As faith-based organizations begin to resume in-person services, many are realizing that online ministry is here to stay.
Hoping to help these groups, local fin-tech startup Vanco has created a free app called Vanco Mobile. Vanco said it worked with both customers and 20 years and 20 days to quickly develop the new app, which provides a hub for safe return to in-person or virtual events; secure and simple eGiving; and easy communication with committees and small groups.
"The ministry and mission haven't shifted, but the way people come together is dramatically different," Vanco CEO Shawn Boom said in a statement. "We are seeing renewed optimism for the future as our communities of faith come back together to serve, worship and embrace new technology as a centerpiece of the church going forward."
Gov. Tim Walz recently allowed places of worship to reopen in Minnesota at 25% occupancy, with a maximum of 250 people in an indoor space. Some churches have taken him up on the offer, while others continue to livestream services to their congregations.
Vanco provides electronic payment and donation processing solutions, as well as software that enables educational organizations to operate more efficiently. The Twin Cities-based company was acquired by Atlanta firm Veracity Payment Solutions in 2014. Vanco is utilized by more than 40,000 churches, faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools and educational organizations.
Although some churches are choosing to resume in-person services, Vanco believes that the tech trends created during the pandemic aren't going away any time soon.
"Our goal is to help all faith-based organizations not only survive but thrive through these crisis-filled times and beyond," Boom said.
