Tag: church technology

Simple, Affordable Upgrades for 2025

A new year is a great time to refresh how your church uses technology—without breaking the bank or adding unnecessary complexity.  Many congregations hesitate to adopt new tech, worried about cost, privacy concerns, or a lack of technical expertise.  But small, well-chosen upgrades can make a big difference in communication, security, and engagement—without requiring a website overhaul or a big learning curve.

This article explores a few easy-to-implement, budget-friendly solutions that could help your church run more smoothly in 2025.  Whether it’s improving how you share notices, automatically saving power, or rethinking security, these ideas offer quick wins that don’t demand a huge investment.

Digital Signage: A Smarter Alternative to Noticeboards

Most churches rely on printed notice sheets or bulletin boards, but a digital display in the foyer can streamline communication.  A managed digital signage solution, such as Yodeck or similar platforms, allows churches to remotely update event details, service times, and community messages with minimal effort.  This passive form of communication complements auditorium-based projection systems, ensuring key information reaches congregants as they enter and leave the building.  A simple, low-cost screen powered by a media player (NZ$200–$600) can make a big impact on engagement, especially when coupled with complementary email messages.

CCTV: Balancing Security and Privacy

Churches considering CCTV should balance security with responsible footage management.  SD card-based cameras (e.g., Reolink Argus, TP-Link Tapo) provide local storage without cloud fees, while Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems allow for longer retention (1–2 weeks).  SD card-based cameras start from around NZ$80, while NVR systems with multiple cameras can range from NZ$500–$1,500.  Clear policies should outline who can access footage, how long it’s stored (e.g., automatic deletion after 72 hours unless an incident occurs), and how footage is shared with authorities if needed.  Proper signage is essential to inform visitors that CCTV is in use.  In New Zealand, privacy laws require organisations to clearly inform people when they are being recorded and to manage footage responsibly.  Churches should ensure they have clear policies in place regarding access to recordings, data retention, and disclosure to third parties.  Additionally, there is an obligation to provide footage to individuals who were involved in an incident captured on camera, even if they are not directly related to the property.

Think carefully about where you place cameras.  Position cameras so they have the best chance of collecting clear, identifiable images – not just images of “someone” in jeans and a hoody walking around in the distance.  The cameras themselves will become targets for vandalism and theft, so keep them well out of reach and solidly secured.  Where possible, it is good to locate cameras in pairs or in a chain so that each camera is monitored by another.

Smarter Power Control with Wi-Fi Smart Plugs

For churches with site-wide Wi-Fi coverage, Wi-Fi smart plugs (such as those from TP-Link, Meross, or Amazon Basics) can automate and simplify power management for frequently used devices, potentially creating power savings and minimising the risk of electrical fires.  These allow scheduled operation of heaters, fans, decorative lighting or security lighting, reducing energy waste and the need for someone to turn devices on and off manually.  Some models even offer remote control via smartphone apps, adding convenience for volunteers and staff.  Smart plugs typically cost between NZ$20–$60 per unit.

If you don’t have Wi-Fi at your site, you don’t have to miss out completely.  Programmable timer switches provide a low-tech alternative, allowing scheduled power control without requiring an internet connection.  Basic timer switches are available for as little as NZ$10–$30.

Low-Tech, High-Impact Solutions

Sometimes, the most effective tech changes don’t involve expensive systems.  Simple initiatives like using email autoresponders for frequently asked questions, adopting online Forms for event RSVPs, or setting up a shared Calendar for hall bookings can enhance efficiency at little to no cost.

Managed Services: Getting the Benefits Without the Burden

While all these options are designed to be simple to implement, churches don’t have to manage everything themselves.  Many technology solutions—including digital signage, CCTV, and smart power control—can be set up as managed services, where an external provider takes care of installation, updates, and troubleshooting.  This approach ensures that churches get the benefits of modern technology without needing ongoing technical expertise or committing to on-going maintenance effort.

For example, digital signage platforms like Yodeck offer a managed option, with pricing starting at around NZ$14 per month (after currency conversion), which includes cloud-based content management.  Similarly, CCTV systems can be set up with remote monitoring and maintenance as part of a service package, reducing the workload on church staff and volunteers.

Final Thoughts

Technology doesn’t need to be intimidating or expensive.  By introducing digital signage, and considering responsible CCTV use, churches can improve communication and security in a way that aligns with their needs.  Small steps toward adopting tech can help congregations focus more on their mission and less on administrative burdens.

Peter Lane is Principal Consultant at System Design & Communication Services and has over 30 years of experience with Technology systems.  We invite your questions, suggestions and ideas for articles.  These can be submitted either through the editor or by email to dct@dct.org.nz.  We also operate a website focused on building a community of people interested in improving how we use technology in churches, located at www.dct.org.nz.