Planning Center software

[Axtman]

Has anyone here had experience with Planning Center software for scheduling "gigs"? My church is very interested in purchasing this software in order to get our scheduling under control.

How we do it now is the worship leader asks in person and has to send out e-mails asking if people will be a church or not. It's a real hassle for her.

Here is the website: http://www.planningcenteronline.com/

Does anyone use any other planning software that they would recommend?

Thanks!

[Stereo Joe]

I'm in a church that uses Planning Center Online for the scheduling of musicians for the services. So far, it seems to work very well. I get an email request to play bass in church, and when I visit the website, there is information on time and location of the service and any rehearsals, as well as which other musicians are scheduled in their various roles. Also, the songs for the upcoming service are listed with downloadable charts and mp3s. There is an active list of available musicians and their instruments, and you can contact them through the website.
I have no idea what the expense for using the service is, but from a purely functional standpoint, it has been very useful.

[Axtman]

The service charges on a subscription service and various depending on upgrades and number of users.

On a related note..... unfortunately I see software going to subscriptions in the future. Basically you don't "buy" the software but merely "rent" it.

[MNAirHead]

We use it at my best congregations..

I can basically tell if a church is well run by how they'd organize a service.

It works incredible..we "template" services.. I then can go forward and drop in material.. rearrange if needed..

IF your church is legit.. you'll like that all the CCLI licensing and mp3 stuff is all done there.. no more goofy forms and hand written talleys etc.

Yes.. well worth it.

Timmy

[Axtman]

I am trying to convince my worship leader to at least try it for free for 30 days. She is probably intimidated because it is new and she is not very computer savvy.

She also complains about the lack of funding, yet ever since the praise band started the services are packed. In fact collections are actually UP from last year. She needs to bug the finance committee about releasing more money for service music.

[MikeXbass]

We use it at Lakewood Church and its AMAZING!

sure beats the older way to send and organize services..
give it a try! im sure you guys will love it!