How QR Codes Improve Church Communication

For kids’ ministry, outreach, and giving, QR codes improve communication in churches.

QR stands for quick response. Much like its name suggests, a QR code’s main objective is to transfer data as fast as possible. In essence, it’s a fancy bar code. And you don’t have to be tech savvy to use it, just open your phone’s camera and scan.

Here’s what a QR code looks like:

Churches have started using QR codes in recent years because they’re quick and easy to communicate with. Plus, they’re free. Instead of listing off announcements, directing people to a giving page, or manually sending texts—people just scan the code and that’s it. No app required and minimal setup on the backend. So if you’re interested in trying QR codes in your church, here are a few ways to implement them.

1. Use QR codes for Sunday announcements

If you have any type of pre or post-service slides, this is a great place to insert a QR code. Create a new presentation in Canva or ProPresenter, pick a nice background color, drag and drop the QR code in, save it, and boom—you’re good to go. Now, when an attendee is sitting in your pews or chairs (no debates here), they can pull out their phone, scan the code on screen, and be directed to a landing page with announcements.

2. Use QR codes for event registrations

If your church promotes events, whether it’s VBS, an Easter egg hunt, etc., then you know the headache of registering volunteers and participants. QR codes help streamline the registration process by intaking information for you, which means no stress. Well, less stress. You could link your QR code to a registration form and have people scan the code. Once they fill out their information online, that data is stored and sorted instantly. No paper mess. No chaotic lines.

Next gen leader? 5 Creative Ways To Use QR Codes In Youth Ministry 

3. Use QR codes for kids check-in

Thanks to church management systems, kids check-in is almost a seamless process. Barring any meltdowns from your child, QR codes can make that process even more seamless. Print a QR code, post it throughout the kids area, and have parents scan to register for Sunday classes.

4. Use QR codes for guest follow-up

Oftentimes, guests aren’t jumping at the door to introduce themselves the first time they visit. QR codes create a non-invasive, no-pressure opportunity for newcomers to get information and give information. Place QR codes at welcome tables, information centers, near entrances, or anywhere new people might be. Once they scan the code, they can be routed to a connect card and receive information on next steps.

5. Use QR codes for giving

An easy win is placing QR codes on the back of your chairs in the worship center. When people want to give, all they have to do is scan the code and fill out their information. Don’t worry, for old-timers, you can still have a cash option.

6. Use QR codes for sermon notes

Printing sermon outlines every week can be time consuming, especially for churches with hundreds or thousands of members. And let’s be honest, it’s not great for the environment. QR codes solve both problems. When someone scans the code, notes can auto-populate on their phone. It’s fast, easy, and guarantees that no note is left behind after service.

Read more: 5 Ways To Use QR Codes For Your Tithes And Offerings 

Tips for using QR codes

If you’re not sure how to create a QR code, don’t fret. There are tons of free QR code generators online, like qr-code-generator.com, or qrcode-mokey.com, or even canva.com. Even certain texting providers offer built-in QR codes, like Clearstream. Just google and take your pick. But some word of advice:

1. Make sure the code is scannable. The image needs to be readable and clear so phone cameras can pick it up. If the QR code is enlarged too much, or not enough, it won’t be useful. Don’t change the shape, either – QR codes are meant to be square. Use lots of contrast, and don’t clutter the design. Always try it out yourself before promoting.
2. Use dynamic QR codes. Dynamic codes let you keep your QR code the same, but change the URL destination. This is especially helpful when you’ve already promoted a QR Code, but you need to update what it does after people scan it.
3. Provide an alternate method. As helpful as QR codes are, they won’t be friendly for everyone. Publish an alternative URL next to the QR Code for those who need to manually search.

QR codes are a trial and error experiment. Figure out what works for your specific needs and give it a try. 

What about outreach and evangelism? Here are 10 Ways To Bolster Your Outreach With QR Codes.