Church membership database software is now available to help churches large and small not only keep track of the "flock", but remain in contact and serve their needs better. Depending on the software program, records of pledges, giving and attendance can be maintained for every member of the congregation.

Some programs go farther and allow you to input information on various committees and ministries, prayer requests and/or needs of congregational members, talents and volunteered activities, coffee hour, and more.

These programs provide valuable information for an church, large or small. But where these programs really shine is in administrative duties. Especially for smaller congregations that may rely on church members or volunteers to keep the front office running, church membership software can supply consistency to operations that might otherwise suffer because of too many helping hands.

For instance, the names, addresses and phone numbers of congregational members are typical entries. But most software these days also allows multiple phone numbers to include cellphone and fax numbers, along with e-mail addresses. Church directories and newsletters that used to be printed and mailed by hand can now be e-mailed, saving churches thousands of dollars per year.

Sermons, both in the past and upcoming, along with Biblical references, can be tracked. The church secretary can use this information to quickly answer questions from members who perhaps cannot attend church one week to at least stay current with the scripture lessons.

This type of database software is a great planning tool. Budget projections can be compared with actual giving and current expenses. Churches that are considering a new program or perhaps expansion or replacement of the church building itself can consider capital projects with up-to-date data rather than best guesses.

The congregation can remain informed about active programs, the church’s budget, and the rise and fall of congregational numbers. Again, this type of information is critical for planning for the future of any church.

The nice thing about most of the church membership database software is that it’s available as shareware. Typically this involves a free trial download, with purchase mandatory after a certain period of time. The free downloaded version stops working after a certain number of days if the church hasn’t purchased the program by that time.

However, most shareware is extremely reasonable in cost. Any church should be able to afford a basic version of this software. Larger congregations with more money available can buy the more complex versions, but even a basic version is going to provide enough benefit to more than justify its cost.

Church database software generally comes with clear, simple instructions. Many of the programs are available for both Mac and PC, so no matter what platform your church uses, there’s a software program available that your church can use.

Backup of church information is another huge benefit. No church can afford to lose all its records in a fire, flood, or other disaster. Think of all the churches that lost everything they had in Hurricane Katrina. Church buildings can be replaced, but how do you check on your congregation if you no longer have addresses, phone numbers, or other contact information? With this software a backup can be kept offsite, or perhaps with the Regional or National organization, so current information is always available, no matter what.

In any kind of cost-benefit analysis, church membership database software is going to come out way ahead on the benefit side. Your church really can’t afford to go without it.