This would work for member/guest management. It doesn't currently have any financial functions, but they may be on the way.
Are we wanting a full fledged accounting system or just something to track tithes/offerings?
Christian Software
Discussion in 'Computers & Technology Forum' started by Don, Dec 9, 2002.
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InHim, I think you may have missed the point of why I started this thread.
I have no intention of charging for the efforts I put forth in this endeavor. Anything I create for this project will be offered as public domain (freeware).
The target audience is not hugely computer literate, doesn't have a serious financial base, and for the most part, probably thinks they need to get something on a computer, but pencil and paper is working just fine because most of the programs out there are too expensive and/or too complicated to use, and/or require computer degrees to work with.
If this causes a parting of the ways, my apologies for not making myself clear in the first place. -
James, interesting application. It's going to take me time (that I don't have this week) to seriously look that over and see if I can get into the guts of it.
JCrowe, the idea I'm implementing is an old one: "modularization."
Starting with membership/visitor tracking is 100% acceptable, but we also need to keep in mind expandability to other areas (financial tracking, word processing, and whatever else people think of).
I don't believe a full-fledged financial package like Quicken or MS Money is required; simple is always better (and less code bloat). -
A web-based app is a really good idea, but it has one major drawback: most people (myself included) would be less likely to use something where my data (membership lists, financial records, etc.) were stored on a server somewhere on the internet instead of on my own machine. Plus, as someone mentioned, most small churches don't have an internet connection, because of the expense (or even because of the tying up of the church's only phone line). Thus, my vote goes to the core being stand-alone, Windows-based. I would also want to avoid having the user set up his own webserver, SQL database, etc. It should be as easy as possible to set up and use. We could have web-based add-ons, updates, etc, but it should be usable without ever touching the web.
If it's decided that we *should* go web-based, I recommend including information about free web providers to minimize cost for the churches.
Just my opinion. -
The reason I lean toward web-based is because that is where I am most comfortable. You know the saying "when all you have is a hammer, everything begins to look like a nail".
jcrowe -
Brian -
I took a C++ programming class about a two years ago and really enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind learning more C++ in order to be able to contribute.
Jason -
Here's a church management package that looks real nice at a very reasonable price.
MinistryWare -
This thread is the BaptistBoard at its best
[ January 11, 2003, 07:07 PM: Message edited by: webmaster ] -
I'll download the free demo and let you know what I think. -
I downloaded the demo version and I like it a lot.
It's very user-friendly. It's easy enough for a novice computer user to perform the various tasks.
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i am not a programmer, nor desire to be, but if you need help with the graphic design,let me know!
I was approached by a large company to design interfaces, etc, for s similiar project ,but their goal was $$$$$$$$ and lots of it, so i declined. would love to help out if you need it, CD cover, etc. (no charge of course)
Linda
ChristianGraphicDesign.com -
This is GREAT!! Christians linking cyber-arms in a project to help the family, even though they have never met, or have never met a large part of the Believers they may be able to help.
Kind of reminds one of John 13:34-35, eh?
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By the way, I use a Mac, and have found the OnlineBible to be a great tool, with a lot of features. Very user frienly,(of course, that could be because it is a Mac program
:D )
I have tried the Accordance program, but it is very peculiar in the way it operates.
One that I do like is The Master Christian Library, by Ages Software www.ageslibrary.com
It uses Acrobat reader .pdf format, so works cross platform. It has over 500 reference works on 2 CDs, including the church fathers, Thayers's Greek/English lexicon, many Spurgeon titles, Wesley, Dwight L. Moody, Matthew Henry concise, the Fundamentals, complete works of Jonathan Edwards, etc.
Also, at www.ccel.org there is a library that can be read online, many of the classics.
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