The Top 3 Customizable Church Management Systems for Large Churches
When you’re part of a large or multi-campus church, flexibility in your church management software is not just a bonus—it’s a necessity. No two churches are exactly alike, and your ministry processes, workflows, and data needs often require more than a one-size-fits-all solution. That’s where customizable Church Management Systems (ChMSs) shine.
In this guide, we’re highlighting three of the most customizable ChMSs on the market: MinistryPlatform, Rock RMS, and TouchPoint Software. These platforms stand out for their ability to mold to your ministry, integrate with other tools, and scale with your congregation.
To remain unbiased, these solutions are listed in alphabetical order, not by ranking. The goal is to help your church evaluate which platform is the right fit based on your unique needs.
Ministry Platform, a product of ACS Technologies, is known for its flexible data structure and deep customization potential. Designed for medium to large churches, it offers API, SQL database access, and a suite of tools that allow you to tailor the system to your processes and reporting needs.
Notable Partner Churches
- Calvary Church (NM)
- Dream City Church (AZ)
- Hope Church (TN)
- Lutheran Church of Hope (IA)
- McLean Bible Church (VA)
Pros
- Highly Customizable Database: The relational database structure enables advanced filtering, views, and reporting without vendor intervention.
- Powerful API Access: Your developers or technical teams can build robust custom tools and integrations.
- Advanced Security & Permissions: Strong user-role permissions allow large teams to operate securely.
- Responsive Vendor Support: ACS Technologies has a long-standing presence in the ChMS space with dedicated account reps.
Cons
- Steeper Learning Curve: Non-technical users may find the system intimidating without proper training.
- Requires Developer Involvement for Deep Customization: While flexible, churches without IT staff may not unlock its full potential.
- Design Feels Dated to Some: The UI, while functional, may not feel as modern or user-friendly out-of-the-box.
Rock RMS is an open-source ChMS built specifically for churches that want to control and innovate how technology is used in ministry. Developed by Spark Development Network, it has a large and engaged community, offering regular updates and shared plug-ins.
Notable Partner Churches
- Church of the Highlands (AL)
- Eagles Brook Church (MN)
- LCBC Church (PA)
- Life.Church (OK)
- Willow Creek Community Church (IL)
Pros
- Open Source Flexibility: Total access to the codebase allows for limitless customization.
- Large Developer Community: Churches often collaborate and share plug-ins, workflows, and ideas.
- Integrated Communication Tools: Email, SMS, and push notifications are baked into the platform.
- Robust Workflow Automation: Automate complex ministry processes with user-built tools.
Cons
- Heavy IT Investment Required: Rock is ideal for churches with in-house developers or the budget to support a 3rd party company.
- Self-Hosting Optional But Complex: Hosting yourself gives maximum control but also full responsibility.
- Support Is Community-Based Unless Paid: Free support comes from forums unless you invest in Spark’s premium services.
TouchPoint Software offers an all-in-one ecosystem tailored specifically for large and mega-sized churches. Designed by people who’ve worked on church staff, TouchPoint integrates your ChMS, mobile app, and online giving, into a centralized hub for ministry effectiveness. It’s known for high customization without needing a developer.
Notable Partner Churches
- Bellevue Baptist Church (TN)
- Cross Church (AR)
- Highland Park United Methodist Church (TX)
- Prestonwood (TX)
- Valley Baptist Church (CA)
Pros
- Custom Views and Reporting: Admins can build ministry specific dashboard, tags, and reports based on discipleship data—all without writing code.
- Volunteer and Discipleship-Centric: One app for staff and churchgoers. Each church’s custom app enables ministry on the go as it communicates bi-directionally with the database.
- Automated Workflows and Communication: Use automations to follow up with guests, missing families, or volunteers seamlessly. Mass email builder is also included at no extra cost.
- U.S.-Based Support Team With Ministry Experience: The majority of team members have worked on church staff and understand church life deeply.
Cons
- Best Fit for Large Churches: Smaller churches might find the tools more than they need.
- Interface Is Functional Over Flashy: TouchPoint’s functionality is robust, but the UI emphasizes clarity and data over aesthetic appeal.
- Limited Developer API Access: While you can customize anything inside the system including using SQL & Python, it may not be the best if you’re trying to connect multiple 3rd party tools.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Church
Each of these Church Management Systems has its own strengths—and each one excels at customization, especially for large churches that want to align software with ministry strategy. When evaluating which platform to pursue:
- MinistryPlatform is ideal if your team is data-driven and equipped with IT staff to leverage its database flexibility.
- Rock RMS is perfect for churches that want to innovate, build, and self-host, especially with developer resources on-hand.
- TouchPoint Software is a great fit for large churches that want ministry-ready customization without needing a developer.
Before committing to a ChMS, we recommend requesting demos from all three and identifying which platform matches your church’s ministry goals, technical capacity, and discipleship priorities.
Want to see if your team is aligned with your current ChMS? Take the ChMS Assessment today and share with your team!
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