Key Takeaway
Presbyterian churches need apps that support session governance, committee coordination, and Reformed education. Rehost ($250/mo) builds custom apps with elder/deacon management, committee scheduling, and lectionary integration. For budget options: Tithe.ly (free tier) or Church Center (with Planning Center). No other platform offers Presbyterian-specific governance features.
Presbyterian Polity Requires Presbyterian Technology
Presbyterian churches don't operate like congregationalist or episcopal churches. You're governed by a session of elders. You have committees for worship, education, missions, and finance. You follow the Revised Common Lectionary. You value theological education and Reformed tradition. Your app should reflect the way your church actually makes decisions and operates.
Key Presbyterian Features
- Session/Elder Management: Elder terms, committee assignments, meeting agendas, and minute archives
- Committee Coordination: Each committee has its own communication channel, task list, and calendar
- Lectionary Integration: Revised Common Lectionary with daily readings and Sunday appointed texts
- Confirmation/Communicant Classes: Multi-month confirmation curriculum tracking for youth
- Presbyterian Women/Men Groups: Specialized ministry group management beyond generic small groups
Platform Comparison
| Feature | Rehost | ACS/Realm | Tithe.ly | Church Center |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $250/mo | $200-400/mo | $0-149/mo | $0-299/mo |
| Session Management | Built-in | Administrative | No | No |
| Committee Tools | Per-committee channels | Basic groups | No | Basic groups |
| Lectionary Readings | RCL integration | No | No | No |
| Custom Native App | 100% Custom | Add-on | Template | Template |
| Code Ownership | You own it | Locked | Locked | Locked |
Our Recommendation
For Presbyterian churches (PC(USA), PCA, EPC) that want technology matching their polity: Rehost is the only platform building Presbyterian-specific features. For churches already on Planning Center: Church Center is a decent free companion. For administrative compliance: ACS/Realm handles back-office operations well.
Related: Best Church Management Software | Increase Giving with Technology | Can a Church Have Its Own App?
FAQ
Can a Presbyterian church app manage session elections?
With Rehost, yes. We build elder nomination, congregation voting, and term tracking features specifically for Presbyterian governance.
Do PCA and PC(USA) churches need different apps?
The core features are similar, but governance details differ. PCA churches have stricter constitutional requirements. Rehost customizes for your specific denomination.
How much does a Presbyterian church app cost?
Rehost starts at $250/month. No setup fee. Session management, committee tools, lectionary readings, and giving included.