How “Free” Is That Free Mobile Church App?

Mobile apps aren’t the latest fad: they’re the new reality, the must-have in any industry.

Churches are no different. Your members expect to have access to your church and your mission anytime, anywhere. The way to do that is with a mobile church app.

Why a Mobile Church App?

Don’t take our word for it: let real numbers and real people do the talking.

91% of U.S. citizens have their mobile device within reach 24/7 (Morgan Stanley)

2 hours and 42 minutes of the average US consumer’s day is spent on his/her phone (Flurry)

It takes 26 hours for the average person to report a lost wallet; It takes 68 minutes for them to report a lost phone. (HubSpot/Unisys)

70% of all mobile searches result in action within one hour (Mobile Marketer)

If those numbers don’t do it for you, how about these?

Six of the world’s seven billion people have mobile phones – but only 4.5 billion have a toilet, according to a U.N. report.

There are now more people on Earth that have access to a mobile phone than have access to a toothbrush.

Okay, those last two are actually really depressing and are symptomatic of larger issues. But you get the point. Your church needs to have a mobile presence.

Church App Price Comparison

There are numerous companies offering “free” or “inexpensive” church apps. But how cost-effective are they?

Let’s look at a few examples. We’ve left off the names so we don’t look like we’re talking trash, but here’s a comparison:

Most of these offer a free trial period or free, lightweight version with limited options and capabilities. After the trial period expires your church is likely too invested in the solution to change horses mid-stream. Then you’re stuck in a contract, paying for something that doesn’t do what you want or need.

Most church apps do many things. From sermon videos and readings to check-ins and donations, these church apps each want to be the be-all, end-all for your mobile needs.

What Should I Consider?

These apps aren’t necessarily bad. There are two main questions you must ask yourself when evaluating church apps:

“Does the return justify the cost?”

“How much work will I have to do?”

If you can make a positive argument for both questions, only then does a church app make sense.