When it comes to adopting new ministry methodologies and tools for your church, it’s crucial to ask “Is this right for us?”. This same question should be asked when deciding if a church mobile app is best for your ministry.
This question in particular is timely given that 83% of the world’s population (and probably at least 83% of your church) owns a smartphone. Additionally, 85% of the time spent on mobile devices is spent on apps.
However, to thoroughly answer this question, we need to look at why a church would use a mobile app and how to determine if a church should adopt one.
Why Use a Mobile App?
Implementing new technology requires energy and effort. This is no different with a mobile app. The creation and implementation will require resources so looking at “the why” before moving forward is wise. So, why use a mobile app?
1. Streamline Engagement
One major advantage of a mobile app is that it makes tasks simpler compared to your website. When tasks are simpler, the likelihood they are completed and repeated increases. Let’s use online giving as an example.
Compare the steps to give via website vs. mobile app:
Web Browser Mobile Giving: Open your Smartphone Browser>Type in your ministry domain name>Navigate to your giving page>Spend 20 seconds logging in. (40 if you mistype your password 😉)>Donate
Mobile App Giving: Open mobile app>Tap Give>Donate
The same streamlined process applies to other regularly repeated tasks. A simpler process with fewer steps leads to streamlined engagement which is a major benefit of a church mobile app.
2. Consolidate Platforms
The more places people need to go (digitally) and the more platforms you use, the less participation and adoption you’ll see. The beauty of a mobile app is that (when done right) it provides a singular place for people to participate in the ministry.
Instead of one platform for giving, another for signups, another for check-in, and another for sermons, you could have one place that does it all. This not only makes things easier for your people, but it also makes things easier for your staff and volunteers.
3. Meet People Where They’re At
Using a smartphone to run your life is commonplace for the majority of people. This is especially true for the millennial and Gen Z generations. While the conversation around whether this is helpful or harmful is needed, the reality still remains that this is how the majority of people do life in our current day.
Given that, church mobile apps are a way to meet people where they’re at. It’s an opportunity to be digitally missional and “speak the language” that people speak to reach as many people as we can and make the most Kingdom impact.
Should We Adopt a Mobile App?
Understanding the “why” behind a church mobile app is important, but the second question you need to ask is “should we adopt a mobile app for our church?”. This is a question each church needs to ask and the answers will vary. Here are 3 questions you can use when deciding if a mobile app is right for your ministry:
1. Will it serve our people?
Any software you implement needs to help serve your people and your mission better. How will a mobile app help you do this? Will it make signing up for events easier? Will it provide an easier way for people to listen to past sermons? Will it better enable generosity?
2. Can we help people adopt it?
Once you’ve decided it will serve your people…the next question is can you help people adopt it? With any new technology there comes a learning curve and behavior change. Do you have the capacity to help people adopt this change? Purchasing software without a plan to implement and adopt it is a recipe for wasted resources.
3. Can we grow with it?
You want to make sure a mobile app can grow with you. Are there features that will be helpful to add as you grow? Can you integrate your church management software? Are there more ways people can use the app as adoption increases?
Wrap Up
The decision to implement a church mobile app should be thoroughly thought through. While it might not be the best way forward for some, a mobile app will make sense for the majority as it provides easier ways for people to connect and engage with your ministry.
Need help navigating this decision? We’d love to come alongside you and act as a guide in making this decision. Get in touch with us here and we’d love to help.