One System, Many Parts
The Database - One Source of Truth
The Platform is your "one source of truth" for data at your church. Instead of having independent silos of disconnected data, a single source of truth connects all your data so you can serve your people well. This increases accuracy and insight and ensures that everyone works with the same information. It's great when a ministry leader or staff member learns of a congregant update (think new address or new baby). But it's not so great when that information isn't updated in the Platform (like updating a personal address books).
Think of the Platform as a large filing cabinet with many drawers. Each drawer holds files you can access and view as needed. The rest of the system provides tools to read or write to this single source. This means that, if the Platform is your one source of truth, every time you access the file cabinet, the information will be correct.
The Many Parts - Applications & Services
There are many parts of the Platform built on top of the database. You'll interact with most (if not all) of them, so get familiar with these different pieces.
Here's a basic introduction, but if you're feeling adventurous or know you'll be using a specific part of the Platform, you can follow the links to learn more.
- Core Applications and Service
- The Platform is the core application used to view and update data and is primarily used by church staff.
- The API provides services for developers to create custom features and applications on top of the Platform.
- Reports & Routines
- Launch reports in the Platform and view useful data. You can print or export these reports.
- Routines also run automatically in the database, sending Notifications or running up-to-date calculations.
- Web Applications
- Widgets are mobile-friendly applications designed to display on specific pages of your website. They add valuable features directly to your website, allowing guests to conduct business with your church in a safe manner that the MinistryPlatform database instantly captures.
- Use the Check-In Suite so your congregants can check in to Events, especially for your Children's Ministry to ensure the safety of your kiddos.
- Web Cloud Applications in the Cloud
- Our Cloud Server provides a shared infrastructure for more robust features and rapid release cycles. Batch Manager and Cloud Tools run in the cloud and access your database through the API.
- The Batch Manager Tool (BMT) supports scanning and batching of your church's donations.
- Tools provide many features for specific scenarios. Access these in the Platform.