Pushpay Tech Talk

Engagement. Connection. Belonging. Acceptance.

It's what we all desire, whether people admit it or not. The rise of the internet and the surge of social media has shown us clearly that people crave not just the ability to connect with other people, but to belong to something bigger than themselves, that their voice isn't alone in the darkness. Businesses definitely believe this, many adding their voices to important topics to show that they too care (not always successfully of course...) But if people need this connection and acceptance, why is it that the Church, a place that is supposed to be all about these two things, is struggling to do either?

So far in 2020, the average person checks their phone 58 times a day and spends around 3 hours on it, with 50% of that time on social media. When you have a device designed for connection that can go wherever you go, it suddenly becomes a crucial way to engage with people. And churches are slowly realizing this. But a lot of churches have this weird mindset when it comes to technology - they're often either too scared to really embrace this method of connecting, or they don't see its potential and so aren't willing to spend money or time on it. And part of the reason for that?

Because they don't know how simple it can be.

Pushpay has spent a lot of time working with churches, discovering not only how people make first connections, but how they continue their faith journey with the church. They developed simple digital experiences at these touchpoints to help make it easier for people, and also allow the church to see metrics such as how often people drop their kids off at church, what small groups and volunteer areas they might be involved in - even their giving habits. All to help them build a relationship with their congregants by knowing how they're engaging and how to help them make the next step in their journey.

Jim and Diane just started checking their kids into Children's Church, which could mean that they're interested in calling this church their home. They don't seem to be in a small group yet, so why not get the small group pastor to connect with them and suggest one they might be interested in, help build that connection with them?

Dave's been going to the church for a year now and has been pretty engaged on the app during the week too. Could he be willing to help out in a ministry somewhere?

Sue just stopped her recurring gift that she set up three years ago, it might be good to check in on her and see if she needs support in some way.

Knowing the church is interested in how you're doing is what lets a person feel that they belong, that they've been accepted into a place no matter what's happening in their lives. And that's what the church is about - accepting and loving us as we are.

To learn more about how Pushpay can help you engage further with your congregation and help them on their journey into connecting with your church, reach out to our team today.