Churches & Technology
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-AT&T and Ebony Magazine
90% of churchgoers say that mobile tech
has a place in the church.
-Lifeway research
Only 13% of churches have a way for people
to submit prayer requests online.
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-Brandon Cox
“When Gutenberg finished his printing press…churches utilized print media like crazy. When broadcasting took off, so did
churches and some of the longest running programs on today are church broadcasts…But with the emergence of social
technologies on the internet, we’re slow to adopt."
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Line in the sand Churches go “prehistoric” and decide they won’t adopt new technology. D
Resist & hold Churches resist the technology as long as possible, then adopt it only to find they are already behind in innovation.
D Address & adapt
Churches recognize the patterns in technology usage and directly address them within the church.
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3 Ways Churches Adapt
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How has your church adapted?
Discussion (Post in the question panel.)
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Mobile Today
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P.C.’s
Tablets
Smartphones
2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
200m
0m
400m
600m
800m
1b
1.2b
1.4b
Mobile TodayConnected device sales over time
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265 : 1
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Church Mobile Statistics
85% of smartphone users would rather “give up drinking water” than
delete their mobile apps. (Apigee)
91% of people admit their phone is within arm’s reach 24/7.
(LinkedIn)
The average American spends 2 hours and 57 minutes on mobile devices each day.
(Flurry)
Daily mobile device usage now exceeds time spent watching television for the
first time in history. (Flurry)
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Is your church meeting your members on the mobile
platform, where they spend hours each day?
Mobile Reigns Supreme
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How Did We Get Here?
1990Internet is created
1999500,000 websites
2010500,000 apps
2008App store goes live
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Native apps are faster and more intuitive
EASE OF USE
Apps link directly to features and
tools users use most
DEEP CALLS-TO-ACTIONApps do in 1 tap
what mobile sites do in 20+
QUICK ACCESS
Apps encourage commitment and
repeated use
ON THE HOME SCREEN
Push notifications provide instant, actionable
communication
DIRECT COMMUNICATION
85% of users prefer apps to
mobile sites
CONSUMERS ARE THERE
Why Apps?
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Why do apps make sense for the church?
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The Impact of an App
• Increase attendance at events & programs
• Share your message beyond the Sunday service
• Ensure your congregation is always up-to-date
ENGAGEMENT
• Connect with a new generation of Christians
• Establish your presence on mobile
RELEVANCE
• Spread your message • Give visitors a complete picture • Empower members to invite friends
OUTREACH
• Spread awareness about programs & ministries
• Mobile tech helps boosts giving & attendance
MINISTRY
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Can you think of other ways mobile apps can help your church?
Discussion (Post in the question panel.)
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“We already have a responsive website. Why do we need an app?”
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Nielsen found that smartphone users spend 89% of their time in apps and just 11% using mobile web.
(SmartInsights)
That’s great, but…
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How many touches does it take to launch a mobile site versus a mobile app?
A Touchy Topic
10 to 25 1
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It’s not about choosing one or the other, it’s about choosing what comprehensive mobile strategy
best fits your church.
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Role of Mobile Sites
Role of Mobile Apps
‣ Primary use: information and marketing
‣ Recruitment / first impressions
‣ Drive traffic
‣ Responsive is best
‣ Comprehensive
‣ Primary use: member engagement
‣ Retention & adding value
‣ Instant communication
‣ Fast resource
‣ Personalized
‣ Offline access
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The Church / Missions Funnel
Most Engaged
Least Engaged
Website Visit
Social Media
Email marketing
Mobile app
SEO, paid search, content blogging
Church
The Church Engagement Funnel
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New Visitor Engaged Member Mature Disciple
• Basic church info • Service times • Location • Culture & dress
code details
• Event info • Announcements • Digital bulletin • Sermon media • Online giving
• Event info • Outreach &
volunteer opportunities
• Church news & announcements
• Online giving • Digital bulletin • Sermon media
Relevant info: Relevant info: Relevant info:
Church Member Personas
Regular Attender
• Connection cards • Next steps to get
involved • Class/group info &
sign-ups
Relevant info:
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The Church / Missions Funnel
Most Engaged
Least Engaged
Website Visit
Social Media
Email marketing
Mobile app
SEO, paid search, content blogging
Church
Goal: Move people toward bottom of funnel
New Visitor
Regular Attender
Mature Disciple
Who’s using your site and app?
Engaged Member
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• In-service engagement using:
- Sermon notes
- Fill-in-the-blank notes
- Worship Info
- More
• Save on printing costs
• Easily accessible for members wherever they are
Digital Bulletin
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• Keep members up-to-date with church events
• Integrate with your online church calendar
• “Save to calendar” function for users
Events & Calendar
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• Communicate Instantly
• Updates/Announcements
• Customizable
• Segmented Push
Push Notifications
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• Sermons Series:
- Video, Audio, Notes
• Blog / RSS
• Groups
Integrations & Feeds
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• Media Library
• Ministry Directory
• Social Sharing
• Mobile Giving
• Church Contact Info
• Multi-Campus Support
• Real-Time Updates
And More
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–Robin Harper, Director of Communications at Southside Church
“I chose Bluebridge because of the features. It’s not just a media player. It’s an interactive tool to help our members do what they need, while
being able to share with friends.”
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Why Bluebridge?The Bluebridge Advantage
• One-of-a-kind platform • Always-current design • Continual updates
MOBILE APP EXCELLENCE
• Dedicated mobile strategist • Launch & promotion plan • Unlimited training & support
MOBILE APP SUCCESS
• A partner, not a vendor • We’ll lead you in mobile • 90-Day guarantee
BLUEBRIDGE PROMISE
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Summary
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Mobile Revolution Mobile apps are leading the charge
Technology Adoption Church used to be cutting edge, but not recently
Impact of an App Engagement Outreach Relevance Ministry
Personas & Funnel New Visitor Regular Attender Engaged Member Mature Disciple
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10 Free Strategy SessionsInterested? Leave your email in the question panel
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