Server Requirements
If you need to upgrade or replace the server when you originally implemented MinistryPlatform, your new server must:
- Meet the requirements for software, hardware, and external server access.
- Be certified by the MinistryPlatform team through our partner Higher Ground Technologies.
- Be moved by the MinistryPlatform team.
Note: There is a charge for this service. Please contact Support to begin the process.
Software
Your church's IT department or firm must configure the server with the following software:
- Windows Server: 2019 or 2022.
- Microsoft SQL Server: MSSQL 2016 Standard or better; Enterprise for the greatest access to mobile reporting. (We recommend MSSQL 2022.)
- Web Server:
- Running IIS with an SHA-2 (or better) SSL certificate installed.
- ASP.NET installed.
- ScreenConnect installed on servers (install package provided by ACST).
- Fully patched with current Windows Updates.
SSRS Installation:
- SSRS Standard (or better).
- Please leave the configuration step to us — automatic configuration takes much longer to process.
- If IIS and SQL are on separate servers, you may install SSRS on either server.
- If SSRS is on the IIS server, it is easier to configure access through SSL, but it costs more to license.
- If SSRS is on the SQL server, it is cheaper to license, but harder to configure access through SSL.
Hardware
One of the following must provision a server:
- The church on site,
- A third party at the church's main location, or
- A third party in a data center.
That database server must meet the minimum requirement for MSSQL 2016/SSRS 2016 Standard or higher. These minimum requirements include:
- 4+GB RAM
- Dual Core (or Quad Core) processor
- 100 GB C: drive
- 200 GB data drive
External Server Access
The MinistryPlatform team requires ongoing access to servers using our ScreenConnect client (install package provided by ACST).
- Please provide a network or local server account with 24/7 access. This is for the exclusive and ongoing use of our personnel who implement and support your church.
- The account needs Local Administrator privileges on both the web and database servers.
- The account must have SysAdmin privileges in SQL Server.
Important: If we can't access your server, we'll reach out to you with the expectation that you will restore access immediately. You may be charged our technical services hourly rate for all additional steps to connect to your server and communicate with you about accessing your server regarding previously scheduled updates.
Important Message About Chrome Browsers & Autofill
We're aware of an issue where the Chrome browser may autofill saved passwords into profile or contact fields instead of the intended information. We've made changes to reduce how often this happens, but we cannot prevent it. Because this can occur in any software or web page, we recommend the following:
- Delete older saved system passwords for onrealm.org. You no longer need them. Tip: The new sign-in domain is https://auth.ministrylogin.com.
- Turn off autofill in your Chrome browser. (Scroll down in the Google Chrome Help article for steps.)
- Review any autofilled values carefully before saving, and clear or correct any fields that contain passwords or other sensitive information.
This issue with Chrome has been documented for many years and is frequently discussed in online technical forums. Chrome's autofill behavior is very aggressive and often prioritizes automatic completion over compliance with HTML5 standards.
CAUTION:
Saving passwords or payment information in any browser is risky. You can read more about the risks in this third-party article.