A Closer Look at The Church App CMS: The App Builder

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When we first thought about creating a platform for churches to create their own apps, we wanted to make sure it was done right. Now, after over three years of development, our online Content Management System (CMS) that we call the App Builder has become an incredibly flexible, easy to use, online system that puts the church in full control. We still take care of everything from the code to publishing, analytics to tech support and consulting, but your church is in full control of everything else in real time.

So, here’s how it works. Basically, the manager of a church app can control the layout, artwork, features, content, tabs, icons, and much more within the app. Any change made will happen immediately and can be seen by all using the app -  it’s pretty cool! There are a whole bunch of pre-set modules you can start plugging content into like the sermons tab, or you can create your very own custom tab to serve your unique needs. Let’s say you have a calendar tab within your app and decide to swap it out for a custom tab you’ve created for all of your ministries. That process involves simply logging in online and dragging and dropping in the new page. It's that easy, not to mention that custom tab could include many unique things from web links, to extra media, blogs, contact info, and much more. You can even make a tab that has pages that take you to another page full of options and so on. Furthermore, you can rename tabs or change icons with ease. Our latest version of the Subsplash App Builder makes it easy to keep your app up to date with not only adding new content, but truly controlling the entire layout and feature offering within your app. The App Builder allows you to have a one click publish point to distribute your content to all of your apps across multiple Operating Systems (iOS, Android, etc).

We're pretty excited about the App Builder and it's flexibility. We've really focused on making it a great system that can be used by anyone, and want to couple that with our support team who is always there to help. We think churches deserve to not only have great technology to use for the Kingdom, but want to make sure they actually have control of it too!

So, Why Create an App?

So, why create an app? from The Church App on YouTube.

So, What is a CMS?

Content Management System and there can actually be a few different types. But for our purposes here at Subsplash, when we talk about a CMS, we are referring to online software that acts as one central place where you can control the content, publishing, and editing of your websites, apps, etc. Even something like Facebook is a limited CMS, a place to control your content on a page online. The beauty of a CMS is that it makes managing your end user software incredibly easy and you don't have to know any code - which is a good thing!

Here at Subsplash, we have created a CMS from the ground up to help churches and ministries very easily control the content, layout, features, and artwork of their mobile apps. You don't have to deal with Apple or Android, you don't have to know code, yet you still have complete control of your apps by simply plugging and playing online! We've built our system to give our users control of layout, features, artwork, and the content of their apps. You can make changes any time you want!

If you ever have questions about Subsplash, The Church App, or technology in general, we are here to help!

5 Benefits of Going Mobile with The Church App: Sharing the Gospel (Part 5 of 5)

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This is part 5 in a series that highlights the added value of doing an iPhone/Android/iPad app for your church or ministry.

5: Sharing the Gospel

The most important aspect of The Church App, and the single reason that drives what we do, is bringing people closer to Jesus. Technology does not replace the personal connection aspect that is so needed in evangelism and discipleship, but it can be used as a tool to connect with people wherever they may be. It truly is incredible to have a tool that beautifully illustrates the Truth of Jesus and is easily accessible anywhere, anytime. We have received some great feedback from those that have entered into relationship with Jesus through The Church App. “One of my good friends got his brother-in-law to listen. He’s been listening for the past few weeks and has been a 30 year atheist. He just accepted Jesus two weeks ago after calling my friend and telling him that he had made the decision to follow Jesus after listening to every sermon! He is two states away and this could only be possible with this resource.”

We try to focus on these benefits, but want to make sure it's done right, so as to maximize each one! Here at The Church App, we want to get Christ’s word out there, and we want to do it well so that people will want to continue to engage. We strive to make the best software available for the presentation of the Gospel.

“May the gospel be shared over and over through the work you guys do and may our great King’s name be glorified.”

- Matt Chandler, Lead Pastor of The Village Church and President of Acts 29.

5 Benefits of Going Mobile with The Church App: Increase Ease of Giving (Part 4 of 5)

TCAscripture4

This is part 4 in a series that highlights the added value of doing an iPhone/Android/iPad app for your church or ministry.

4: Increasing Ease of Giving

Tithing is critical to a church’s health and well being. Using The Church App platform gives opportunity for giving in more ways than one. Since you can count on people bringing their smartphone to church and not always their check book, you can easily integrate with your current online giving solution via The Church App.

OneLife Church in Henderson KY saw their giving increase immediately. “We are a church of about 1000 adults. We launched on 12/23 (2 days before Christmas) and even with the holidays we have seen 1008 downloads in the first month and the first week of giving was 3 times the monthly expense.”

It's amazing how technology has changed the way we interact in daily life settings. I actually can't remember the last time I took my checkbook with me, and I'm pretty sure my kids will have no idea how to balance a checkbook. With changes like these, being able to utilize smart phones to capitalize on things like online giving is imperative.

“Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“

Skip to Part 5 here.