2025’s Best Church Management Software For Small Churches
Our Shortlist: Top Small Church ChMS Tools
My team and I dug deep into the most common church management software options for small churches. After all that research, here are the 10 best.
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
For pastors of small churches (or church plants), choosing a church management software (ChMS) for their small church can be tough. The right tool not only suits your situation without being overkill but also fits your budget.
There are a lot of software tools out there, many of them quite complex, and sifting through them all is a daunting prospect. That being said, I have experienced how frustrating life can be without the right church management software tool:
- Administrative tasks consume too much time, leaving less focus on ministry and pastoral care.
- Keeping member information, communication, and event planning organized feels chaotic.
- Church communication lacks clarity, leaving people uninformed or disconnected.
- Scheduling and coordinating volunteers is frustrating, causing programs to feel disorganized.
Pastoring a small church is a unique experience, the right church management software for your small church needs to be appropriate for your needs, at a reasonable (ie: low) budget.
Why Trust My Church Management Software Reviews?
My team and been testing and reviewing church management software since 2019. As pastors and church leaders ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting software. We invest in deep research to help our audience make better software purchasing decisions. We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools for different church-use cases and written over 1,000 comprehensive software reviews. Learn how we stay transparent & our church management software review methodology.
The Best Church Management Software For Small Churches Summary
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best all-in-one capabilities | Free version available | From $12/month | Website | |
| 2 | Best for organizing Sunday schools | Not available | Website | ||
| 3 | Best for integrations | Not available | From $99/month/account | Website | |
| 4 | Best for community building | Not available | Customized pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for donor management | Not available | From $99/month for up to 1,000 records | Website | |
| 6 | Best for communication that promotes engagement | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for payroll management | You can access a demo and request a free trial. | from $279/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for Text and Email Communications | Free plan available | From $84/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best mobile app | Free plan available | Website | ||
| 10 | Best for centralizing church functions | Free plan available | From $9/month | Website |
Overviews Of The 10 Best Church Management Software For Small Churches
Here’s a brief description of each church management software for small churches to showcase each tool’s best use case, some noteworthy features, and screenshots to give a snapshot of the interface.
ChMeetings is a cloud-based Church Management Software (ChMS) designed to help faith-based organizations streamline their operations. Used by over 7,000 churches worldwide, it offers an intuitive interface, multilingual support in 22 languages, and budget-friendly pricing. Whether managing memberships, tracking attendance, or handling finances, ChMeetings provides an all-in-one solution for churches of all sizes.
For small churches, ChMeetings stands out as an affordable and user-friendly option. It offers a free plan for up to 50 members, making it accessible for congregations with limited budgets. The software simplifies administrative tasks like member organization, group management, and secure online donations, allowing church leaders to focus more on their mission rather than paperwork. Its financial tools also help with budgeting, reporting, and tracking contributions.
Beyond core management functions, ChMeetings includes additional standout features that enhance church operations. Automated communication tools enable churches to send emails, SMS messages, and push notifications, keeping members engaged. Event management capabilities allow for easy planning and registration of church activities. It even has a mobile app that can be fully customized and re-branded for a more personalized experience.
ChurchInfo is a free church software solution that you can use to record and maintain data about your members and groups. You can use ChurchInfo to manage pledges, launch text-giving initiatives, and even track donations. ChurchInfo can be ideal for you if you want to use a free management software to manage volunteer opportunities.
ChurchInfo is best for your church if you have a Sunday school class or program because you can use it to maintain a Sunday school database of participants, class schedules, and volunteers. You can assign roles to members such as servant keeper, student, liaison, or teacher. You can generate attendance sheets using ChurchInfo for easier record-keeping.
Neon One is a management software that can provide non-profit organizations with a unified platform to manage their relationship with stakeholders. You can use Neon One to manage fundraisers, community-giving activities, and donor-centered events for your church. It also has built-in digital (video messages, social media posts) and conventional communications tools (text messaging, newsletters) that you can personalize to stay in touch with members of your congregation.
