Congregational Software

There are several congregational software packages available. Below are some suggestions
to help you choose the right software for you and your congregational software.

1. How to find software: Possible the best way is to contact other congregations and neighboring parishes, and inquire what they use. Another solution is use Internet search engine. In addition, the National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA) and the Christian Management Association (CMA) can recommend software for your congregation. Many times software venders advertise users of their software, if any are in your area---contact them, This is a great way of finding out about the program, whether or not it is truly user-friendly, as well as its technical support, and about any training.
2. Compare software features with your congregation's practices: An example of this is the use of numbered offering envelopes. Because of the number of churches that still use number offering envelopes, many software programs require this information in order to record contributions. Unfortunately, there isn't a perfect software product that will match your congregation's specific practices and needs, however, there are some products that will meet more of your needs than others will.
3. Stop and consider how you will transfer data and how the information you currently have will be entered into the new software: Several products have data-important tools and step-by-step instructions to convert data, other software requires the vendor to do this for you at an additional cost, while still other software has no provisions for converting data.
4. Compatibility: In order to guarantee compatibility and integration of functions make sure that you use the same software packages for your membership, attendance, and contributions.
5. Do not underestimate training and customer support: Many times the problems that so many congregations encounter could have been avoided had they had sufficient training. When purchasing software, enquire about the available training that the vendor provides, and then take his or her advice. It is also recommended that you purchase and maintain any technical support or maintenance plan provided by the vendor. Many times they will offer unlimited telephone support, however you will still need updates to the software. In addition, do not relay on volunteer support
   for members of your congregation who may be in the technology field. Though these are well meaning individuals, they usually are not familiar with Congregational Management Software.

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