The list: 32 church database solutions

July 1, 2009 in for Churches, Pastors

As discussed in “Search for the ideal church database“, below is a list of church database solutions that I’ve discovered in my research. To be honest, I can’t see the value of databases that aren’t web-based, but you’re welcome to try to persuade me otherwise.

Have you used any of these databases? What has been your experience?

Web-based

Software/network-based

Below are a list of other church databases that I’ve discovered in my travels. Most of these aren’t web-based, they’re software (i.e. to be installed on a computer or network). Most of these failed to impress or even mildly attract. Many seemed behind the times, lacking in most ‘modern’ functionality. For example, one database I checked out explained (and I kid you not) “This program is available on CD or 3 1/2″ diskettes.” I wouldn’t know where to get a computer that still uses 3 ½ diskettes!

  • http://www.gospelsoftware.com/ Scott Moonen

    Please also consider Gospel Software, a growing web-based church database and administration solution.

    http://www.gospelsoftware.com/

  • http://www.softophile.com/the-list-32-church-database-solutions-communicate-jesus/ » The list: 32 church database solutions | Communicate Jesus » Free Software

    [...] news by Steven Kryger Firefox 3 Hug Day (for Ubuntu) [...]

  • Steven Kryger

    Thanks for getting in touch, Scott. What do you think are the key features that set Gospel Software apart from the rest, and help churches manage their people and activities?

  • Steven Kryger

    I’ve also just come across Membership Edge – another web-based database. The website is a bit daggy, but some of the features look good.

  • http://www.pastoralcare.com.au Russell

    Sadly there seems to little or No Australian products in the recomended list of options. And they are all web based. For those looking for an affordable solution, with training available at Capital City training seminars, our product does just about everything on a network for a one of purchase of around $300 RRP. http://www.pastoralcare.com.au
    Used by thousands of churhces in Australia, NZ, Canada and other pockets of the world :)

  • Steven Kryger

    Hi Russell, the audience for Communicate Jesus is much broader than just Australia – in fact, over half of visitors are from the US. Therefore, promoting Australian products isn’t my primary objective. Of course, there are some benefits to using a local provider such as your product, Pastoral Care (for readers who are from Australia), but the internet provides great solutions for training that mean that doesn’t require the provider to be located in the same country as the user. Web conferencing, video tutorials, screen sharing and more provide great training options that mean that a church anywhere in the world can be trained and supported, without a trainer flying in to help.

  • http://www.kyeschung.com/blog/ ksc

    we use stafftool.com and love it! it has an iphone version of the website to so that we can add notes and call, get directions, etc. it’s the cleanest UI i’ve seen.

  • http://www.church-software.org Gary

    Steve,
    A couple of limitations on web-based software…
    - Internet-connectivity problems will cause havoc if you have no off-line options.
    - In my experience web-based software tends to be slower than network based.
    - Accessing back-end data can be difficult for web-based.
    These are not true in every case, but if they are issues for you, they can be very frustrating.

  • http://erkochurch.com roger fitz

    We’ve been using planningcenteronline.com which, despite spelling ‘centre’ incorrectly, has been great for service planning. This is due to (a) auto reminder emails (b) ability for users to block out dates they’re unavailable (c) matrix view of a series of services at once (d) ability to upload mp3s and pdfs of music for band members.

    The downside is that it’s not a complete solution. What’s the thing that St Katay’s is using?

  • Kristin

    Also check out Zondervan’s: http://www.onthecity.org/

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Greg-McTaggart/100001320761082 Greg McTaggart

    I would check out Web Church Connect’s church management software; it’s cheap, full features and it’s pretty much the top low-priced church database out there on the market.

  • Gavin Courtney

    There’s a pretty new web-based church database management system that’s designed for the UK church called ChurchApp. I’ve met a few churches recently who are using it. The website is http://churchapp.co.uk.

    Looks pretty nice and they’re adding quite a few features by the looks of things. Don’t think it’s as feature complete as some of the others at the moment, but I like where it’s heading.