church Contact Management Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Keap | From $249/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ChMeetings | From $12/month | Website |
| Breeze ChMS | $50/account/month. | Website |
| Membee | From $179/month, with an option to pay $44/month for every administrator you want to add | Website |
| Facebook Groups | Free contact management software | Website |
| ChurchTrac | No price details | Website |
| Faith Teams | From $40/month | Website |
| ChurchStaq | Pricing is available by request from its website | Website |
| Elexio | $35.13/account/month | Website |
| Church Office Online | From $35.13/month and goes up depending on the number of records you need to maintain | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareWith these tools, churches can streamline their operations, engage with their members and volunteers more efficiently, and better manage their fundraising efforts. Church contact management software provides a comprehensive solution for managing and organizing the various aspects of a church's operations, making it an essential tool for many religious organizations.
Overviews Of The 10 Best Church Contact Management Software
Here’s a brief description of each contact management application to showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the interface.
Keap is a comprehensive CRM software designed to help small operations manage their customer relationships and automate various processes. For churches, Keap's contact management system helps maintain detailed records of members, including their engagement history, which helps in personalizing communication. Additionally, Keap's email marketing tools enable churches to send automated newsletters, event reminders, and personalized messages.
The software's robust automation capabilities can also streamline administrative tasks for churches, such as follow-ups with new visitors, organizing volunteer schedules, and managing donation records. Furthermore, its easy-to-use appointment scheduling feature ensures efficient coordination of meetings and events.
ChMeetings is a comprehensive church management software designed to handle various church operations such as member management, event organization, financial tracking, and online giving. The platform is user-friendly and supports multiple languages, making it accessible to a diverse user base.
The platform's people and groups management system allows churches to create detailed member profiles, manage families, and assign groups for effective communication. Additionally, the member portal empowers members to update their information and register for events independently, reducing administrative workload and promoting member involvement.
Breeze is an intuitive contact management application you can use to store and organize church members’ contact information and personal details. You can use Breeze to plan church events and manage their execution from budgeting, volunteer scheduling, event registration, and post-event assessment. Breeze also allows you to track donations and offer online and text giving within a unified system.
Breeze is best for creating highly customized directories of church members because it allows users to create unique profile templates. You can add custom fields to profiles such as food allergies, dates for background check renewals, birthdates, and baptism dates. You can also import existing directories to Breeze without additional costs.
Membee is a contact management software you can use to manage church membership sign-ups and renewals. It has built-in website analytics and SEO features to quickly determine areas for improvement and put into action intervention programs. You can use it to automate your donation system and provide donors with tax-compliant receipts.
Membee is the best church management system for churches of all sizes because it provides unlimited sign-up forms. You can also customize your Membee account to reflect custom dropdown choices and tags to fit your church’s requirements. You can use Membee to store members’ credit card details to make donations, tithes, and event payments easier.
Facebook Groups is a feature that allows users to create a private or public group with members that share a common interest. You can create a Facebook Group and add members of your congregation so you can communicate with them via the FB group. You can post articles, videos, and documents visible only to the members of your group.
Facebook Groups is best for congregations with social media savvy users because it is easy to use and accessible via mobile phones. You can restrict who can join the group and what information your members can see. You can also form small groups for specific purposes, such as a group for Sunday school teachers, for volunteers, or for choir members.
ChurchTrac is a contact management software you can use to maintain a database of your church’s members, employees, donors, and volunteers. You can use it to organize people into groups and assign custom tags for easier filtering. ChurchTrac app allows you to send SMS, voice messages, and newsletters to members if you have announcements or reminders.
ChurchTrac is best for churches who want software that can generate directories of members with pictures and church's phone numbers for easier recordkeeping. You can also produce reports on anniversaries, birthdays, and other important events so you can track them on your calendar and send congratulatory emails or messages.
ChurcTrac app integrates with MailChimp for easier syncing of contacts and ensuring that your members’ contact information is up to date.
Faith Teams is a church membership software you can use to create a database so you can quickly access a list of your members, families, donors, and church workers. It allows you to input an unlimited number of entries, making it ideal for small churches and large churches. You can also use Faith Teams to track attendance, print name tags, and do child check-in during events and services.
Faith Teams is best for remote work because it has a mobile app version on iOS and Android mobile devices. Faith Teams is a cloud-based SaaS, so you can access crucial information anywhere you are.
ChurchStaq is a software solution you can use to store member records containing personal information, contact information, pictures, notes, and documents. It has a messaging feature you can use to send text messages and emails to members of your congregation. ChurchStaq also has a donation management feature you can use to encourage online donations, text to give, and automated donations.
ChurchStaq is best for those looking for a church community builder tool because it allows users to create events that foster camaraderie among church members. You can use ChurchStaq to engage members in volunteer and outreach activities. ChurchStaq makes planning worship services easier by helping you organize church groups into units with specific tasks and responsibilities.
