What is church management software? 

Church management software (ChMS) is a digital tool designed to streamline and automate a church’s administrative tasks such as managing church members, finances, events, and communications with a goal of enhancing overall efficiency and community engagement.

What are the key features of church management software?

    1.   Church Membership Management: Track and maintain church member and visitor information, attendance, and involvement. 

    2.   Financial Management: Handle donations, tithes, pledges, budgeting, and financial reporting.

    3.    Event and Service Scheduling: Plan and manage church events, services, conferences, prayer meetings, registrations and facility bookings. 

    4.    Communication Tools: Send mass communications via email, SMS, or chat and allow group leaders to reach members within a safe and secure communication tool. 

    5.    Volunteer Management: Organize and track volunteer activities and schedules.

    6.    Reporting and Analytics: Generate reports on various aspects of church operations for better decision-making.

How much does church management software cost? 

Many products on the market include monthly or yearly subscriptions that can be all inclusive or priced by features or the size of your congregation. While some churches can be successful using a free church management software, others may need more features that could cost them $100 per month or more. A few examples:

    •    SteepleMate: Offers a lifetime of free tools that allow churches to keep up with members and visitors with online giving. As churches grow they can upgrade to SteepleMate Pro and use the entire suite of features at $69.99 per month or less.

    •    Breeze ChMS: Flat rate of $72 per month with add-on options for a church website starting at $19 per month.

    •    Tithely ChMS: Free for giving only, but the Tithely All Access plan is $119 per month with a $149 setup cost.

    •    Planning Center: Modular pricing, starting around $15 per month per module, depending on the features selected.

These prices can vary, so it’s important to review each platform’s offerings to determine the best fit for your church.

How to choose the best church management software

Consider your church’s specific needs, such as membership tracking, event management, financials, and communication tools. Next, evaluate the software’s features that are most important to you, keeping in mind ease of use and scalability. Lastly, compare pricing plans and customer support options. It’s also a good idea to read reviews or try out demos to see which church software aligns best with your church’s goals and operations. 

Top 10 best Church Management Software, Systems, and Apps

There are over 250 church management software options to choose from. Here's where we rate the top 10: 

1. SteepleMate Church Management System

In the ever-evolving landscape of church management, SteepleMate stands out as the premier choice for 2025. As churches continue to adapt to digital transformation, SteepleMate offers an unparalleled suite of features that not only meet but exceed the demands of modern congregations.

• All-in-One Solution: SteepleMate provides everything a church needs under one roof. From advanced people management to robust financial tools and cutting-edge security features, SteepleMate eliminates the need for multiple platforms, streamlining church operations and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
• Unmatched Financial Management: In 2025, financial transparency and efficiency are more important than ever. SteepleMate excels with its detailed financial reporting, seamless QuickBooks integration, and multi-bank account management, making it easier for churches to manage their resources and plan for the future.
• Advanced Security and Privacy: As data security becomes increasingly critical, SteepleMate leads the way with top-tier security features, including facial recognition and access controls. These tools ensure that your church’s data and your congregation are protected at all times.
• Scalable and Flexible: Whether you’re a small church or a large congregation, SteepleMate is designed to grow with you. Its scalable platform adapts to your needs, providing the flexibility required to manage an expanding ministry without the complexity.
• Dedicated Support and User-Friendly Interface: SteepleMate’s commitment to customer support is second to none. With personalized support and a user-friendly interface, churches can implement and maximize the system quickly, allowing more focus on ministry and less on managing technology.

As churches navigate the challenges and opportunities of 2025, SteepleMate emerges as the best free church management software. Its features, financial management tools, and commitment to security make it the best choice for churches looking to enhance their operations and engage their communities effectively.

2. Planning Center

Pros: 

• Modular Design: Allows churches to pick and choose from various modules (e.g., People, Services, Giving) based on their specific needs.
• Integration: Seamlessly integrates with various other church tools and platforms.
• User-Friendly: Known for its intuitive interface, making it easy for church staff to learn and use.

