Mark your calendars for this Thursday! Time is running out to secure your spot for our “Christmas in July” webinar on July 25th at 2 PM CST. Join us and discover invaluable tips on how to use your church management software for efficient Christmas planning.

Webinar Details:

Key Strategies for Christmas Planning:

Register Today!

Get a head start on your Christmas planning! Join our “Christmas In July” webinar on July 25th at 2 PM CST and learn from the experts. Register Now!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Replay Our Latest Webinar!

Visit our Webinar Page to see the latest information on our upcoming webinar!

It’s never too early to start preparing for Christmas, especially when it comes to managing the various aspects of church activities. Join us for our upcoming “Christmas in July” webinar on July 25th at 2 PM CST. This webinar is designed to help church leaders and staff use their church management software effectively to streamline their holiday planning.

Webinar Details:

Key Strategies for Christmas Planning:

Other Creative Ways to Use Your Church Software This Christmas Season:

Why Start Now?

Planning for Christmas can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By starting early and utilizing the tools available in your church management software, you can make the process enjoyable for your staff and ensure nothing is left to the last minute.

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is perfect for church leaders, administration staff, communications teams, production crews, and worship leaders. Whether you’re already using church database software or looking for ways to improve your Christmas setup, this session is for you.

Register Today!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas planning. Join our Zoom webinar on July 25th at 2 PM CST and learn from the experts. Register Now!

Not Yet A Part Of The TouchPoint Family?

Schedule a free demo from one of our friendly team members, schedule a demo!

Missed Last Month’s Webinar?

You can watch our past webinars on YouTube in our Webinars playlist!

Hey TouchPoint Friends,

This is a reminder about our roundtable event tomorrow, July 16th, at 2 p.m. We are excited to have a community discussion about summer reset strategies and getting ready for Fall. Whether you are working with small groups, planning kids’ graduations, or organizing events, we have some great ideas to share on utilizing your church software to make a great transition into this next busy season!

Join Us Tomorrow

Our hosts, Andrew and Sarah, will kick things off at 2 PM on July 16th. This roundtable is a great chance to sync up and ensure we are all set for the upcoming seasons. Your insights are valuable; we cannot wait to hear your thoughts. Let’s make this a productive and fun session together.

Reminder For Our Christmas in July Webinar

Also, mark your calendars for our Christmas on July 25th at 2 PM. We will discuss some exciting strategies for getting the most out of your Christmas season planning and execution.

Looking forward to catching up tomorrow at 2 PM for our roundtable!

Join us tomorrow, June 27th, at 2 PM CST for our Q2 New Features Webinar, hosted by Chris Dolan and Hayley Whitworth. This informative session will cover the latest updates, including new mobile app features, finance changes, and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed and enhance your church operations with our latest tools and strategies. Plus, we’ll be giving a special send-off to Chris Dolan as he concludes his time at TouchPoint.

Register now to ensure you don’t miss out on these exciting updates!

Hi, friends!

Summit is fast approaching! This year’s event will take place from Tuesday, September 17th through Thursday, September 19th in beautiful Alabama, and it’s shaping up to be our most exciting Summit yet.

This year’s event will be packed with insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and plenty of inspiration. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a Summit veteran, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

But that’s not all! We are excited to share that we have already surpassed last year’s registration numbers and are on the brink of a major milestone! To make it even more exciting, we’re introducing two fun giveaways:

1. We only need four more people to register to hit 200 participants before July 1st! The 200th person who registers will win a stylish pair of Goodr Sunglasses, perfect for enjoying the Alabama sunshine during Summit! So, don’t wait—register now to secure your spot and possibly become our special 200th registrant.

2. Interested in refreshing one of your Check-In kiosks? On July 1st we will do a drawing to give away a 10th Generation iPad! Everyone who is registered before July 1st will be entered to win!

Summit is not just an event; it’s an opportunity to connect with fellow church partners, share best practices, and grow together. We can’t wait to celebrate this achievement with you and make this Summit an unforgettable experience.

