One of the key differences between Fellowship One and many of the more traditional church management systems is that Fellowship One is built to be a ministry tool used by the entire church staff. Since we have come to market, other software vendors have jumped in to say many of the same things – and anyone can “claim” anything.
But to be a true ministry tool, a majority of the ministry staff has to actually use the system through direct access. Too often, only one or two key people do all of the work in the church database because access is difficult or limited. If this is the case in your church, how can your system really be considered a ministry tool? How is the system really helping you proactively affect the lives of the congregation?
Granted, the level that a system can be viewed as a ministry tool is subject to judgment and interpretation. And certainly, it is not always a problem with the system as some of our customers use the capabilities of Fellowship One better than others. However, it is our intent that each of our customers, and by that I mean the entire church staff, use as much of our system as they need and is possible.
To truly be a ministry tool, the system must be easy to use for the casual user. To log-in and look up an address or to respond to a contact request should require minimal training. Also, access to the system should be easily available where and when a minister requires the information. Fellowship One allows a pastor to look up a person’s name, address and associated map, vital family information (spouse’s name, children names and ages, etc.), and even a picture of the person directly from any Internet-ready cell phone or PDA. How convenient is that when you are getting ready to meet a parishioner for coffee at Starbuck’s but you are not truly familiar with who they are or what they look like?
A ministry tool should also assist you to help people become better Disciples of Christ. After all, it is about the people! Are their needs (spiritual, emotional and physical) being addressed? Why are physical and emotional needs so important? Because if those needs are not being addressed, most people cannot even get to the realization of their spiritual needs – they are too caught up in the basics. Are they being assimilated into the church quickly enough? Are their gifts being used properly? Are they involved in the ministries of the church? As a pastor, can I easily identify the people who are; but as importantly, the people who are not. A true ministry tool can assist you in determining and tracking such vital information.
Grace to you as you go out and MINISTER!
Jeff Hook