Neon One is the best management software to personalize your church management solution because you can develop tools and features through Neon One’s API. Integrations are also available so you can connect to preexisting software like GivBee, Salesforce, VolunteerLocal, and Fundraise Up.
Neon One integrates with Zapier so you can access additional communication, project management, marketing, and accounting software if you have a paid plan with them.
ChurchStaq is a community engagement solution that you can use to manage the profiles of the members of your congregation. It has a custom church app that you can use to access ChurchStaq data while working remotely. You can also use ChurchStaq to manage your calendar and schedule events.
ChurchStaq is best for those who want to improve community engagement because it can help you measure and understand the impact of your ministry to your community through easy-to-generate reports. It also provides you with a means of connecting to congregants both in-person and online.
ChurchStaq integrates with Intuit QuickBooks, Elvanto, and other CMS programs.
DonorPerfect is a fundraising CRM that can help your church optimize your fundraising efforts. You can use DonorPerfect to create branded forms that include your church’s logo to encourage more donors to join your fundraising efforts. DonorPerfect’s forms are configurable and mobile-friendly; you can send them via email, your church website, or through social media accounts.
DonorPerfect is the best fundraising CRM to build a better relationship with your donors because it lets you sustain a constant email marketing campaign to keep your donors engaged. You can also use DonorPerfect to make donating easier through a simple click-and-pay method. You can also use DonorPerfect to send automated receipts with thank you messages to show gratitude to your supporters.
Realm is a cloud-based church management platform that provides tools and services to help churches manage their ministries, connect with their congregation, and handle administrative tasks. Its ability to integrate multiple operations and functions, like donation management, volunteer management, and accounting, makes it ideal for small churches with limited resources.
The software includes communication tools, discipleship tracking, pastoral notes, and mobile apps for congregation members to stay connected and give online. It also offers integrated solutions for administrators, with real-time dashboards, reports, accounting, and background checks.
One standout feature is Realm's Connect app, designed to facilitate clear communication between pastors and congregation members and promote engagement. It allows users to message each other, create posts, and read church news, helping them feel connected even when they're not at church. The app also allows for donation management and giving, which integrates seamlessly with Realm's church management platform for reporting and accounting purposes.
Church Windows is a church management software that you can use to maintain individual and household records for your congregation. It also gives you a means of connecting with members through customized emails and by scheduling personal visitations. The software also has reporting capabilities so that you can generate visitation and attendance reports based on the criteria of your choice.
Church Windows is the best church management program for handling your church’s payroll because it can accommodate a wide range of compensation requirements. It has updated tax tables so that you won’t encounter any issues during tax season. You can use Church Windows to produce reports on salaries, allowances, taxes, donations, and deductions so you can avoid errors usually brought by manual computations.
You can integrate TaxBandits in Church Windows as an optional service so you can file your taxes electronically.
Flocknotes is a user-friendly church management program that you can use to stay in touch with members of your congregation. You can use it to send newsletters to keep your congregation abreast of the latest news and articles about your church. You can also use Flocknotes to maintain a member database so you will have access to contact information, important documents, and attendance records.
Flocknote is the best church management software if you use text messages and emails to engage your congregation because it offers unlimited text messages and emails with its monthly plan. Flocknote also has an email composer that you can use to send emails with customizable colors, gifs, layouts, and fonts. The email composer allows you to take polls, send attachments, embed videos, and track RSVPs to special events.
ChurchCRM is a cloud-based CRM that your church can use to keep track of your members, contributions, and facility data. You can count on ChurchCRM when creating volunteer programs, fundraisers, and other church events. ChurchCRM allows you to input an unlimited number of people and families into the system, making it ideal for growing churches.
ChurchCRM is best for churches that organize outdoor activities such as bible camps, team building activities, and family days. Its mobile app version allows you to use the program while working remotely. ChurchCRM’s intuitive mobile app lets members check-in for events and organizes volunteers while on the field. The app lets you use your tablet or mobile phone to attend to your congregation’s needs even if you’re not in front of your workstation.
