• Why do I need church management software? 
• Can I just use a free program or one I already use?
• How do I know which software products will benefit me most? 
• This process seems overwhelming – what are the basics? 
• Where can I get more information about setting up a system? 
• What kind of membership details can I track with CCIS Membership Management Module? 
• Why do I need something like CCIS AccountAbility ™? 
• What can I do with CCIS Payroll™? 
• Why would I want to buy all three modules and use them in the CCIS Church Management Software Suite™? 
• What kind of technical support can I expect to receive without an Annual Support Plan? 
• What kind of technical support can I get with an Annual Support Plan? 
• How much will this software cost? 
• The features on my CCIS Church Management Software programs seem pretty advanced. How do I learn more?
• How can I purchase or upgrade my CCIS Church Management Software™ account?

 

 

Why do I need church management software?

 

Computer software has revolutionized information management.  The office full of file cabinets has been replaced by digital technology.  Not only have modern computer techniques helped cut down on the time spent accomplishing a task, but specially created software tools have made many jobs easier and more rewarding.

 

Managing membership information, accounting and processing payroll have all been made easier, more effective, and more productive with programs like CCIS Church Management Software.  The better organized and the more detailed records you keep, the better your church can serve it’s members.

 

Can I just use a free program or one I already use?

 

It is easy to find programs “for free” that may appear to meet your needs.  However, what happens if this free program has a bug, or you upgrade your system and lose all of your data?  Maybe you don’t understand all of its features, or they aren’t exactly suited to your purposes.  Can you get help?  How much can a lack of readily available technical support cost in terms of time, patience, and the quality of your system?  When you call your vendor for technical assistance, do you reach an outsourced software support company? When you answer these questions, is the software really free?

 

How do I know which software products will benefit me most?

 

Whether you choose to track membership information, process payroll, or perform accounting tasks, you will need to institute a solid system. Start with what you already have. Think about the kinds of records you will keep and your reasons for keeping them. What are your goals?

 

This process seems overwhelming – what are the basics?

The list below shows you the basic process you will follow, whether you are upgrading, installing an entirely new system, or starting with hand written records.

 

1. First, prioritize. What information matters to you?
2. Gather together all of your files, paper or otherwise. You should have attendance logs, lists of names and addresses, accounting spreadsheets, payroll check stubs, group rosters, and the like. This should help you visualize what type of records you already keep and what kinds you may wish to expand.
3. Get your ideas on paper. Brainstorm. List your goals on a dry-erase board or a spreadsheet, or use whatever problem-solving device works for you.
4. Update your information. You want to start with the most recent and accurate records.
5. Organize what you have. Whether you have paper files or a computer server full of lists and spreadsheets, make it as easy to reference as possible. Group together files by kind and by date.
6. If you need to enter the data manually, choose someone with data entry skills to help. Some software suites have the capability to convert or import certain types of digital files. Ask your vendor for details

Where can I get more information about setting up a system?

 

CCIS Technical Support representatives are available to help you with any questions you may have regarding your system setup.  Give us a call at 800-873-7435, email support@ccissoftware.com or fax 423-614-5191. 

 

What kind of membership details can I track with CCIS Membership Management Module?

 

Membership

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers for members and visitors
• Email addresses for families and individuals
• Record Relationships between members
• Maintain Alternate Addresses. Stay in contact where ever members roam.
• Link and view family and member photograph
• Personal Events
• Skills and Interests

Contributions

• Record contributions and pledges.
• Unlimited funds. Fixed or Annual.
• Contributions prepaid against next year pledge

Activities

• Small Groups, committees, boards, classes etc.
• Attendance tracking for Worship services and any class or group.
• Promotion.
• Enrollment History

And Much Much More.

CCIS Membership Management offers exciting possibilities to cross reference, enabling you to get more information from your data. Demographic studies can help you promote members to groups and pair up interests and abilities. Watch your congregation grow and thrive when you put this powerful software to work!

 

 Why do I need something like CCIS AccountAbility™?

 

A true fund accounting program like CCIS AccountAbility ™ allows you to manage every aspect of income received and allocated. A general fund might see the same expenses as many for-profit businesses, covering your utilities and basic supplies. Churches, however, have the added challenge of managing restricted funds - contributions made for a specific purpose. You may use as few as two or more than a hundred funds. Permanent restrictions, one-time gifts, and endowments must be used for their intended purpose, and with a fund accounting program, you will never perform double-work or need to use separate checking accounts to properly manage your funds.

 

What can I do with CCIS Payroll™?

 

When your church has more than one member whom it pays for its efforts, either as salaries, wages, or in contract form, then you want to consider a payroll program such as CCIS Payroll™. Calculate deductions, print checks, and manage payment frequencies within the application. Does your church have cafeteria plans, 403(b) or other fringe benefits?  Track sick hours, vacation time, and out-of-pocket reimbursements with CCIS Payroll. Keep histories on everyone.  CCIS Payroll will manage federal payroll reports and forms like 941 and W-2's, and 1099 forms, too. Keep local and federal tax data handy, even for multiple years.

 

Why would I want to buy all three modules and use them in the CCIS Church Management Software Suite™?

 

Imagine that you have set up programs for membership management, accounting, and payroll, and that these pieces of software can freely communicate. Imagine the possibilities. You will achieve increased benefit from the interoperability of the system.

• Track payroll checks in your accounting program easily.
• View whether a member has fulfilled a particular pledge.
• Keep your church updated on how many more contributions are needed for a special mission trip slated for the summer.
• Does one fund have overflow, and who contributed to that fund? If you have a system that tracks these details, you can easily ask those individuals what to do with the excess?
• The contributions data you maintain in CCIS Membership Management™ can be viewed as deposits in CCIS AccountAbility™.
• Unified technical support: imagine trying to contact multiple vendors for updates or help with software issues.  CCIS Church Management Software reduces the problems you may experience by providing a high level of interoperability in its products, and you know that you can trust that all of the CCIS products will work well together as a suite

What kind of technical support can I get with an Annual Support Plan?

 

It's easy to enhance your experience with CCIS Church Management Software™ when you take advantage of one of our Annual Support Plans. In addition to email, fax, and telephone support, you can receive discounts on our fantastic training opportunities. Since 1981, our friendly, knowledgeable technical support staff has been helping clients with everything from installation to advanced techniques.

• Toll-Free Telephone Support (Mondays through Fridays, 8am to 5pm Eastern time)
• Unlimited Calls
• Automatic Software Update
• Email and Fax Support (Requests are answered within 24 hours)

 What kind of technical support can I expect to receive without an Annual Support Plan?

 

You will receive our same high quality technical assistance.  There will be a $50.00 charge for the first 30 minutes and $25.00 for each additional 15 minute increment.  Only one incident can be resolved per call.  We will need a valid credit card at the time of the call.

 

How much will this software cost?

 

Click here to access all the software pricing information.

 

The features on my CCIS Church Management Software programs seem pretty advanced. How do I learn more?
 

There are many ways to contact us with any questions you may have.  Live chat is available here.  Or join us for one of our informative live Webinars.  Click here to register.  If you prefer to call 800-295-7551 email sales@ccissoftware.com or Fax 423-614-5191.

 

How can I purchase or upgrade my CCIS Church Management Software account?

 

Just give us a call 800-295-7551, email sales@ccissoftware.com or click here to visit our online store.