Ready to join us? Head over to summit.touchpointsoftware.com to learn more and register today! Remember, only four spots are left to hit our milestone, so hurry for your chance to win those fantastic Goodr Sunglasses and to get your name added to the

We look forward to seeing you in Alabama this September!

Blessings,

In our March New Features Webinar, we discussed the new Translations feature available in TouchPoint. The initial release included the ability to translate English word/phrases and the groundwork to add new languages. We are excited to announce that our recent update enabled Spanish translations!

Users can switch languages in TouchPoint by clicking on the Earth icon in the top right of the menu bar and then selecting English or Spanish from the Available Languages section.

To modify any of the translations, an Admin can navigate to Admin > Advanced > Translations and make any necessary changes.

More languages will be added in the near future. If you have requests for specific languages, please let us know!

In 2022, we introduced several Grade and Promotion updates to better serve our partner churches. Here’s a summary of the key changes and how they can benefit your church:

New Grade Level Dropdown

We’ve added a Grade Level dropdown in Involvement and people records. This feature includes standard grade levels and allows you to add custom levels using Lookup Codes. To enable new levels, simply change the setting named Allow New Grade Levels (Admin > Advanced > Settings > System > Administration) to True. Reports that include Grade have also been updated to reflect this new Grade field.

Automatic Grade Promotion

We introduced a new admin setting called Grade Update Date. This setting automatically promotes each child’s Grade Level annually. The default promotion date is set to July 1st, but you can customize it to match your church’s annual promotion schedule. Note: If you select a date prior to today, the promotion will be skipped for this year.

Legacy Grade Field

Another new admin setting, Hide Grade Legacy, allows you to hide the legacy Grade field once it’s no longer needed. Please note that we will disable the legacy Grade field for all partner churches in July 2024 if it hasn’t been done already.

As you prepare for Vacation Bible School and other summer and fall registrations, please keep the following in mind:

For more detailed information, please refer to these help articles:

Grade Field
Grade
Administrative Settings

We are honored to partner with remarkable leaders who inspire and guide their congregations with unwavering faith. Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Pastor Clint Pressley and Dr. D.J. Horton on their recent elections to significant leadership roles within the Southern Baptist Convention. These prestigious positions are a testament to their dedication, vision, and impact on the community.

Pastor Clint Pressley: Southern Baptist Convention President

Pastor Clint Pressley, Senior Pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been elected President of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). This role, one of the highest honors within the SBC, signifies his commitment and leadership in guiding one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States. Pressley’s election, following a second runoff at the SBC annual meeting in Indianapolis, highlights his peers’ trust in his ability to lead.

Under Pastor Pressley’s guidance, Hickory Grove Baptist Church has grown significantly, known for its strong emphasis on biblical teaching and community outreach. His leadership extends beyond his local congregation, impacting broader church policies and direction. As President, Pastor Pressley will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the SBC, addressing contemporary issues, and fostering unity among the diverse congregations within the convention.

Dr. D.J. Horton: 2025 Pastors’ Conference President

Dr. D.J. Horton, Senior Pastor of The Church at The Mill in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has been elected as the 2025 SBC Pastors’ Conference President. This role involves planning and leading the annual Pastors’ Conference, an event that provides spiritual renewal and professional development for pastors across the nation. Dr. Horton’s election follows a competitive runoff and underscores his peers’ respect and admiration for his leadership and vision.

Dr. Horton’s tenure at The Church at The Mill has been marked by remarkable growth and expansion, transforming the congregation from 600 members to over 4,000 across multiple campuses. His commitment to biblical exposition and pastoral care has left a lasting impact on his community. Additionally, his involvement in various leadership roles within the SBC, including the South Carolina Sexual Abuse Task Force and trustee positions at theological seminaries, demonstrates his dedication to the broader mission of the church.

Partnering for God’s Kingdom

At TouchPoint Software, we are immensely proud to support Pastor Clint Pressley, Dr. D.J. Horton, and their respective churches. Their leadership and commitment to spreading God’s word are inspiring, and we are honored to partner with them in extending God’s kingdom. Congratulations once again to these outstanding pastors on their well-deserved achievements.

