Quick Overview
- 1#1: Planning Center - Comprehensive church management platform with a powerful People module for tracking member profiles, families, attendance, and engagement.
- 2#2: Breeze ChMS - User-friendly church database software that simplifies membership tracking, check-ins, events, and giving records.
- 3#3: ChurchTrac - Affordable all-in-one ChMS featuring detailed member directories, small group management, and communication tools.
- 4#4: Rock RMS - Open-source church CRM with advanced membership database capabilities for custom workflows and data insights.
- 5#5: Subsplash Church Management - Engagement-focused platform with robust member database for tracking involvement, donations, and mobile app integration.
- 6#6: FellowshipOne - Scalable enterprise church database software for managing large membership bases, assimilation, and reporting.
- 7#7: CDM+ - Modular church administration system with a flexible membership database for records, attendance, and contributions.
- 8#8: PowerChurch Plus - Integrated church software combining membership tracking with accounting, scheduling, and attendance features.
- 9#9: The City - Online community platform with member directory, groups, events, and engagement tools for church connectivity.
- 10#10: ACS Church Windows - Traditional desktop church database for managing member information, financials, and ministry records.
Our ranking prioritizes tools with robust feature sets, user-friendly interfaces, reliable performance, and strong value, ensuring options that deliver long-term utility whether for small congregations or larger communities.
Comparison Table
Church membership database software streamlines managing congregational data, tasks, and communication, making it essential for organized ministry. This comparison table explores top tools—including Planning Center, Breeze ChMS, ChurchTrac, Rock RMS, and Subsplash Church Management—detailing features, usability, and practical value for diverse church needs. Readers will discover key strengths to select the software that aligns with their operational priorities and budget.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Planning Center Comprehensive church management platform with a powerful People module for tracking member profiles, families, attendance, and engagement. | specialized | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 2 | Breeze ChMS User-friendly church database software that simplifies membership tracking, check-ins, events, and giving records. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | ChurchTrac Affordable all-in-one ChMS featuring detailed member directories, small group management, and communication tools. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Rock RMS Open-source church CRM with advanced membership database capabilities for custom workflows and data insights. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 5 | Subsplash Church Management Engagement-focused platform with robust member database for tracking involvement, donations, and mobile app integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | FellowshipOne Scalable enterprise church database software for managing large membership bases, assimilation, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | CDM+ Modular church administration system with a flexible membership database for records, attendance, and contributions. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | PowerChurch Plus Integrated church software combining membership tracking with accounting, scheduling, and attendance features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | The City Online community platform with member directory, groups, events, and engagement tools for church connectivity. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | ACS Church Windows Traditional desktop church database for managing member information, financials, and ministry records. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
Comprehensive church management platform with a powerful People module for tracking member profiles, families, attendance, and engagement.
User-friendly church database software that simplifies membership tracking, check-ins, events, and giving records.
Affordable all-in-one ChMS featuring detailed member directories, small group management, and communication tools.
Open-source church CRM with advanced membership database capabilities for custom workflows and data insights.
Engagement-focused platform with robust member database for tracking involvement, donations, and mobile app integration.
Scalable enterprise church database software for managing large membership bases, assimilation, and reporting.
Modular church administration system with a flexible membership database for records, attendance, and contributions.
Integrated church software combining membership tracking with accounting, scheduling, and attendance features.
Online community platform with member directory, groups, events, and engagement tools for church connectivity.
Traditional desktop church database for managing member information, financials, and ministry records.
Planning Center
specializedComprehensive church management platform with a powerful People module for tracking member profiles, families, attendance, and engagement.
Unified 'People' database that powers real-time data syncing across worship planning, small groups, check-ins, and giving without manual imports
Planning Center, particularly its People module, is a cloud-based church management platform designed as a central membership database for tracking member profiles, households, contact information, attendance, and interactions. It offers powerful search, custom fields, reporting, and workflow automation tailored specifically for church needs. Seamlessly integrated with companion apps like Check-Ins, Groups, Services, and Giving, it provides a unified ecosystem for church administration without data silos.
Pros
- Exceptional integration across all modules for a single source of truth
- Robust reporting, custom fields, and automation workflows
- Intuitive mobile apps and unlimited free users/admins
Cons
- Pricing scales with additional services and church size
- Steeper learning curve for advanced customizations
- Primarily optimized for US-based churches
Best For
Medium to large churches needing a scalable, all-in-one management system with strong worship planning integration.
Pricing
Free 30-day trial; People module included in organizational plans starting at $29/month for small churches, scaling to $195+/month based on attendance and services used.
Breeze ChMS
specializedUser-friendly church database software that simplifies membership tracking, check-ins, events, and giving records.
