The Summer Slump is often the most dreaded season for churches. You end up trying to tackle the everyday challenges of ministry while also dealing with lower attendance numbers, decreased participation, and a drop in giving from June to August.
But while the summer months are typically viewed in a negative light, it can be the perfect time to introduce a new system that will improve your ministry in the long run.
Managing your church’s money may be one of the most challenging things your staff does. Instead of seeing this season as a struggle that you just have to push through, take the opportunity to make sure your church’s financial systems are up to par.
With the right tools in place, handling accounting and contributions doesn’t have to be complicated.
The summer is the perfect time to evaluate your needs, find the right system for your ministry, and implement a new tool with the smallest impact on your congregation.
The slow months may be a blessing in disguise as you pursue ways to maximize your church’s impact and efficiently manage the resources God has entrusted you with.
Step #1: Determine Your Needs
No matter who you have in place to manage your budget, your church has specific needs when it comes to money.
Work with your church staff and the finance person or team to determine what your church needs in terms of a financial management system.
- Do you manage your accounting and payroll internally or outsource it?
- Do you have or want options for online or text giving?
- What are you currently using to track financials?
- How do you record income and spending?
- Do you have multiple funds to manage?
- Do you have or want a financial system that integrates with your other tech?
- How difficult is it to use or train others to use your current system?
- Are there any reporting requirements from your insurance, denominational office, or government offices that you must meet?
There is no right or wrong answer to any of these questions, and additional considerations may arise as you examine your needs closely.
Solutions offer different features and costs, so determining your needs will help you carefully consider your options in Step #2. You’ll have difficulty evaluating the systems available to find the right fit if you don’t know what you need your tools to do.
Step #2: Find the Right System
Based on your ministry’s needs, look for options that meet most, if not all, of the things you outlined in Step #1.
- Is your current method of tracking finances sufficient?
- Does your current church management system have an accounting or giving option that you could bundle to save money?
- Is there another tool that fits your church budget to meet your needs?
Finding the right system for your ministry will take time and research. You’ve been charged with stewarding your church’s resources, so take the time during the slow summer season to carefully consider your options to determine the best one for you.
There’s no shortage of accounting and giving tools available, so look closely at what’s out there before deciding.
It’s entirely possible that what you’re already using is the solution for your ministry, but you won’t know until you evaluate your choices.
What works for another church may not be the right fit for you. So whether you continue with your current system, switch to a stand-alone tool, or implement an all-in-one solution like Realm, make sure it’s the best option.
Step #3: Upgrade Your Financials
The Summer Slump can be stressful and slow in ways that you might not see throughout the rest of the year.
But by taking advantage of the slowness, you can upgrade your financial systems without having the same level of impact on regular church functions that you’d see during a busier season.
Launching a new tool takes time as you learn how to use it efficiently. So once you know what you need and figure out what will work best for you, take advantage of the idle summer months to make sure you’re ready when things pick back up again with the fall and the end of the year.
You don’t have to stick with your current financial system simply because it’s what you’re used to. Upgrade your tools to match your goals for your church’s future and implement something that can serve your ministry for years.
ACS Technologies
ACS Technologies sets a new standard in church technology, offering a holistic suite of solutions that streamline administrative tasks and empower your staff to excel in their roles and your church to excel in your community.
In the ever-evolving landscape of church engagement and management, ACS Technologies rises above the rest. Our comprehensive church solutions, bespoke digital offerings, streamlined communication tools, comprehensive ministry consulting, and training make us the trusted choice for over fifty thousand churches. Experience the ACS Technologies advantage and elevate your church’s online presence, connectivity, and generosity today. Join us in redefining church technology for the digital age, where your ministry’s success becomes our shared mission.
