Pushpay recently published its annual 2023 State of Church Technology report, a benchmark study surveying nearly 2,200 church tech decision-makers, ministry leaders now have data-driven insights to help refine their digital strategies moving forward.
The report revealed 10 interesting trends regarding church tech:
- Hybrid church is here to stay, with 89% of churches currently offering both online and in-person services. 81% plan to continue the hybrid model next year, while only 10% are currently in-person only.
- Custom streaming tools are the future, as 91% now use social media to livestream but only 47% plan to continue doing so. Instead they are moving to owned platforms.
- Mobile giving and apps are indispensable, with 84% leveraging giving through apps and usage growing across calendar, content and more.
- Consolidated ministry management tools like Church Management Software (ChMS) and donor platforms jumped in adoption this year to 89%, up from 85% previously.
- Church leaders have a clearer vision of future needs, ranking tools like multilingual support and geotargeting as highly important even if current satisfaction lags.
- More informed, strategic buying decisions are happening thanks to 24% of churches now evaluating technology annually, up from 20% before.
- Cost remains the top obstacle to new technology for 65% of churches. Ease of use and support are also critical, with both rising in importance this past year.
- Digital security is a growing focus, with 10% more leaders proactively addressing it with their congregation this year.
- Uncertainty about the future makes long-term planning difficult, as many respondents hesitated to define their future church model.
- Rather than reinventing their approach, 86% of churches do not want more tools right now. They are honing existing solutions.
POSITIVE MOMENTUM REGARDING CHURCH TECH
The enthusiasm for technology remains strong, with 94% of churches affirming it’s important to achieving their mission. In fact, over half of churches (53%) consider themselves progressive when adopting new solutions. However, leaders aim to be more focused, choosing specialized tools purpose-built for ministry over lots of disparate applications.
CONSTRAINTS ARE REAL
Budget constraints remain the biggest obstacle to pursuing new technology, though ease of use and partner support during implementation also weigh on leaders’ minds. As we enter a post-pandemic era, church decision makers have a chance to be more intentional, choosing solutions that best fit their community and further their unique mission.
To explore additional insights and trends that can inform ministry tech strategies, download the full State of Church Technology 2023 report at www.pushpay.com.