ChurchTrac is an effective church management software for small churches, offering a blend of affordability and ease of use. It features essential tools like member management, attendance tracking, event scheduling, and online giving, which are vital for managing church activities efficiently. These centralized functionalities enable churches to handle their congregations and events without the complexity or expense associated with more extensive systems.
Additionally, ChurchTrac provides donation management and church accounting features, helping small churches manage their resources effectively. Another valuable aspect of ChurchTrac is its worship planning tools. These tools help you create detailed service outlines, schedule teams, and import songs, which is especially beneficial for small churches that might not have a dedicated staff member for these tasks.
Other Small Church Management Software Options: Honorable Mentions
Here are a few more options that, while notable, didn’t make our top ten list:
- Gracely
For member management
- SteepleMate
For people management
- MinistryPlatform
For customizable church management
- Breeze ChMS
User-friendly and affordable church management software that helps churches manage attendance, giving, events, and volunteers.
- Subsplash
All-in-one ChMs
- Raklet
Church management software solution that allows users to organize a contacts database, send communications, organize events and raise funds.
- Aplos
Cloud-based platform designed to help churches organizations manage their finances, track donations, and communicate with their members.
- CahabaWorks
A church accounting software with features that allow users to manage contributions, payroll and balance accounts.
- Churchteams
All-in-one web-based platform that helps churches manage small groups, volunteers, events, check-in, and donations.
- SimpleChurch CRM
ChMS with modules for communication, giving, training, and organization. Sliding scale monthly fee based on directory size.
Related Software for Small Churches
In addition to church management software, a small church can also benefit from other software solutions:
- Church Website Software: ensure your church's online platform is anchored by a well-designed, responsive website.
- Church Administrative Software: streamline your operations and cut down on the time and energy required running the business of church.
- Church Accounting Software: elevate your church's digital financial capacity with accounting software that will expand as you do.
Top Five ChMS Uses by Church Size
Our Selection Criteria
As a lead pastor with a background in both ministry and technology, I've invested extensive resources into selecting and reviewing church management software tailored for small churches. Having personally tried and researched these tools, I’ve developed a set of criteria that focuses on functionality, user needs, and the essential qualities of flexibility, scalability, and simplicity.
To be considered for inclusion on my list of the best church management software, the solution had to support the ability to fulfill common use cases. These include:
Core Church Management Software Functionality: 25% of total weighting score
- How well does the solution provide for managing and updating member profiles?
- Does the sofware offer basic financial integrations (ie; tracking donations and generating financial reports)?
- Can users use the software to schedule events and manage church calendars?
- Does the software allow for email communication with church members?
- How well does this software solution coordinate volunteer activities and assignments?
- Can leaders communicating effectively with the church through integrated platforms?
Additional Standout Features: 25% of total weighting score
- Does the solution offer modular or add-on capabilities that allow churches to expand functionality as they grow?
- Does the solution allow for in-depth communication tools like customized mobile apps or social media integration?
- Does the solution provide advanced data analytics for deeper insights into giving patterns or attendance?
- Does the solution allow for integrated learning management systems for educational programs?
- How robust are the security features? Can the software ensure data privacy and compliance with regional regulations?
Usability: 10% of total weighting score
- We looked for a balance between powerful features and a user-friendly interface, prioritizing straightforward navigation and logical layout.
- We want to see interfaces that are eclean, with visual elements like drag-and-drop calendars for scheduling and easy-to-use dashboard summaries for quick updates.
Onboarding: 10% of total weighting score
- We looked at key onboarding aspects including: the setup processes, availability of video tutorials, interactive product tours, and support documentation.
- I evaluate how effectively a new user can transition to full use of the platform, including the availability of customer onboarding specialists or automated setup assistants.
Customer Support: 10% of total weighting score
- My team and I assessed the breadth and availability of software support options, including 24/7 live chat, phone support, and extensive online help centers.
- We tracked the responsiveness of the support team and their ability to provide solutions quickly.
Value For Money: 10% of total weighting score
- We carefully balanced subscription costs with the features offered; looking for options that provide the most functionality at the lowest price.
