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.

Note: Uploading your church's logo here will display it at the top of your app's main screen. The Church Connect app icon itself can't be changed.

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 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.

App Giving requires ChurchTrac Online Giving. Learn more about setting up Online Giving for additional online and app giving options.

Enable Media

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

The Media feature is available to churches on a current Standard or Plus plan. This feature is not available on legacy plans.

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 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.

Note: Only Cards are used to display content in the app. Your site's navigation bar and hero (header) will not appear in the Church Connect app.

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.

How to create a new card to add content to your church website or church app

Editing Page Content

You can easily edit the content of each Card, including the card or page name, custom URL path, and title. To do this, simply select the Card you want to edit and select the "Edit Page Content" button.

Edit Card Content

Additional Card Options

In the additional card options, you can choose where to show the card (all platforms, web only, or app only), update the card status, or set it to be hidden after a specific date.

Customizing Connect Cards

Show This Card On: Choose where you would like to display this card: All platforms, Web only, or App only.

Show this Connect Card On

Card Status: Hidden cards will not be displayed in Church Connect. Otherwise, the card will be displayed based on your selection: Displayed (until Date below), Displayed when the member is logged in (for church members logged into the member portal), Displayed when the member is NOT logged in (for visitors and members visiting the website).

Show this Connect Card On

Hide this Card After (optional date): The card will not be displayed in Church Connect after the date you select. If blank, the card will continue to be displayed until it is deleted or hidden.

Pro Tip: Keep your app up-to-date by setting event cards to automatically hide after the event ends.

Customizing Connect Cards

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.

Volunteers can use the Events tab to view upcoming events, update their availability for serving, and access service outlines.

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.

Learn more about sharing your Church Connect app with your members.

Pro Tips

Use Push Notifications to Keep Everyone in the Loop

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 ›

Push Notifications are only available to churches on a current Standard or Plus plan. This feature is not available on legacy plans.

The QR code and URL are best way to share your app

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 ›