Elexio is a membership management software that allows you to manage church members’ personal information, contact information, interaction history, and documents. It has an intuitive mobile app version that church members can use to update their profiles, ensuring that church records are accurate. Elexio has volunteer management capabilities, so you can organize groups, assign tasks, send communications, track attendances and evaluate them to make resource handling efficient.
Elexio is the best church management solution for church leaders who want to streamline their workflow because of its automation capabilities. You can use Elexio to automate simple yet repetitive tasks such as sending a welcome note to new members and scheduling a phone call to members who frequently miss services. You can automate the sending of thank you notes and receipts to donors to make them feel appreciated.
Church Office is a church management system that lets you keep an updated church member record. This system has a group management capability to create groups, manage team members, and assign tasks using a single platform. It has a user-friendly mobile app that you can use to access Church Office tools using your mobile device so you can work remotely.
Church Office is the best church management software if you want to streamline workflow through automation. You can automate tasks, follow-ups, and assignments. You can also create triggers for specific actions like sending a welcome note whenever new members sign up. This can help you take care of repetitive administrative tasks to concentrate on essential tasks that require immediate attention.
Background checks are an add-on service so you can screen new members, volunteers, or staff members and protect the children in your congregation.
Other Contact Management Tools
Here’s a few more that didn’t make the top list. They are less specialized than our top tools but excel in the fact they have free church management software or low-cost plans that are perfect for non-profit organizations.
Selection Criteria for Church Contact Management Software
When selecting church contact management software, it's important to focus on functionality and specific use cases that matter most. I personally tested and researched these tools to ensure they meet the needs of church leaders. Here's how I evaluate them:
Core Church Contact Management Software Functionality - 25% of total weighting score:
Common features for church contact management software typically include member database, communication tools, event management, volunteer management, reporting and analytics, donation tracking, mobile access, integration capabilities, customizable fields, and security features.
To be considered for inclusion on my list of the best church contact management software, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases:
- Storing and updating member information
- Sending group emails and messages
- Planning and managing church events
- Tracking volunteer schedules and assignments
- Generating detailed reports and insights
Additional Standout Features - 25% of total weighting score:
- Unique features not offered by competitors
- Tools that leverage innovative features
- Advanced integration with other software
- Customizable dashboards and fields
- Enhanced security measures beyond standard protocols
Usability - 10% of total weighting score:
- Intuitive interface design
- Simple navigation
- User-friendly dashboards
- Minimal training required for basic use
- Efficient workflow for common tasks
Onboarding - 10% of total weighting score:
- Quick and easy setup
- Availability of training videos and templates
- Interactive product tours and chatbots
- Webinars and live training sessions
- Comprehensive documentation and support
Customer Support - 10% of total weighting score:
- Availability of live chat and phone support
- Responsive email support
- Detailed knowledge base and FAQs
- Community forums for user collaboration
- Dedicated account managers for large churches
Value For Money - 10% of total weighting score:
- Competitive pricing compared to features offered
- Transparent pricing models
- Flexible payment plans and subscriptions
- Discounts for non-profits and small churches
- Free trials or demos available
Customer Reviews - 10% of total weighting score:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Positive feedback on ease of use and functionality
- Praise for customer support and onboarding
- Testimonials highlighting specific benefits
- Common themes of reliability and performance
By focusing on these criteria, I ensure that the church contact management software I recommend will help you spend less time on operations and more time on ministry. This method allows you to choose the best tools that fit your church's needs.
Trends in Church Contact Management Software for 2024
In 2024, church contact management software is evolving rapidly, with product updates and new features reflecting the latest trends and technologies. Reviewing the latest updates and press releases from popular tools reveals key trends that are shaping the industry. Here's what we learned about the current state of church contact management software:
Key Trends in Church Contact Management Software
- Enhanced Communication Tools: Automated messaging and multi-channel outreach features are becoming more sophisticated, helping churches engage their congregations more effectively.
- Mobile Access and Apps: There is a strong push towards improving mobile interfaces and developing dedicated apps, enabling church leaders to manage operations on the go with real-time updates.
- Integration Capabilities: Tools are increasingly offering integration with other software, such as accounting, email marketing, and event planning tools, streamlining operations and reducing the need for manual data entry.
- Advanced Data Security: New security measures like end-to-end encryption and regular security updates are being prioritized to protect sensitive member data, reflecting a growing emphasis on cybersecurity.
- Customization Options: More tools now offer customizable features, such as personalized dashboards and tailored reporting tools, allowing churches to adapt the software to their specific needs.
- AI and Automation: The introduction of AI for data analysis and automated reminders is becoming more common, helping churches save time and improve efficiency.
- User-Friendly Interfaces: There is a noticeable trend towards designing more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for church staff and volunteers to navigate and use the software effectively.
- Comprehensive Reporting: Enhanced reporting features that provide deeper insights and analytics are in high demand, aiding churches in making informed, data-driven decisions.
- Support and Training Resources: Improved customer support and training options, including live chat, webinars, and detailed knowledge bases, are being offered to help users maximize the software's potential.
