Fellowship One Software

Overall, we tend to see a huge benefit to our ministries by using this software, but in the future, we'll be looking to something more updated if we don't see a progressional change for F1.

Pros

The amount of functionality for F1 is incredible. We use it in so many ways for our different ministries, from small groups, attendance for services/serving, to tithing/finances and sending mass emails to specific groups of people, it covers a ton of bases. I like that this is a discipleship based software tool. We have to put our hands on almost every part of an account to make sure that we're intentional with the data we record. The security when fully implemented for check-in systems on Sunday services is impeccable. We have really made an effort to improve our security within the past few years and you can dig deep by using jobs that are connected to specific check-in activities and only people with specific assignments can check-in. It's very dialed in.

Cons

The software, while being functionality-wise amazing and broad? It lacks an updated style for the UI, while also using some outdated ways to process what you need. While requiring a hands-on approach to discipleship by having to change every little detail on an account, this can be so tedious and cumbersome to other tasks you might have. The learning curve is also a bit hefty, for users who don't understand systems or pick up understanding quickly? It can be very confusing at first.

Pros

This software met our basic needs as an organization, so it was sufficient when we were first starting out. The reporting functionality is relatively intuitive and the platform is pretty easy to use.

Cons

As we grew, the type of reporting we were looking for just wasn't available within this platform. We needed a more robust reporting functionality but did not have that option. We also had issues with security as there were erroneous charges to contributors at one point, which decreased the level of trust in the system from both us and our users.

Fellowship One is a great, in-depth church management software. We wish that Fellowship One was more user friendly though. It's very complicated and not intuitive. Reports should be as complicated at it is. And their software could definitely used a facelift. We would switch to another software if it wasn't for the fact that we know it would be such a huge headache to switch after all the years we've been with them.

Pros

I like their new iPhone app that allows me to easily look up a member's information on my phone, but I wish I could do more from my phone rather just see their information. But it's a good start.

Cons

The Reports. They are not intuitive at all. They're super complicated and there are so many to go through. I appreciate the detail behind each one, but most of the times I just need to find a simple report and finding is seems more difficult than it needs to be.

Pros

F1 beginning as a strong cloud solution and as packed with features. The good news is they haven't lost any of those features.

Cons

The bad news is they have stopped developing the core of their product for about 10 years. They are far behind competitors in the technology space and focus more on add-ons, not the day-to-day ministry tasks.

Overall, it's great! Easy to use and reliable!

Pros

I liked that it was easy to use and it was always consistent. We didn't have many issues or technological problems using it. It was great and reliable!

Cons

Although it was great for tracking church data and information, there wasn't necessarily a level of efficiency compared to other softwares I've used that have more functionality.

Many churches use F1. Our experience was not a bad one. However, we ended up choosing a different company that seemed more innovative and proactive to meeting the needs of our church.

Pros

F1 as its known in the church world has easy to use features and has a reputation among churches due to its long held experience as a ChMS.

Cons

Other companies such as Planning Center and Rock RMS have surpassed F1 in many areas and typically come in under their current pricing.

Absolutely nothing.

Pros

There is nothing good about this product or organization. Really bad service, support and logistics. Stay away.

Cons

This is a terrible product with some of the worst customer service in existence. The product is clunky and overly complicated. It is counter to what a real CRM should be. From sales to customer service, the experience with F1 and ministry brands is bad. You are constantly having to pursue them and their staff is rude. Look at Hubspot or Planning Center for a better experience.

Pros

This product is great for creating multiple groups with different schedules and purposes and integrates well for FellowshipOne users from the church to access their information and groups

Cons

The reports are so hard to run! They are not very intuitive which makes it difficult to find what I am looking for on the first try so I end up running things like ten times.

made church member management so much easier!

Pros

Great database with lots of features to help keep up with church members, families,giving, etc. Probably the best of its kind!

Cons

You will need lots of training on how to efficiently use this program. It does sometimes do things that don't make sense. But thankfully there customer service reps are very knowledgeable and helpful. If you aren't super techy, this program might be a little challenging.

Pros

Not much. It's better than software that sits on someone's computer and the platform itself is pretty reliable.