Cons:

•  Cost: Can become expensive as more modules are added.
•  Complexity: The modular nature may require more setup time to integrate all needed features.

3. FaithTeams

Pros:

• Affordable: A budget-friendly option with a flat-rate pricing model, making it accessible for smaller churches.
• Simplicity: Offers core church management features like member tracking, giving, and event scheduling in a straightforward, easy-to-use platform.
• Support: Provides helpful customer support with a focus on small to mid-sized churches.

Cons:

• Limited Features: Lacks some advanced features and integrations found in more comprehensive platforms.
• Customization: Less customizable compared to larger, more expensive systems.

4. ChurchTrac

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Offers a robust set of features at a lower cost, including financial management, attendance tracking, and worship planning.
• Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of church sizes, from small congregations to larger churches.
• Offline Access: Allows certain features to be accessed offline, which can be beneficial in areas with limited internet access.

Cons:

• User Interface: Some users find the interface less modern and intuitive than other platforms.
•  Limited Integrations: Fewer integrations with third-party apps compared to other systems.

5. Breeze

Pros:

• Ease of Use: Known for its simple, user-friendly interface, making it easy for churches to get started quickly.
• Flat Pricing: Offers a straightforward pricing model with all features included, avoiding hidden costs.
• Mobile Access: Fully responsive design, allowing access from any device.

Cons:

• Basic Features: May lack some advanced features needed by larger churches or those with more complex needs.
• Limited Customization: Fewer customization options compared to more robust systems.

6. Tithe.ly

Pros:

• Online Giving: Specializes in online giving solutions, making it easy for churches to collect donations.
• Mobile App: Provides a custom church app that enhances member engagement and communication.
• Integrated Platform: Combines giving, church management, and communication tools in one platform.

Cons:

• Additional Costs: Some features, such as text giving or custom apps, come with extra fees.
• Learning Curve: Some users report a steeper learning curve, especially with advanced features.

7. Subsplash

Pros:

• Media and App Integration: Excels in media distribution and custom mobile apps, making it ideal for churches focused on digital engagement.
• Custom Branding: Offers extensive customization options for church apps and media platforms.
• All-in-One Platform: Combines giving, media, and church management tools in a single platform.

Cons:

• Cost: Can be expensive, especially for smaller churches or those primarily interested in non-media features.
• Limited Church Management Features: Focuses more on media and app functionalities, with fewer comprehensive church management tools.

8. Ministry Brands

Pros:

• Comprehensive Tools: Offers a wide range of church management features, including giving, communication, and member management.
• Integration: Provides strong integration across various church tools and platforms.
• Scalability: Suitable for churches of all sizes, from small congregations to large multi-campus organizations.

Cons:

• Complexity: May be more complex to set up and manage, particularly for smaller churches with fewer resources.
• Pricing: Costs can add up quickly, depending on the features and services chosen.

9. PushPay

Pros:

• Robust Giving Solutions: Specializes in digital giving, with advanced tools for managing donations and campaigns.
• Engagement Tools: Offers a mobile app and communication tools to enhance member engagement.
• Scalable: Designed to support churches of all sizes, with features that grow with your church.

Cons:

• Pricing: Premium features and scalability come at a higher cost, which may be prohibitive for smaller churches.
• Learning Curve: Some users may find the system complex, especially when integrating multiple features.

10. Aplos

Pros:

• Financial Focus: Excels in accounting and financial management, making it a strong choice for churches that prioritize these functions.
•  Affordable: Offers tiered pricing plans that can be cost-effective for smaller churches.
•  User-Friendly: Designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for users with limited accounting experience.

Cons:

•  Limited Features: Primarily focused on financial management, with fewer church-specific management features compared to other platforms.
•  Customization: Offers fewer customization options for churches with more complex needs.