Features Becoming Less Important
- Standalone Email Systems: With the rise of integrated communication tools, standalone email systems are seeing reduced demand as all-in-one solutions become more popular.
- Basic Database Functionalities: As advanced and customizable database features become standard, basic database functionalities are less in demand.
By understanding these trends, church leaders can select the best contact management software to meet their needs, ultimately allowing them to spend less time on operations and more time on ministry.
What is Church Contact Management Software?
Church contact management software is a tool that helps churches keep track of their members, communicate better, and organize events. It stores all member information in one place, making it easy to update and find. You can send emails and messages to your congregation quickly, plan church events, and manage volunteer schedules. Think of it as a digital address book and planner that helps you run your church smoothly and spend more time on ministry.
Features of Church Contact Management Software
When choosing church contact management software to handle communication, data management, and volunteer coordination, it’s important to focus on specific features. These features help save time on operations, allowing more focus on ministry.
- Member Database: A central place to store and update member information. This reduces time spent on managing records and makes information easily accessible.
- Communication Tools: Email and messaging tools to reach your congregation quickly. This ensures everyone is informed without spending hours on manual communication.
- Event Management: Tools to plan, schedule, and manage church events. This streamlines event coordination and reduces the workload on staff and volunteers.
- Volunteer Management: Track volunteer schedules and assignments efficiently. This helps in organizing volunteers without manual tracking.
- Reporting and Analytics: Generate detailed reports and insights easily. This aids in making informed decisions without compiling data manually.
- Donation Tracking: Manage and track donations with ease. This simplifies financial management and allows more focus on ministry work.
- Mobile Access: Access the software from mobile devices. This offers flexibility and ensures tasks can be managed from anywhere.
- Integration Capabilities: Integrate with other tools you use. This reduces data entry time and makes operations smoother.
- Customizable Fields: Tailor the software to your church’s needs. This ensures the software fits your specific requirements without unnecessary features.
- Security Features: Protect member information with strong security measures. This reduces time spent addressing security issues and keeps data safe.
By focusing on these features, you can choose church contact management software that reduces operational time, allowing you to dedicate more energy to your ministry. This ensures administrative tasks are handled efficiently, freeing you to serve your congregation better.
Benefits of Church Contact Management Software
When considering church contact management software, it's important to understand how it can benefit both users and organizations. This type of software streamlines many aspects of church operations, making it easier for leaders to focus on their ministry. Here are the primary benefits:
1. Efficient Communication: Streamlined tools for emailing and messaging. This ensures that important updates and announcements reach everyone quickly and easily.
2. Centralized Member Information: A single database for all member details. This makes it simple to access and update information, saving time on administrative tasks.
3. Volunteer Coordination: Tools to manage volunteer schedules and assignments. This helps organize volunteers efficiently, ensuring that events and programs run smoothly.
4. Event Management: Features to plan and oversee church events. This reduces the complexity of event coordination, allowing for more successful gatherings.
5. Secure Data Management: Advanced security features to protect sensitive information. This keeps member data safe and builds trust within the congregation.
Using church contact management software helps streamline operations, making it easier for church leaders to focus on their ministry. By reducing the time and effort spent on administrative tasks, this software allows churches to serve their communities more effectively.
Costs & Pricing for Church Contact Management Software
When choosing church contact management software, understanding the plan and pricing options is crucial. This software often comes with different plans to suit various needs and budgets. Here is an overview of the plan options available:
| Plan Type | Price | Common Features | Best for… |
| Free | $0 | Basic member database, basic communication tools, event management | Small churches, church plants |
| Basic | $20/month | Member database, communication tools, event management, basic reporting | Small to medium-sized churches |
| Standard | $50/month | All Basic features, volunteer management, advanced reporting, mobile access | Medium to large churches |
| Premium | $100/month | All Standard features, integration with other software, advanced security, customization options | Large churches or multi-campus churches |
| Enterprise | Custom | All Premium features, dedicated support, advanced analytics, personalized training | Very large churches with complex needs |
Each plan offers different features and pricing to meet various needs and budgets. Choose the plan that best fits your church’s size and requirements.
Church Contact Management Software Frequently Asked Questions
How does this software help with visitor follow-up and engagement?
Church contact management software helps track new visitors and automate follow-up tasks like sending welcome emails or reminders for events. This keeps visitors engaged and connected to the church.
Can it help with tracking and managing prayer requests?
Yes, most church contact management software includes features for tracking and managing prayer requests. You can log requests, update their status, and share them with prayer teams, ensuring every request gets attention.
Is it possible to use church contact management software to organize small groups and their activities?
Yes, church contact management software often has tools for organizing small groups. You can schedule meetings, track attendance, and communicate easily with group members, making it simpler to manage small groups.
How does this tool integrate with social media platforms for outreach?
Many church contact management software options offer integration with social media platforms. This lets you share events, announcements, and updates directly to your social media, helping to increase outreach.
What options are available for importing existing member data into the church contact management software?
Most church contact management software includes tools for importing existing member data. You can usually upload data from spreadsheets or other databases, making the switch to the new system easy.
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