Cons

They've done a terrible job with keeping up with the times. Planning Center pretty much slays them on every feature.

Pros

We've used this software for a decade. There are nooks and crannies all over for any and every configuration you could want.

Cons

It shows it's age. These guys have been around the block a few times. You can't find a more experienced company in this market. If you want the "new hotness" look elsewhere, but if you want stability and experience, here you go.

This software allowed me to visually see the team and rosters and have the accessibility to personal contact information to engage with people and grow teams.

Pros

FellowshipOne has great flow from church related fields to personal information. It was easy to navigate regarding data flow and entry. Basic reporting was simple to run to evaluate team health and volunteer rosters/schedules.

Cons

Reporting was limiting. In the event you are looking for an extensive or intensive report to pull from various fields within, you will be required to pull multiple reports and merge the fields as needed. This does create large opportunities for errors or incomplete data.

Pros

We are able to keep the church connected well with emails and notifications, also able to categorize attendees and track attendance well.

Cons

There is a steep learning curve and overall ease of use especially for some of the older generation is difficult.

Pros

The good thing is we started with Fellowship One. There's always a need to start somewhere, so FO gave us started in the Church Database world.

Cons

Unfortunately our time with FO did not last very long. Seemed as if the developers and the company walked out and packed up!

Pros

I love the functionality of the system. I like that it is web based so you don't need a server or special app on your computer to use. Anywhere you have internet you can use it! If you utilize it to its potential there is a ton of data you can store but most importantly you can run reports to pull that data. The report function is amazing, you can pull exactly what you are looking for exactly the way you want it.

Cons

I wish there was an activity log to track who makes what changes. We have a large number of users and its sometimes hard to know what information has been altered and if it should have been altered by that person. I know you can give permissions to users but having the log would add a great tool for administrators to use.

Pros

It covers the entire spectrum of things needed to manage the day-to-days as well as the one-offs. You can manage membership, tithing, event sign-ups, attendance, etc. all in one place. It also connect to other applications well - i.e. finance tools for tithes / budgeting

Cons

It's not as functional as I would like. Tracking attendance is rogue and not user-friendly. It's also prone to error and doesn't allow for on-stop member adds.

Pros

F1 is easy to use and understand and provides us with clear data that we can use to organize people, groups, and church growth.

Cons

Reporting did not always give us information in a way that was easy to view. Spreadsheets did require some manipulation once they were run.

One place to store all of our information that is necessary for manage a church.

Pros

Large database that can hold all the information you need about a church member. I like the features that let you add information about a member that can be specific. Also the important aspect of giving different people access to different portions of the system. Not everyone needs to see the financial information so that can be controlled by the rights you give each user. You can also control who can edit or add information. The phone app is useful but only give basic information.

Cons

Phone App would be more helpful if more information was available on a member. The report section is very tricky and difficult to use. I have had to call customer service on several occasions for help with setting up a report. On the plus side the customer service reps are helpful.

Pros

It is a database at best, but nothing beyond that. Really sad for the money you pay.

Cons

The integration is horrible, getting to anything takes 1000 steps and then you most likely will have to do it again. Nothing is easy or intuitive at all.

Understanding the uniformity of data and the availability to easily access information in a quick moment provided great opportunity to easily connect with someone regarding their involvement or giving to the organization. The website was easy to navigate which also allowed for quick changes to be made on the spot regarding contact information.
Viewing check images was of great assistance to allow us to interact and support our contributors especially when it came to giving statement time.

Pros

FellowshipOne is an excellent tool for the church who is large enough and needing organization to their database as they grow. It compiles demographic and interactive information into one easy to view page. Contact information is organized in a section as well as all necessities for engagement within the organization in a separate section and all with a fluidity.
The visibility of contributors donations was a helpful tool. As contributors reach out with concern or questions regarding their giving, the ability to view a check image became crucial in matching gifts to specific individuals or clarifying information for the contributor. This was a highly valued tool.

Cons

Reporting in FellowshipOne is a challenge. Reports are difficult to find and navigating each sub filter to pull the information that you are seeking can be quite complex. It also does not allow you the options to build a report specific to the information you are needing while eliminating unnecessary information.