For more information, visit:

The June release was deployed Monday night, June 10. This includes new features and updates to existing features.

Finance Updates

The biggest update in this release is the completion of Phase 3 of the finance changes that we’ve been talking about for several months. This phase includes the new, improved Transactions Report that combines the current Contributions Search and Transactions Log. This new report will be released into beta initially, so most churches will not see it on their database. After further testing, we plan to make it available to everyone.

The following items will be visible to all churches immediately:

The following miscellaneous changes will also be included in the release:

In addition to the above finance and other miscellaneous changes, several items related to the New Registrations have been addressed. The new registrations are in beta with several churches, and we are working hard to put the new forms through rigorous testing so that they can be made available for all churches as soon as possible.

Here are the updated items:

We are excited for our upcoming webinar, “Getting Staff On Board & Keeping Them On Board,” hosted by TouchPoint Software. This insightful event is scheduled for May 30th at 2 PM CST. You can join us via the following link: Webinar Registration.

Our friends, Jessica Siri from RockPointe Church and TouchPoint’s Marketing Director, Hayley Whitworth, will guide you through essential strategies for successful staff adoption and ongoing support of church management systems. The webinar will cover:

This session is a must-attend for anyone involved in church management, especially those looking to improve their staff’s engagement with your church management system. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your church’s operations and foster a supportive environment for your team.

Join Our Webinar

Register now to reserve your spot today and ensure your staff is fully equipped to embrace and support your church management system.

Today, technology changes daily, and churches must decide whether to keep old systems or switch to modern ones. Our program works perfectly on computers and phones. It makes managing your church easier and helps you connect better with your congregation.

The Shift from Legacy to Modernization 

Legacy systems used to be essential for church management, but now they are outdated, like rotary phones or dial-up internet. These systems can slow you down and stop you from growing. Our church management software helps your church run smoothly and keeps your data safe in the cloud. This means you don’t have to worry about constant updates or losing information.

Legacy systems often have many problems. They can be slow, hard to use, and require a lot of maintenance. They might also lack important features that modern churches need, like mobile access and real-time updates. By switching to a new system, you can avoid these issues and focus more on your church’s mission.

Key Features of Modern Church Management 

1. Cloud-Based Flexibility and Security

Our cloud storage keeps your data safe and grows with your community. Cloud storage means your information is stored online instead of on local computers. This ensures that your data is always accessible and secure. You won’t have to worry about losing data due to computer crashes or other issues. Cloud solutions also mean you are always using the most up-to-date software without performing manual updates. This lets your church focus on its mission instead of dealing with technical problems.

2. Mobile Integration

As highlighted in our webinar, “Creating a Unified Experience with ChMS, Websites & Mobile,” mobile technology is changing ministry by allowing real-time updates and interactions feeding from your database system to your website and to your mobile app as an all-in-one ecosystem. Our mobile app keeps your church members connected, whether they are at home or on the go. This means churchgoers can check schedules, sign up for events, and stay updated with church news from their phones. Mobile integration ensures that everyone stays connected and informed, which can help build a stronger sense of community. It also makes it easier for people to participate in church activities, no matter where they are.

3. Elevated Process and Communication Tools

Our tools make connecting and welcoming new members easier. Personalized communication helps every church member feel cared for, supporting their spiritual growth and building community. With our system, you can send targeted messages to different groups within your church, such as new members, volunteers, or parents. This ensures that everyone receives the information relevant to them. You can also track interactions and follow up with people who might need extra support, helping to foster a more connected and supportive church community.

4. Real-Time Data for Proactive Discipleship

You set the rules for how your church engages. Staff and leaders get alerts to help members who might be drifting away. This helps keep everyone involved and ensures no one feels forgotten. Real-time data allows you to see how members interact with the church and identify those who might need extra attention. For example, if someone hasn’t attended services or events for a while, you can reach out and check in on them. This proactive approach can help retain members and ensure everyone feels valued and supported.

