Dec 01 2008
Technology Convergence
I’ve been noticing the trends in church technology over the past five years or so, and it seems that many software applications, ChMS systems, communication methods, and internet technologies are merging together to a degree. I wonder how churches feel about this convergence of solutions. Do you salivate when you think about going to one company to do church management, online giving, social networking, resource management, and even to build your church website? Or do you believe it’s better to go to individual vendors so that you know you’re going with a company that provides the best solution in each category?
From my time spent in the church market, it seems that the old way is to do one thing, and do it well; the new way is to build several web-based applications that have the capabilities of doing many things well in a integrated way. I’m seeing more and more church technology providers embrace this convergence and hop on the bandwagon. From my vista, it seems like a great plan of action. I love it when everything works together is a seamless way; however, there are potentially some drawbacks.
Those of you reading that oversee or have some input in regards to the technology solutions at your church, what do you think? Would it make life easier if you could “one-stop shop” for technology and administrative solutions? What is your current set up and how is it working for you?
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Hi, I’m 
I was just thinking today about this very subject. On the web, there are designers and programmers and when the two work together, things happen better. I like the whole mashup direction technology is taking today, especially for the church.
As churches seek to do better equip their people and engage the world with the gospel, they need to have an integrated approach. Who wants to have to manage multiple relationships that are not intelligent on their website, ChMS, private network and resource management system? Isn’t the dream to have these seamless in providing the most valuable user experience, comprehensive discipleship and outreach opportunities?
I think the best way to do this effectively is for a church to have a go-to consultant or staff member that is familiar with all the necessary technologies. I don’t see a viable opportunity for a single church or non-profit driven company to do all of these things well, I’m not sure any company could do all of these things well, regardless of their target market. It does make sense for a church to interface with a single person or company who acts as the buffer between the church and these different types of technology, though.
Like you mention it’s typically hard for any company to do many things well vs. focusing on a few things they can do great.
What I’m hoping to see (and it’s already starting to some degree) are companies that are willing to write API’s so we,the customer, can have data in one app push/pull into another app.
A great example for us would be to have our membership data in Fellowship Technologies Fellowship One product be able to be pulled into Planning Center Online and EventU. Each product serves a unique purpose and does so very well.
So I’d encourage companies to NOT try to “be all things to all churches” … do a few things great, but write some great API’s to get data in/out.
I’ll pay more for several great apps that can talk to each other than 1 mediocre all encompassing app any day.