Used in business to keep track of traffic data and to learn from customer interactions, customer relationship management (CRM) software also is being employed by churches.

The search for CRM software is a new and daunting process for pastors. The development of church administrative software has enabled connectivity with members and volunteers in an easier, more convenient way. However, the most popular software may not be the best fit for the needs of your congregation.

Searching for the right software is like hiring a new member of your staff. The program you choose needs to work for you—this isn't a popularity contest. To discover what kind of software your church needs, ask these questions:

What kind of connectivity do you need? Determine what you need to cultivate community, intentionality and growth for the church. Does your staff need help keeping track of visitors and volunteers? Is the growth of your church in healthy proportion to the number of people on staff?

What is my budget for CRM software? We all know that time is money. Think of the time that needs to be invested into learning the features of the software, and pray about the money that should be allocated to purchase it. The last thing you need is software with a vast array of unexplored features that depletes your budget.

What is the main thing I need from church management software? Are you looking for a basic member-information database, a volunteer-tracking program, a visitor follow-up service or a way of recording contributions? List your needs from highest to lowest priority. This will help you sort through the additional features and different packages that all software companies will offer and will help you stay within budget.

Who will be using this software? Will it be used only by staff or by volunteers as well? Do you want a program that parents can use to check in their kids for children's ministry? Designate a person who is committed to learning all the ins and outs of the software. Most programs offer free tutorials—take advantage of this and have several people attend the sessions.

I am a church administrator for a smaller church with an incredible community. Every church member is a volunteer, and every member fully participates in all church events. When I visited my church for the first time, I was warmly greeted by every member and received a personalized welcome gift. The connectivity of my church is excellent. The church software we use is affordable and has basic features because we are able to maintain connectivity efficiently with a more hands-on approach.

Previously I worked with a megachurch as an administrator, and it was absolutely necessary for us to have software designed with more extensive features. We needed all extra services to help us stay connected with the church body, and we did it excellently. My large and small church experiences with the different software packages were fruitful because both programs selected were a perfect fit for the differing needs of both churches.

We are the hands and feet of Jesus, and church administrative software can be an extension of our hands and feet in serving the body of Christ. Make your "new hire" a win by asking yourself these questions before embarking on the search for software. Your local church doesn't just need the winner of a software popularity contest.         

Cady Lewis is church administrator at Bixby Community Church in Bixby, Oklahoma.

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