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Church Windows

churchwindows.com

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Spec score 9.0 #2 of 27 in Church Payroll Software

What it is

Church Windows provides church-management modules for membership, scheduling, donations, accounting, and payroll. Membership stores family records and involvement; Scheduler organizes calendars, locations, equipment, and event duties. Donations tracks pledges and giving, while Accounting uses fund accounting with reporting, exports, and direct imports from Donations and Payroll. Payroll generates checks, reports, and tax forms, updates federal and state tax tables and forms, and supports electronic filing through Aatrix. Web and Desktop editions have identical features: Web uses secure remote desktop access, while Desktop is installed locally. Desktop requires a 64-bit Windows computer. Web pricing includes one shareable seat with one user at a time; each additional concurrent seat costs $50 per month. Plans start at $19 a month for one Desktop module with Standard support on a 12-month contract. A free working trial is available, with Windows download access; Mac or Web trial access requires calling the company.

Spec sheet

What it does
Church Windows is church management software covering membership, scheduling, donations, accounting and payroll.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Deployment
Desktop is installed locally on Windows, while Web uses a hosted secure remote desktop connection accessible from Apple or Windows computers.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Trial
A free working trial is available; the downloadable trial is Windows-compatible, while Mac or Web trial access requires calling the company.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Integrations
The company lists Vanco contribution imports, Notebird pastoral care, Aatrix e-filing, Constant Contact email and surveys, and KidCheck child safety among its partners.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Privacy
The privacy policy says Desktop subscriptions collect no additional information beyond purchase data and that Web subscription privacy is governed by the hosting company.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Support
Support tiers provide resource materials, help files, webinars, software updates, phone and email support, with higher tiers adding training and consulting.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Founded
1987Read 28 Sep 2026 · churchwindows.com
Accounting feature
Accounting provides fund accounting, budgets, bank reconciliation, checks, reports and exports, with an optional accounts-receivable add-on.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
API and SDK
The official pages reviewed do not document a public API or SDK.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Audience and reach
Computer Helper Publishing says it serves churches of all sizes and denominations and that more than 12,000 churches have used its products and services.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists Computer Helper Publishing as privately held with 11–50 employees and founded in 1987.Read 21 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Data after cancellation
The maker says Web customers discontinuing service can have their data made accessible for historical purposes.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Data and privacy
Desktop email settings are stored in a password-protected local database, while Web subscriptions follow the privacy policies of Kloud9, Summit Hosting or RDI.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Desktop limit
Desktop requires a 64-bit Windows computer, and the maker says current and future versions operate only on 64-bit machines.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Documentation
Documentation includes searchable context-sensitive help, module help files, a Resource Center, webinars, workbooks and a free Getting Started course.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Donations feature
Donations records pledges and gifts, produces reports and emailed statements, and imports electronic-giving data.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Formats
The Web and Desktop versions have identical features and functionality, while Web uses remote access and Desktop is installed locally.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Giving and accounting
Donations tracks pledges and giving, and Accounting uses fund accounting with reporting, exporting, and direct imports from Donations and Payroll.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Gmail integration
Church Windows version 26.24.1 and later supports Gmail OAuth 2.0 or Gmail app passwords for sending email.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Legal maker
The legal company named in the terms is Computer Helper Publishing, Inc., located at 450 Beecher Road, Gahanna, Ohio.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Licence
The EULA grants a non-exclusive limited proprietary licence and prohibits modification, copying, sublicensing and redistribution except for backup.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Limit: cloud and platform
Reviewers criticize the Windows-focused desktop experience and describe the hosted option as a virtualized version rather than a modern native cloud application.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: reporting
Reviewers report complex or inflexible reporting and occasional glitches in reports.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: support incidents
One reviewer reported unanswered tickets and difficulty reaching support after a December 2022 update.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: updates
G2 reviewers mention update problems, reconnecting links after upgrades and staff needing to relearn changed workflows.Read 21 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Limit: usability
Reviewers report a dated, click-heavy and unintuitive interface with a steep learning curve.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Maker scale
Computer Helper Publishing says it has served more than 12,000 churches since 1987.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Membership and scheduling
Membership manages family records and member involvement, and Scheduler tracks church calendars, locations, equipment, and event duties.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Membership feature
Membership stores family and individual records, custom fields, giving information, attendance, groups, skills and interests.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Module integration
Donations transfers giving into Accounting, while Payroll transfers wage and tax totals into Accounting.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Partner integrations
Official partners include Vanco, Notebird, Aatrix, Constant Contact, KidCheck, Dynamic Systems, CASS/Lorton Data and several hosting providers.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Payroll
Payroll generates checks, reports, and tax forms, regularly updates federal and state tax tables and forms, and supports electronic filing through Aatrix.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Payroll feature
Payroll creates payroll checks, reports and tax forms, updates federal and state tax tables, and supports Aatrix electronic filing.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Praise: integrated administration
Reviewers praise the combination of membership, donations, accounting, payroll, scheduling and reporting in one system.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Praise: support
Reviewers repeatedly describe support as responsive, knowledgeable, friendly and useful for troubleshooting and training.Read 21 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Product scope
Church Windows provides church management modules for membership, scheduling, donations, accounting, and payroll.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Rating on Capterra
4.3 out of 5 from 912 reviews.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rating on G2
3.3 out of 5 from 10 reviews.Read 21 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on GetApp
4.3 out of 5 from 912 reviews.Read 21 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on Software Advice
4.3 out of 5 from 912 reviews.Read 21 Oct 2026 · softwareadvice.com
Scheduler feature
Scheduler manages event calendars, locations and equipment, and calendars can be exported to a church website or shared by email.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Security controls
Administrators can create users with per-user permissions, and inactive users remain in records for audit history.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Self-hosting
Desktop customers manage local installation, updates and backups; the Web edition handles hosting, updates and backups for them.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
System requirements
Web requires at least 5 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload, Windows 11 or macOS 12+, a current browser, quad-core processor, 4 GB RAM and 1 GB free disk.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Updates
The vendor released Church Windows version 27.25.2 on March 19, 2026; desktop updates are manual and Web updates are automatic.Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Web access limit
The listed Web price covers one shareable seat with one user accessing the software at a time; additional concurrent seats cost $50 per month.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
Web security and hosting
Church Windows Web is accessed through a secure remote desktop connection, and the maker lists Summit Hosting, Kloud9 IT, and RDI as hosting partners.Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com

