Church Technology In 2025 and Beyond

In some ways, you could say that technology is NOT important for the church. God has promised that He will build His church and He certainly doesn't need technology to do it. But, God uses means to accomplish His purposes. Technology is one of those means that can be used to build the church.

In this guide, we'll explore how technology is transforming the church and what role it may play in the future.

Why Technology Is Vital for Churches Today

The unfortunate reality is that church attendance is falling. Around three out of every 10 people attend church on any given weekend, which is down from 42% two decades ago. A 12% decline might not seem significant, but it represents millions of people who aren't attending church.

Technology certainly isn't the ultimate solution to the problem. Only God can draw people back to church. However, technology can be used to reach people in ways that were previously impossible. For example, live streaming tech makes it possible for those who can't physically attend church to still participate in the service.

Technology can also help churches operate more effectively and efficiently. It can free up time and resources that can be used for ministry instead. Additionally, technology can help churches stay connected with their members through communication tools like email and church management software (ChMS).

The point is, church and technology are not enemies. Technology, like many things, is neutral. It can be used for good or bad. We believe technology can be used for the GOOD of the church and its people.  

Must-Have Technologies for Churches

So, if technology can be used to build the church, which technologies are most important? Here are a few that matter the most.

Church Management Software (ChMS)

Church management software is a powerful tool that can help churches stay organized and connected to their people. With ChMS, churches can manage things like membership records, attendance tracking, and communication with members. ChMS also usually includes features like event planning, volunteer management, and giving tracking.

We may be a bit partial, but we think Breeze by Tithely is one of the best church management software solutions. Trusted by over 11,000 churches, Breeze can save church admins an entire day every week!

Breeze ChMS helps churches stay organized by streamlining member data, allowing easy tracking of attendance, contributions, and engagement. It simplifies communication with members through email and text, making it easier to manage groups and events. Breeze ChMS also empowers churches to connect with more people through communication tools, including email, text messaging, and social media integrations.

We could say a lot more about Breeze, but you get the point. If you want to spend more time with people and less time with paperwork, Breeze is the ticket.

Live Streaming

Live streaming allows churches to reach people beyond their physical walls. For members who can't attend a physical service, live streaming can be an invaluable resource. 

Live streaming also allows new people to discover your church. By providing an online presence, churches can expand their reach and engage with a wider community.

Digital Giving Platforms

Digital giving platforms are a necessity these days. If your church wants to accept donations via credit card, debit card, or ACH bank transfer, it will need a giving platform.

Tithely's digital giving platform makes it incredibly simple for people to donate to a church. With just a few taps or clicks, members and visitors can give to your church from anywhere in the world. They can give from their phone, computer, tablet, text, or even in person by text.

Tithely also allows members to set up recurring donations, making giving more convenient and consistent. It offers detailed reports and data on donations, simplifying financial management and transparency for church leaders. 

Social Media and Mobile Apps

Your church needs a strong social media presence. People use social media for everything, and it's a great way to reach new members and engage with current ones.

Having a mobile app is also becoming increasingly important for churches. It allows members to easily access information about events, sermons, giving options and more right from their phones. This convenience can make a big difference in keeping members connected and engaged with the church community.

Tithely's AI app builder can transform your website into a gorgeous app in less than a minute. The app has features like push notifications, event registration, a place to submit prayer requests, and more.

Educational Tools and Online Resources

Another technology churches can use to their advantage are online educational tools and resources. They can give their members access to digital courses, devotionals, sermon archives, and more. These tools and resources can help your church members deepen their relationship with God and grow in their knowledge of the Bible.

Emerging Trends In Church Technology

Where is church technology headed? Here are a few possible emerging trends to keep an eye on:

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are becoming more accessible and affordable, making them possible options for churches to use in their services or events. VR could create completely immersive experiences for worship or biblical storytelling, and AR could enhance the physical environment of a church with digital elements.

Artificial Intelligence

AI has the potential to change how churches operate. Pastors can use AI to help them develop their sermons. Church staff can automate administrative tasks and manage member databases more efficiently with AI tools. Additionally, AI can help churches personalize their online experiences for each individual user.

Data-Driven Decision Making

As churches adopt church management software,  they will accumulate more data on their members, giving patterns, outreach efforts, etc. This data can help church leaders make more informed decisions about how to best serve the needs of their congregations and communities.

Overcoming Challenges with Church Technology

There will always be challenges when introducing new technology in a church setting. 

Here are a few to consider:

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

The church has many rich traditions that certainly shouldn't be disregarded. At the same time, embracing new technology can help engage younger generations and make services more accessible. Finding a balance between the two is crucial. Technology should be used to enhance, not replace, personal connections.

Budget Constraints

Implementing new technology usually comes with a cost, which may not fit into a church's budget. However, there are ways to work around this issue. For example, churches can start small by using free or low-cost tools and gradually invest in more advanced technology as their budget allows.

Tithely's digital giving platform comes with no monthly contracts and minimal transaction fees. It's designed for every church and every budget. And with features like Cover the Fees, Tithely has helped churches save over $5 million in just the past year alone.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Some members may struggle to deal with new technology. It's important to provide the necessary support and education for those who may not be as tech-savvy. Offering training sessions or creating easy-to-follow guides can help bridge the gap and make technology more accessible for all members.

A Roadmap to Integrating Technology into Your Church

So, how can you start integrating church technology in your church systems? There are a few steps you need to follow.

Assess Your Church's Needs

Church technology can be really cool, but your church probably doesn't need ALL of it. Start with your church's needs and goals. What areas could benefit from technology? Is it communication, online giving, or event management? Once you've identified your needs, you can start researching specific tools that address those needs.

Research and Compare Tools

As we've noted, there are various types of church technology available, such as digital giving platforms, church management software, live streaming services, and more. Research to find the best fit for your church's budget and needs. You can also compare different tools side by side to see which one offers the features that align with your goals.

Take a few minutes to compare Tithely to a number of popular platforms and see which one best fits your needs. Here’s a collection of articles about online giving and church management software to get you started.

Train Your Team

You'll need to train your team on whatever new church technology you implement. Set aside time for training and provide ongoing support as needed. This will help ensure a smooth transition and adoption of the new technology.

Communicate with Your Members

Change can be difficult, so it's important to communicate with your members about the new technology you're implementing. Explain how it will benefit them and address any concerns they may have. You can also provide resources or tutorials to help them navigate the new technology.

Conclusion

We end where we started. God will build His church, with or without technology. But, embracing church technology can enhance and support the work of the church. Your ultimate goal will always remain the same: to spread the good news of the Gospel. Technology is just a tool to help make that happen.

If you're unsure how to best implement technology in your church, Tithely can help. Our team is dedicated to providing powerful, easy-to-use technology solutions for churches. Talk to our team today!

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