The Solution

PTC3 turned to Bluebridge for a mobile app that would keep their content fresh and engaging. Now, PTC3 even creates “app-only content” like their weekly worship set lists that keep users returning to find what they need. While there, users come across other information like upcoming programs and events that catch their eye.

“We’ve made it so that if users want certain church information, they have to go to the app and get it,” said Clint Nolder, Teaching & Creative Arts Pastor at Peachtree City Christian Church. “If we keep our content updated, they’ll never think of the app as stagnant.”

Using this strategy, PTC3 updates their eBulletin graphics and app content on a regular basis so users The Solution see a refreshed app every time they visit. At the same time, Nolder realizes that not all information is meant for the app. With 23 different ministries across the church, PTC3 uses a cross-channel communication strategy to share their content across their app, website, bulletin, and other digital presences.

“Newcomers and friends of members are always excited to learn that our church has an app,” said Nolder. “The app allows us to send people out into their daily lives, giving them a resource they can reach in their pocket and reference. While the app has helped our church with membership and money, we’ve seen the most improvement from a kingdombuilding standpoint.”

Mobile Giving and Cost Savings

The app has also given PTC3 a platform for hosting online giving to keep weekly tithing more consistent. While other solutions like PayPal offered online giving through a browser, PTC3 still wanted to tie it to a channel that would make weekly giving easy and convenient. Through the in-app web view feature, app users can now tithe with the tap of a button whether they’re out of town, in a service, or on-the-go through the week by integrating their current services.

“The app has allowed us to solve the financial piece of reminding users to give on a weekly basis no matter where they are,” said Nolder.

Previously, the church collected about $1,100 per month through PayPal. Since implementing a mobile giving option, PTC3 now brings in $10,000 through the app each month, exhibiting a 1000% increase in electronic tithing.

PTC3 has also been able to improve church financials by using the app to cut costs for paper bulletin printing. Prior to the app, the church printed an 11×17 tri-fold pamphlet that cost $600 per month to produce. By counting on the app to share a large amount of important church details, the bulletin is now one third of its original size, costing only $192 to print—a savings of $408 each month.

“Over 80% of our congregation has smartphones,” said Nolder. “It just makes sense to keep the majority of our church content digital.”

The Results

Since launching their mobile app, PTC3 has seen phenomenal results, including:

• $120,000 per year in tithing through the app
• 1,000% increase in electronic giving
• $4,900 saved annually in bulletin printing costs
• Increased attendance through word of mouth