5. Efficient Task Management and Reporting

Our system makes managing tasks simple. The mobile app lets leaders and volunteers track their activities easily. Every interaction is recorded and can be reviewed later. This helps staff manage discipleship paths and member involvement. Efficient task management ensures that everyone knows what they need to do and can easily keep track of their responsibilities. It also makes it easier to generate reports and see how different areas of the church are performing. This information can help you make informed decisions and improve church operations.

Conclusion 

Leaving old systems behind is a big step towards making your church’s operations future-ready. Our software offers an integrated, secure, and mobile-friendly solution that improves all parts of church management. By using our modern system, your church can eliminate complicated processes and focus more on what really matters—building a strong and engaged community.

Old systems may have served you well in the past, but they can no longer meet the needs of a growing, modern church. Embracing new technology can help you streamline your operations, improve communication, and engage your congregation more effectively. It can also free up time and resources, allowing you to focus more on your ministry and less on administrative tasks.

Our church management software is designed to support you in this transition. It provides all the tools you need to manage your church efficiently and effectively. From cloud-based storage to mobile integration, our system is built to meet the needs of today’s churches. It offers a user-friendly interface, robust security features, and the flexibility to grow with your community.

Embrace the future with TouchPoint Software!

Discover our features, see our impact, and join us in transforming church management. Schedule a demo today to see how we can help modernize your ministry for today’s world. By making the switch, you can ensure that your church is well-equipped to meet future challenges and continue to thrive in an ever-changing world.

We’re excited to announce a recent update designed further to safeguard our online giving platform against card testing fraud. If you use our platform for donations, please read on and implement these new settings immediately to enhance security.

What is Card Testing?

Card testing occurs when fraudsters verify if stolen credit or debit cards are active by making small transactions. At TouchPoint, we strive to balance ease of use for your donors with robust security measures to minimize such fraudulent activities. While no system is completely failproof, our continuous updates aim to bolster your protection.

Important Note: If card testing occurs on your system, neither you nor your donors are at risk. The fraudster gains no information about you or your donors.

Why This Matters

Any payment system can be targeted for card testing. Our goal is to prevent large-scale abuse by implementing measures that discourage fraudsters from using our platform. The latest update introduces velocity checks on failed transactions, which you can enable under “Admin Settings” > “Finance > Online Giving.”

Five New Settings

Here’s a detailed look at the new options available:

Enable Failed Transaction Limit: Activates the new security feature, allowing you to customize the following settings.

Failed Consecutive Gift Lockout: This setting sets the number of failed transactions allowed before blocking further attempts. The default is set to three, meaning that after three failed attempts, the user will be blocked on the fourth attempt. You can adjust this to make the system stricter or more lenient.

Failed Transaction Time Frame: Defines the time window for tracking failed transactions. The default is 15 minutes. If someone makes two attempts and then waits 20 minutes before trying again, they won’t be blocked. This ensures genuine donors aren’t accidentally blocked.

Failed Transaction Block Time: This determines how long a user is blocked after reaching the failed transaction limit. The default is 60 minutes, meaning the block lasts one hour. Card testers typically move on after being blocked, reducing the likelihood of repeat attempts.

***Failed Transaction Ignored IPs: (Most Important)
This setting is crucial. It allows you to list IP addresses that are exempt from velocity checks. Separate multiple IPs with commas. Adding your church’s IP is recommended to prevent accidental blocking of legitimate donors with multiple failed attempts. Ensuring your church’s IP is listed will help maintain smooth operation for genuine transactions and avoid disruptions in your regular donation processes.

Emphasizing Security

We want to reiterate that your system and donors are not at risk from card testing. These transactions indicate fraudsters are attempting to test stolen cards on public platforms. By implementing these settings, we aim to make it significantly harder for them to exploit your giving page.

Please contact our support team through the TouchPoint platform if you have questions or need assistance. We are here to help ensure a secure and smooth giving experience for your donors.