- We considered whether there are flexible pricing plans that can accommodate the budget constraints typical of small churches.
Customer Reviews: 10% of total weighting score
- We scrutinized reviews for comments on reliability, customer service, and user satisfaction.
- We examined available feedback on how well the software meets the specific needs of small church operations, focusing on real-world application and problem-solving capabilities.
This framework has been tested and refined over 5+ years of reviewing software for churches. It's been shown to help pastors select software that not only fits their immediate needs but also supports their church's growth over time.
How to Choose Church Management Software For Small Churches
When small churches choose software, here are some key things to keep in mind:
Budget: If your church has a tight budget, pick software with clear pricing and no hidden fees. Look for software that can grow with your church without needing a big upfront cost. Some platforms charge based on the number of members, which is great for small churches because it keeps things flexible.
Ease of Use: Without a dedicated IT team, you need software that’s easy to use. Find a platform with a simple, clean design that you and your team can learn quickly. The less time you spend figuring out the software, the more time you can spend on ministry and helping your community. Features like drag-and-drop scheduling and one-click reporting make things easier.
Member Management: Make sure the software lets you create detailed profiles for each member, including contact info, social media, and family connections. This will save you and your volunteers a lot of time when communicating and building relationships within your church.
Tech Support and Training: Since most small churches don’t have an IT team, good support and training are a must. Look for software that offers tutorials, live help, and training sessions. This is especially important if you’re moving from paper records or another system. Good support means you won’t be stuck dealing with tech problems on your own, letting you focus more on your ministry.
Flexibility: Every small church is different, with its own needs and ways of doing things. Choose software that you can customize to fit your church. This might mean custom fields for member data, creating your own workflows for events, or making special reports. The right software should adapt to your church, not the other way around.
Top 3 Buying Factors by Church Size
Trends in Church Management Software for Small Churches
In 2024, church management software (ChMS) for small churches is getting better, thanks to the changing needs of church members and the growth of technology. Pastors now have more tools than ever to help them manage their ministries more effectively.
We've looked at updates and news from the most popular ChMS tools and found these trends and features becoming popular:
More Integration with AI and Other Platforms
- Increased Integration Capabilities: ChMS tools are now connecting better with other platforms like social media, financial software, and online learning tools. This makes it easier to handle different tasks all in one place.
- AI-Powered Features: More ChMS tools are using artificial intelligence to do routine tasks automatically, like scheduling, following up with visitors, and sending personalized messages. This can save pastors a lot of time and let them focus more on ministry.
- Simplified Financial Management: Managing church finances is getting easier with smarter tools that automatically track budgets and link up with popular accounting software. With data leaks becoming a big issue, these features are in high demand.
Ever Increasing Mobile-First Orientation
- Mobile Optimization: ChMS tools are improving for mobile use. Since more people use smartphones, there's a growing need for apps that work well on mobile devices. These apps now offer features like event reminders, mobile giving, and real-time communication.
- Enhanced Data Security and Privacy: With data breaches on the rise, ChMS providers are focusing more on protecting sensitive information. This includes better encryption and stronger controls over who can access the data.
In Decline: Need for On-Site Solutions
- Shift to Cloud-Based Solutions: More churches are moving away from on-site software to cloud-based options because they're cheaper, easier to access, and simpler to maintain.
In the end, these trends show that as technology advances, ChMS tools are becoming more connected, secure, and easy to use. This makes it easier for small churches to run their operations well and stay connected with their communities.
What IS Church Management Software for Small Churches?
Church management software is a type of tool that helps with the everyday jobs of running a church. It lets you manage things like member information, donations, events, and communication all in one place. This software makes it easier for small churches to take care of daily tasks, connect with their members, and grow, all while keeping costs and resources in check.
Using this software helps churches run more smoothly, stay connected with their members, and build a stronger community.