Plans and prices

1 module · Standard · Desktop $19 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 1 module · Desktop · Standard support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
1 module · Deluxe · Desktop $29 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 1 module · Desktop · Deluxe support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
2 modules · Standard · Desktop $39 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 2 modules · Desktop · Standard support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
3 modules · Standard · Desktop $49 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 3 modules · Desktop · Standard support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
1 module · Elite · Desktop $59 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 1 module · Desktop · Elite support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
1 module · Standard · Web $69 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 1 module · Web · Standard support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
1 module · Deluxe · Web $79 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 1 module · Web · Deluxe support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
2 modules · Standard · Web $89 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 2 modules · Web · Standard support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
3 modules · Standard · Web $99 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 3 modules · Web · Standard support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
1 module · Elite · Web $109 a month Monthly subscription; 12-month contract 1 module · Web · Elite support Read 8 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
1 module Standard Desktop yearly $205 a year 12 months Membership, Donations, Accounting or Payroll · Standard support Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com
1 module Deluxe Desktop yearly $313 a year 12 months One module · Deluxe support Read 21 Oct 2026 · churchwindows.com

Every Church Windows plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Covers membership through payroll
  • Web and Desktop have identical features
  • Fund accounting supports direct imports
  • Payroll supports Aatrix e-filing
  • Free working trial available

Limits

  • No free plan
  • Desktop requires 64-bit Windows
  • Web seat allows one concurrent user
  • Additional Web seats cost $50 monthly

Who it suits

It is designed for churches of all sizes and denominations needing membership, scheduling, giving, accounting, or payroll modules. Choose Web for remote access or Desktop for local installation on 64-bit Windows.

Church Windows in depth

Read the full write-up

Church Windows is a modular church administration suite for congregations that want membership, scheduling, giving, accounting, and payroll under one roof. It is most compelling for churches that can choose between local Windows installation and remote access and build a package around the modules they need. The trade-offs are a 12-month contract and, for Web customers, a single concurrent user in the base price.

Overview

Computer Helper Publishing says more than 12,000 churches have used its products and services, serving congregations of all sizes and denominations. Church Windows divides its work into modules, letting a church start with one function rather than buy the full suite. That can keep the initial subscription focused, but it also means a low module count will leave some administrative work outside the system.

Web and Desktop have the same features and functionality. Desktop is installed locally; Web is accessed through a secure remote desktop connection and uses hosting partners including Summit Hosting, Kloud9 IT, and RDI. The choice is therefore about access and deployment, not a different feature set. Churches should confirm their operating-system requirements before choosing: Desktop requires a 64-bit Windows computer, while Mac or Web trial access requires calling the company.

Key features

Membership manages family records and member involvement, while Scheduler tracks calendars, locations, equipment, and event duties. Together they cover member administration and volunteer scheduling, including child check-in as a supported capability. Event registration is not offered, so churches that need registration workflows should look elsewhere.

Donations tracks pledges and giving. Accounting uses fund accounting, with reporting, exporting, and direct imports from Donations and Payroll. Those connections make a multi-module setup more useful to churches that want giving and payroll data to feed accounting without separate direct entry.

