Churches used to be on the cutting edge of technology—just look at the Gutenberg Bible or some of the longest-running television programs in America. So why does the move to an explosive channel like mobile seem so daunting?
We’ll explore:
• The ways your members are already using mobile
• The difference between mobile apps and mobile sites
• Practical applications of mobile in your church
• If your church is ready for a mobile strategy
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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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5. -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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6. gobluebridge.com
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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11. gobluebridge.com
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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12. gobluebridge.com
Is your church meeting your
members on the mobile
platform, where they spend
hours each day?
Mobile Reigns Supreme
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14. gobluebridge.com
How Did We Get Here?
1990
Internet is created
1999
500,000 websites
2010
500,000 apps
2008
App store goes live
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15. gobluebridge.com
Native apps
are faster and
more intuitive
EASE OF USE
Apps link directly
to features and
tools users use most
DEEP CALLS-TO-ACTION
Apps 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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17. gobluebridge.com
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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18. gobluebridge.com
Can you think of other ways mobile
apps can help your church?
Discussion
(Post in the question panel.)
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19. “We already have a responsive
website. Why do we need an app?”
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20. gobluebridge.com
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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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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24. gobluebridge.com
gobluebridge.com
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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25. gobluebridge.com
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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gobluebridge.c
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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• Media Library
• Ministry Directory
• Social Sharing
• Mobile Giving
• Church Contact Info
• Multi-Campus Support
• Real-Time Updates
And More
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34. –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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35. gobluebridge.com
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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