For pastors of smaller churches, this software can handle routine tasks automatically, save you time, and cut down on mistakes, so you can spend more time serving your community.
key Features of ChMS for Small Churches
When choosing the best church management software for your church, first identify When picking church software, make sure it’s flexible, easy to use, and can grow with your church. Look for these features:
- Cloud-Based: You can access your church info from anywhere—home, office, or on the go. This makes managing church activities more flexible.
- Drag-and-Drop: This makes the software easy to use. You can move things around like data, forms, and reports without needing tech skills. It’s simple, and more people in your church are likely to use it.
- Customizable: You should be able to adjust the software to fit your church’s specific needs. This flexibility helps you track what matters most to your community.
- Scalable Pricing: As your church grows, your software needs might change. Scalable pricing means you pay only for what you need, and you can change plans as needed.
- Mobile App: A mobile app lets church members and staff stay connected and updated from anywhere. This keeps things simple and flexible for everyone.
- Integrates with Other Tools: If the software works with tools you already use, like accounting software or email, it saves time and makes everything run smoother.
- Easy Reports: You can quickly create reports to see how your church is doing. Good reports help your church grow by making it easier to understand your progress and plan ahead.
- Automatic Backup: This keeps your important info safe in case something goes wrong. It gives you peace of mind and makes managing data security easier.
- Multi-User Access: Different people can use the software at the same time. As your church grows, you can add more users as needed.
- Simple Setup: The software should be easy to start using. A simple setup means less training is needed, so you and your team can get started right away.
Each of these features helps make the software flexible, easy to use, and ready to grow with your church.
Benefits of Small-Church-Focused Management Software
Your church’s daily operations are key to keeping things healthy. But many pastors didn’t go into ministry to handle church operations—they went into ministry to preach, share the gospel, and disciple people.
The biggest benefit of church management software? It takes a lot of the admin work off your plate. Here are five more benefits you can get:
- Better Church Communication: It makes it easy to stay in touch with staff and the congregation. You can send updates, newsletters, and event notices, so everyone stays informed and connected.
- Easier Financial Management: It helps you track and report finances. The software automatically handles donations and financial reports, so you can keep an eye on your budget without needing to be an accounting expert.
- Organized Member Information: It keeps all member info in one place. This means you can manage member profiles, track attendance, and keep contact details handy, making it easier to care for your congregation.
- Simplified Event Planning: It has tools to help plan and coordinate events. From scheduling to registering attendees, the software makes organizing church events smoother and more successful.
- Grows with Your Church: The software adjusts to fit the size and needs of your church. As your congregation grows, the software can add more features and handle more members, so it stays useful as you grow.
With these tools, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on ministry, as the admin work gets easier.
General Costs and Pricing for Church Management Software for Small Churches
When choosing church management software, it's important to pick a pricing plan that fits your church's size and needs. Different plans offer different features. Some are made for very small churches, while others are better for churches that are growing and need more advanced tools.
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Basic member management, limited reports, email support | A small church with very limited funds and simple needs |
| Basic | $10-30/month | Member management, donation tracking, event scheduling, basic support | A small church that needs help tracking members and events |
| Standard | $30-50/month | Better reports, email marketing, volunteer management, phone support | A small church that’s starting to grow and needs more tools |
| Premium | $50-100/month | Advanced reports, custom integrations, multi-user access, priority support | A small church with big plans that needs strong tools and more users |
Each plan gives you more features and better support as you go up. Think about what your church needs right now and where you’re headed when choosing a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions - Church Management Software for Small Churches
How long does it take to implement church management software in small church?
Implementation time can vary depending on the complexity of the software and the technical capacity of your church members. You’ll find that the providers in this list aim to make the onboarding process as quick and straightforward as possible, often offering step-by-step guidance to get you started.
Is church management software difficult to use?
Not typically. Most systems are designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering intuitive interfaces and support materials like tutorials and customer helpdesks to assist you.
What if I outgrow my church management software's capacity?
The software solutions we recommend offer scalable plans, which means you can start with a basic package and upgrade as your needs grow. This flexibility ensures that the software can continue to serve your church effectively as it expands.
If your current software does NOT offer that possibility, I recommend you seriously consider switching to a more scaleable option.
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