Payroll generates checks, reports, and tax forms; federal and state tax tables and forms are regularly updated, and electronic filing is supported through Aatrix. Other listed integrations include Vanco contribution imports, Notebird pastoral care, Constant Contact email and surveys, and KidCheck child safety. Subscriptions include updates and support, with resources, webinars, phone and email help, and training or onboarding varying by support tier.

Pricing

There is no free plan, but Church Windows offers a free working trial. The downloadable trial is Windows-compatible; Mac or Web access to the trial requires a call. Every listed subscription is billed monthly under a 12-month contract, so monthly billing does not mean a month-to-month commitment.

PlanPriceBest fit1 module · Standard · Desktop$19 a monthA church starting with one module and standard support on a compatible Windows computer.1 module · Deluxe · Desktop$29 a monthOne Desktop module with Deluxe support.2 modules · Standard · Desktop$39 a monthChurches needing two functions without moving to Web access.3 modules · Standard · Desktop$49 a monthChurches combining three functions with standard support.1 module · Elite · Desktop$59 a monthOne Desktop module with Elite support.1 module · Standard · Web$69 a monthOne module with remote access and standard support.1 module · Deluxe · Web$79 a monthOne Web module with Deluxe support.2 modules · Standard · Web$89 a monthTwo modules for churches choosing remote access.3 modules · Standard · Web$99 a monthThree modules with remote access and standard support.1 module · Elite · Web$109 a monthOne Web module with Elite support.The cheaper Desktop plans suit churches that can meet the 64-bit Windows requirement and do not need remote access. Web pricing starts at $69 a month, but that covers one shareable seat, with only one user accessing the software at a time; each additional concurrent seat costs $50 per month. Since the module and support choices differ across prices, churches should match both to their needs rather than assume the lowest monthly figure includes the full suite. Web customers discontinuing service can have their data made accessible for historical purposes.

Platforms

Church Windows is offered for Web and Desktop, with the product platform listing also including macOS and Windows. Desktop itself requires a 64-bit Windows machine, and current and future versions are limited to 64-bit computers. Web uses a secure remote desktop connection; its privacy is governed by the hosting company. Desktop subscriptions collect no additional information beyond purchase data under the company privacy policy.

Who it's for

Church Windows fits congregations seeking a configurable set of administration modules, particularly those combining membership, scheduling, giving, accounting, or payroll. Its family records and involvement tracking, volunteer scheduling, and child check-in give it practical scope beyond basic directory management. It is a weaker fit for churches needing event registration, a month-to-month commitment, multiple simultaneous Web users at the base price, or a Desktop installation outside 64-bit Windows.

Pros and cons

Pros: Modular plans let churches buy one, two, or three functions rather than take the whole suite.

Pros: Web and Desktop share the same functionality, and Accounting can import directly from Donations and Payroll.

Pros: Payroll includes tax forms and regularly updated tax tables, with Aatrix electronic filing support.

Cons: All listed plans require a 12-month contract, even though they are billed monthly.

Cons: The Web base price allows only one concurrent user; extra concurrent seats add $50 per month.

Cons: Desktop requires 64-bit Windows, and the trial requires a call for Mac or Web access.

Cons: Event registration is not included, limiting its fit for churches that need that workflow.

Alternatives

Choose Church Payroll Software or Church Accounting Software to compare products focused on those specific needs, or Church Management Software for a broader category comparison. Nonprofit Accounting Software is the relevant list when nonprofit accounting is the priority; Church Directory Software suits a directory-led search.

CDM+ is worth considering if broader platform coverage matters: it lists Android, iOS, macOS, Web, Windows, and API support, with CDM+ Essentials at $25 a month for one program and one user. FlockBase may suit a church prioritizing explicit user allowances, with its Basic plan at $24 a month for two users and unlimited member names, or Plus at $39 a month for five users and unlimited member names. For a payroll-focused choice, IconCMO Payroll starts at $40 a month as an add-on and includes unlimited employees; OnPay is another payroll option at $49 a month plus $6 per worker per month, with unlimited pay runs and schedules and year-end filings included. Patriot Payroll offers Basic Payroll at $8.50 a month for unlimited payrolls, employee and contractor pay, and direct deposit.

ADP Workforce Now, ParishSOFT, and FellowshipOne are alternatives to compare when their distinct product approaches are of interest.

Verdict

Church Windows is a sound choice for a church that wants to assemble core administration functions in modules and values identical Web and Desktop capabilities. Its strongest reason to choose it is the range of connected membership, scheduling, giving, accounting, and payroll work; its clearest reasons to look elsewhere are the year-long commitment, Web seat charges, and strict Desktop requirement.

Verdict

Church Windows offers broad church administration modules with matching Web and Desktop functionality. Confirm seat needs, operating-system requirements, and the 12-month contract before selecting a plan.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Church WindowsAll alternatives →