Household and relationship mapping that automatically groups families and tracks connections for effortless member organization
Breeze ChMS is a cloud-based church management software that serves as a comprehensive membership database, enabling churches to track member profiles, households, attendance, and engagement in one intuitive platform. It integrates giving, events, volunteer management, and communication tools to streamline church operations. Designed for simplicity, it allows non-technical users to manage data securely with powerful search and reporting capabilities.
Pros
- Exceptionally user-friendly interface with quick setup and minimal training required
- Unlimited free support via chat, phone, or email
- Scalable pricing with no contracts and robust mobile app for members
Cons
- Reporting and custom dashboards lack depth for complex analytics
- Limited advanced automation compared to enterprise-level ChMS
- Higher tiers become pricey for very large churches over 500 profiles
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one membership database without technical overhead.
Pricing
Starts at $72/month for up to 50 profiles, scaling to $144 for 100, $216 for 200, and custom for larger; billed monthly with no contracts.
ChurchTrac
specializedAffordable all-in-one ChMS featuring detailed member directories, small group management, and communication tools.
Flat-rate pricing with unlimited users and integrated worship planning alongside membership tools
ChurchTrac is an all-in-one church management software centered around a powerful membership database for tracking people, families, attendance, and giving. It provides tools for event management, online check-in, small groups, communication, and reporting to streamline church operations. Designed for churches of varying sizes, it emphasizes affordability and ease of use without per-user fees.
Pros
- Unlimited users and admins included in flat-rate pricing
- Intuitive interface with quick setup and mobile access
- Robust membership database with family grouping, custom fields, and attendance tracking
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations compared to top competitors
- Mobile app functionality is basic and lacks some desktop features
- Advanced reporting requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Small to mid-sized churches seeking an affordable, user-friendly solution for core membership database needs without complex setups.
Pricing
Flat monthly pricing starting at $37 for churches under 75 people, $77 for 76-200, $117 for 201-400, and $157+ for larger; unlimited users included.
Rock RMS
specializedOpen-source church CRM with advanced membership database capabilities for custom workflows and data insights.
Drag-and-drop block builder for limitless page and workflow customization without coding
Rock RMS is a free, open-source church management software (ChMS) that functions as a powerful database for managing church membership, families, groups, attendance, giving, events, and communications. It excels in customization through a drag-and-drop block system and a vast ecosystem of plugins, enabling churches to build tailored workflows without extensive coding. While highly scalable for multisite churches, it integrates seamlessly with tools like payment processors and email services to streamline operations.
Pros
- Completely free core platform with open-source flexibility
- Extremely customizable via blocks and 1,000+ plugins
- Robust features for check-ins, groups, giving, and reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring technical setup skills
- Self-hosting demands IT resources or paid hosting
- Interface can feel overwhelming for non-technical users
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches with tech-savvy staff or volunteers seeking a highly customizable, cost-free membership database.
Pricing
Core software is free and open-source; hosted options via partners start at ~$100/month, with premium support and add-ons available.
Subsplash Church Management
specializedEngagement-focused platform with robust member database for tracking involvement, donations, and mobile app integration.
Fully integrated custom-branded mobile app that syncs real-time member data, push notifications, and engagement metrics with the core database
Subsplash Church Management is a cloud-based platform designed for churches to manage membership data, groups, events, check-ins, and online giving within an integrated ecosystem. It excels in digital engagement tools, including custom-branded mobile apps and websites that sync seamlessly with the member database. While robust for mid-sized churches focused on mobile-first experiences, it emphasizes engagement over deep administrative customization.
Pros
- Seamless integration with custom church apps for member engagement and check-ins
- Strong online giving and recurring donation tools tied to member profiles
- Comprehensive reporting and communication features for groups and events
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly for larger churches or advanced features
- Customization options for database fields are somewhat limited compared to specialized ChMS
- Initial setup and learning curve for full app integration
Best For
Mid-sized churches prioritizing mobile engagement, digital giving, and app-based member interaction over basic administrative CRM.
Pricing
Custom pricing starts at ~$99/month for basic plans, scaling to $300+/month based on church size, active users, and giving volume; includes app and website hosting.
FellowshipOne
enterpriseScalable enterprise church database software for managing large membership bases, assimilation, and reporting.
Sophisticated relational people database that handles intricate family merges, status changes, and custom fields effortlessly
FellowshipOne is a comprehensive church management software specializing in membership database solutions, enabling churches to track detailed member profiles, family relationships, attendance patterns, and contribution histories. It offers integrated tools for events, small groups, volunteer management, and reporting to support church administration. As part of Ministry Brands, it provides scalability for growing congregations with robust data security and customization options.
Pros
- Powerful relational database for complex family and household tracking
- Advanced reporting and analytics for membership insights
- Strong integrations with giving platforms and accounting tools
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels clunky
- Steep learning curve for setup and advanced features
- Higher pricing tiers for larger churches
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches needing in-depth membership data management and reporting capabilities.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starts around $99/month for small churches (under 200 active records), scaling based on congregation size and modules.
