Some folks think keeping up with technology is similar to experiencing the Old Testament plagues. NOW what? How am I supposed to deal with all of this?

But there IS a difference. Those folks dealt with a finite number – 10. However, it would be hard to “count” the many technology changes. Some people would say this is a plague of change – but the results belie that description.

Technology has changed the way people work. Nowhere is it more evident than in the church. More tools give support to ministry than over before.

Take a look at what has become the most basic tool – the computer system. The days of simply tracking names and addresses are long gone. Now you use your system to contact members in whatever method they ask you to use. And you report giving and attendance patterns in ways requested by your staff. Probably the most valuable resource in your church is now your database. And fortunately for you, the days of proprietary software are gone. The data is yours. You must be able to use it in whatever ways make sense for your congregation.

This brings up the idea of connectivity, and how easily you can take advantage of adjunct tools that use your database for new ways. From basic to advanced, these tools extend the use of your data, making your software decision even more important as you wisely spend the allocated dollars.

Phone Messaging
Members and participants are the lifeblood of any congregation. Staying in touch with them is a must. From recorded phone messages to internet messages, the information is delivered to targeted lists in your voice and at the times you specify, even receiving survey replies if desired.

Mail Management
Software connects to your database to streamline your mailing activities. This includes “cleaning” your addresses (correcting spellings and adding ZIP+4), preparing bulk mailing to achieve the most favorable rates, and noting change of address data as recorded  with the U.S. Postal Service.

Data Entry
Tools to help with repetitive tasks are valuable as time savers – and they’re actually money-makers. By helping with such things as entering attendance data and information from checks, they “buy” back hours for office staff. Barcode readers zap the barcodes assigned to people for recording their attendance. Check readers now can read both sides of a check, store both images, endorse it, as well as call up the contributor’s record to designate the dollars into the requested funds.

Mapping
Being able to spot people on maps brings a myriad of helpful results. Design carpools and bus routes for getting children to Bible School and senior adults to social activities. Pair members in a particular neighborhood with church guests in the same area for visitation. Organize neighborhood Bible groups. And, produce the driving route for staff to visit new members and sick or bereaved participants.

Web-Based Tools
Making the Internet accessible to people provides many benefits for the church office as well as your members and participants.

Online Directory:

• Encourage members to update telephone, address, and contact info
• Nurture community by making contacts among members easy
• Provide quick maps for visitation activities

Online Giving:

• Encourage uninterrupted giving when sick or traveling
• Accept credit cards
• Gather registration fees for seminars, trips, and camps

Online Surveys:

• Provide forms to indicate interest in volunteering
• Query membership regarding change related to constitution, building plans, etc.

Online Calendar:

• Display activities determined by church
• Increase attendance at upcoming events
• Display calendars based on view preference!

Checking In Attendees
Churches sense a need for knowledge that goes beyond simple attendance taking. Knowing who is where and identifying the proper adults responsible for the care of specific minors are major concerns. A combination of software and hardware provides a solution bundle that meets these needs.

Software lets people “enter” the church and its various activities, including notifying rooms to expect children. Hardware assists this process with badge and label-making components and barcode readers or scanners. And the process is concluded by matching adults with children when services are concluded, or further checking people out from class or recreation activities.

Pat Faudree is advertising and public relations manager for Shelby Systems, Inc., www.shelbyinc.com.