How to Build a Church App

This article is a step-by-step guide through the process of building your church app.

• Upload Your Church Logo
• Customize Connect App Settings
• Add Connect Cards
• Publish Public Events
• Sharing Your Church App
• Pro Tips

Step 1: Upload Your Church Logo

First, enable the "Show Connect App Logo/Church Name" toggle in your Connect App Settings. When enabled, app users will see your Connect App Logo or Church Name on the main screen. We recommend uploading a transparent PNG logo for the best results. (The native image resolution is 1,200 pixels wide.)

For best display, use a logo with a 5:1 width-to-height ratio. Logos that are too tall will be auto-sized to fit, which can make them appear too small or not fully cover the top of the page.

Step 2: Customize Connect App Settings

The Connect App Settings allow you to customize your members' Connect App experience.

You can:

• Enable App Giving: When enabled, app users can make online contributions from your Connect App.
• Enable Group Messages: When enabled, app users will see a Groups tab in the Church Connect app. Members of groups with messaging turned on can chat with each other and their group leaders.
• Enable Media: When enabled, app users will be able to see your media feed (videos, podcasts, etc.).
• Media Form Card: Select a Form Card to display on the media screen, allowing visitors to submit a form through the Connect App.
• App Feed: Add a Media Feed to display videos or audio in your app.

Enable App Giving

When enabled, app users can make online contributions from your Connect App.

Enable Group Messages

When enabled, app users will see a Groups tab in the Church Connect app. Members of groups with messaging turned on can chat with each other and their group leaders.

Enable Media

When enabled, app users will be able to see your media feed (videos, podcasts, etc.).

Adding a Media Form Card

You can link a Form Card to your media screen, allowing visitors to easily access and submit a form through the Connect App. For example, let’s say you choose the “Connect” Form Card.

Once selected, this form will be available within any media content displayed in your app. You’ll notice the “Connect” button now appears below the the selected video content.

Tapping that button will open the Connect Form directly within the app.

Adding an App Feed

Select the "Add a Feed" button to display videos or audio in your app.

Start by entering a Title and Description for this feed.

Choose the type of media feed you want to add: Podcast RSS, Vimeo Channel, Vimeo Playlist, YouTube Channel, or YouTube Playlist.

Then enter its ID or URL.

Upload or select an image to represent your feed. We recommend using a PNG image that clearly identifies your channel or content.

Step 3: Add Connect Cards

Next, you'll want to add Cards to your app for your members to interact with. This can be anything from Page Cards with important information or announcements, Form Cards to collect information, Registration or Attendance cards for events, and other card options.

To create a card, select the "Add a Card" button located towards the top of the "Cards" tab.

Then, choose the type of card you want to add.

It's recommended to give your card a descriptive name (up to 40 characters). This is used when identifying which form was submitted (for Form Cards) or when linking to a page.

Step 4: Publish Public Events

The Connect App is a great way to keep your members updated on what’s happening at your church! For events on your calendar you wish to make visible, turn on the “Publish this Event” toggle to make them visible on the Events tab in the app.

Step 5: Sharing Your Church App

You are provided a QR Code and a link to share your app. By scanning the code or using the link, members are taken directly to the App Store where they can download the app and be automatically matched to your church.

You'll also see your church app install code. Members will need this code if they install the app manually from the app store (by searching "Church Connect"). You do not need to share this code with your members if they use the QR code or link provided above.

Pro Tips

Once your members have the app installed and notifications enabled, you can send out push notifications for important updates, like event reminders, weather cancellations, or last-minute changes. It’s one of the fastest ways to reach your people directly on their phones. Learn more about Push Notifcations ›

The QR code and URL are the easiest way to direct people to your app. That directs people to the app store and will load your church's information into the app once it is downloaded. Learn more about Sharing Your App ›