CDM+
enterpriseModular church administration system with a flexible membership database for records, attendance, and contributions.
Advanced Query Builder for creating custom, SQL-powered reports and data exports without needing IT expertise
CDM+ by Elexio is a veteran church management software focused on comprehensive membership database functionality, including family tracking, attendance records, and detailed contribution management. It offers modular add-ons for accounting, events, check-in, and online giving, with both cloud-hosted and on-premise deployment options. Designed primarily for Windows environments, it excels in data-driven reporting and customization for church administration.
Pros
- Powerful relational database for complex member queries and reporting
- Modular structure allows tailored expansion without overpaying initially
- Strong contribution tracking with envelope systems and IRS-compliant statements
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dated Windows-centric interface
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to modern cloud-native competitors
- Pricing escalates quickly with multiple modules and user licenses
Best For
Mid-sized to large churches needing robust, customizable data management and financial tracking beyond basic CRM needs.
Pricing
Modular subscription starting at ~$200/month for core membership database, plus $50-150/month per add-on module; custom quotes based on church size and users.
PowerChurch Plus
specializedIntegrated church software combining membership tracking with accounting, scheduling, and attendance features.
Pictorial directory generator that seamlessly integrates member photos for professional printed directories and bulletins
PowerChurch Plus is a Windows-based desktop software solution tailored for church administration, offering robust tools for managing membership databases, tracking families and individuals, attendance, contributions, and events. It includes features like pictorial directories, mailing labels, and detailed reporting to streamline church operations. Designed for small to medium-sized churches, it emphasizes affordability with modular purchasing and on-premises deployment.
Pros
- One-time purchase model provides exceptional long-term value without subscriptions
- Strong membership tracking with family grouping, photos, and custom fields
- Excellent reporting, directory printing, and label generation capabilities
Cons
- Desktop-only (Windows), lacking cloud access or mobile apps
- User interface appears dated compared to modern web-based alternatives
- Limited integrations with external tools like online giving platforms
Best For
Budget-conscious small to mid-sized churches preferring reliable on-premises software for core membership management without recurring costs.
Pricing
One-time purchase: $295 (Membership only) to $995 (Complete edition); optional annual support at 18-20% of purchase price.
The City
specializedOnline community platform with member directory, groups, events, and engagement tools for church connectivity.
Private 'social feed' and discussion walls that mimic Facebook for fostering real-time church-wide connections
The City (thecity.org) is a church-focused online community platform that serves as a private social network for member directories, group management, events, and communication. It allows churches to create customizable profiles, facilitate small group interactions, share prayer requests, and host discussions in a secure, members-only environment. Integrated with Fellowship One's broader church management system, it emphasizes engagement over heavy data analytics.
Pros
- Intuitive social media-like interface that boosts member engagement
- Robust group and event tools tailored for church communities
- Strong mobile app for on-the-go access
Cons
- Limited advanced reporting and custom database fields
- Pricing scales quickly with church size
- Less emphasis on pure CRM/database functions compared to dedicated ChMS
Best For
Mid-sized churches prioritizing online community building and casual member interaction over in-depth data management.
Pricing
Tiered subscription starting at $29/month for <200 attendees, up to $199+/month for larger churches; additional fees for integrations.
ACS Church Windows
enterpriseTraditional desktop church database for managing member information, financials, and ministry records.
Integrated church-specific fund accounting with automated pledge tracking and nonprofit-compliant financial reporting
ACS Church Windows is a comprehensive, Windows-based church management software from ACS Technologies, specializing in membership database management, contribution tracking, attendance recording, and fund accounting for churches. It provides tools for handling member profiles, family groupings, pledge fulfillment, event scheduling, and customizable reporting to support church administration. Designed for on-premise deployment, it integrates seamlessly with other ACS products for enhanced functionality in larger congregations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including robust fund accounting and detailed member tracking
- Reliable on-premise performance with strong data security
- Powerful reporting and customization options for church-specific needs
Cons
- Desktop-only interface lacks mobile or cloud accessibility
- Steep learning curve due to outdated UI and complex navigation
- Higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance fees
Best For
Medium to large churches seeking a feature-rich, on-premise solution with integrated accounting who prioritize data control over modern usability.
Pricing
Custom pricing with one-time licenses starting at $2,000-$5,000 plus annual maintenance fees of 15-20% ($500+ depending on modules).
Conclusion
The reviewed church membership database tools excel at streamlining church management, with Planning Center leading as the top choice, offering a comprehensive People module for tracking member profiles, engagement, and more. Breeze ChMS and ChurchTrac follow closely, each a strong alternative—Breeze for its user-friendliness and ChurchTrac for affordability and versatility, catering to different church needs. Together, they demonstrate how effective software can unify a community.
Don’t miss out on optimizing your church’s operations—explore Planning Center today to harness its robust capabilities and enhance your church’s connectivity and management.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison