I'm creating a new app! (DevLog Update #01)
Why a new ChMS?
After having a fair bit of experience with multiple church management systems (ChMS) and chatting with people in other churches who use them, I’ve identified a lot of frustration with the current options available. I believe there is currently a need for a new ChMS that is developed in Australia.
Previously, there were solutions developed in Australia, but the main ones (Elvanto, Fluro, Pushpay) have now either been bought out and/or become bloated and complicated to use for the average user. The alternatives that churches are turning to are mostly based outside the US, but they are centred on giving and are reliant on the exchange rate. This project hopes to provide a simpler Australian-first solution that understands current culture and ministry structures.
Having some experience in developing web applications already, and a Bachelor’s degree in ICT, I hope to take this on as a hobby project. Becoming a student again while pursuing a theological degree gives me a unique opportunity to leverage my flexibility, connections, and context to develop something that may realistically be helpful for churches. If it gains traction, I’d love to see what this project could become to serve the Australian church.
The Vision
To create a new church management system for the Australian church that encourages ministry through relational communities.
Behind the Name
The current name Diakonia (διακονία) is a Greek word meaning "service" or "ministry". This software aims to serve the church itself, but also church members by enabling them to serve one another better.
DevLog #01
People are the core foundation for any ministry, and this project begins there. All other parts of the application will be built around this. The finishing touches are being applied to this feature, and a services feature will soon be implemented.
People Feature
This core feature currently includes.
- A people database
- People to be grouped into households
- A people list view with basic filtering options and bulk actions
- Profile pages for editing an individual’s details
- Ability for individuals to hold a user account and log in with set permissions
- Congregations can be created for people to be assigned to
- Custom fields for unique church data
Check out these screenshots of what it currently looks like!
Services Feature
This is a precursor feature to enable rostering, which most churches would expect to be essential. The services feature would aim to create a place for service dates to be organised, along with service planning.
What to stay in the Loop?
Has this project piqued your interest?
Would you like to keep hearing about its development?
If you would like to follow along or perhaps even give it a playtest, send me an email, and I’ll add you to a list for future updates.