One of the major catalysts of change that technological advancements brought to the forefront was its impact on the business world and the ability to enhance communication. Today’s churches are not exempt from the changes resonating through Corporate America. Communication is vital. Wilshire Baptist had a dream to reach more people for Christ by in part becoming a technology leader among churches. In 1993, the church sought out the help of ACS Technologies to better manage their membership and financial information for its 3,400 member congregation.

Product Integration. Once on board, church leaders reveled with the idea that software technology could aid their church in multiple ways. For example, ACS products helped to increase options to contribute financially to the church and provide detailed analysis of attendance and contributions data. Members could have access to information over the Web; leadership access to information; Webcasts and online event registration. The software enabled staff access to church network resources from afar; and allowed church leaders to facilitate meetings without having to be physically present at the church.

Over the years, the decision to select ACS has consistently proven itself to be invaluable. Wilshire is able to maintain critical information and provide the community with the ministry that the church initially sought to provide. The icing on the cake came with the realization that the corporate culture at ACS was fervently asking, “What can we do to make your work easier?” By 2001, Wilshire purchased nearly every ACS module in order to meet their continually growing needs.

Accountability. Wilshire’s goal to be a technology leader among churches didn’t stop there. In September 2004, Wilshire began a program called, “Fresh Start Sunday” where they work to encourage better attendance for people who haven’t attended Sunday school for a long time. The ministers of the church contact those who have fallen off in attendance and encourage them to make a “fresh start.”

“We’re targeting families who have a less that 50% attendance record,” states Susan Kimball, systems administrator for Wilshire. “It’s remarkable how simple it is to review our attendance records, pull up and print a report of names and give it to ministers for contacting. This would be extremely time-consuming without a computer program to handle everything.” Kimball notes, “We use all the ACS modules daily. It keeps our church running smooth and we benefit by the fact that all our church software programs speak the same language and work together. It’s one of the blessings of partnering with such a great company. It’s also reassuring to know that as we grow, ACS can offer us what we need each step of the way.”

Web Access. As our ever-changing world evolves, technology enables us to take ownership of the information we need to perform our jobs better. Wilshire recognized the importance of this concept and vowed to create an atmosphere of ownership surrounding each ministry thereby allowing leaders to communicate with their members more effectively and frequently. With the purchase of Access ACS, Wilshire’s goals were once again met.

Wilshire wanted to give all members the flexibility to access their membership information online so that records are kept more up-to-date. “For several years, members have asked for the ability to access personal information through the Web site. They wanted us to give them access to the database. We’re responding to this desire,” said Mark Wingfield, associate pastor and communications director. “Now at least half of our congregation has the ability and desire to access member information online,” Wingfield adds.

Also, members are able to look up other members’ information online from any location and free the church of needing to print out a church roster quarterly. Other savings included the ability to cut down considerably on postage costs by not sending out calendars, fliers, and printing out membership lists for ministers and leaders. These needs are now met with the click of a button online.

These new communications tools allow church leaders to exceed time and space limitations and connect people regardless of location; everyone is now linked together, all programs and databases communicate with one another while Wilshire is able to do what it does best, spread the gospel.

About Wilshire Baptist Church
The Wilshire mission is to build a community of faith shaped by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Founded in 1951, Wilshire is located in the heart of Dallas and has grown to over 3,400 members over the last 50 years. With over 15 different ministries serving everyone from children to seniors, Wilshire continues to grow and make an impact in their community.

ACS Technologies Products & Services Used
People Suite: People, Attendance, Contributions, Connections, Special Mailings, Reservations
Financial Suite: General Ledger, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Fixed Assets
Growth Suite: Ministry Scheduler, Report Designer, Volunteer Manager, CASS It!
Service Suite: Support, Training, Network/Multi-user Module

Web Site
http://www.wilshirebc.org