The perfect solution might already be in your hands...

TL;DR: For most churches, the smartest choice isn’t shelling out for a pricey stand-alone app—it’s tapping into the powerful one already built into your current church software. If your church software doesn't have an app, you should find one that does.

The Problem With Most Church Apps

Getting a separate app designed for your church sounds great in theory. After all, custom church apps are a great way to boost your overall church marketing image and engage with your people.

Unfortunately, the cool factor of a mobile church app dissipates like a new car smell with the problems they introduce...

1. They Duplicate Work

Standalone apps like Tithe.ly may make giving easier, but what happens when donation records don’t sync automatically with your member database? While Tithely does offer integrations with some church management software (ChMS), not all systems sync automatically, and some require manual exports/imports of donation records. Someone has to manually update records, wasting valuable time and increasing the risk of errors.

2. They Add Complexity

Many churches end up using a combination of apps, such as Pushpay for donations, Subsplash for media, and Planning Center for event sign-ups, all while still managing a separate ChMS.

Instead of simplifying church operations, this approach creates more work. Staff members must learn multiple platforms, troubleshoot tech issues, and constantly transfer information between systems or rely on confusing API's and web hooks. Can you say yikes?

3. Higher Costs, Bigger Security Risks

Every additional app comes with added costs. [LINK TO NEW CHURCH APP COST BLOG]

Beyond cost, security also becomes a concern. With sensitive member data spread across different platforms, your church is at higher risk of data breaches or compliance failures.

The Power of an Integrated ChMS App

The best church app isn’t a standalone—it’s one built into your church management software.

A ChMS app consolidates everything into one system, eliminating the need to switch between apps or re-enter data. By integrating everything into a single platform, churches can save time and money, avoiding multiple subscriptions for separate tools.

Instead of juggling multiple services, an all-in-one system streamlines operations, often at a lower cost.

Most importantly, an integrated app frees up pastors and admin teams to focus on ministry rather than troubleshooting tech issues, allowing them to spend more time discipling people and less time managing apps.

[LINK TO UPDATED THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CHURCH APPS BLOG]

What to Look for in a Church Platform

If your church software doesn't already have a member-facing app built in, here's a guide on what to look for:

1. Must-Have Features

Member Management: Keep an up-to-date directory that syncs automatically.

Giving Tools: Integrated donation tracking without extra fees.

Event & Volunteer Planning: Sign-ups, check-ins, and scheduling in one place.

Communication: Send texts, emails, and push notifications seamlessly.

Many popular church management platforms have these features built into the member app. Examples include ChurchTrac's Church Connect, Planning Center's Church Center, or Tithely's Church App.

2. Flexibility & Growth

A great church app should grow with your ministry. Look for customization options, automation tools, and future-proof features.

3. Reliable Support

A solid ChMS provider offers training, live support, and resources to help your team succeed.

Bonus: Don’t Forget Your Church Website

While a church app is an excellent tool for engaging members, your church website plays a different but equally crucial role. An app is primarily geared toward your existing congregation, helping them to stay connected, engage with church activities, and give easily.

However, your website is your digital front door, welcoming visitors, sharing your mission, and providing essential information like service times, location, and upcoming events. A well-designed church website works alongside your ChMS app to serve both your members and newcomers!

Boost Engagement With Your Ministry Now

If your Church Management Software already has a built-in app for your members, you already have a seamless hub that ties together online giving, prayer requests, event planning, member management, and beyond. A separate church app will do very little to increase this.

Why wrestle with a tangle of separate platforms when you can streamline everything into one elegant solution? It’s less stress, lower costs, and more focus on what matters: authentic ministry.

If your current software doesn't have an app to connect with your congregation, it may be time for you to consider a new one.

The Best Church App FAQs

What are the benefits of a church app built into church management software?

An integrated app combines member management, giving, communication, and event planning in one system. This saves time, lowers costs, reduces tech problems, and lets staff focus on ministry.

What features should a good church app include?

Look for automatic member directory syncing, built-in giving tools, event and volunteer sign-ups, easy communication options like texts and push notifications, and customization to fit your ministry’s growth.

Does a church app replace the need for a church website?

No. The website is for visitors and newcomers with essential information such as service times and location. The app mainly engages your current congregation.

Are integrated apps more secure?

Yes. Using one trusted platform reduces the risk of data breaches since sensitive information is stored in fewer places. Reputable ChMS providers also prioritize security and compliance.

Can a church app increase giving and engagement?

Yes. When integrated and easy to use, members can give securely, sign up for events, and receive updates—all through one app.

What if our church software does not have an app?

Consider switching to a ChMS that includes a built-in app. This simplifies management and improves communication without extra cost or complexity.