There are off-the-shelf church apps and then there are custom church apps.

One works for every congregation; the other is built just for your church (and can run into the tens of thousands).

TL;DR: Custom apps are tailor-made for a single church. Container (off-the-shelf) apps serve many. For most ministries, a custom mobile app simply doesn’t deliver enough extra value to justify its price tag.

Custom Church Apps VS Container Apps

Let's break down the main differences between the two, first...

Container Church App (One-To-Many)

It's a single church app used by multiple churches. Container apps operate within the confines of the platform you're using (i.e., Church Connect (by ChurchTrac) or the Tithe.ly church app). Within these types of apps, a member downloads the app and searches for their church within the app.

Custom Church App (One-To-One)

A custom church app, on the other hand, is built just for your ministry. It's made from the ground up to match your church's needs and branding. It's a big investment, but it gives you full control over the experience. When you create a custom church app, you are giving your church members the ability to download your very own branded app made specifically for your church.

Cost of Custom Church Apps

The cost of having a bespoke app for your ministry can vary wildly. Here's the range of costs I've personally heard from church leaders these past few years:

• Startup Costs/Development: $5,000-$50,000+/Up Front. Varies depending on the features. Is it a fully custom app or a container app?
• Maintenance: $1,000-$10,000/Yearly. Apps aren’t a “set it and forget it” deal. The more custom the app, the more maintenance is required.
• App Store Fees: $99/Year Developer Program (Apple App Store), $25 one-time developer registration fee (Google Play Store)

Custom App Features and Benefits

These are the top 5 features you get from a bespoke app that a container app typically won't provide:

1. Full Branding & UI Control
   You have a unique app icon, splash screens, fonts, and color palettes that match your church’s identity. You also get unique navigation flows and screen layouts, not just “theme” options in someone else’s shell.
2. Segmented Push Notifications
   Most custom apps will give you advanced audience segmentation for sending your push messages. For example, sending a notification to the women who are attending the women's conference. That being said, it's rare for churches to need this level of segmentation. (Note: Church Connect does offer push notifications segmentation.)
3. Bespoke Feature Development
   Custom apps have tailor-made modules (e.g., prayer wall, small-group check-in, volunteer scheduling) built exactly to your workflow.
4. Advanced Offline Support
   Most offer caching of sermons, devotionals, and event info so members can browse content when they’re offline. This also includes customizable offline behaviors (e.g., auto-download new media on Wi-Fi).
5. Deep System Integrations
   You can direct hooks into your church-management database, single sign-on, campus‐specific calendars, or giving-platform APIs. (Note: Deep integrations are quickly becoming a moo point as more churches move towards an all-in-one church software like ChurchTrac.)

Should My Church Build a Custom Church App?

You should consider a custom mobile app if you fall into ALL of these four categories:

1. If you can afford it. (If you have the budget without hurting other ministries, go for it.)
2. If you have a great website. (If your church website is outdated, fix that first before thinking about an app.)
3. If your congregation is tech-savvy. (If most of your members aren’t using digital tools yet, an app might not be the best priority.)
4. If you need advanced features. (If you have complex needs that a container app won’t meet, a custom-built solution makes sense.)

Disclosure: Don't just do it to be "cool"... you could dump a bucket of freezing cold ice water on your head and be COOL, but save loads of money while you're at it! Do it because it extends the reach of your ministry.

A Word About Push Notifications

Push notifications are usually a feature of both container apps and custom apps.

Yes, they can help boost engagement, but studies show that over 50% of users turn them off by default. So while it’s great to have them, they shouldn’t be the main reason you build an app.

A church app is like a desert for your church leaders to consume. The push notification is just a cherry on top. It's nice... but not the reason people want to consume it.

Do Church Apps Really Boost Church Engagement?

A custom church app can be an amazing tool for keeping your congregation engaged, simplifying communication, and voicing your church's brand in the digital realm. But before you jump in, make sure it’s the right fit for your church.

If your website is solid, your members are engaged online, and you have the budget, a custom app could be a fantastic investment. But if you’re just looking for a better way to communicate, there are plenty of other affordable tools that might work just as well (or better!).

Custom Church Apps FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about custom church apps...

What is the difference between a custom church app and a container app?

A custom app is built specifically for your church with unique branding and features. A container app is shared by many churches, where members find your church inside a general app like Church Connect.

How much does a custom church app typically cost?

Startup costs range from $5,000 to over $50,000, depending on complexity. Annual maintenance can run $1,000 to $10,000 or more. Additionally, app store developer fees apply ($99/year for Apple, $25 one-time for Google).

What are the main benefits of a custom app?

Full branding control, advanced push notification targeting, custom feature development, offline content support, and deep integrations with your church systems.

Does my church need a custom app?

Consider it only if you have the budget, a solid website, a tech-savvy congregation, and advanced feature needs that container apps can’t meet.

Are push notifications worth it?

Push notifications can boost engagement, but over half of users disable them. They are a helpful feature, but shouldn’t be the sole reason to build an app.

Will a custom app guarantee more engagement?

A custom app can help engagement if your members are already digitally active and your ministry strategy supports it. But apps alone don’t create engagement; the content and communication strategy matter most.