The Best Church Management Software Might Be What You Own

When church leaders ask, “What’s the best church management software?” the answer isn’t as simple as picking the newest or flashiest tool on the market. In an article from ChurchLeaders, ministry consultant and author shares a compelling perspective: the best ChMS might already be installed in your church—it just hasn’t been fully utilized or evaluated objectively.

Rather than relying on emotional or subjective opinions like “it feels easier” or “it looks more modern,” the article urges ministries to develop and use objective metrics to assess software performance. These could include measurable improvements like faster volunteer onboarding, reduced administrative hours, better first-time visitor follow-ups, or specific increases in giving and attendance. Without these benchmarks, migrating to a new ChMS may waste both time and money while solving few real problems.

The article also calls attention to a widespread issue in churches: underutilization of existing software. Staff turnover and insufficient onboarding often result in leaders being unaware of all the features their current system already offers. In many cases, churches already own tools that meet their needs but lack training and process alignment to realize their value. Rather than switching systems every few years, the article advises churches to thoroughly review and reinvest in what they already have.

Additionally, the author encourages churches to identify redundant tools—such as multiple platforms handling the same functions—and consolidate systems to avoid inefficiencies and siloed data.

Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all ChMS. But by asking strategic questions, documenting real pain points, and relying on data-driven evaluation, churches can confidently determine the right solution—without unnecessary disruption.

For more details, refer to the original article on ChurchLeaders.