Costs beyond the subscription
Church apps vary in price—from free versions to premium packages. But don’t forget:
-
Setup or branding fees
-
Payment processing percentages
-
Add-on features
-
Staff time to manage content
Calculate your total annual cost—including giving fees—to determine the real investment.
Measuring return on investment
Financial: Compare digital giving before and after launch. Increased recurring gifts often indicate success.
Engagement: Track app use, content views, and sign-ups. Compare this to past benchmarks.
Ministry value: Look for stories of spiritual growth, stronger volunteer engagement, or more responsive pastoral care.
When church apps make sense
-
Your congregation is mobile-first
-
You need better ways to connect campuses or languages
-
Your app integrates with your church systems
-
You have the staff or volunteers to manage content
When to wait
-
Most members aren’t comfortable with apps
-
You can’t consistently update the app
-
Your website already meets current needs
-
Your budget can’t sustain ongoing costs
Questions to ask app vendors
-
What features are included in each tier?
-
How are processing fees structured?
-
Does it integrate with our current systems?
-
Who owns the data?
-
How customizable is the design?
-
What onboarding support is offered?
-
Is the platform secure and compliant?
RELATED: 5 GTD Apps to Simplify Your Processes
Tips for successful adoption
Announce the app clearly, show how it helps people engage, and offer QR codes or video demos. Pre-load the app with relevant content—this week’s message, a devotional, or an upcoming event—and avoid overusing push alerts early on.
Church apps can enhance communication, discipleship, and giving—if aligned with your church’s needs and culture. But they require commitment and clarity. If the tool helps people engage more deeply with your mission, it’s likely a wise investment. If not, focus on strengthening existing digital tools first, and revisit the idea when the time is right.
